ISTQB CTFL-Foundation ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Exam Practice Test

Specification-based techniques, also known as black-box techniques, derive test cases from the specifications or requirements of the system. These techniques can be particularly useful when the test basis (such as documentation or requirements) is poorly defined or incomplete, as they provide a structured approach to testing based on the available specifications. This ensures that testing can proceed even when detailed documentation is lacking, helping to identify defects related to missing or incorrect functionality​​.

Decision coverage is a testing metric used to ensure that all possible paths (decisions) in the code have been executed at least once. It is not used to verify the correctness of module calls, which ismore related to integration testing or control flow testing. Options A, B, and D describe valid uses of decision coverage, ensuring that decisions are exercised in programs, business processes, and measuring the extent of coverage by a test suite​​ .

An independent test function in an organization helps improve defect finding during reviews and testing by providing an unbiased perspective on the software. Independent testers are not influenced by the development team’s constraints and can evaluate the software more objectively. This leads to the identification of defects that might be overlooked by developers who are too close to their own code. Independent testing enhances the quality and reliability of the software by bringing fresh insights and ensuring thorough testing​​.

In the provided state table, an invalid transition is represented by an empty cell. According to the table, Event E from State S4 is an invalid transition as the cell for this combination is empty. This indicates that the transition from State S4 on Event E is not defined​​.

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Providing support for the test team using the tool is crucial for successful deployment. This includes training the test team on how to effectively use the tool, offering ongoing support to address any issues, and integrating the tool into existing processes. By ensuring that the team is well-equipped and confident in using the tool, the organization can maximize the benefits of the tool and improve overall testing efficiency​​.

Statement testing is a white-box test technique that involves creating test cases to execute specific statements in the code. The goal is to ensure that all statements in the program are executed at least once during testing. This technique requires knowledge of the internal structure of the code and focuses on verifying the flow of execution and logic within the program​​.

Functional and structural testing can be applied at all test levels. Functional testing focuses on verifying that the software behaves as expected based on the requirements, while structural testing examines the internal structure and workings of the software. These testing approaches are complementary and can be used together at various stages of testing, including component, integration, system, and acceptance testing. Applying both types of tests ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the software's functionality and internal structure​​.

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Measurement of code coverage is important because it helps ensure that all code is exercised by tests. This does not guarantee that there are no coding errors or that all requirements are covered, but it helps identify untested parts of the code, allowing for better test coverage and more robust testing processes​​.

Maintenance testing is typically triggered by changes to the operational system, such as data migration, system modification, or system retirement. These triggers require testing to ensure that the changes do not negatively impact the existing functionality. However, the introduction of a test management tool does not directly affect the operational system and is not considered a trigger for maintenance testing​​.

The highest level of testing independence is achieved when the testing process is performed by individuals or teams who are completely independent of the development team and the organization. Option B, which involves outsourcing test design and execution to a different company, ensures that there is no bias or influence from the development team or company politics, thereby achieving the highest level of testing independence​​.

When a developer makes a mistake that introduces a fault in the code, and this fault is not detected during testing, it becomes a latent defect. The definite consequence is that if this defect is executed under specific conditions, it may cause the system to fail. The actual failure occurs only when the defect is triggered during the system's operation. This emphasizes the importance of thorough testing to catch such defects before the software is released​​.

The pesticide paradox in testing refers to the phenomenon where continuously using the same set of tests on the software eventually becomes less effective at finding new defects. Just as insects can develop resistance to pesticides over time, software defects become less detectable by tests that are not updated. Therefore, to maintain the effectiveness of testing, it is essential to regularly review and revise the test cases to introduce new tests and update existing ones​​.

Debugging is the process that involves locating the cause of a failure and fixing the defect. Therefore, activities b) "Locating the cause of failure" and c) "Fixing the defect" are debugging activities. Identifying a failure and checking that the fix has resolved the failure are parts of testing, not debugging​​.

Static analysis tools are designed to analyze code without executing it. They are highly effective at identifying issues such as syntax errors, variable declaration, and usage problems. Options A, B, and D are types of defects that static analysis tools can typically detect because they relate to the code structure and syntax. However, Option C refers to a variable having the wrong numeric value passed into it, which is more of a logical error that typically requires dynamic testing to identify. Static analysis tools cannot understand the correct logical flow or expected values in the code, thus making Option C the correct answer​​ .

For a system with complex business rules and many branches, decision testing (a white-box technique) is appropriate because it ensures that each decision point (branch) in the code is tested. Equivalence partitioning (a black-box technique) complements this by ensuring that all functional areas (based ondifferent inputs) are adequately tested. This combination provides thorough coverage of both the internal logic and the functional requirements of the system​​.

