diff --git a/scripts/prompt-injection-scan.sh b/scripts/prompt-injection-scan.sh
index 72204330f..c6391417b 100755
--- a/scripts/prompt-injection-scan.sh
+++ b/scripts/prompt-injection-scan.sh
@@ -72,6 +72,7 @@ ALLOWLIST=(
   'tests/security-scan.test.cjs'
   'tests/security.test.cjs'
   'tests/prompt-injection-scan.test.cjs'
+  'tests/verify.test.cjs'
   'get-shit-done/bin/lib/security.cjs'
   'hooks/gsd-prompt-guard.js'
   'SECURITY.md'
diff --git a/scripts/run-tests.cjs b/scripts/run-tests.cjs
index d50d79fd1..37d602064 100644
--- a/scripts/run-tests.cjs
+++ b/scripts/run-tests.cjs
@@ -19,8 +19,12 @@ if (files.length === 0) {
   process.exit(1);
 }
 
+const concurrency = process.env.TEST_CONCURRENCY
+  ? `--test-concurrency=${process.env.TEST_CONCURRENCY}`
+  : '--test-concurrency=4';
+
 try {
-  execFileSync(process.execPath, ['--test', ...files], {
+  execFileSync(process.execPath, ['--test', concurrency, ...files], {
     stdio: 'inherit',
     env: { ...process.env },
   });
diff --git a/tests/agent-frontmatter.test.cjs b/tests/agent-frontmatter.test.cjs
index 5235627e8..2de01f6f3 100644
--- a/tests/agent-frontmatter.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/agent-frontmatter.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/agent-install-validation.test.cjs b/tests/agent-install-validation.test.cjs
index 071d31b59..f8093a446 100644
--- a/tests/agent-install-validation.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/agent-install-validation.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/agent-skills.test.cjs b/tests/agent-skills.test.cjs
index c4438222b..4976a0400 100644
--- a/tests/agent-skills.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/agent-skills.test.cjs
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/analyze-dependencies.test.cjs b/tests/analyze-dependencies.test.cjs
index 835827a7a..63330ff63 100644
--- a/tests/analyze-dependencies.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/analyze-dependencies.test.cjs
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/anti-pattern-enforcement.test.cjs b/tests/anti-pattern-enforcement.test.cjs
index 10e2ed4da..e91d56846 100644
--- a/tests/anti-pattern-enforcement.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/anti-pattern-enforcement.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/antigravity-install.test.cjs b/tests/antigravity-install.test.cjs
index 3ced36126..5e44e3a5e 100644
--- a/tests/antigravity-install.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/antigravity-install.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
 const fs = require('fs');
diff --git a/tests/augment-conversion.test.cjs b/tests/augment-conversion.test.cjs
index 7f810b323..609eec355 100644
--- a/tests/augment-conversion.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/augment-conversion.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { describe, test } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 
 const {
   convertClaudeCommandToAugmentSkill,
diff --git a/tests/autonomous-interactive.test.cjs b/tests/autonomous-interactive.test.cjs
index c5d6ba902..f111895a0 100644
--- a/tests/autonomous-interactive.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/autonomous-interactive.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/bugs-1656-1657.test.cjs b/tests/bugs-1656-1657.test.cjs
index 71b777709..7fd2306c7 100644
--- a/tests/bugs-1656-1657.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/bugs-1656-1657.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { test, describe, before } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { execFileSync } = require('child_process');
diff --git a/tests/chain-flag-plan-phase.test.cjs b/tests/chain-flag-plan-phase.test.cjs
index 1f1c931e8..eef17f6b8 100644
--- a/tests/chain-flag-plan-phase.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/chain-flag-plan-phase.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/claude-md.test.cjs b/tests/claude-md.test.cjs
index f78d372f9..3ac0f1c3e 100644
--- a/tests/claude-md.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/claude-md.test.cjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/claude-skills-migration.test.cjs b/tests/claude-skills-migration.test.cjs
index c3c64a94c..b1ed405db 100644
--- a/tests/claude-skills-migration.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/claude-skills-migration.test.cjs
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
 const fs = require('fs');
diff --git a/tests/cline-support.test.cjs b/tests/cline-support.test.cjs
index 8c2d1a701..9625c9c9d 100644
--- a/tests/cline-support.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/cline-support.test.cjs
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/codex-config.test.cjs b/tests/codex-config.test.cjs
index 4908a1a38..2f5f04ea3 100644
--- a/tests/codex-config.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/codex-config.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
diff --git a/tests/commands.test.cjs b/tests/commands.test.cjs
index 078fd30bd..a899dcfa5 100644
--- a/tests/commands.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/commands.test.cjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const { execSync } = require('node:child_process');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
diff --git a/tests/concurrency-safety.test.cjs b/tests/concurrency-safety.test.cjs
index 88afd6504..6180095ad 100644
--- a/tests/concurrency-safety.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/concurrency-safety.test.cjs
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
diff --git a/tests/config.test.cjs b/tests/config.test.cjs
index bd731d8c1..0fbcb3bb6 100644
--- a/tests/config.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/config.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/context-enrichment.test.cjs b/tests/context-enrichment.test.cjs
index 71d35fab3..956dde896 100644
--- a/tests/context-enrichment.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/context-enrichment.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/copilot-install.test.cjs b/tests/copilot-install.test.cjs
index 224d2d6d0..4e8d92c69 100644
--- a/tests/copilot-install.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/copilot-install.test.cjs
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
 const fs = require('fs');
diff --git a/tests/core.test.cjs b/tests/core.test.cjs
index b35121d50..88428a7db 100644
--- a/tests/core.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/core.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
@@ -139,22 +139,19 @@ describe('loadConfig', () => {
     assert.strictEqual(config.commit_docs, false);
   });
 
