Which of the following is a typical task performed by a tester within a Scrum team?
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A
Suggesting improvements in sprint retrospectives
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B
Coaching other team members in self-organization and cross-functionality
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C
Removing impediments to the Scrum team's progress
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D
Prioritizing the items in the product backlog
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Correct answerA
ExplanationFrom CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 5.1 and 5.3: "Testers, like all team members, participate in retrospectives and are encouraged to suggest improvements to team processes and product quality." So Option A is correct. Testers actively engage in retrospectives and suggest improvements based on their testing experience. Option B and C refer to Scrum Master responsibilities. Option D is the responsibility of the Product Owner. References: CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Sections 5.1 and 5.3 Scrum Guide . Scrum Roles and Responsibilities Learning Objective (K1) . Recall tester tasks within Scrum teams
During a retrospective, which of the following items would be the LEAST effective to generate discussions on process improvement?
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A
The build process was slow and this often caused delays waiting for the build to complete.
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B
For the last sprint the estimated and actual effort were much higher than the team capacity.
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C
The automation tests failed frequently without any logs to help in debugging the failure reason.
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D
One of the testers was regarded as being both disruptive and lazy and did not contribute to team success.
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Correct answerD
ExplanationAccording to the ISTQB Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester syllabus, a retrospective is a meeting held at the end of each iteration or release, where the agile team reflects on what went well and what can be improved in their processes, practices, and interactions. The purpose of a retrospective is to identify and implement actions for continuous improvement, and to foster a culture of learning and collaboration. Therefore, the items that would be the most effective to generate discussions on process improvement are those that are related to the team's performance, challenges, feedback, and suggestions. Option D is the least effective item to generate discussions on process improvement, as it is a personal attack on one of the team members, and it does not offer any constructive feedback or solution. This kind of item can create a negative and hostile atmosphere in the retrospective, and damage the trust and respect among the team members. Option A is an effective item to generate discussions on process improvement, as it identifies a problem with the build process that affects the team's efficiency and quality, and it can lead to finding ways to optimize the build process or to mitigate the delays. Option B is also an effective item to generate discussions on process improvement, as it reveals a discrepancy between the team's estimation and actual effort, and it can lead to analyzing the root causes of the deviation and to improving the estimation techniques or the team's capacity. Option C is also an effective item to generate discussions on process improvement, as it highlights a weakness in the automation tests that hinders the team's ability to debug and fix the failures, and it can lead to enhancing the automation tests with better logging mechanisms or to reviewing the automation strategy. References: ISTQB Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester syllabus, section 2.1.1, page 14 ISTQB Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester syllabus, section 2.1.2, page 15 ISTQB Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester syllabus, section 2.2.1, page 16 ISTQB Tester Foundation Level Agile Tester syllabus, section 2.2.2, page 17.
Which of the following is the MOST likely reason to automate regression tests in Agile?
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A
To eliminate all manual testing
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B
To provide fast feedback during continuous integration
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C
To ensure testers focus only on exploratory testing
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D
To reduce development time by 50%
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Correct answerB
ExplanationCTFL-AT Section 4.3 emphasizes automation for rapid feedback in CI environments. Option A is unrealistic. Option C misrepresents testing balance. Option D is not an Agile objective. References: CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 4.3
Which two of the following statements are CORRECT with regards to test automation on agile projects? 1. Every test developed for past iterations is kept and executed as part of a regression suite for each new release of code. 2. It would be very difficult to ensure high quality in an agile project without test automation. 3. Automated acceptance tests are run regularly as part of the continuous integration full system build. 4. Automated regression suites are only run for the final release of code. 5. In agile projects, the results from automated acceptance tests provide feedback on the overall product quality.
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A
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B
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C
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D
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Correct answerB
ExplanationTest automation is essential for agile projects, as it enables fast and frequent feedback on the quality of the product. Without test automation, it would be very difficult to ensure high quality in an agile project, as manual testing would be too slow and costly to keep up with the pace of development. Automated acceptance tests are one of the key types of test automation on agile projects, as they verify that the user stories are implemented correctly and that the product meets the customer's expectations. Automated acceptance tests are run regularly as part of the continuous integration full system build, and the results provide feedback on the overall product quality. Therefore, statements 2 and 5 are correct with regards to test automation on agile projects. References: 1: ISTQB. Foundation Level Agile Tester Syllabus, Section 3.3.1, Test Automation; 2: ASTQB Agile Tester Certification Resources, Section 3.3.1, Test Automation
Which of the following statements is true in Agile projects?
