A testing system with methodology for background application control is described. In one embodiment, for example, a method for controlling a background application is provided that includes steps of: prior to or after a test application enters a background execution state, the test application sending a first message to a reflector application via an interprocess communication facility provided by an operating system executing the test application and the reflector application; in response to the reflector application receiving the first message, the reflector application sending a second message to the first application via the interprocess communication facility; wherein sending the second message causes the operating system to transition the test application from the background execution state to a foreground execution state.