# test-paths

dbt\_project.yml

```yml
test-paths: [directorypath]
```

## Definition

Optionally specify a custom list of directories where [singular tests](../../docs/build/data-tests.md#singular-data-tests) and [custom generic tests](../../docs/build/data-tests.md#generic-data-tests) are located.

## Default

Without specifying this config, dbt will search for tests in the `tests` directory, i.e. `test-paths: ["tests"]`. Specifically, it will look for `.sql` files containing:

* Generic test definitions in the `tests/generic` subdirectory
* Singular tests (all other files)

Paths specified in `test-paths` must be relative to the location of your `dbt_project.yml` file. Avoid using absolute paths like `/Users/username/project/test`, as it will lead to unexpected behavior and outcomes.

* ✅ **Do**

  * Use relative path:

    ```yml
    test-paths: ["test"]
    ```

* ❌ **Don't:**

  * Avoid absolute paths:

    ```yml
    test-paths: ["/Users/username/project/test"]
    ```

## Examples

### Use a subdirectory named `custom_tests` instead of `tests` for data tests

dbt\_project.yml

```yml
test-paths: ["custom_tests"]
```

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