You identified a suitable project to pilot an automation tool and planned and conduced a pilot. The pilot has been successful and tool Is being deployed within your organization, with a plan to increase tool use by the one project at a time. During this rollout some test processes will be changed slightly to gain additional benefits from using the tool. In the pilot project, a small set of manual tests were automated for the first time. You are currently monitoring the test automation efficiency and this reveals that the automation regime for the tests is not yet mature. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
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A
The approach used for deployed this tool is aligned to the standard success factor for deployment
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B
The pilot project should have been critical so that maximum benefits were delivered
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C
The target defined for the project was inappropriate, because the automation regime for the automated tests at the end of the pilot is not yet mature.
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D
The test process should be radically changed to gain additional benefits from using the tool.
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Correct answerA
ExplanationThe statement reflects the standard success factors for deploying an automation tool, which include rolling out the tool incrementally and adapting processes to fit with the use of the tool 1. This approach allows for a controlled and measured implementation that can be adjusted based on feedback from each phase of the rollout. It is common for the test automation regime to not be fully mature immediately following a pilot; maturity develops over time as the tool is integrated into more projects and processes are refined. References: The answer is based on the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer syllabus and the recognized best practices for deploying test automation tools as outlined in ISTQB materials.
Consider a TAS associated to dynamically changing software frequent releases. Your goal is to determine the amount of effort required to maintain the automated tests of the regression test suite for each new release of the SUT. What is the MOST important metric to collect to achieve your goal?
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A
The code coverage achieved with the automated tests, for each new release of the SUT
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B
The number of automated tests which fail because of a single software defect, for each new release of the SUT
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C
The time it takes to execute all the automated tests, for each new release of the SUT.
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D
The number of automated tests requiring maintenance, for each new release of the SUT.
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Correct answerD
ExplanationThe most crucial metric to collect in order to determine the maintenance effort for automated tests in a regression test suite, especially for a system under test (SUT) that undergoes frequent releases, is the number of automated tests requiring maintenance. This metric directly reflects the impact of changes in the SUT on the test suite. High maintenance needs can indicate that the automated tests are tightly coupled to the SUT, which may require a redesign of the test automation strategy to improve maintainability and reduce future effort. References: The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus emphasizes the importance of metrics in monitoring the effectiveness of test automation. It specifically mentions the need to manage and optimize testing assets to facilitate maintainability, which aligns with the concept of measuring the number of tests requiring maintenance.
You have been asked to determine a TAS for a new release of a SUT, test should be automated wherever. The new release will consist of 5 new interfaces and an amendment to 3 existing interfaces. The new and amended interface will be deliver incrementally in 3 sprints, each lasting 2 weeks. What would be the BEST Test Automation Solution (TAS) design in this scenario?
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A
Automate tests at both Component and System Level. Only do this automation once every interface has been fully developed or amended and manual testing has completed successfully.
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B
Automate tests at one level only, System level. Use only the newly developed interfaces and do not create any customized interfaces/test hooks.
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C
Automate the tests at two levels, Component and System level. Create customized hooks at Component level for interface not yet developed or amended. Only use the newly developed or amended interfaces to test at System level.
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D
Automate a test at once level, component level, Create customized interface/test hooks for this level where the interface has not yet been developed or amended.
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Correct answerC
ExplanationThe ISTQB Test Automation Engineer guidelines emphasize the importance of a Test Automation Architecture (TAa)- that is flexible and maintainable. In the scenario described, automating tests at both the Component and System levels allows for early detection of defects and continuous integration of changes. Customized hooks at the Component level enable testing of interfaces that are under development, which is crucial for incremental delivery in Agile environments. Testing only the newly developed or amended interfaces at the System level ensures that the automation is focused on the changes that are most relevant to the release. References: The answer is based on the principles outlined in the ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus, which discusses the design, development, and maintenance of test automation solutions, as well as the automation of dynamic functional tests and their relationship to test management, configuration management, defect management, software development processes, and quality assurance.
You are part of a team testing a hospital management system. The team has been manually verifying the correct insertion of patient data into a database system, using data that is periodically harvested from the production systems. An auditor has notified your management that this use of actual patient data violates privacy policies. Which of the following is the most expedient way to solve the privacy issue?
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A
Allow only a single tester to conduct these tests and ensure that this tester has signed a non-disclosure agreement.
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B
Create an automated test to perform the data verification; use only anonymized data.
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C
Remove the tests that require the protected data and run those manually; automate the rest of the tests to save time.
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D
Obtain permission from the patients to use their private data for software testing purposes.