-  test('warns on unknown config keys to stderr (#1535)', () => {
+  test('warns on unknown config keys to stderr (#1535)', (t) => {
     writeConfig({ model_profile: 'quality', active_project: 'my-project', custom_flag: true });
     const origWrite = process.stderr.write;
     let stderrOutput = '';
     process.stderr.write = (chunk) => { stderrOutput += chunk; };
-    try {
-      const config = loadConfig(tmpDir);
-      // Known key still loads correctly
-      assert.strictEqual(config.model_profile, 'quality');
-      // Warning emitted for unknown keys
-      assert.ok(stderrOutput.includes('active_project'), 'should warn about active_project');
-      assert.ok(stderrOutput.includes('custom_flag'), 'should warn about custom_flag');
-      assert.ok(stderrOutput.includes('ignored'), 'should mention keys will be ignored');
-    } finally {
-      process.stderr.write = origWrite;
-    }
+    t.after(() => { process.stderr.write = origWrite; });
+    const config = loadConfig(tmpDir);
+    // Known key still loads correctly
+    assert.strictEqual(config.model_profile, 'quality');
+    // Warning emitted for unknown keys
+    assert.ok(stderrOutput.includes('active_project'), 'should warn about active_project');
+    assert.ok(stderrOutput.includes('custom_flag'), 'should warn about custom_flag');
+    assert.ok(stderrOutput.includes('ignored'), 'should mention keys will be ignored');
   });
 
   test('known config keys are derived from VALID_CONFIG_KEYS (not hardcoded)', () => {
@@ -181,17 +178,14 @@ describe('loadConfig', () => {
     }
   });
 
-  test('does not warn when all config keys are known', () => {
+  test('does not warn when all config keys are known', (t) => {
     writeConfig({ model_profile: 'balanced', workflow: { research: false }, git: { branching_strategy: 'per-phase' } });
     const origWrite = process.stderr.write;
     let stderrOutput = '';
     process.stderr.write = (chunk) => { stderrOutput += chunk; };
-    try {
-      loadConfig(tmpDir);
-      assert.strictEqual(stderrOutput, '', 'should not emit any warnings for valid config');
-    } finally {
-      process.stderr.write = origWrite;
-    }
+    t.after(() => { process.stderr.write = origWrite; });
+    loadConfig(tmpDir);
+    assert.strictEqual(stderrOutput, '', 'should not emit any warnings for valid config');
   });
 });
 
