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Pre-Delegation Testing (PDT)

News & Views

RST Documentation Update – 1 August 2018

An RST documentation update was rolled out on 1 August 2018. The update includes new documentation related to DNS, IDN and Whois testing. The FAQ document [PDF, 219 KB] was also updated to reflect the related changes.

  • DNS test documentation was updated to align with backend changes to the DNS test engine.
  • IDN test documentation was updated to reflect procedural changes in support of LGR formatted tables.
  • WHOIS test documentation was updated to accommodate the requirements specified in the Temporary Specification for gTLD Registration Data.

Understanding Pre-Delegation Testing

Overview

Pre-Delegation Testing ensures that an applicant has the capacity to operate a new generic Top-Level Domain in a stable, secure manner. Every new Registry must demonstrate that it has established operations in accordance with the technical and operational criteria described in the Applicant Guidebook (Module 5: Transition to Delegation). Only after passing PDT can a Registry's gTLD be introduced into the root zone of the Internet.

Pre-Delegation Testing elements address DNS server operational infrastructure and registry system operations, including:

  • DNS
  • Whois
  • EPP
  • IDN
  • Data Escrow
  • Documentation

Internetstiftelsen i Sverige (IIS) will conduct the Pre-Delegation Testing. Please see below for a summary of both the PDT vendor selection process and the agreement between ICANN and IIS.

Resources

Please use these resources to help prepare your application/registry for RST. Resources will be updated periodically; it is important to use the most recent versions.

Registry System Testing (RST) Resources

PDT Service Level Target (SLT)

The cycle time between the start date of a PDT appointment and the date PDT results are provided to the applicant. Service Level Target is 28 days.

Month Range Average number of days for Completion of PDT Percentage within SLT
(28 days)
July 2018 – Dec 2019 Not Applicable --
Bar Graph of Average Number of Days to Complete PDT

Archive

Below find archival materials documenting milestones in the formation and implementation of Pre-Delegation Testing, listed in reverse chronological order.

31st July 2017 – Registry System Testing (RST) Site Live

Over the years, several technical testing procedures have been developed to support registry services. Previously, all registry-related technical tests were referred to as Pre-Delegation Testing (PDT). To more accurately reflect the portfolio of registry test services performed for delegated top-level domains, these services will now be collectively referred to as Registry System Testing (RST), which includes Pre-Delegation Testing.

The published information can now be accessed at https://www.icann.org/resources/registry-system-testing.

26 October 2016 - Whois Test Updates

ICANN has published updated resources for Pre-Delegation Testing (PDT). The updated resources include test cases and test plans incorporating the Registry Registration Data Directory Services Consistent Labeling and Display Policy (https://www.icann.org/rdds-labeling-display).

The updated test specifications have been applied to the PDT system, but Registry Operators that have not yet implemented the new requirements will be allowed to pass with 'warnings' until the implementation date specified in the policy. Additionally, the WHOIS self-test tool has been updated to allow registries to check their implementation of the new requirements.

Updated documentation and a link to the latest version of the Whois self-test tool can be found in the Pre-Delegation Test Preparation Resources section below.

Pre-Delegation Test Preparation Resources

Please use these resources to help prepare your application/registry for PDT. Resources will be updated periodically; it is important to use the most recent versions.

PDT Materials Update Guide v.2.11 [PDF, 72 KB] (Published 21 October 2016)
Identifies which documents have been updated since the last release.

PDT FAQ v.2.8 [PDF, 186 KB] (Published 21 October 2016)
Answers general questions about the PDT process and requirements.

PDT System User Guide v.2.2 [PDF, 970 KB] (Published 13 February 2014)
A detailed guide for starting Pre-Delegation Testing after Evaluation has been completed. Includes links, screenshots and instructions.

PDT Input Data Instructions v.2.7 [PDF, 243 KB] (Published 21 October 2016)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read this document. Information on how to prepare for Pre-Delegation Testing.

PDT Input Data Templates v.2.11 [ZIP, 1.1 MB] (Published 21 October 2016)
A collection of templates applicants are required to use to upload technical information to the PDT system.

PDT Test Specification Summary v.1.7 [PDF, 87 KB] (Published 7 June 2013)

PDT Test Specifications v.2.11 [ZIP, 13 MB] (Published 21 October 2016)
Detailed test plans and cases that collectively make up Pre-Delegation Testing.

PDT Test Specification Changes v.2.10 to v.2.11 [ZIP, 1.16 MB] (Published 21 October 2016)
Each test specification document with changes tracked from v.2.10 to v.2.11

IDN Reference Tables Repository: Reference Tables and User Guides supporting the new IDN test cases.