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Manual testers are spending most of their time on regression testing, leaving too little time for new feature testing. You want to show the business value of automation in this context. Which metric is MOST appropriate?
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A
Percentage of source code covered by automated tests
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B
Equivalent Manual Test Effort for the automated tests
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C
Number of automation libraries used
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D
Number of screenshots captured during failed tests
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Correct answerB
ExplanationOption B is correct because Equivalent Manual Test Effort shows how much manual effort is saved by automation, which directly addresses the stated problem. Option A is incorrect because code coverage does not directly show time saved for testers. Option C is incorrect because library count does not indicate business value. Option D is incorrect because failure screenshots may aid diagnosis but do not quantify the value of freed testing effort.
Which of the following statements about the reuse of TAS artifacts is true?
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A
Reusable TAS artifacts can include components (or part of them) associated with different layers of the TAA
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B
To enable reuse of TAS artifacts a good design for reuse built into the TAA is needed and no further actions are needed during the TAS lifecycle
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C
Continuous maintenance and improvements for reusing TAS artifacts are mostly addressed during the design of the TAA
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D
Reusable TAS artifacts associated with the definition layer of the TAA include the adaptors to the SUT components and/or interfaces
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You are using a gTAA to create a TAS for a project. The TAS is aimed specifically at automating a suit of existing manual test cases for standalone desktop applications. All the interfaces between the TAS and SUT will be from the CUI of the application. Which of the following layers of the gTAA should you focus on for the TAS?
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A
The test Generation layer
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B
The Test Definition layer
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C
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D
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Correct answerC
ExplanationIn the context of using a gTAA for creating a TAS, particularly for automating a suite of existing manual test cases for standalone desktop applications with interfaces from the CUI of the application, the focus should be on the Test Adaption layer. This layer is crucial as it deals with adapting the test cases to the specific interfaces of the System Under Test (SUT). It involves creating the necessary mappings and interactions with the CUI, ensuring that the automated tests can effectively communicate with the application as a user would through the CUI. References: The importance of the Test Adaption layer in the gTAA is highlighted in resources that discuss the Generic Test Automation Architecture and its application in test automation projects. These resources provide insights into how each layer of the gTAA serves a specific purpose in the development of a TAS, with the Test Adaption layer being key for interfacing with the SUT.
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of test automation?
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A
The ability to perform tests which would be difficult or impossible to execute manually
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B
The ability to run more tests in less time and therefore to make it possible to run them more often
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C
The ability to find more defects with the same tests, compared to executing the same test manually
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D
The ability to enable a better use of skilled testers by freeing them from repetitive and boring tasks
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Correct answerC
ExplanationTest automation does not inherently find more defects than manual testing; it executes pre-scripted tests against the software. The effectiveness of finding defects is determined by the quality of the test cases, whether automated or manual. Automated tests run the same steps consistently every time they are executed, which means they are not designed to find new defects unless the test scripts are updated to reflect changes in the test cases or the system under test. References: The information is synthesized from the ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and various resources that discuss the benefits and risks of test automation. Specifically, the ISTQB emphasizes the efficiency, repeatability, and coverage that test automation provides, as well as the challenges such as the initial investment and ongoing maintenance required.
What represents good practice when automating a manual regression test suite?
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A
Test data shared between tests should, where feasible, be stored and accessed from a single source to avoid duplication or introduction of error.
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B
All existing manual tests should be decomposed into several smaller automated tests to reduce functional overlap.
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C
Remove inter-dependencies between tests to reduce automation failures and costly error analysis.
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D
Once a manual test has been automated, execute it immediately to Identify whether it operates correctly.
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Correct answerA
ExplanationWhen automating a manual regression test suite, it is considered good practice to store and access shared test data from a single source when possible. This approach helps to avoid duplication and the introduction of errors, which can occur when multiple sources of test data are used. Centralizing test data ensures consistency across tests and simplifies maintenance, as changes to the data need to be made in only one place. This practice aligns with principles of efficiency and reliability in test automation. References: The information is based on the ISTQB CT-TAE guidelines, which recommend centralizing shared test data to improve the efficiency and reliability of automated testing 1.
Question 10
Single choice
A TAS will be deployed for the first time into a dedicated environment that uses resources shared with existing applications. There is a significant risk that some existing applications may stop working because of resource conflicts. Which mitigation activity is MOST effective?
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A
Verify whether the TAS can be ported to additional future environments
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B
Test the TAS for compatibility issues in the target environment
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C
Optimize the TAS for faster execution before deployment
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D
Delay deployment until the next software release
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Correct answerB
ExplanationOption B is correct because the stated risk concerns resource conflicts in the actual target environment, so compatibility testing there is the most direct mitigation. Option A is incorrect because portability to other environments does not address the immediate compatibility risk. Option C is incorrect because execution speed is not the main issue described. Option D is incorrect because delay alone does not reduce the technical risk unless compatibility is actually assessed.