Equivalence partitioning is a black-box test design technique that divides input data into partitions that are expected to be treated similarly by the system. In this case, 0600 falls into the peak-time tariff, 1000 is at the boundary of peak-time but still included in it, and 1200 falls into the off-peak tariff. This ensures that each input is from a different equivalence partition, testing different functional areas of the system​​.

An incident report typically includes the version(s) of the software under test, expected results and actual results, and precise steps to reproduce the problem. However, the test execution schedule is not a standard part of an incident report. It is more relevant to test planning and management documents rather than incident reporting​​.

According to the decision table, Test Case 1 is valid because an employee who is not a car or motorcycle driver cannot claim expenses, as shown in Rule 1. Test Case 3 is valid because a motorcycle driver can claim expenses, as indicated in Rule 2, with expenses claim band A. However, Test Case 2 is invalid because, according to Rule 5, a car driver with a diesel engine greater than 1600cc cannot claim expenses. The expected result should be that the expense claim is not allowed, not band C​​.

The level of risk is determined by evaluating both the impact and the likelihood of an adverse event occurring. This approach ensures that both the severity of potential consequences and the probability of the event are considered. The impact assesses how serious the consequences would be if the event happened, while the likelihood evaluates how probable it is that the event will occur. This combination provides a comprehensive measure of risk, helping organizations prioritize their risk management efforts effectively​​.

A Test Procedure Specification is a document that outlines the precise steps required to execute a test. It includes detailed instructions on the setup, execution, and teardown of the test environment, as well as the specific actions to be performed and the expected results. This document ensures that tests are conducted consistently and repeatably​​.

The correct sequence in the causal chain is "Error, fault, failure". An error (or mistake) made by a person can lead to a fault (or defect) in the software. When the fault is executed, it may cause a failure in the software system. This sequence is important to understand the cause and effect relationship in software testing and defect management​​ .

A dynamic analysis tool would have been the most effective at detecting a defect where a code component fails to release memory after use. These tools analyze the behavior of the software while it is running, allowing them to identify issues like memory leaks, which occur when memory is not properly freed. Dynamic analysis tools can monitor the allocation and deallocation of memory in real-time, helping to pinpoint the exact location and cause of the memory leak before the software is deployed​​ .

Good testing practice involves early involvement of testers in the software development process. This helps identify defects early and provides better understanding and clarification of requirements. Involving testers in reviewing requirements or user stories as soon as drafts are available allows for early detection of defects, which is more cost-effective and efficient. This practice is beneficial regardless of the software lifecycle model used​​ .

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During the test planning stage, it is important to assign resources for the planned activities. This ensures that the necessary personnel, equipment, and time are allocated to execute the test plan effectively. Analyzing the test basis, designing test environments, and writing a test execution schedule are activities that come after the initial planning and resource allocation​​.

A keyword-driven testing approach is effective because it separates the test logic (actions) from the test data. This makes the scripts more reusable and easier to maintain. By organizing tests this way, any changes in the data or the actions can be made independently without affecting the other, enhancing the efficiency and manageability of automated tests​​.

Common metrics used for monitoring test preparation and execution typically include quantitative measures such as the number of test cases passed and failed, the percentage of planned test cases designed, and the percentage of tasks completed in test environment preparation. These metrics provide insights into the progress and effectiveness of the testing process. However, the number of test plan review comments is not a typical metric for this purpose, as it does not directly measure the progress or quality of test execution​​.

Writing test summary reports is typically the responsibility of a test leader or manager, who consolidates testing activities and results to communicate with stakeholders. Testers are more involved in preparing and acquiring test data, setting up and checking the test environment, and reviewing tests developed by others. These tasks are more hands-on and technical, aligning with the role of a tester​​ .

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The fundamental test process consists of the following broad chronological steps:

Planning and control

Analysis and design

Implementation and execution

Evaluating exit criteria and reporting

Test closure activities

Option B correctly places three of these steps in the correct order: Analysis and design, followed by Evaluating exit criteria and reporting, and finally Test closure activities. This order reflects the logical sequence of performing detailed test analysis and design before executing tests and then evaluating the results to determine if exit criteria have been met, followed by wrapping up the testing activities.

It is unlikely that developers will have a better understanding of the requirements than testers, partly because testers work closely with the user community (and may be drawn from it) and partly because developers seldom work with the complete set of requirements in a medium to large development.

Testers may raise incidents related to the difference between user expectations and the specification, but these are not unnecessary. Such issues are more likely to arise at the later stages of testing.

Early testing (unit testing) is usually done most effectively by developers with a good understanding of the code and the development environment; they can be more efficient andmore effective at this level. Later independent stages of testing offset any disadvantage from the lack of independence at unit testing level.