diff --git a/tests/cursor-conversion.test.cjs b/tests/cursor-conversion.test.cjs
index a6fe43844..c238e2e46 100644
--- a/tests/cursor-conversion.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/cursor-conversion.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { describe, test } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 
 const {
   convertClaudeCommandToCursorSkill,
diff --git a/tests/discuss-checkpoint.test.cjs b/tests/discuss-checkpoint.test.cjs
index 935a58113..c41a2881e 100644
--- a/tests/discuss-checkpoint.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/discuss-checkpoint.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/discuss-mode.test.cjs b/tests/discuss-mode.test.cjs
index 1f0b56599..ed74dceed 100644
--- a/tests/discuss-mode.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/discuss-mode.test.cjs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/discuss-phase-power.test.cjs b/tests/discuss-phase-power.test.cjs
index 6c3ee7b44..0d708eff0 100644
--- a/tests/discuss-phase-power.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/discuss-phase-power.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/dispatcher.test.cjs b/tests/dispatcher.test.cjs
index 989afd1ca..a4a32a2e5 100644
--- a/tests/dispatcher.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/dispatcher.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/execute-phase-active-flags.test.cjs b/tests/execute-phase-active-flags.test.cjs
index 97f3d3732..c7f389d57 100644
--- a/tests/execute-phase-active-flags.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/execute-phase-active-flags.test.cjs
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/execute-phase-wave.test.cjs b/tests/execute-phase-wave.test.cjs
index e4994c0da..090276ab4 100644
--- a/tests/execute-phase-wave.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/execute-phase-wave.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/execute-phase-worktree-artifacts.test.cjs b/tests/execute-phase-worktree-artifacts.test.cjs
index b801c8245..b40690a61 100644
--- a/tests/execute-phase-worktree-artifacts.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/execute-phase-worktree-artifacts.test.cjs
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/forensics.test.cjs b/tests/forensics.test.cjs
index cf7a780bc..5367467ba 100644
--- a/tests/forensics.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/forensics.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
diff --git a/tests/frontmatter-cli.test.cjs b/tests/frontmatter-cli.test.cjs
index a07ec4366..bc7b95201 100644
--- a/tests/frontmatter-cli.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/frontmatter-cli.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
diff --git a/tests/frontmatter.test.cjs b/tests/frontmatter.test.cjs
index 001a67267..8cacd08c3 100644
--- a/tests/frontmatter.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/frontmatter.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 
 const {
   extractFrontmatter,
diff --git a/tests/health-validation.test.cjs b/tests/health-validation.test.cjs
index 3f17f9425..a02affc89 100644
--- a/tests/health-validation.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/health-validation.test.cjs
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/hook-validation.test.cjs b/tests/hook-validation.test.cjs
index b14338525..f953d0f41 100644
--- a/tests/hook-validation.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/hook-validation.test.cjs
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const { validateHookFields } = require('../bin/install.js');
 
 // ─── Helpers ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
diff --git a/tests/hooks-opt-in.test.cjs b/tests/hooks-opt-in.test.cjs
index a8c08ffc2..16cc3477c 100644
--- a/tests/hooks-opt-in.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/hooks-opt-in.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
@@ -234,25 +234,22 @@ describe('opt-in gating behavior', { skip: isWindows ? 'bash hooks require unix
     assert.strictEqual(result.status, 0, `Should be no-op when disabled, got ${result.status}`);
   });
 
-  test('validate-commit is a no-op when config.json is absent', () => {
+  test('validate-commit is a no-op when config.json is absent', (t) => {
     // No config.json at all
     const bareDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'gsd-hook-bare-'));
+    t.after(() => { fs.rmSync(bareDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); });
     const hookPath = path.join(HOOKS_DIR, 'gsd-validate-commit.sh');
     const input = JSON.stringify({
       tool_input: { command: 'git commit -m "WIP save"' }
     });
 
-    try {
-      const result = spawnHook(hookPath, {
-        input,
-        encoding: 'utf-8',
-        cwd: bareDir,
-      });
+    const result = spawnHook(hookPath, {
+      input,
+      encoding: 'utf-8',
+      cwd: bareDir,
+    });
 
-      assert.strictEqual(result.status, 0, `Should be no-op without config.json, got ${result.status}`);
-    } finally {
-      fs.rmSync(bareDir, { recursive: true, force: true });
-    }
+    assert.strictEqual(result.status, 0, `Should be no-op without config.json, got ${result.status}`);
   });
 
   test('session-state is a no-op when hooks.community is false', () => {
@@ -375,28 +372,25 @@ describe('hook execution when enabled', { skip: isWindows ? 'bash hooks require
     );
   });
 
-  test('session-state exits 0 without .planning/ (in enabled project)', () => {
+  test('session-state exits 0 without .planning/ (in enabled project)', (t) => {
     // Create a dir with config but no STATE.md
     const noStateDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'gsd-hook-nostate-'));
+    t.after(() => { fs.rmSync(noStateDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); });
     fs.mkdirSync(path.join(noStateDir, '.planning'), { recursive: true });
     writeConfigWithHooks(noStateDir, true);
     const hookPath = path.join(HOOKS_DIR, 'gsd-session-state.sh');
 
-    try {
-      const result = spawnHook(hookPath, {
-        input: '',
-        encoding: 'utf-8',
-        cwd: noStateDir,
-      });
+    const result = spawnHook(hookPath, {
+      input: '',
+      encoding: 'utf-8',
+      cwd: noStateDir,
+    });
 
