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

ISTQB ISTQB-CTAL-TM Online Questions & Answers

• Question 51:

  Your test process is fully integrated into the software development lifecycle. You are at which TMMi level? [1]

  A. Initial
  B. Managed
  C. Defined
  D. Optimized
  C. Defined

  ---

  Explanation

  According to the TMMi model, the test process is fully integrated into the software development lifecycle at the Defined level. This level establishes that all projects are following the same standards and procedures throughout the organization

  or organizational unit. Test is integrated into the development life cycle and into all projects from early in development.

  TMMi ModelTMMi Introduction

  References:

  TMMi Model - TMMi

  What is TMMI (Test Maturity Model Integration) in Software Testing?

• Question 52:

  During what step of the Fundamental Test Process should you define the methods to be used to collect test metrics? [1]

  A. Analysis
  B. Planning
  C. Closure
  D. Execution
  B. Planning

  ---

  Explanation

  The correct answer is

  B. Planning. This is because test metrics are quantitative measures that are used to monitor and control the test process, and to evaluate the test results and quality. Test metrics should be defined during the planning step of the Fundamental Test Process, which is the activity of establishing the test objectives, scope, approach, resources, schedule, and deliverables. By defining the methods to be used to collect test metrics during the planning step, the test team can ensure that the test metrics are aligned with the test plan and the project goals, and that the data collection process is consistent and efficient. Test Metrics - ISTQB not-for-profit association

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

• Question 53:

  Which of the following statements is true regarding Fault Tree Analysis? [1]

  A. It is used to determine the root cause of observed and potential failures.
  B. It is used to select the pairs of items to be used in pairwise testing.
  C. It is a formal technique used to identify the likely effects of risks.
  D. It is used to target defect-based testing.
  A. It is used to determine the root cause of observed and potential failures.

  ---

  Explanation

  Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is a technique used to analyze the causes of faults (defects). The technique visually models how logical relationships between failures, human errors, and external events can combine to cause specific faults to disclose1. FTA can help to determine the root cause of observed and potential failures by tracing back the fault events to their initiating causes and identifying the combinations of events that can lead to the fault occurrence2. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because FTA is not used to select the pairs of items to be used in pairwise testing, which is a technique to generate test cases based on the combinations of two input parameters. Option C is incorrect because FTA is not a formal technique used to identify the likely effects of risks, which are uncertain events or conditions that may have a positive or negative impact on the project objectives. Option D is incorrect because FTA is not used to target defect-based testing, which is a testing technique that uses information about the types, causes, andlocations of defects discovered in previous projects to guide the selection, creation, and prioritization of test cases.

  References: 1: Fault Tree Analysis | ISTQB Glossary 2: Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) - Software Testing Genius : ISTQB Glossary, Pairwise Testing : ISTQB Glossary, Risk : ISTQB Glossary, Defect-Based Test Technique : Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) - Software Testing Genius : Fault Tree Analysis | ISTQB Glossary

• Question 54:

  You plan to use a heavyweight approach to risk-based testing on a safety-critical system and have the following information available for each documented product risk: The estimated cost of testing the risk How likely a failure would arise for the risk item How much the failure would cost, in terms of lossWhich technique would be MOST suitable?

  A. Fault tree analysis
  B. Systematic software testing
  C. Cost of exposure
  D. Failure mode and effect analysis
  C. Cost of exposure

  ---

  Explanation

  TheCost of Exposuretechnique is most suitable when you have data on thecost of testing, thelikelihood of failure, and thecost of failure. Cost of Exposure = Likelihood × Impact, which is directly applicable here: “Risk involves the possibility of an event in the future which has negative consequences. The level of risk is determined by the likelihood of the event and the impact (the harm) from that event”. This technique helps prioritize which risks justify more testing based on potential financial impact.