PDT Self-Test Tools

Customer Portal User Guide: Transition to Delegation [PDF, 2.18 MB]
Learn how to use the Customer Portal to conduct Pre-Delegation Testing.

3 February 2016—Whois Test Updates

ICANN has published updated resources for Pre-Delegation Testing (PDT). The updated resources include test cases and test plans incorporating requirements described in the Additional Whois Information Policy (AWIP) and Whois Advisory.

The new effective implementation date for these changes is 29 February 2016. It was previously announced that the requirements would be enforced starting 31 January 2016. Test cases that do not pass the criteria for new requirements will continue to receive 'warning' messages until the new effective date.

The new Whois self-test tool (linked below) is now available for applicants to use.

1 February 2016—Whois Test Updates

ICANN has published updated resources for Pre-Delegation Testing (PDT). The updated resources include test cases, test plans, and instruction documentation incorporating requirements described in the Additional Whois Information Policy (AWIP) and Whois Advisory.

The new effective date for these changes is 29 February 2016. It was previously announced that the requirements would be implemented starting 31 January 2016. Test cases that do not pass the criteria for new requirements will continue to receive 'warning' messages until the new effective date.

A new Whois self-test tool is scheduled to be available to applicants on 2 February 2016. This tool is provided to applicants in order to assist in the preparation for the new requirements.

PDT Materials Update Guide v.2.9 [PDF, 58 KB] (Published 23 December 2015)
Identifies which documents have been updated since the last release.

PDT FAQ v.2.6 [PDF, 215 KB] (Published 8 October 2015)
Answers general questions about the PDT process and requirements.

PDT System User Guide v.2.2 [PDF, 970 KB] (Published 13 February 2014)
A detailed guide for starting Pre-Delegation Testing after Evaluation has been completed. Includes links, screenshots and instructions.

PDT Input Data Instructions v.2.6 [PDF, 278 KB] (Published 8 October 2015)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read this document. Information on how to prepare for Pre-Delegation Testing.

PDT Input Data Templates v.2.8 [ZIP, 1 MB] (Published 8 October 2015)
A collection of templates applicants are required to use to upload technical information to the PDT system.

PDT Test Specification Summary v.1.7 [PDF, 87 KB] (Published 7 June 2013)

PDT Test Specifications v.2.9 [ZIP, 12.9 MB] (Published 23 December 2015)
Detailed test plans and cases that collectively make up Pre-Delegation Testing.

PDT Test Specification Changes v.2.8 to v.2.9 [ZIP, 838 KB] (Published 23 December 2015)
Each test specification document with changes tracked from v.2.8 to v.2.9

IDN Reference Tables Repository: Reference Tables and User Guides supporting the new IDN test cases.

PDT Self-Test Tools

Customer Portal User Guide: Transition to Delegation [PDF, 2.18 MB]
Learn how to use the Customer Portal to conduct Pre-Delegation Testing.

23 December 2015—Whois Test Updates

ICANN has published updated resources for Pre-Delegation Testing (PDT). The updated resources include test cases, test plans, and instruction documentation incorporating requirements described in the Additional Whois Information Policy (AWIP) and Whois Advisory.

The effective date of these changes is 31 January 2016. Test cases that do not pass the criteria for new requirements will receive 'warning' messages until the effective date above. These 'warning' messages will change to 'failure' messages from the effective date.

A new Whois self-test tool is in development and will be provided to applicants to assist in the test preparation process in January 2016.

Please use these resources to help prepare your application/registry for PDT. Resources will be updated periodically; it is important to use the most recent versions.

7 October 2015—Whois Test Updates

ICANN has published updated resources for Pre-Delegation Testing (PDT). The updated resources include test cases, test plans, and instruction documentation incorporating requirements described in the Additional Whois Information Policy (AWIP) and Whois Advisory.

The effective date of these changes is 31 January 2016. However, in order to allow Registry Operators the opportunity to modify their testing operations before that date, the new testing procedures will start on 2 November 2015. Test cases that do not pass the criteria for new requirements will receive 'warning' messages until the effective date above. These 'warning' messages will change to 'failure' messages from the effective date.

A new Whois self-test tool is in development and will be provided to applicants to assist in the test preparation process in early December 2015.

Please use these resources to help prepare your application/registry for PDT. Resources will be updated periodically; it is important to use the most recent versions.

PDT Materials Update Guide v.2.8 [PDF, 67 KB] (Published 8 October 2015)
Identifies which documents have been updated since the last release.

PDT FAQ v.2.6 [PDF, 215 KB] (Published 8 October 2015)
Answers general questions about the PDT process and requirements.

