What is an Inspection and Test Plan?
An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP), is a structured quality assurance document used in construction and infrastructure projects to define, track, and verify inspection and testing activities throughout the lifecycle of a project. ITPs are essential for ensuring that work is completed to specification, meets regulatory and client standards, and is properly documented for compliance and handover.
Far from being just another piece of paperwork, ITPs serve as a roadmap for quality control. They help teams identify critical checkpoints, assign responsibilities, and maintain traceability across all phases of construction.
What Does an ITP Include?
A typical ITP outlines:
- Scope of work – The specific activity or component being inspected (e.g. concrete pour, piling, electrical installation)
- Inspection and test activities – What needs to be checked, tested, or verified
- Acceptance criteria – The standards or specifications that must be met
- Inspection types – Hold points, witness points, review points, and surveillance
- Responsible parties – Who performs the inspection (e.g. subcontractor, quality inspector, engineer of record)
- Frequency and timing – When inspections occur (e.g. before, during, or after execution)
- Documentation – Records generated, such as photos, certificates, and checklists
These elements are typically presented in a tabular format, making it easy to follow and audit.
Real-World Example
Let’s say a contractor is installing rigid inclusion piles for ground improvement. The ITP for this activity might include:
- Pre-construction qualifications for the subcontractor and drilling operator
- Method statement for protecting adjacent structures
- Visual inspections of pile alignment and depth
- Witness points for concrete placement
- Hold points before backfilling
- Acceptance criteria based on CSA A23.1:19 and project specifications
Each inspection is logged, reviewed, and signed off before the next stage begins. This ensures that quality is built into the process, not just checked at the end.
Why Are ITPs Important?
ITPs are critical for:
- Quality assurance – Ensuring that each stage of work meets defined standards
- Compliance – Demonstrating adherence to project specifications, codes, and regulations
- Traceability – Linking inspections to specific lots, materials, and personnel.
- Risk management – Identifying issues early to avoid costly rework or delays.
- Progressive handover – Enabling staged approvals and documentation for smoother close-out
- Dispute resolution – Providing a clear audit trail of inspections and approvals
On large-scale projects, ITPs are often contractually required and form part of the overall Construction Quality Management Plan (CQMP).
How ITPs Are Used in Glaass
At Glaass, ITPs are fully digitised to streamline quality control and compliance. Our platform enables teams to:
- Upload and manage ITPs using standardised templates
- Link inspection activities to specific lots and quality records
- Track hold points, witness points, and approvals in real time
- Embed ITPs into digital checklists for field use
- Attach photos, documents, and comments to each inspection item
- Integrate with external systems like Aconex and Autodesk for seamless workflows
Example: A quality manager using Glaass can upload an ITP for hoarding installation, assign inspection tasks, and track completion across multiple lots. Each inspection is timestamped, documented, and linked to the relevant quality record, making audits and handovers faster and more transparent.