Question 11
Single choice
A project runs automated integration tests many times per day as part of continuous integration. Stakeholders need 24/7 access to build history and test results for all builds. Which reporting solution is BEST?
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A
Store only the latest build results and email a report to the team
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B
Keep results for each build in a database and use them to update a dashboard showing history and status
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C
Keep only code coverage data and email charts weekly
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D
Print a report after each build and archive it manually
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Correct answerB
ExplanationOption B is correct because it preserves historical execution data and provides continuously available visibility through a dashboard. Option A is incorrect because overwriting older results removes valuable trend and history information. Option C is incorrect because code coverage alone does not provide full test execution visibility. Option D is incorrect because manual archiving does not satisfy the requirement for efficient, always-available reporting.
Question 12
Single choice
To maximize reuse across future automation solutions, where should design for reuse primarily occur?
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A
At the individual script level only
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B
At the framework naming-convention level only
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C
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D
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Correct answerD
ExplanationOption D is correct because reuse is best enabled when architectural principles and reusable structures are defined early at the TAA level. Option A is incorrect because reuse limited to individual scripts is too narrow. Option B is incorrect because naming conventions help consistency but are not sufficient to provide architectural reuse. Option C is incorrect because the TAS benefits from reuse, but the main design decisions that enable it should originate in the TAA.
Question 13
Single choice
You have been running test automation on a web service that is used by students to access their course information, including grades at the end of the semester. There are concerns about the load that can be handled by the system, but load testing has not yet occurred. You have decided to run only the part of the test automation that simulates viewing student grades. When running this, you have discovered that the software gets noticeably slower after it has run for only 10 minutes. You put a timer at the beginning of each login and at the point where the grades are displayed to the user and you can see that the performance has slowed by as much as 1 minute. What other logging should you include in your TAS to help pinpoint the issue?
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A
Logging on each call to the database, with timing before and after
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B
Logging of any test case failures and screen shots of those failures
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C
Logging of all actions performed by the tests
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D
Logging of the SUT memory at the beginning and end of each grade request
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Question 14
Single choice
What is the purpose of the Test Definition Layer of the gTAA?
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A
To support manual or automated design of test cases
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B
To adapt the automated tests for specific interfaces of the SUT
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C
To support the implementation of test cases
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D
To provide an interface for the project management of the test automation development
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Question 15
Multiple choice
Consider a SUT that small run on multiple platform during the execution of automated test runs. In each test run an automated test suite needs to be executed, with the same version of the TAF, against the same version of the SUT of each platform. Each platform shall have its own dedicated test environment. Your goal is to implement a process as automated as possible ( i.e with minimal manual intervention) that allows implementing a consistent setup of the TAS across the multiple test environments. Which two of the following aspects are MOST relevant for achieving your goal in this scenario?
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A
The configuration of the TAS uses automated installation scripts
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B
The TAF saves the logs needed to debug errors in XML format
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C
Features of the TAF not used by the automated tests have been tested
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D
All the automated test cases contain the expected results
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E
The TAS components are under configuration management
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Correct answersA, E
ExplanationFor a consistent setup of the Test Automation Suite (TAS) across multiple test environments, it is crucial to have both automated installation scripts and configuration management in place. Automated installation scripts (a)- ensure that the TAS can be deployed quickly and consistently across different environments without manual intervention. Configuration management (e)- ensures that all components of the TAS are tracked, version-controlled, and maintained systematically, which is essential when the same TAS version is to be used across various platforms. References: This answer is supported by the ISTQB Test Automation Engineer documents, which highlight the importance of automation and configuration management in maintaining a consistent test environment across different platforms.
Question 16
Single choice
Which of the following is an important success factor for any significant automation project?
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A
The TAA must be designed for testability.
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B
The TAA is self-documenting
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C
The SUT must be designed for testability
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D
The SUT is self-documenting
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Correct answerC
ExplanationFor any significant automation project, a critical success factor is that the System Under Test (SUT) must be designed for testability (Option c)- . Testability refers to the ease with which a system can be tested, which includes aspects like accessibility to test interfaces, observability of outputs, controllability of inputs, and the system's ability to be put into a known state for testing. A SUT designed with testability in mind facilitates the creation and execution of automated tests, enhancing the effectiveness, reliability, and coverage of the Test Automation Architecture (TAa)- . This design consideration directly impacts the efficiency of testing activities, reducing the time and effort required to achieve comprehensive test coverage and identify defects.
