This invention provides a data driven automated test engine for GUI applications which is environment based. Data structures are used in connection with a scriptable GUI test tool. The tool generates a GUI map, at least one environment definition (parameter) file, at least one test data (driver) file, and an automated test engine. A separate parameter file is provided for each feature of the GUI. The automated test engine is composed of a plurality of library modules written in the scripting language of the scriptable GUI test tool. The ATE is driven by the test data file and calls upon the GUI map and parameter file. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the scriptable GUI test tool is WinRunner. The environment definition files and the test data files are preferably generated with a spreadsheet program such a Microsoft Excel.