diff --git a/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml b/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml
index 2404a73dd3..662a230650 100644
--- a/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml
+++ b/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml
@@ -5217,6 +5217,31 @@ recipes-graphics/xorg-font/font-alias_1.0.3.bb:PR = "${INC_PR}.3"
             </glossdef>
         </glossentry>
 
+        <glossentry id='var-TEST_IMAGE'><glossterm>TEST_IMAGE</glossterm>
+            <glossdef>
+                <para>
+                    Automatically runs the series of automated tests for QEMU
+                    images when a QEMU image is successfully built.
+                    These tests are commands that run on the target system over
+                    <filename>ssh</filename> and are written in Python.
+                    You can set this variable to "1" in your
+                    <filename>local.conf</filename> file in the
+                    <ulink url='&YOCTO_DOCS_DEV_URL;#build-directory'>Build Directory</ulink>
+                    to have the OpenEmbedded build system automatically run
+                    these tests after a QEMU image successfully builds:
+                    <literallayout class='monospaced'>
+     TEST_IMAGE = "1"
+                    </literallayout>
+                    For more information on enabling, running, and writing
+                    these tests, see the
+                    "<ulink url='&YOCTO_DOCS_DEV_URL;#running-and-writing-tests-for-a-qemu-image'>Running and Writing Tests for a QEMU Image</ulink>"
+                    section in the Yocto Project Development Manual and the
+                    "<link linkend='ref-classes-testimage'><filename>testimage.bbclass</filename></link>"
+                    section.
+                </para>
+            </glossdef>
+        </glossentry>
+
         <glossentry id='var-TEST_QEMUBOOT_TIMEOUT'><glossterm>TEST_QEMUBOOT_TIMEOUT</glossterm>
             <glossdef>
                 <para>