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A
Test automation is important to manage regression risk because it enables version control and ensures ease of access to the tests by all team members
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B
Shorter timeframes and frequent changes require the adoption of good practices for test design and implementation, which should be defined during release planning
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C
The risk of regression tends to decrease when code that worked in previous iterations gets modified due to new features in subsequent iterations
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D
The tests written for the features developed in earlier iterations are the most important and they should never be retired from the regression test suite
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Correct answerB
ExplanationFrom CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 4.3 Test Automation and Continuous Integration, it states: "Short iterations and continuous integration require well-designed automated test suites, and teams should adopt good practices for test design and implementation from the start." Option B is correct because it highlights the need for proactive test design practices to handle frequent changes a key Agile challenge. Option A mixes concepts: version control relates to code, not directly to regression management. Option C is incorrect regression risk increases when code is modified. Option D is misleading tests may become obsolete or need refactoring, so no test is permanently untouchable. References: CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 4.3 Learning Objective (K2) . Understand regression risk and automation best practices
What is the main benefit of the Test Pyramid?
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A
It means testing is involved early in the development cycle.
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B
It helps in evaluating the amount of test cases needed.
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C
It shows complexity of testing activities.
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D
It acts as a metric for testing progress.
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Correct answerB
ExplanationThe Test Pyramid is a model for organizing tests in a way to make the process of testing faster, efficient and cost-effective. This model focusses on getting maximum functional testing getting covered by faster and less brittle tests like Unit and API tests. The main benefit of the Test Pyramid is that it helps in evaluating the amount of test cases needed for each level of testing. The Test Pyramid suggests that the number of test cases should decrease as we move up the pyramid, from unit tests to integration tests to end-to-end tests. This is because unit tests are more granular, isolated, and easy to write and maintain, while end-to-end tests are more complex, dependent, and brittle. The Test Pyramid also helps in balancing the test coverage and the test execution time, as unit tests provide high coverage and low execution time, while end-to-end tests provide low coverage and high execution time. By following the Test Pyramid, teams can optimize their testing efforts and resources, and ensure that they have a sufficient and effective test suite for their software. References: ISTQB. Foundation Level Agile Tester Syllabus, Section 2.2.1, page 16 ASTQB Agile Tester Certification Resources, Section 2.2.1, page 16 What is Test Pyramid : Getting started with Test Automation Pyramid, The Practical Test Pyramid - Martin Fowler, Testing Pyramid: What Is It and How To Use It | Solvd.
A tester is preparing acceptance tests for the following user story: "As a registered user, I want to reset my password using a verification code sent to my email." Which of the following acceptance tests is the MOST appropriate?
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A
Verify that users can log in with social media accounts
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B
Verify that users receive a verification code when initiating password reset
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C
Verify that the password policy requires at least two special characters
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D
Verify that the system logs failed login attempts
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Correct answerB
ExplanationFrom CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 2.1 on Acceptance Criteria and Testability: Acceptance tests must directly validate behavior described in the user story. Option B tests the core functionality: sending a verification code for password reset. Option A relates to login methods, not password reset. Option C tests password policy but is not part of this story. Option D concerns security logging, which is unrelated. References: CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 2.1 Learning Objective (K3) - Derive acceptance tests from user stories
An Agile project is aimed at developing an e-commerce website that will allow registered users to purchase digital books. During the checkout process, only credit card payments, with supported credit card types, will be accepted. Consider the following acceptance criterion for a given user story of this Agile project: "Check that the number of steps required to complete a purchase order during the checkout process is minimized, in order to reduce the risk that the customers will leave the website without completing their orders." Which of the following information would you expect to be the most relevant to create a test aimed at covering this acceptance criterion?
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A
The maximum number of digital books that can be purchased in a single order
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B
The supported credit card types
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C
The maximum number of steps to complete the registration process
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D
The maximum number of steps to complete the checkout process
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Correct answerD
ExplanationFrom CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 2.1 Acceptance Criteria and Testability, it states: "Tests should directly address the acceptance criteria defined for a user story. Testers evaluate if the implemented feature meets the criteria, often using quantitative data like number of steps, time taken, or interaction patterns." The acceptance criterion specifically refers to minimizing steps during checkout, so Option D is most directly aligned with what needs to be tested. Options A, B, and Care unrelated to the acceptance criterion's goal of reducing abandonment due to complex checkout. References: CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 2.1 Learning Objective (K2) . Understand testability of acceptance criteria
Which of the following allows a developer to define accurate unit tests focused on business needs?
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A
Design-Driven Development
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B
Behavior-Driven Development
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C
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D
Acceptance Test-Driven Development
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Correct answerB
ExplanationBehavior-Driven Development (BDD) is a software development approach that allows a developer to define accurate unit tests focused on business needs. BDD uses a common language that is understandable by both technical and non-technical stakeholders, such as Given-When-Then scenarios. BDD helps to align the development and testing activities with the customer expectations and business goals. References: ISTQB. Foundation Level Agile Tester Syllabus, Version 2014, Section 2.2.2 ASTQB Agile Tester Certification Resources, Agile Testing Foundations, Chapter 3, Section 3.2.2
Question 10
Single choice
Which of the following statements about test-driven development (TDD) and behavior-driven development (BDD) is true?