Configuration management involves practices like status accounting of configuration items, identification of test versions, record of changes to documentation over time, and controlled library access. However, auditing conformance to ISO9001 is related to quality management and not specifically part of configuration management​​.

The responsibility of conducting a test readiness review typically falls to the Test Manager. The Test Manager ensures that all necessary preparations for testing have been completed and that the testing environment, resources, and schedule are ready for the test execution phase. This role involves coordinating with different stakeholders to confirm that the testing process can proceed smoothly​​.

Boundary value analysis focuses on the values at the edges of equivalence partitions. For an input range of 1900 to 2004, the boundary values are just inside and just outside the range:

Just inside: 1900, 2004

Just outside: 1899, 2005

Therefore, the boundary values are 1899, 1900, 2004, and 2005. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.2.1​​.

Regression testing is testing that nothing has regressed. Retesting (or confirmation testing) confirms the fix is correct by running the same test after the fix has been made. No other option has both of these as true.

Developers often have difficulty testing their own work primarily due to a lack of objectivity. When developers test their own code, they might unconsciously overlook errors because they are too familiar with the code and its intended functionality. This lack of impartiality can lead to missed defects and a biased view of the code's quality. Independent testing by other testers or teams helps to mitigate this issue by providing an objective perspective​​.

The purpose of exit criteria is to determine when to stop testing. Exit criteria are specific conditions or set of conditions agreed upon to declare that a particular test level or a test activity is completed. These criteria are used to ensure that the testing process has reached a certain level of coverage and quality before it is considered complete. Typical exit criteria include achieving a certain level of code coverage, passing a specified number of tests, or fixing a certain number of defects. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.1.3 .

A valuable objective for a test team is to cause as many failures as possible so that faults can be identified and corrected. This approach is essential because the primary goal of testing is to uncover defects that could potentially lead to failures in the software. By intentionally causing failures, testers can identify and document faults, which can then be fixed to improve the overall quality of the software.

The ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, version 4.0, emphasizes that finding and fixing defects is a core purpose of testing. It is more important to identify and address issues than to prove the absence of defects. Therefore, causing failures to find faults aligns with the fundamental objectives of software testing​​.

Complete statement and branch coverage means that you have tested every statement and every branch in the program. Statement coverage ensures that every executable statement in the code is executed at least once, while branch coverage ensures that every possible path (true and false conditions) through the program's branches (such as IF statements) is executed. Achieving both covers a significant portion of the code, providing a thorough validation of its logic. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.2​​.

The cost of fixing a fault increases as the software progresses through the development lifecycle. Fixing defects identified early in the requirements or design phases is less expensive compared to fixing those found later in testing or after the software has been deployed. This is due to the larger impact on the system, more extensive rework required, and potential disruptions to the user experience in later stages.

Requirements management tools (option (D)) often have interfaces with test management tools. In some cases they will be sold as a package or in other cases a test management tool may have its own requirements module. The use of such interfaces or integrated packages aids traceability from requirements through to test scripts and defects.

Performance management tools (option (A)), test data preparation tools (option (B)) and static analysis tools (option (C)) are unlikely to have an interface or be integrated with a test management tool. They serve different purposes and therefore there is little need for such interfaces.

To cover all possible sequences of statements (paths) in the given program fragment, considering two independent conditions, we have the following scenarios:

Condition 1 true, Condition 2 true

Condition 1 true, Condition 2 false

Condition 1 false, Condition 2 true

Condition 1 false, Condition 2 false

These scenarios require 4 test cases to ensure all paths are tested. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.3​​.

Developing a test strategy or test approach often involves using a failure-based approach and a model-based approach. The failure-based approach focuses on anticipating potential failures and designing tests to expose these failures. The model-based approach uses models of the system’s behavior or structure to design test cases systematically. These approaches help in creating a robust and comprehensive test strategy. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.2.2​​.

Non-functional requirements define how the system performs a certain function, rather than specific behaviors or functions of the system. Security, performance, usability, reliability, and maintainability are common examples of non-functional requirements. Ensuring the security of customer details is a non-functional requirement because it specifies a quality attribute that the system must have. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.1​​.

The test process can start as soon as the software requirements have been approved. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0 emphasizes that early involvement of testing helps in identifying defects early in the lifecycle, which includes the validation of requirements and planning of testing activities based on those requirements​​.

Variance from programming standards defects (option (A)) are found during the review or static testing process. Therefore a test harness is unlikely to find a defect in programming standards.

Memory leak defects (option (C)) could potentially be found by a test harness designed to run many test cases.

Regression defects (option (D)) could be found using many types of test tool.

Defects in middleware (option (B)) are generally more likely to be found by a test harness or a dynamic analysis tool than by any other type of tool.