• Question 55:

  Your organisation, a high-street bank, is to embark on a project that delivers a major update to the design of its website and also involves functional and performance improvementchanges to its backend core banking engine. It has traditionally used the V-model software development lifecycle to deliver its projects but has now decided to start migrating to Agile (SCRUM). However, after considering the organisation's current processes and skills plus the importance of the project, senior management has decided to continue to use the V-model approach for the backend core banking engine changes. For the same reasons, they have decided to implement a hybrid model for the website updates. The website updates will begin with a traditional requirement definition phase and will then transition to an Agile (SCRUM) approach for development and testing. The organisation's test policy mandates that all tests must be fully traceable to business requirements to satisfy the regular audits that take place in the banking sector. Which TWO test management activities would be MOST appropriate for the new project?

  A. Ask the business to identify and analyse all product risks, then ensure testing contributes to risk mitigation strategies
  B. Avoid distinct test phases and ensure testing is continuous and integrated across the whole project
  C. Ensure there is a continual review of test progress with regular test monitoring and reporting across the whole project
  D. Select tools for test automation and continuous integration for the website changes
  E. Plan exploratory testing on all of the new website features but use formal scripting for the banking engine
  A. Ask the business to identify and analyse all product risks, then ensure testing contributes to risk mitigation strategies
  C. Ensure there is a continual review of test progress with regular test monitoring and reporting across the whole project

  ---

  Explanation

  This hybrid approach necessitatesrisk-based test planningandcontinuous monitoring, especially with traceability required for audits. “One of the key responsibilities of the Test Manager is to ensure test activities support risk mitigation and

  ensure regular monitoring aligned to regulatory compliance.”

  (Source: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus 2012, Sections 1.5, 2.3.1 and 5.2)

  Thus,A and Cbest align with the test management goals for this hybrid project.

• Question 56:

  Your company just won a contract to create a new sales application and has committed to a very aggressive delivery timeline. Due to the quick turnaround your primary stakeholder wants to be heavily involved in the design and is very

  anxious to see the outcome. Because of this, your company has decided to use a spiral development approach. You have a defined test policy and typically use an analytical approach to testing, however, this approach will not work with the

  development approach.

  What test strategy should be utilized? [3]

  A. Model-based
  B. Methodical
  C. Standard-compliant
  D. Reactive
  D. Reactive

  ---

  Explanation

  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 software1. A reactive test strategy should be utilized for a project that uses a spiral development approach, which is a type of iterative /incremental approach that adds risk analysis and prototyping activities to each iteration2. A reactive test strategy is suitable for a spiral development approach because it allows for flexibility, adaptability, and creativity in the testing process, as well as for early feedback, risk reduction, and continuous improvement in the software development process3. Therefore, option D 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 may not work well with a spiral development approach, as it requires the availability and stability of the models, which may not be the case in a spiral development approach that involves frequent changes and refinements of the software under test. Option B is incorrect because a methodical test strategy is a test strategy that uses predefined test methods, techniques, and procedures to design and execute tests, such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, or decision table testing. A methodical test strategy may not work well with a spiral development approach, as it requires the availability and stability of the test basis, such as the requirements, specifications, or design documents, which may not be the case in a spiral development approach that involves frequent changes and refinements of the software under test. Option C is incorrect because a standard-compliant test strategy is a test strategy that follows a predefined set of standards, guidelines, or regulations to design and execute tests, such as ISO, IEEE, or CMMI. A standard-compliant test strategy may not work wellwith a spiral development approach, as it requires the compliance and consistency of the testing process, which may not be the case in a spiral development approach that involves frequent changes and refinements of the software under test.

  References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Reactive Test Strategy 2: ISTQB Glossary, Spiral Model 3: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.1.1 : Spiral Model in Software Development Life Cycle - Software Testing Material : Spiral Model

  - Tools QA : Strategic Test Management - ISTQB not-for-profit association : ISTQB Glossary, Model-Based Testing : ISTQB Glossary, Methodical Test Strategy : ISTQB Glossary, Standard-Compliant Test Strategy : ISTQB Foundation Level #39 - Test Approach and Strategy - Software Testing Mentor

• Question 57:

  Which test process improvement model consists of five maturity levels?