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A
Both BDD tests and TDD tests are written primarily at the acceptance level, though these tests may also be written at the integration or system levels
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B
TDD tests are focused on the implementation of the software while BDD tests on the exhibited behavior of the software
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C
TDD tests and BDD tests are written by developers, but TDD tests are generally easier for other team members and stakeholders to understand than BDD tests
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D
Specific BDD frameworks can be used to define acceptance criteria based on the role/feature/benefit template ("As a..., I want..., so that...")
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Correct answerB
ExplanationFrom CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 3.3 Behavior-Driven Development, and 3.2 Test-Driven Development: "TDD focuses on writing unit tests that guide the implementation of code." "BDD focuses on writing scenarios that describe the behavior of the software, often using a language that stakeholders can understand." Thus, Option B is accurate TDD targets code implementation, BDD targets behavioral expectations. Option A is incorrect TDD is at unit level, while BDD is at the acceptance level. Option C is false BDD is more readable and accessible for non-technical stakeholders. Option D confuses BDD withuser story formats; BDD uses Given-When-Then, not the "As a... I want..." template. References: CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Sections 3.2 and 3.3 Learning Objective (K2) . Differentiate TDD and BDD practices
Question 11
Single choice
You are working on an Agile project and have been asked to implement exploratory testing for the current sprint. Which one of the following is a correct approach to adopt?
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A
Allocate independent testers to design exploratory tests using test charters in time boxed sessions. Plan to run all sessions in parallel with each session lasting more than 5 hours.
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B
Ask experienced testers to try and find new defects by using the system without the constraint of documentation and tools.
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C
Use testers who have not been involved in the sprint to write new test cases from the user stories. These test cases are then executed in a time boxed session for the sprint.
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D
Ask experienced testers to prepare test charters for time boxed sessions lasting no more than 2 hours. Tests should be designed and executed within each session using heuristics, creativity and intuition.
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Correct answerD
ExplanationExploratory testing is a testing approach that emphasizes learning, creativity, and adaptability. It involves simultaneous test design and test execution, where the tester uses heuristics, intuition, and experience to explore the system under test and discover new information. Exploratory testing can be performed in an Agile project to complement other testing activities, such as test-driven development, behavior-driven development, and acceptance test-driven development. The correct approach to adopt for exploratory testing in an Agile project is D, as it follows the best practices for exploratory testing: Ask experienced testers to prepare test charters for time-boxed sessions lasting no more than 2 hours: A test charter is a brief document that describes the scope, objective, and strategy of an exploratory testing session. A test charter helps guide the tester's exploration and document the results. A time box is a fixed period allocated for an exploratory session. It helps keep focus and limits scope. A time box should not be too long, as it may reduce concentration and creativity. A recommended duration is between 45 minutes and 2 hours. Tests should be designed and executed within each session using heuristics, creativity, and intuition: Exploratory testing is iterative and interactive. The tester designs and executes tests based on observations and feedback from the system. The tester uses heuristics (rules of thumb that help simplify complex problems), along with creativity and intuition, to generate test ideas and make informed decisions. The incorrect approaches to adopt for exploratory testing in an Agile project are A, B, and C, as they violate the principles and practices of exploratory testing: Option A: Allocate independent testers to design exploratory tests using test charters in time-boxed sessions. Plan to run all sessions in parallel with each session lasting more than 5 hours: This approach is incorrect because it separates test design from test execution, which contradicts the core of exploratory testing. It also uses excessively long time boxes, which can harm focus and creativity. Additionally, it reduces collaboration within the Agile team by isolating testers from developers and stakeholders. Option B: Ask experienced testers to try and find new defects by using the system without the constraint of documentation and tools: This approach is incorrect because it does not use test charters, which are essential for guiding and documenting exploratory testing sessions. It also overlooks heuristics, creativity, and intuition as structured methods for generating test ideas. It suggests that exploratory testing is random and unstructured, which is a misconception-exploratory testing is disciplined and systematic. Option C: Use testers who have not been involved in the sprint to write new test cases from the user stories. These test cases are then executed in a time-boxed session for the sprint: This approach is incorrect because it separates test design from execution. It also uses testers who were not part of the sprint, which may limit their understanding of the product and user needs. It does not use test charters and does not rely on heuristics, creativity, or intuition, all of which are essential to exploratory testing.
Question 12
Single choice
Which of the following would you expect most likely to be an advantage of the whole-team approach?
