diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index cbf4629..3175347 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -29,16 +29,49 @@ Closes #<!-- issue number -->
 
 ---
 
-## Tests Added or Updated
+## Test Evidence
 
-<!-- Describe the tests that cover this change. Include file paths and test names where relevant.
-     Every logic change requires tests for the happy path and for failure/boundary conditions. -->
+<!-- Provide clear evidence of testing for this change. Every logic change requires tests
+     for the happy path and for failure/boundary conditions. -->
+
+### Tests added or updated
 
 - [ ] Happy-path tests added/updated
 - [ ] Failure and boundary-condition tests added/updated
 - [ ] Test naming follows the convention in [`docs/testing.md`](docs/testing.md)
 - [ ] [`docs/test-coverage.md`](docs/test-coverage.md) updated to reflect new or changed tests
 
+### No-test justification
+
+<!-- If no tests were added, explain why. Examples: documentation-only change,
+     refactor with no behaviour change, CI-only change. -->
+
+- [ ] N/A — tests added (or)
+- [ ] Justification provided below:
+
+**Justification for no tests:**
+
+### Contract-specific test examples
+
+<!-- Review and reference existing contract test patterns relevant to this change.
+     Common test categories in this repo:
+
+     | Category | Example files |
+     |---|---|
+     | Balance & accounting invariants | `test/balance_conservation.rs`, `test/total_vault_balance.rs`, `test/property_vault_accounting.rs` |
+     | Lock operations | `test/lock_amount_validation.rs`, `test/lock_extension.rs`, `test/lock_maturity_boundary.rs`, `test/multi_lock_invariants.rs` |
+     | Authorization & isolation | `test/unauthorized_access.rs`, `test/cross_user_isolation.rs` |
+     | Edge cases & boundaries | `test/zero_duration_lock.rs`, `test/maximum_amount_boundary.rs`, `test/independent_lock_creation.rs` |
+     | Negative paths | `test/negative_paths.rs` |
+     | Event correctness | `test/event_schema.rs`, `test/event_compatibility.rs`, `test/event_ordering.rs` |
+     | Pause & admin | `test/pause.rs`, `test/pause_state_read.rs`, `test/pause_transition.rs`, `test/admin_rotation.rs` |
+     | Replay protection | `test/replay_protection.rs`, `test/lock_maturity_replay.rs` |
+     | Invariant checklist | `test/invariant_checklist_examples.rs` |
+
+     See [`docs/testing.md`](docs/testing.md) for the full testing guide. -->
+
+- [ ] Existing contract test examples reviewed and relevant patterns referenced
+
 ---
 
 ## Security Considerations
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 780c641..f540677 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -105,11 +105,16 @@ Every pull request must fill in the **[PR template](.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLAT
 
 - **Issue reference** — a `Closes #N` line linking to the issue being resolved.
 - **Contract functions changed** — a table listing every function added, modified, or removed (write "none" for documentation-only PRs).
-- **Tests added or updated** — names and file paths of new or changed tests, with checkboxes confirming happy-path, failure, and boundary coverage.
+- **Test evidence** — a description of tests added or updated with file paths and test names, including:
+  - Happy-path, failure, and boundary-condition test coverage.
+  - Justification when no tests are added (documentation-only, refactor with no behaviour change, CI-only).
+  - Reference to existing contract test patterns relevant to the change (see `docs/testing.md` for test categories and examples).
 - **Security considerations** — a plain-language description of security impact plus the per-section security checklist for any PR that touches contract logic (see `docs/security-checklist.md`).
 - **Commands run** — confirmation that `make verify` passes (format, Clippy, workspace tests, and release WASM build), or equivalently that `cargo fmt --check`, `cargo clippy --tests -- -D warnings`, and `cargo test --workspace` all pass locally.
 - **CI status** — all CI checks green before requesting review.
 
+> **Test evidence requirement:** Every contract PR must provide clear testing evidence. Changes without tests must include a justification explaining why tests are not needed.
+
 Additional guidance:
 
 - Keep each pull request focused on one issue or related change.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f911e64..bdcfa33 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -277,12 +277,14 @@ Every pull request must use the **[PR template](.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
 
 - A reference to the issue being fixed (`Closes #N`)
 - A list of contract functions added, modified, or removed
-- A description of tests added or updated
+- **Test evidence** — description of tests added, no-test justification, and references to existing contract test patterns
 - A **[traceability table](docs/traceability-table.md)** mapping each acceptance criterion to changed functions, tests, and edge cases
 - A security considerations section (with checklist for contract changes)
 - Confirmation that `make verify` passes (or equivalently `cargo fmt --check`, `cargo clippy --tests -- -D warnings`, and `cargo test --workspace`)
 - CI green before requesting review
 
+> **Test evidence requirement:** Every contract PR must include clear testing evidence. Changes without tests require a justification. See the [PR template](.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md) and [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md#pull-request-expectations) for details.
+
 Before asking about payment status on an issue or PR, read the **[Payment-Period Conduct Guidance](docs/payment-period-conduct.md)** — it explains how to self-review first and how this repository's review process relates to GrantFox's own evaluation process.
 
 Quick start: