ISTQB ISTQB-CTAL-TM Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

ISTQB ISTQB-CTAL-TM Online Questions & Answers

• Question 151:

  You have just joined a medium-sized company as a senior Test Manager. You would like to take a more proactive approach to process improvement than this company has done in the past. The company uses the V-model as its software

  development lifecycle. The list below shows five items that are not currently captured on defect reports from dynamic testing.

  Which TWO of these items will be MOST useful for identifying potential test process improvements?

  A. The component or subsystem in which the defect was found
  B. The type of the defect, from a defect taxonomy
  C. The level of testing which found the defect
  D. The risks involved in fixing the defect
  E. The lifecycle activity in which the defect was created
  B. The type of the defect, from a defect taxonomy
  E. The lifecycle activity in which the defect was created

  ---

  Explanation

  B (Type from taxonomy): Helps identify defect patterns (e.g., design vs. coding errors) for process targeting.

  E (Lifecycle activity): Knowing when a defect was introduced enables root cause analysis and preventive actions.

  “Defect classification and root cause analysis provide input to process improvement by identifying where and why defects are introduced.” ISTQB CTFL Syllabus 2018, Section 5.6

  These two attributes are directly aligned with structured test process improvement efforts.

• Question 152:

  You are preparing the estimate for the test plan, which should cover all test activities subsequent to the plan having been agreed. Estimation of test activities has in the past been embarrassingly inaccurate. Historical data from previous

  similar projects is unreliable, but for two recent projects it is possible to find out how many test cases were developed and how long this took.

  Which TWO of the following estimation techniques will be BEST in this scenario?

  A. Historical data extrapolation
  B. Test case quantity / effort per test case
  C. 3-point estimation
  D. Wideband Delphi
  E. Planning poker
  B. Test case quantity / effort per test case
  C. 3-point estimation

  ---

  Explanation

  B (Test case quantity / effort per test case):Since you know the number of test cases developed and time taken in recent projects, you can directly calculate an average effort per test case - this is a form of metrics-based estimation.

  C (3-point estimation):This is useful when precise historical data is limited or unreliable. It uses best-case, worst-case, and most-likely estimates to improve accuracy.

  “The metrics-based technique: estimating the test effort based on metrics of former similar projects or based on typical values...

  The expert-based technique: estimating the test effort based on the experience of the owners of the testing tasks...”

  -ISTQB-CTFL_Syllabus_2018_V3.1, section 5.2.6

• Question 153:

  You are interviewing a candidate for the position of test analyst. At one stage of the interview, you are looking specifically for skills in the area of professional competence. Which of the following skills would demonstrate this?

  A. Analytical ability
  B. Ability to delegate
  C. Black box test design
  D. Communication
  C. Black box test design

  ---

  Explanation

  Professional competence in the context of a test analyst refers to the technical knowledge and abilities directly related to testing. Designing tests using black-box techniques is a core part of the test analyst role and is clearly classified under

  professional (technical) competence. This skill involves understanding the system’s external behavior and deriving test conditions based on that -- a hallmark of functional testing.

  ISTQB CTFL Syllabus section 4.2 on black-box techniques.

• Question 154:

  Which of the following are Test Closure activities? SELECT ONE OPTION

  a- All results lodged in configuration management system - for example test plans, results, logs, reports.

  b- Plans in place for lessons to be learnt to ensure that good practices are repeated and poor practices are not.

  c- Checks undertaken to ensure that all test work is completed - all tests executed or skipped, all defects managed to appropriate conclusion.

  d- All project closure activities completed - for example customer training completed, and analysis of vendor performance undertaken.

  e- AM testing work products delivered to those that need them - for example environments/ regression test sets passed to maintenance.

  f- Checks undertaken to ensure that all tests have been executed, with all defects confirmed as fixed by retesting.

  A. a, c, d and f.
  B. a, b, c and e
  C. a.b, e and f.
  D. b, c. d and e.
  B. a, b, c and e

  ---

  Explanation

• Question 155:

  Which of the following is the MOST relevant factor to consider when selecting an open source tool? SELECT ONE OPTION

  A. The number of testers that will use the tool.
  B. The initial cost of the tool and ongoing annual costs.
  C. The number of user screens in the tool.
  D. The formal user support available for the tool.
  D. The formal user support available for the tool.

  ---

  Explanation

• Question 156:

  Consider the following metrics:

  a- Percentage of all product risks identified during initial risk analysis b- Average time taken by developers to fix defects for each severity level c- Statement coverage achieved by the component test suite d- Breakdown of defects detected by test level

  How many of the five primary dimensions for test progress monitoring have been addressed by these metrics? SELECT ONE OPTION

  A. 2
  B. 4
  C. 1
  D. 3
  A. 2

  ---

  Explanation

• Question 157:

  You have assembled the following cost of quality numbers 200 defects were found prior to release and 100 were found after.