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A
Providing constant availability of executable software throughout the iteration for testing, demonstration, or education purposes
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B
Improved quality of the requirements specification (through examples and automatable tests) when adopting the Acceptance Test-Driven Development practice
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C
Improved code quality produced as the result of the refactoring step performed as part of the test-driven.development technique
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D
Eliminating the schedule risks associated with big-bang integration
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Correct answerA
ExplanationFrom the CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 1.3 The Whole-Team Approach, the benefit of the whole-team approach is: "All team members, including testers, work together in all project phases. This encourages collaboration and shared responsibility, which leads to the availability of working software and immediate feedback on changes." Specifically, it is noted: "One benefit of the whole-team approach is the continuous availability of working, executable software, which can be tested at any point in the iteration." This makes Option A the correct answer. Let's analyze the others: Option B relates to Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD), not the whole-team approach specifically. Option C is a benefit of TDD, not of the whole-team approach. Option D refers to continuous integration, not directly tied to the whole-team concept. References: CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 1.3 Learning Objective (K2) . Understand benefits of the whole-team approach in Agile
Question 13
Single choice
Which of the following is an Agile software development approach in which transparency of content and progress of tasks is usually obtained with the visualization of the active tasks and in which iterations are optional?
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A
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B
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C
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D
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Correct answerC
ExplanationFrom CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 1.2 Fundamentals of Agile Software Development, it states: "Kanban is a lean approach that uses visualization (typically via a task board) to manage work in progress and improve workflow. Unlike Scrum, iterations in Kanban are optional." Thus, Option C (Kanban) is correct. It emphasizes visualization and does not require fixed-length iterations. Option A (Scrum) is iteration-based. Option B (Continuous integration) is a practice, not a development approach. Option D (Slack) is a communication tool, not a methodology. References: CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 1.2 Learning Objective (K1) . Recognize Agile development approaches
Question 14
Single choice
Iteration planning for Sprint 5 of your current project is complete. The plan for the sprint is to increase performance of the system, which of the following acceptance criteria would you expect for Sprint 5? 1. User access for all roles has been validated. 2. A static analysis tool has been executed for all code. 3. 100% of the existing regression test suite has passed. 4. System is responding in less than 3 seconds, 90% of the time. 5. A new version of internet Explorer has been included.
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A
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B
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C
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D
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Correct answerB
ExplanationThe acceptance criteria for a sprint are the conditions that must be met for the user stories to be considered done and deliver value to the customer. The acceptance criteria should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and testable. In this case, the plan for the sprint is to increase the performance of the system, so the acceptance criteria should reflect that goal. Therefore, the acceptance criteria that would be expected for Sprint 5 are: 100% of the existing regression test suite has passed. This criterion ensures that the system has not introduced any new defects or broken any existing functionality while improving performance. System is responding in less than 3 seconds, 90% of the time. This criterion defines a clear and quantifiable performance target that can be verified by testing. The other options are not relevant or appropriate acceptance criteria for Sprint 5: User access for all roles has been validated. This criterion is not related to the performance of the system, but rather to the security or functionality of the system. It might be an acceptance criterion for a different sprint or user story, but not for Sprint 5. A static analysis tool has been executed for all code. This criterion is not a customer-facing requirement and does not directly reflect performance improvements.
Question 15
Single choice
A Scrum project is aimed at developing an online travel website based on an IBE (Internet Booking Engine), to provide booking of flights. The website will allow customers to specify their travel requirements, and once these requirements are received, the website will offer a list of available flights which customers can book. A single Scrum team will work on this project and the project will start with a Sprint Zero. Which of the following statements best describes how a tester on the Scrum team should contribute during the Sprint Zero?
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A
The tester should work together with the rest of the team to identify the product backlog and create an initial system architecture and high-level prototypes
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B
The tester should individually produce the list of the product backlog items that the team will commit to deliver at the end of the first regular sprint
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C
The tester should work together with the rest of the team to produce the list of the product backlog items that the team will commit to deliver at the end of the first regular sprint
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D
While the other team members are working on the project plan, the tester should individually create an initial test strategy for all test levels
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Correct answerA
ExplanationFrom CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 2.2 Release and Iteration Planning: "During early phases like Sprint Zero, testers collaborate with the team to identify the product backlog, define high-level test strategies, and contribute to the overall planning and architecture discussions." Therefore, Option A is correct testers collaborate from the beginning, not as isolated contributors. Option B and D suggest individual work, which is against Agile principles. Option C is incorrect the backlog items committed for Sprint 1 are determined during Sprint Planning, not in Sprint Zero. References: CTFL-AT Syllabus v4.0, Section 2.2 Learning Objective (K2) . Understand tester contributions during early Agile planning
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