Characteristic features offering pitfalls around IT test (9)
I believe the answer is:
trappings
'characteristic features' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.
'pitfalls around it test' is the wordplay.
'pitfalls' becomes 'traps' (I've seen this in another clue).
'around it' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'test' becomes 'ping' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'traps' going around 'ping' is 'TRAPPINGS'.
'offering' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for trappings that I've seen before include "Symbolic accessories of office" , "Clobber" , "office equipment" , "Regalia of office" , "harness" .)