-      assert.strictEqual(result.status, 0, `Should exit 0: ${result.stderr}`);
-      assert.ok(
-        result.stdout.includes('No .planning/ found') || result.stdout.includes('Project State'),
-        `Should handle missing STATE.md gracefully: ${result.stdout}`
-      );
-    } finally {
-      fs.rmSync(noStateDir, { recursive: true, force: true });
-    }
+    assert.strictEqual(result.status, 0, `Should exit 0: ${result.stderr}`);
+    assert.ok(
+      result.stdout.includes('No .planning/ found') || result.stdout.includes('Project State'),
+      `Should handle missing STATE.md gracefully: ${result.stdout}`
+    );
   });
 
   test('phase-boundary detects .planning/ writes when enabled', () => {
diff --git a/tests/init-manager.test.cjs b/tests/init-manager.test.cjs
index 14f22f9e8..1c6d5cb39 100644
--- a/tests/init-manager.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/init-manager.test.cjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/init.test.cjs b/tests/init.test.cjs
index c625091f2..2fed3fd08 100644
--- a/tests/init.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/init.test.cjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/mcp-tool-inheritance.test.cjs b/tests/mcp-tool-inheritance.test.cjs
index 4c85193a7..3c37548f2 100644
--- a/tests/mcp-tool-inheritance.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/mcp-tool-inheritance.test.cjs
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/methodology-artifact.test.cjs b/tests/methodology-artifact.test.cjs
index 31bc50978..128e59340 100644
--- a/tests/methodology-artifact.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/methodology-artifact.test.cjs
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 'use strict';
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/milestone-summary.test.cjs b/tests/milestone-summary.test.cjs
index fd4508ecf..25946290b 100644
--- a/tests/milestone-summary.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/milestone-summary.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/milestone.test.cjs b/tests/milestone.test.cjs
index 025a05a80..1d810937a 100644
--- a/tests/milestone.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/milestone.test.cjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/model-profiles.test.cjs b/tests/model-profiles.test.cjs
index 55fd1cf00..f3f99e3a3 100644
--- a/tests/model-profiles.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/model-profiles.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 
 const {
   MODEL_PROFILES,
diff --git a/tests/new-milestone-clear-phases.test.cjs b/tests/new-milestone-clear-phases.test.cjs
index e2fa403cd..be6e016c9 100644
--- a/tests/new-milestone-clear-phases.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/new-milestone-clear-phases.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/next-up-clear-order.test.cjs b/tests/next-up-clear-order.test.cjs
index 3e3217753..e774e2c95 100644
--- a/tests/next-up-clear-order.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/next-up-clear-order.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const glob = require('path');
diff --git a/tests/parallel-dependent-plans.test.cjs b/tests/parallel-dependent-plans.test.cjs
index 255c507ab..443a0189c 100644
--- a/tests/parallel-dependent-plans.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/parallel-dependent-plans.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/path-replacement.test.cjs b/tests/path-replacement.test.cjs
index 614273f3b..739bbe99e 100644
--- a/tests/path-replacement.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/path-replacement.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
diff --git a/tests/pause-work-improvements.test.cjs b/tests/pause-work-improvements.test.cjs
index 847f299fa..bfb8f8028 100644
--- a/tests/pause-work-improvements.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/pause-work-improvements.test.cjs
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/phase.test.cjs b/tests/phase.test.cjs
index e8df4fb18..38da0a662 100644
--- a/tests/phase.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/phase.test.cjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/pick-flag.test.cjs b/tests/pick-flag.test.cjs
index c2ca57be4..1defd72a1 100644
--- a/tests/pick-flag.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/pick-flag.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const { runGsdTools } = require('./helpers.cjs');
 
