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

ISTQB ISTQB-CTAL-TM Online Questions & Answers

• Question 161:

  System testing on your current project is coming to an end and it is time to write the test completion report. The product is an in-house development to support the Sales and Marketing department. Test design was based on requirements

  analysis.

  Which of the following metrics is MOST likely to be useful to help the business stakeholders decide if testing has met its objectives?

  A. Breakdown by risk level of coverage of product risks
  B. Breakdown by coverage type of the code coverage achieved
  C. Percentage of test cases that have been automated
  D. Breakdown by priority of coverage of requirements
  D. Breakdown by priority of coverage of requirements

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  Explanation

  In business-focused testing (requirements-based), stakeholders are most interested in requirement coverage, especially bypriority. “Metrics... can be used to assess test progress... test coverage of requirements, user stories, acceptance criteria, risks or code.”

  -ISTQB-CTFL_Syllabus_2018_V3.1, section 5.3.1

  Options A and B are more aligned with technical or risk-based strategies. Option C doesn’t reflect testing effectiveness.

• Question 162:

  At what testing level do the test management activities Include coordinating with end users?

  A. Component testing
  B. Component Integration testing
  C. System testing
  D. Acceptance testing
  D. Acceptance testing

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  Explanation

  End User Involvement in Testing Levels:

  Acceptance testing involves validating the product with the end users to ensure it meets their needs and requirements.

  It typically requires close coordination with end users for User Acceptance Testing (UAT).

  Evaluation of Options:

  A (Component testing)andB (Component Integration testing)do not involve end users, as these are technical-level testing activities.

  C (System testing)focuses on the integrated system but does not require end-user participation.

  Dis correct because acceptance testing involves direct collaboration with end users.

  References and Syllabus Alignment:

  Covered under "Test Levels and Objectives" in the ISTQB syllabus (TM-1.2.5).

• Question 163:

  Test results are reported as "Requirements tested, passed, and failed". What test strategy are you using? [1]

  A. Model-based
  B. Exploratory
  C. Analytical
  D. Reactive
  C. Analytical

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  Explanation

  An analytical test strategy is a test strategy that is based on the analysis of the factors that affect the quality of the software under test, such as the requirements, the risks, the complexity, or the criticality1. An analytical test strategy uses these factors to define the test objectives, scope, approach, and techniques, as well as to prioritize and allocate the test resources2. Reporting the test results as “Requirements tested, passed, and failed” implies that the testing is driven by the requirements, which are the specifications of the desired features and functions of the software under test. Testing based on the requirements is an example of an analytical test strategy, as it uses the requirements as the main factor to guide the testing activities. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because a model-based test strategy is a test strategy that uses models to represent the desired behavior and structure of the software under test, and to derive test cases, test data, test procedures, and test oracles. A model-based test strategy does not necessarily report the test results as “Requirements tested, passed, and failed”, as it may use other types of models, such as state diagrams, data flow diagrams, or decision tables, to generate and execute the tests. Option B is incorrect because an exploratory test strategy is a test strategy that uses the tester’s knowledge, skills, and creativity to design and execute tests dynamically, without predefined test cases or test procedures. An exploratory test strategy does not report the test results as “Requirements tested, passed, and failed”, as it does not follow a formal or structured testing process, but rather relies on the tester’s intuition, experience, and feedback. Option D is incorrect because a reactive test strategy is a test strategy that uses the actual behavior and results of the software under test to design and execute tests, without prior knowledge or documentation of the software. A reactive test strategy does not report the test results as “Requirements tested, passed, and failed”, as it does not have any requirements or specifications to compare the software against, but rather uses the software itself as the test basis.

  References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Analytical Test Strategy 2: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.1.1 : ISTQB Glossary, Requirement : ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.1.1 : ISTQB Glossary, Model-Based Testing : ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.1.1 : ISTQB Glossary, Exploratory Testing : ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.1.1 : ISTQB Glossary, Reactive Test Strategy : ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.1.1 : Test Strategy | ISTQB Glossary : Test Strategy - ISTQB not-for-profit association

• Question 164:

  You are the Test Manager for a critical system and are using a risk-based approach for this project. Which of the following would most clearly convey the current status to project stakeholders? [3]

  A. A scatter chart showing test execution status
  B. A Pareto graph showing requirements coverage
  C. A pie chart showing residual risk
  D. A bar graph showing defect density
  C. A pie chart showing residual risk

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  Explanation

  The most clear way to convey the current status to project stakeholders is to use a pie chart showing residual risk. This is because a risk-based approach focuses on identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing the risks that may affect the quality of the system, and allocating testing resources accordingly. A pie chart can visually represent the proportion of each risk category (such as high, medium, or low) in the overall risk profile, and show how much risk has been reduced or remains after testing. This can help the stakeholders to understand the current level of confidence in the system, and the potential impact of any remaining risks.

  References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-forprofit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Managing the Test Team - ISTQB not-for-profit association

• Question 165:

  Your application development team is performing "test-driven" development. This is a core principal of which software development model? [1]

  A. Sequential
  B. Iterative
  C. Agile
  D. Spiral
  C. Agile

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  Explanation

  Test-driven development (TDD) is a core principle of Agile software development. In TDD, test cases are created before the code is written, and the code is developed to pass these tests. This approach emphasizes requirements and solutions evolving through collaborative effort and is a key practice in Agile methodologies12.

