TestComplete MCP connects TestComplete to AI assistants through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard that lets AI assistants communicate with external tools. TestComplete runs a local MCP server that any compatible AI client can call directly. You can then ask an AI assistant, in plain language, to inspect your test project, run a test, or read the results without leaving your AI tool.

The MCP capability ships inside the standard TestComplete installer, requires no separate download, and uses your existing TestComplete license. After you enable MCP, connect your AI client by using the connection URL that TestComplete provides.

Terminology

The following terminology is used across this section:

Term	Definition
MCP	Model Context Protocol, an open standard that lets AI assistants communicate with external tools and data sources over a standard HTTP interface.
MCP server	The lightweight background process runs on the host machine and is managed by TestComplete. The server listens for requests from AI clients and translates them into TestComplete actions.
MCP client or AI client	Any AI tool that supports the MCP standard, for example, Claude Desktop, Cursor, Visual Studio Code with an MCP extension, or Windsurf. You interact with the AI client, and the AI client communicates with the MCP server.
Host machine	The Windows computer where TestComplete is installed and running.
Tool or endpoint	A specific action that the MCP server performs, such as listing tests or running a test. Each tool has a name and a defined set of inputs and outputs.
Keyword test	A TestComplete test that you build in a visual, step-based editor rather than in code.
Script test	A TestComplete test that you write in a scripting language such as JavaScript or Python.
Execution plan	A TestComplete feature that defines which tests run, in what order, and with what settings.
Name Mapping	The TestComplete system that assigns human-readable names, or aliases, to user interface objects such as buttons, boxes, and windows.

Supported roles

TestComplete MCP supports the following roles:

User role	Permissions	Summary
Test automation engineer	Create, maintain, and debug automated tests faster.	Ask the AI client to inspect tests, read script content, run a test, and explain the results without navigating TestComplete manually.
QA lead or automation lead	See what exists, what ran, and what failed.	Ask for a summary of the project structure, test results, and failure details in plain language.
New TestComplete user	Build a first working test without deep TestComplete knowledge.	Use a guided AI conversation to understand the project and identify what to do next.

Installation

TestComplete installs MCP automatically as part of the standard installation. The MCP plugin and server install with every TestComplete installation.

Prerequisites

Before you enable MCP, ensure that your environment meets the following requirements:

TestComplete is installed and running on the host machine.
Your TestComplete license includes the required IQ add-on.
You have an AI client that supports the MCP standard.
The port that you plan to use is available. The default port is 3001.

Enable MCP in TestComplete

To enable MCP in TestComplete, do the following:

Open TestComplete.
On the menu bar, select Tools, and then click Options.
In the Options dialog box, select MCP Settings.
Turn on the MCP feature.
Click OK to save your changes.

MCP is now enabled in TestComplete.

Retrieve the connection URL

After you enable MCP, TestComplete displays the connection URL that your AI client needs to connect:

Connection URL– The address that the AI client uses to reach the MCP server, for example, http://localhost:3001.

Configure the port

You can run the MCP server on a port other than the default. To change the port, do the following:

On the menu bar, select Tools, and then select Options.
In the Options dialog box, select MCP Settings.
Enter the new port number. The default port is 3001.
Click OK to save your changes.
Restart TestComplete.
Update the connection URL in your AI client to match the new port.

If the port that you configure is already in use by another application, TestComplete displays a warning.

Note:

The new port takes effect only after you restart TestComplete. Update the connection URL in your AI client before you reconnect.

License requirements

MCP is a licensed capability, and TestComplete validates your license on every request. The following conditions apply:

Your TestComplete license must include the required IQ add-on.
The MCP server starts regardless of the license state.
TestComplete checks each individual request against the license at the time you make the request. TestComplete does not cache the license state.
If the license is not valid, the AI client receives an error message.
License changes take effect immediately. You do not need to restart TestComplete.

Next steps

After you enable MCP and retrieve the connection URL, connect your AI client:

Add the connection URL to your AI client configuration. For details, see Connect to the MCP Server.
Ask the AI client to list the tests in your TestComplete project.
Ask the AI client to run a test and explain the results.

Getting Started with TestComplete MCP