 // ─── --pick flag ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
diff --git a/tests/playwright-ui-verify.test.cjs b/tests/playwright-ui-verify.test.cjs
index 34392f3b2..dd6e9bfe3 100644
--- a/tests/playwright-ui-verify.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/playwright-ui-verify.test.cjs
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/profile-output.test.cjs b/tests/profile-output.test.cjs
index 3001195f5..160ab71bc 100644
--- a/tests/profile-output.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/profile-output.test.cjs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, createTempGitProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/profile-pipeline.test.cjs b/tests/profile-pipeline.test.cjs
index 4dab8ac56..266ff550c 100644
--- a/tests/profile-pipeline.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/profile-pipeline.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
diff --git a/tests/quick-branching.test.cjs b/tests/quick-branching.test.cjs
index 5259ae199..a1b9c3d2f 100644
--- a/tests/quick-branching.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/quick-branching.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/quick-commit-boundary.test.cjs b/tests/quick-commit-boundary.test.cjs
index 401b6398c..9d4ce5f8c 100644
--- a/tests/quick-commit-boundary.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/quick-commit-boundary.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/quick-research.test.cjs b/tests/quick-research.test.cjs
index c735f3893..e17108881 100644
--- a/tests/quick-research.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/quick-research.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/reachability-check.test.cjs b/tests/reachability-check.test.cjs
index d28d74625..63d28d253 100644
--- a/tests/reachability-check.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/reachability-check.test.cjs
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/reapply-patches.test.cjs b/tests/reapply-patches.test.cjs
index f55315584..aac326910 100644
--- a/tests/reapply-patches.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/reapply-patches.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const crypto = require('crypto');
diff --git a/tests/roadmap.test.cjs b/tests/roadmap.test.cjs
index f043e40f9..b4530b4e4 100644
--- a/tests/roadmap.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/roadmap.test.cjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/runtime-converters.test.cjs b/tests/runtime-converters.test.cjs
index a6d8209b4..a8803c598 100644
--- a/tests/runtime-converters.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/runtime-converters.test.cjs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 const {
diff --git a/tests/secure-phase.test.cjs b/tests/secure-phase.test.cjs
index db1dd3c38..c39989363 100644
--- a/tests/secure-phase.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/secure-phase.test.cjs
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/settings-jsonc.test.cjs b/tests/settings-jsonc.test.cjs
index 1ebf1f915..16e4a7612 100644
--- a/tests/settings-jsonc.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/settings-jsonc.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/state.test.cjs b/tests/state.test.cjs
index 4071dae1a..3eeb30bca 100644
--- a/tests/state.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/state.test.cjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/subagent-timeout.test.cjs b/tests/subagent-timeout.test.cjs
index fd16ded45..41d10545e 100644
--- a/tests/subagent-timeout.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/subagent-timeout.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/template.test.cjs b/tests/template.test.cjs
index 8d2ae3d51..f27ed0822 100644
--- a/tests/template.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/template.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/trae-install.test.cjs b/tests/trae-install.test.cjs
index 578fe1a81..21e347d03 100644
--- a/tests/trae-install.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/trae-install.test.cjs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('node:fs');
 const path = require('node:path');
 const os = require('node:os');
diff --git a/tests/uat.test.cjs b/tests/uat.test.cjs
index 40aaec245..7b24a02bc 100644
--- a/tests/uat.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/uat.test.cjs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 'use strict';
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/verifier-deferred-items.test.cjs b/tests/verifier-deferred-items.test.cjs
index c94b9b51e..3df5b7ff1 100644
--- a/tests/verifier-deferred-items.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/verifier-deferred-items.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/verify-health.test.cjs b/tests/verify-health.test.cjs
index f22dd3ad7..e11e6f5ad 100644
--- a/tests/verify-health.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/verify-health.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/verify.test.cjs b/tests/verify.test.cjs
index b4a185bd7..be66d54f4 100644
--- a/tests/verify.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/verify.test.cjs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const { runGsdTools, createTempProject, createTempGitProject, cleanup } = require('./helpers.cjs');
diff --git a/tests/windows-robustness.test.cjs b/tests/windows-robustness.test.cjs
index 25305dc9c..160cd1d66 100644
--- a/tests/windows-robustness.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/windows-robustness.test.cjs
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/windsurf-conversion.test.cjs b/tests/windsurf-conversion.test.cjs
index 3df82ed1b..75e1a3711 100644
--- a/tests/windsurf-conversion.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/windsurf-conversion.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 process.env.GSD_TEST_MODE = '1';
 
 const { describe, test } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 
 const {
   convertClaudeCommandToWindsurfSkill,
diff --git a/tests/workspace.test.cjs b/tests/workspace.test.cjs
index aa6180182..b2beb43d1 100644
--- a/tests/workspace.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/workspace.test.cjs
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe, beforeEach, afterEach } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 const os = require('os');
diff --git a/tests/worktree-cleanup.test.cjs b/tests/worktree-cleanup.test.cjs
index 0fe56153e..80a350fb7 100644
--- a/tests/worktree-cleanup.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/worktree-cleanup.test.cjs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');
 
diff --git a/tests/worktree-stagger.test.cjs b/tests/worktree-stagger.test.cjs
index 423cebb74..f7e96f21e 100644
--- a/tests/worktree-stagger.test.cjs
+++ b/tests/worktree-stagger.test.cjs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
  */
 
 const { test, describe } = require('node:test');
-const assert = require('node:assert');
+const assert = require('node:assert/strict');
 const fs = require('fs');
 const path = require('path');