A method for configuring an automated in-circuit test debugger is presented. The novel test debug and optimization configuration technique configures expert knowledge into a knowledge framework for use by an automated test debug and optimization system for automating the formulation of a valid stable in-circuit test for execution on an integrated circuit tester. In a system that includes a rule-based controller for controlling interaction between the test-head controller of an integrated circuit tester and an automated debug system, the invention includes a knowledge framework and a rule-based editor. The knowledge framework stores test knowledge in the representation of rules that represent a debugging strategy. The rule-based editor facilitates the use of rules as knowledge to debug or optimize an in-circuit test that is to be executed on the integrated circuit tester.