Question 17
Single choice
A regression test suite consist of 500 test cases which are all executed manually. The business case for a pilot project is based on the adoption of test automation using a commercial tool that will reduce the execution time by a factor of 90% for 100% of the tests in the regression test suite. The pilot project lasted one month ( as planned)- and you are currently its results. At the end of the pilot project, 40% of the regression tests have been automated and their execution time has been reduce by 60%. Which of the following statements is TRUE in this scenario?
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A
The duration of the pilot project was too short -it should last unit the success factors are achieved
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B
The target defined for the business case is too accurate -it should not be measureable
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C
The project selected for the pilot is too critical -if should not be too critical or too trivial
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D
The target defined for the business case seems difficult to hit - it should be realistic
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Correct answerD
ExplanationThe business case for the pilot project set a very ambitious target: reducing the execution time by 90% for all tests in the regression suite. However, at the end of the pilot, only 40% of the tests were automated with a 60% reduction in execution time. This indicates that the initial target may have been unrealistic within the given timeframe and resources. It's important for business cases to set achievable goals to ensure that the project can meet its objectives and provide a clear return on investment. Setting realistic targets also helps maintain stakeholder confidence and support for the project. References: The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and related materials discuss the importance of realistic planning and setting achievable targets in the context of test automation projects. These resources emphasize that while test automation can significantly improve efficiency, the extent and speed of these improvements must be realistically assessed based on the specific context of the project.
Question 18
Single choice
Selection of the test execution tool is a design consideration for which part of the overall test automation project?
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A
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B
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C
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D
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Question 19
Multiple choice
As a TAE you are evaluating a functional test automation tool that will be for several projects within your organization. The projects require that tool to work effectively and efficiently with SUT's in distributed environments. The test automated tool also needs to interface with other existing test tools (test management tool and defect tracking tool.) The existing test tools subject to planned updates and their interface to the test automated tool may not work property after these updates. Which of the following are the two LEAST important concerns related to the evaluation of the test automation in this scenario?
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A
Is the test automation tool able to launch processors and execute test cases on multiple machines in different environments?
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B
the test automation tool support a licensing scheme that allows accessing different sets?
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C
the test automation tool have a large feature set, but only part of the features will be sets?
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D
Do the release notes for the planned updates on existing specify the impacts on their interfaces to other tools?
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E
the test automation tool need to install specific libraries that could impact the SUT?
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Correct answersB, C
ExplanationB. The licensing scheme that allows accessing different sets is not a key concern in this scenario because the primary requirements focus on technical capabilities such as distributed execution and integration with other tools. Licensing flexibility does not directly impact the effectiveness, efficiency, or robustness of the test automation solution in the given context. C. Having a large feature set where only part of the features will be used is also not a critical concern. This relates more to cost optimization or tool selection efficiency rather than the core functional requirements. It does not significantly affect the tool's ability to operate in distributed environments or to integrate reliably with other systems. A. The ability to launch processes and execute test cases across multiple machines is essential because the projects explicitly require support for distributed environments. This is a key evaluation criterion. D. The impact of planned updates on interfaces to other tools is critical, as the scenario highlights the risk of integration issues due to changes in existing test tools. This directly affects system stability and maintainability. E. The need to install specific libraries that could impact the SUT is also an important concern, as it may interfere with the system under test and compromise test validity or environment stability. Conclusion: B and C are the least important concerns in this scenario.
Question 20
Single choice
Your project is transitioning from manual to automated testing. You have decided to implement a pilot project so that lessons learned can inform future time estimates and schedules. Which two of the following represent the types of test cases that are MOST suited to a test automation pilot project? a)- High added value test cases that require little effort to automate. b)- Test that are run infrequently as these will be simpler to automate. c)- Reliability test cases that can show added value soon. d)- Technically challenging test cases to provide the best validation of manual test conversion. e)- Tests that are least Important to the business as these are safer to trial.
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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
ExplanationFor a test automation pilot project, the most suited types of test cases are those that provide high added value and can show this value soon after implementation. High added value test cases that require little effort to automate (option a)- are ideal for a pilot because they demonstrate the effectiveness of automation quickly and with minimal investment. Reliability test cases that can show added value soon (option c)- are also suitable as they help to establish trust in the automation process by providing tangible benefits early on. These types of test cases can serve as a proof of concept, showcasing the potential of automated testing to stakeholders and informing future time estimates and schedules. References: The selection of test cases for a pilot project in test automation should focus on quick wins and demonstrable value to support the transition from manual to automated testing. This approach is supported by the ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus, which recommends starting with test cases that are likely to yield immediate and visible benefits, thereby gaining support for the automation initiative.