  Given this information what is the total cost of quality for this project?

  

  A. $300,000
  B. $200,000
  C. $100,000
  D. $10 000
  A. $300,000

  ---

  Explanation

  Step by Step Comprehensive Detailed Explanation:

  Definition of Cost of Quality (CoQ):CoQ is composed of four components:

  Prevention Costs:Costs related to activities to prevent defects (e.g., training, quality planning).

  Appraisal Costs:Costs associated with evaluating products to ensure defect-free delivery (e.g., testing).

  Internal Failure Costs:Costs due to defects found before delivery to the customer (e.g., rework).

  External Failure Costs:Costs from defects discovered after delivery (e.g., warranty claims, reputation damage).

  Calculation Process:

  Defect Prevention Cost:Given as $10,000 (fixed).

  Appraisal Cost:$250 per defect for 200 defects = 250×200=50,000250 \times 200 = 50,000250×200=50,000. Internal Failure Cost:$200 per defect for 200 defects = 200×200=40,000200 \times 200 = 40,000200×200=40,000. External Failure

  Cost:$2,000 per defect for 100 defects = 2,000×100=200,0002,000 \times 100 = 200,0002,000×100=200,000. Total CoQ:Adding all costs together:

  Total CoQ=10,000+50,000+40,000+200,000=300,000.\text{Total CoQ} = 10,000 + 50,000 + 40,000 + 200,000 = 300,000.Total CoQ=10,000+50,000+40,000+200,000=300,000.

  Correct Answer and Justification:The total cost is$300,000, making Option A the correct answer. References and Documentation from Advanced Test Management:

  ISTQB Advanced Test Management Syllabus v3.0, Section 2.2.2:This section emphasizes understanding and calculating the cost of quality by segregating it into the four components as seen above.

  ATM Sample Exam Questions 2024 (Example Calculations):Highlights similar numerical examples to calculate CoQ.

  ISTQB Exam Structure Rules v1.9:Ensures alignment with K2-level understanding for cost analysis scenarios in test management.

• Question 158:

  Which three of the following would be considered a good mix of technical and interpersonal skills (hard and soft), for a test team leader?

  a- Ability to compliment a developer.

  b- Presenting information regarding a test project progress to stakeholders

  c- Using a configuration management tool.

  d- Ability to read a development coding language

  e- Assessing a failure and documenting it correctly.

  A. c.d and e.
  B. a.b and e.
  C. a.c and d.
  D. b, d and e.
  D. b, d and e.

  ---

  Explanation

• Question 159:

  Which of the following Is considered a heavyweight risk-based testing technique?

  A. Systematic software testing
  B. Pragmatic risk analysts
  C. Brainstorming
  D. Hazard analysis
  D. Hazard analysis

  ---

  Explanation

  Context Analysis:

  Heavyweight risk-based techniques involve thorough, detailed analyses to identify and mitigate potential risks comprehensively.

  Hazard analysis is a structured method to identify and address risks, commonly used in safety-critical domains.

  Evaluation of Options:

  A. Systematic software testing:

  Incorrect. While methodical, it is not inherently a risk-based technique.

  B. Pragmatic risk analysis:

  Incorrect. This is a lightweight technique emphasizing practical application over detailed analysis.

  C. Brainstorming:

  Incorrect. While useful for generating ideas, it is not detailed enough to qualify as heavyweight.

  D. Hazard analysis:

  Correct. It is a formal and comprehensive approach, qualifying as a heavyweight technique.

  Syllabus Alignment:

  ISTQB highlights hazard analysis as a detailed, structured risk-based technique (TM-1.3.4).

  References:

  ISTQB Advanced Level Test Management Syllabus (TM-1.3.4)

• Question 160:

  Which of the following is a typical use of risk analysis? [1]

  A. Identifying the appropriate depth of testing for each identified risk
  B. Deciding what personnel should be assigned to which tests
  C. Determining the design of the tests used to mitigate each identified risk
  D. Forecasting the product delivery date
  A. Identifying the appropriate depth of testing for each identified risk

  ---

  Explanation

  Risk analysis is typically used to identify the appropriate depth of testing for each identified risk. This involves assessing the potential impact and likelihood of risks to prioritize testing efforts and ensure that high-risk areas are thoroughly tested.

  References:The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager syllabus and e-learning materials emphasize the importance of organizing and leading risk identification and risk analysis sessions. The outcomes of these sessions are used for test estimation, planning, monitoring, and control, which includes determining the depth of testing based on the identified risks