  References:The Agile Alliance describes TDD as a style of programming tightly interwoven with coding, testing, and design, which is a fundamental aspect of Agile development3. Wikipedia also notes that TDD is related to the test-first programming concepts of extreme programming, an Agile methodology This is because test-driven development (TDD) is a style of programming in which coding, testing, and design are tightly interwoven. TDD is a core principle of agile software development, which is an iterative and adaptive approach that values customer collaboration, working software, and responding to change. Agile Alliance

  References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, What is Test Driven Development (TDD)? | Agile Alliance

• Question 166:

  You are the Test Manager of a four-person test team working for a small distribution company with a single warehouse. Your team has been working with a third party development team on a new inventory management system. The company

  expects this system to generate approximately one million dollars per annum in profits for the company. Early in the project, various risks were

  identified, and steps taken to mitigate those risks.

  For example, you sent your test team for training on the new system, and upgraded the test environment.

  There are still some lingering risks that have not been addressed, but they have been determined to have a low chance of occurring, with minimal impact if they do occur.

  What would be the best option to mitigate these remaining risks? [3]

  A. Note the risks, and ignore them for now.
  B. Redo the project test plan to add additional testing for these risk items.
  C. Contract with the Risk Protection Insurance company to assume these risks at a cost of $500,000 per annum.
  D. Create a cross-functional team to work to reduce the impact and likelihood of these risks coming to fruition.
  D. Create a cross-functional team to work to reduce the impact and likelihood of these risks coming to fruition.

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  Explanation

  Creating a cross-functional team to address the remaining risks is the best option, as it actively involves various stakeholders in the mitigation process. This approach allows for diverse perspectives and expertise to be applied to reduce both the likelihood of the risks occurring and their potential impact, without incurring excessive costs or ignoring the risks altogether.

  References:The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager syllabus and related documents emphasize the importance of risk management throughout the testing process. It suggests that forming teams to address risks can be an effective strategy, as it leverages collective knowledge and resources to mitigate risks in a cost-effective manner

• Question 167:

  Which of the following is MOST likely to influence the choice of test levels for a project?

  A. The type of project
  B. The product domain
  C. Availability of test data
  D. Test resource constraints
  A. The type of project

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  Explanation

  According to ISTQB, test levels are defined based onproject and product characteristics, including whether it’s a safety-critical system, customer-facing application, or infrastructure update. Hence,the type of projectis most influential. ISTQB emphasizes adapting the lifecycle model (and hence the test levels) to thecontext of project and productcharacteristics.

• Question 168:

  You have assembled the following cost of quality numbers 1 000 defects were found prior to release and 100 were found after.

  

  Given this information what should you conclude?

  A. More testing was needed before the production release because the defect detection percentage (DDP) was below 90%
  B. The cost of testing is high and could probably be lowered by spending more money on defect prevention
  C. The cost of testing is just right and is justified by the numbers
  D. More effort should be put on appraisal to help lower the cost of quality
  B. The cost of testing is high and could probably be lowered by spending more money on defect prevention

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  Explanation

  Cost of Quality Analysis:

  The given table lists costs for defect prevention, appraisal, internal failure, and external failure.

  Defect prevention cost is $50,000, while costs for appraisal, internal failures, and external failures are $250,000, $200,000, and $200,000, respectively.

  The combined cost of internal and external failures is significantly high compared to defect prevention costs.

  Defect Detection and Prevention (DDP):

  DDP measures the effectiveness of defect prevention activities and early detection mechanisms.

  In this case, 1,000 defects were caught before release (appraisal) and 100 defects escaped to production.

  DDP = (Defects found before release / Total defects) = 1000 / (1000 + 100) = 90.91%.

  While this DDP is relatively high, the costs of appraisal and failures indicate that prevention strategies need more investment.

  Key Cost Drivers:

  High internal and external failure costs indicate inefficiencies in earlier stages of quality assurance.

  Shifting investments from appraisal and failure costs towards defect prevention would reduce the overall cost of quality.

  Evaluating Options:

  Option A ("More testing needed because DDP < 90%") is invalid since DDP is above 90%.

  Option C ("The cost of testing is justified") does not address the imbalance between high failure costs and low prevention spending.

  Option D ("More effort on appraisal") contradicts the cost-benefit focus of investing in prevention.

  Option B is correct because enhancing defect prevention strategies will reduce downstream costs. References and Syllabus Alignment:

  This conclusion aligns with the ISTQB Advanced Test Management syllabus section on "Cost of Quality" and strategies to optimize testing investments. Specifically, prevention is emphasized as more cost-effective than appraisal and failure

  management.

• Question 169:

  Your company, which specialises in the manufacture of luxury garden furniture to the UK market, is to embark on a project that will deliver a major update to its payment processing component, addressing improvements to functional suitability

  and performance efficiency. You have just selected a performance testing tool but it has not yet been implemented.

  A decision has been made to transfer responsibility for functional system test implementation and execution to the company's offshore test team. System test analysis and design will be performed onshore, at the company's UK head office.

  You have direct management responsibility for all test personnel, onshore and offshore.

  Which of the following is a test management activity that is MOST important for this project?

  A. Creating a resource allocation strategy
  B. Deciding which test techniques should be applied
  C. Defining an approach for usability testing
  D. Implementing the performance testing tool
  A. Creating a resource allocation strategy

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  Explanation

  Creating aresource allocation strategyis essential when managing a split team between offshore and onshore teams. The Test Manager is responsible for ensuring coordination, workload balancing, and seamless communication across geographically dispersed teams. This aligns with test planning activities which include “making decisions about the people and other resources required to perform the various test activities” .

• Question 170:

  Which one of the following standards would a Test Manager be expected to understand when planning and organising activities with a Project Manager? SELECT ONE OPTION

  A. PRINCE2.
  B. CMMI.
  C. TMMI.
  D. ITIL.
  A. PRINCE2.

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  Explanation