Question 21
Single choice
You are implementing a TAS for a system that has been live for over three years, using a hybrid waterfall and agile lifecycle. Live updates are made on a monthly basis. There is no test team, with developers designing and executing unit and integration tests with some degree of automation and business analysts designing and executing manual tests at the system level. No formal test process exists, although the system has proved relatively stable for most of the time. Unfortunately, the last two monthly releases were problematic with regression defects found in production. Your priority is the automation of functional regression tests at the system level, the budget for this has been approved by project stakeholders. The Business Analysts have identified which test cases are most suitable for regression. You must use the organisation's long standing commercial automation tool which has passed a proof of concept in the platform for the system in question. Which of the following suitability criteria needs the MOST attention for the TAS?
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A
Technical planning in support of ROI analysis
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B
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C
Compatibility and tool support
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D
Maturity of the test process
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Correct answerD
ExplanationThe maturity of the test process needs the most attention because it is fundamental to the successful implementation of a Test Automation System (TAS). Given that there is no formal test process and the system has experienced regression defects, focusing on the maturity of the test process will ensure that the test automation is built on a solid foundation. This involves establishing a structured test process that integrates with both the waterfall and agile lifecycle, ensuring that the automated tests are maintainable, reusable, and provide effective coverage. Without a mature test process, the automation efforts may not align with the business requirements and could result in ineffective testing or further regression issues. References: The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and study resources emphasize the importance of a mature test process when implementing test automation. It is essential for ensuring that the automation aligns with the test strategy and provides value to the organization 4.
Question 22
Single choice
New features have been added for the current release of a SUT. Which action would NOT be appropriate for the TAE to perform when evaluating the impact on the TAS?
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A
Gather feedback from the Business Analysts to determine if the current TAS will meet the needs of the new features.
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B
Review existing keywords to see if they need to be modified.
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C
Run existing automated tests against the updated SUT to verify and record any changes to their correct operation.
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D
Evaluate compatibility with existing test tools and, where necessary, identify alternative solutions.
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Correct answerA
ExplanationWhen evaluating the impact of new features on the Test Automation Solution (TAS), it would not be appropriate for the Test Automation Engineer (TAe)- to gather feedback from Business Analysts to determine if the current TAS will meet the needs of the new features (Option a)- . While Business Analysts provide valuable insights into business requirements and the intended functionality of new features, their feedback may not directly inform the technical suitability or readiness of the TAS to handle these new features. Instead, the TAE should focus on technical evaluations such as reviewing existing keywords for necessary modifications (Option b)- , running existing automated tests against the updated SUT to identify any changes in operation (Option c)- , and assessing compatibility with existing test tools or identifying alternative solutions (Option d)- . These actions directly address the technical implications of new features on the TAS, ensuring that the automated testing remains effective and aligned with the evolving requirements of the SUT.
Question 23
Single choice
Your company has been using a home-grown tool for test automation for a rapidly evolving web application. The testing team is technical and has been maintaining the tool, which was originally coded in C#. This tool has worked well for small projects, but cannot scale for the larger projects without a major re-write that will take about two years. It is also becoming outdated and does not support any mobile testing at all. You are looking for a replacement tool. Your evaluation of the tools is shown in the table below: Given this information, which tool should you recommend to your management?
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A
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B
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C
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D
Stay with the existing tool
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Question 24
Single choice
What triggers the need for perfective maintenance on a TAS?
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A
A performance issue has been found with the TAS
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B
A new set of browsers are launched in the market and need to be supported
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C
A defect has been found that is causing a TAS failure
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D
The current test automation scripting tool used by the TAA has been updated
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Question 25
Multiple choice
Consider a TAS that adopts a keyword-driven framework. The SUT is a web application and the set of available keywords for writing the automated tests consists of a very large number of keywords that relate to highly specific user actions tied directly to the GUI of the SUT. The automated tests written with such set of keywords are statically analyzed by a custom tool that shows the presence of many repeated instances of several identical sequences of keywords. The waiting mechanism implemented by the TAS for a webpage load is based on a synchronous sampling within a given timeout: the TAS allows checking a webpage load every X seconds until a timeout value. Based only on the given information, which of the following recommendations would you provide for improving the TAS (assuming it is possible to perform all of them)?
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A
Changing the scripting approach to data-driven scripting
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B
Implementing keywords with higher level of granularity
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C
Changing the wait mechanism to explicit hard-coded waits
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D
Establishing an error recovery process for TAS and SUT
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