  A. TMMi.
  B. TPI. NEXT
  C. GQM
  D. CMMi.
  A. TMMi.

  ---

  Explanation

  Test Process Improvement Models:

  TMMi. (Test Maturity Model Integration)has five maturity levels: Initial, Managed, Defined, Measured, and Optimization.

  Other models, likeTPI. NEXT, focus on key areas but do not use a maturity-level framework.

  CMMi. (Capability Maturity Model Integration)applies broadly to process improvement but is not specific to testing.

  GQM (Goal-Question-Metric)is a measurement approach, not a maturity model.

  Evaluation of Options:

  A (TMMi.)is correct as it directly incorporates a five-level maturity framework for test process improvement.

  Other options are not aligned with the question context.

  References and Syllabus Alignment:

  TMMi is referenced in the ISTQB syllabus under "Improving the Test Process" (TM-1.5.1) as a standard for maturity models.

• Question 58:

  You are the Test Manager for a software house called "MakeMyApp" that specialise in mobile phone applications, agile techniques are used for all software development projects.

  A new project is underway to develop enhancements to a 'photo sharing' application, known as 'PictureFriend'. There are two types of user account available -Premium Users and Guest Users. Guest users only have limited functionality

  available.

  The enhanced features to PictureFriend are:

  Feature 1: Guest Users can share photos with other Guest Users and Premium Users;

  Feature 2: Premium Users can edit pictures before posting to their account;

  Feature 3: Premium Users can create '3D-effect' photographs

  The requirements for each feature will be broken down into a number of User Stories with acceptance criteria created for each of them. User Stories are planned and delivered in 2-week 'Sprints'. The project will have 3 sprints.

  Which of the following are test planning activities that would be MOST appropriate for Sprint 1?

  a) Analyse the risk for each of the user stories in sprint 1

  b) Publish lest progress reports throughout the sprint

  c) Arrange informal reviews of the user stories by the test team

  d) Plan an automated system test suite for the user stories.

  e) Specify system test conditions at a detailed level for all user stories

  Chose one of the following options: SELECT ONE OPTION

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

  ---

  Explanation

• Question 59:

  Which of the following organizational structures would be considered unorthodox? [1]

  A. Developers within the same team unit test each others' code prior to handing over to a separate testing team for system testing
  B. Developers and testers are integrated within the same project team, each role focusing on a different level of testing
  C. After developers are done unit testing, business analysts alpha test the system before handing over to a separate testing team for system testing
  D. DBAs confirm the referential integrity of the database and developers complete their unit testing before handing over to external organization for system testing
  C. After developers are done unit testing, business analysts alpha test the system before handing over to a separate testing team for system testing

  ---

  Explanation

  The unorthodox structure mentioned in option C involves business analysts performing alpha testing. Typically, alpha testing is conducted by internal staff or a team close to the development environment,not specifically by business analysts.

  This step is unusual as business analysts are generally responsible for requirements analysis and ensuring that the developed system meets business needs, rather than conducting alpha testing, which is more focused on identifying bugs

  and issues from a user’s perspective.

  References:

  ISTQB Glossary, Distributed Testing ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 3.2.1 Related literature on testing roles and responsibilities

• Question 60:

  As a Test Manager, which one of the following do you think is the MOST important reason for ensuring effective processes are in place for test monitoring and reporting? SELECT ONE OPTION

  A. It allows for easier and more effective evaluation of exit criteria
  B. Reporting numbers of defects shows how effective the test team are.
  C. keeps stakeholders informed and prevents lots of meetings.
  D. The test report determines if a system can be deployed to live.
  A. It allows for easier and more effective evaluation of exit criteria

  ---

  Explanation