PDT System User Guide v.2.2 [PDF, 970 KB] (Published 13 February 2014)
A detailed guide for starting Pre-Delegation Testing after Evaluation has been completed. Includes links, screenshots and instructions.

PDT Input Data Instructions v.2.6 [PDF, 278 KB] (Published 8 October 2015)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read this document. Information on how to prepare for Pre-Delegation Testing.

PDT Input Data Templates v.2.8 [ZIP, 1 MB] (Published 8 October 2015)
A collection of templates applicants are required to use to upload technical information to the PDT system.

PDT Test Specification Summary v.1.7 [PDF, 87 KB] (Published 7 June 2013)

PDT Test Specifications v.2.8 [ZIP, 12.6 MB] (Published 8 October 2015)
Detailed test plans and cases that collectively make up Pre-Delegation Testing.

PDT Test Specification Changes v.2.7 to v.2.8 [ZIP, 1.97 MB] (Published 8 October 2015)
Each test specification document with changes tracked from v.2.7 to v.2.8

IDN Reference Tables Repository: Reference Tables and User Guides supporting the new IDN test cases.

PDT Self-Test Tools

Customer Portal User Guide: Transition to Delegation [PDF, 2.18 MB]
Learn how to use the Customer Portal to conduct Pre-Delegation Testing.

22 July 2015—Upcoming Changes to Test Requirements

ICANN announces updates to three of the Pre-Delegation Test elements,

  • DNS and IDN Updates
    • Updates to the IDN test requirements have been provided to PDT Participants in an erratum since 20 May 2015. The new test requirements are effective immediately.
    • Updates have been made to aDNS test case (DS04) to better align with IANA's requirements for network diversity. These changes will go into effect 31 August 2015
  • DRAFT Whois Test Updates [ZIP, 3.3 MB]
    • Draft test cases for the Whois tests have been created to incorporate the Advisory published 27 April 2015. These draft documents have been published to allow feedback, with the intent to implement the updates into PDT in November 2015. Participate in the discussion via the gtld-tech mailing list through August 14. See the README document for more information.

19 March 2015–PDT Resource Update

ICANN has updated some of the PDT Test Specifications, including improvements to IDN tests and Documentation testing. These changes are intended to clarify requirements, but are not expected to require applicants to change PDT documents that passed previous test appointments. Applicants are encouraged to review the latest PDT resources prior to their PDT Appointment.

Introduction of Pre-Delegation Timelines Updated 30 January 2015

ICANN introduces a timeline to complete the interim milestones between executing the RA and Delegation. The changes are designed to ensure registries successfully delegate their TLDs within 12 months of executing the registry agreements. Find out more from the 15 January 2015 webinar presentation and recording.

Customer Portal User Guide Created to Help Applicants Transition to Delegation

Learn how to navigate through Pre-Delegation Testing functionality in the New gTLD Customer Portal.

03 December 2014 – Pre-Delegation Testing Holiday Schedule Updated

ICANN's PDT provider will be closed for the winter holidays, from 20 December 2014 reopening on 5 January 2015. The final PDT appointments for 2014 will begin on Monday, 8 December 2014 and complete prior to the holiday shutdown. The first testing appointments of 2015 will begin on 5 January 2015. Those gLTD's scheduled for 5 January must submit the required PDT input data to the PDT system by 11.59 UTC Friday, 2 January 2015.

26 August 2013 – First of the Contracted Registries Pass Pre-Delegation Testing

After signing Registry Agreements in July 2013, three new Registries entered into Pre-Delegation Testing on 5 August 2013. All passed, making their new gTLD applications eligible for Transition to IANA, the ICANN department that manages the process of delegating gTLDs into the Root Zone of the Internet.

25 July 2013 – PDT Resources Update

ICANN updates Pre-Delegation Test Preparation Resources before entering into production. Redlines of previous versions are provided to help applicants understand what has been modified.

PDT Materials Update Guide v.2.1 [PDF, 36 KB] (Published 25 July 2013)
Identifies which documents have been updated since the release on 07 June 2013.

15 July 2013 – Pre-Delegation Testing Session, Durban

During ICANN 47 Durban ICANN holds a session on PDT that includes general background information, an overview of the process and lessons learned as a result of Beta Testing.

12 July 2013 — PDT Resources Update

ICANN updates some of the Pre-Delegation Test Preparation Resources. Resources that remained the same between 07 June and 12 June include the PDT System User Guide v.1.7 and the PDT Test Specification Summary v.1.7.

PDT Materials Update Guide v.1.9 [PDF, 69 KB] (Published 12 July 2013)
Identifies which documents have been updated since the last release on 24 May 2013.

