探索性测试（Exploratory Testing）是软件测试方法的一种，它的特点为在进行测试时，同时探索开发更多不同型态的测试方式，以便改善测试流程。当软件开始测试流程后，一般测试者会使用预先设立好的测试案例来进行程序测试，而探索性测试就是为了弥补传统的案例测试的缺点而产生。

探索性测试这个词是由Cem Kaner在1983年提出。他将探索性测试定义为：一种强调个人自由与责任的测试方法，让独立的测试者可以借由不断的学习来改善测试的规划与测试的运行，而在测试的过程中也会同时的改善专案达到相辅相成的效果。

Exploratory testing is an approach to software testing that is concisely described as simultaneous learning, test design and test execution. Cem Kaner, who coined the term in 1984, defines exploratory testing as "a style of software testing that emphasizes the personal freedom and responsibility of the individual tester to continually optimize the quality of his/her work by treating test-related learning, test design, test execution, and test result interpretation as mutually supportive activities that run in parallel throughout the project."