  • PDT FAQ v.1.9 [PDF, 148 KB] (Published 12 July 2013)
    Answers general questions about the PDT process and also explains how to apply to the Beta Testing process.
  • PDT Input Data Instructions v.1.9 [PDF, 214 KB] (Published 12 July 2013)
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to read this document. Information on how to prepare for Pre-Delegation Testing.
  • PDT Input Data Templates v.1.9 [ZIP, 509 KB] (Published 12 July 2013)
    A collection of templates the applicants are required to use to upload technical information to the PDT system.
  • PDT Test Specifications [ZIP, 5.19 MB] (Published 12 July 2013)
    Detailed test plans and cases that collectively make up Pre-Delegation Testing.

07 June 2013 — PDT Resources Update

ICANN encourages applicants involved in Beta Testing to use recently updated versions of Pre-Delegation Test Preparation Resources.

PDT Materials Update Guide v.1.7 [PDF, 35 KB] (Published 07 June 2013)
Identifies which documents have been updated since the last release on 24 May 2013.

  • PDT FAQ v.1.7 [PDF, 154 KB] (Published 07 June 2013)
    Answers general questions about the PDT process and also explains how to apply to the Beta Testing process.
  • PDT System User Guide v.1.7 [PDF, 1.39 MB] (Published 07 June 2013)
    A detailed guide for starting Pre-Delegation Testing after evaluation has been completed. Includes links, screenshots and instructions.
  • PDT Input Data Instructions v.1.7 [PDF, 198 KB] (Published 07 June 2013)
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to read this document. Information on how to prepare for Pre-Delegation Testing.
  • PDT Input Data Templates v.1.7 [ZIP, 503 KB] (Published 07 June 2013)
    A collection of templates the applicants are required to use to upload technical information to the PDT system.
  • PDT Test Specification Summary v.1.7 [PDF, 87 KB] (Published 07 June 2013)
  • PDT Test Specifications [ZIP, 7.28 MB] (Published 07 June 2013)
    Detailed test plans and cases that collectively make up Pre-Delegation Testing.

06 June 2013 — Distributed DNS Testing to Replace Anycast Instance Testing

ICANN is changing its approach to the DNS testing component of Pre-Delegation Testing as a result of ongoing applicant feedback.

24 May 2013 — Beta Testing Progress

ICANN has extended Beta Testing invites to over 200 applicants as part of our continuing effort to help applicants prepare for Pre-Delegation Testing.

24 May 2013 — PDT Resources Update

ICANN updates Pre-Delegation Test Preparation Resources based on findings from the PDT Pilot and provides an Update Guide to explain which of the documents differ from previous versions.

02 May 2013 — Beta Testing for PDT

ICANN opens a PDT practice round, known as Beta Testing, in an effort to help applicants and their Registry Service Providers prepare for Pre-Delegation Testing.

10 April 2013 – Pre-Delegation Testing Update – Beijing

ICANN holds an informational session on how to prepare the required data and documents for PDT, select a point of contact and schedule a PDT appointment.

01 April 2013 — Query by Proxy Approach for DNS Test of the Pre-Delegation Testing

In response to security concerns raised by some applicants and registry service providers, ICANN and .SE develop a Query by Proxy approach for the testing of DNS anycast instances for PDT. The current version of this document is located under Pre-Delegation Testing Resources.

28 March 2013 — Pre-Delegation Testing FAQs

PDT service provider Stiftelsen för Internetinfrastruktur (.SE) assembles a list of the most requested information regarding PDT during the Pilot. The current version of this document is located under Pre-Delegation Testing Resources.

20 March 2013 — PDT Pilot Draft Test Specifications

ICANN publishes a draft of Pre-Delegation Test Specifications to be used by participants during the PDT Pilot.

13 March 2013 — Updated Version of the PDT Documentation Instructions

Revised versions of data preparation materials for Pre-Delegation Testing are published. Updates are made to DNS, EPP and Whois Test Templates and self-certification files. Additions to documentation include information about expected input data and information about EPP extensions, DDoS protection and assertions made in the original application.

28 February 2013 — Pre-Delegation Testing Pilot

ICANN solicits interest for participation in a pilot for Pre-Delegation Testing. 80 applicants representing 12 unique Registry Service Providers (RSPs) volunteer, of which 12 are selected to participate. The pilot is intended to help improve the PDT process and system prior to production launch.

PDT Pilot Announcement

November–December 2012 — Procurement of Pre-Delegation Testing Service Provider

ICANN solicits proposals from potential service providers and selects Stiftelsen för Internetinfrastruktur (.SE) to perform Pre-Delegation Testing.