Debugging is the process that developers follow to find, analyze, and fix the root causes of defects in the software. This includes identifying the source of the problem, correcting the code, and then testing the changes to ensure the defect has been properly fixed and that the fix does not introduce new issues.

Static analysis tools are used to detect certain types of defects without executing the code. According to the ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0, typical defects found by static analysis tools include variables that are never used, security vulnerabilities, and unreachable code. Poor performance and business processes not followed are not typically identified by static analysis tools​​.

A test case defines the expected result of a test. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0 explains that a test case includes a set of input values, execution preconditions, expected results, and execution postconditions developed for a particular objective or test condition​​.

When working with software development models, it is crucial to adapt the models to the context of the specific project and product characteristics. Different projects and products may require different approaches, and flexibility in choosing or adapting a model ensures that the development process is efficient and effective. This customization allows for better alignment with project requirements, timelines, and risks, ultimately leading to a higher quality product​​.

Complete testing is best defined as having tested every statement, branch, and combination of branches in the program. This definition aligns with achieving thorough code coverage, ensuring that all parts of the code have been exercised by tests. However, it is important to note that complete testing in a practical sense is rarely achievable, as it assumes exhaustive testing of all possible scenarios. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.2​​.

The main purpose of use case testing is to identify defects in process flows related to the typical use of the system. Use case testing is a black-box test design technique that is based on use case scenarios. These scenarios help in validating that the system performs correctly for the specific ways in which the users will interact with it. This method is particularly effective in finding issues that users might encounter during real-world usage of the system. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.2.4​​.

"Having to say NO" in the context of software testing typically means informing stakeholders that the software is not ready for production deployment. Testers have the responsibility to ensure that the software meets the required quality standards before it is released. Saying "no" to the release of software that does not meet these standards is crucial to prevent potential issues in the production environment. This decision is based on the identification of critical defects or incomplete functionality that could adversely affect the user experience or system performance​​.

Static analysis tools analyze the program code to identify potential issues such as syntax errors, unreachable code, and variables that are never used. These tools perform their analysis without executing the code, thus allowing early detection of defects. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0 highlights that static analysis tools focus on the code itself to find these types of defects​​.

The tasks of a tester typically include preparing and acquiring test data, implementing tests on all levels, executing and logging the tests, and creating test specifications. Interaction with the testtool vendor is generally not a primary task for testers but rather for test managers or tool specialists. The ISTQB CTFL Syllabus outlines these roles and responsibilities, emphasizing the technical tasks testers perform to ensure thorough testing and documentation​​.

Statement coverage is a white-box testing technique that involves executing all the statements in the code at least once. It is not considered a black-box technique because it requires knowledge of the internal structure of the code being tested. Black-box techniques, such as equivalence partitioning, state transition testing, and boundary value analysis, focus on testing the functionality of the software without considering its internal code structure.

Effective ways to improve communication and relationships between testers and other team members include communicating factual information in a constructive way (a) and trying to understand how the other person feels and why they react the way they do (b). These approaches foster a collaborative and empathetic environment, reducing friction and enhancing teamwork.

One of the considerations when deploying test execution tools is that recorded manual tests may become unstable. This instability can be due to changes in the user interface, environment, or other dependencies that the recorded script relies on. As a result, maintaining these recorded tests can be challenging and may require frequent updates.

Valid test objectives include finding defects (i), gaining confidence about the level of quality and providing information (ii), and preventing defects (iii). Debugging the code (iv) is not a valid test objective as it is a part of the development process rather than the testing process.

To achieve 100% statement coverage and 100% decision coverage for the provided pseudo code, at least two test cases are required. The first test case should cover the scenario where X > Y, which will execute the statements in the "if" branch. The second test case should cover the scenario where X ≤ Y, which will execute the statements in the "else" branch. This ensures that both the true and false branches of the decision are tested, and all statements in the code are executed at least once.

System testing is a level of software testing where a complete and integrated software is tested. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the system's compliance with the specified requirements. System testing is conducted on the entire system to verify that it behaves as expected and meets the functional and non-functional requirements defined in the scope of the project.

Exit criteria are the conditions that must be met to conclude a particular phase of testing. These criteria include acceptance criteria, completion criteria, and pass/fail criteria. They help ensure that the testing process is thorough and that the system meets the required standards before moving on to the next phase.

A valid objective of testing is to prevent defects. While correcting defects and locating defects in the code are part of the testing process, the primary goal is often to prevent defects by identifying issues early in the development cycle and improving the overall quality of the software. Ensuring no defects are present is an unrealistic objective, as testing can demonstrate the presence of defects but not their absence.

Dynamic Analysis Tools are used during the execution of software to find defects that can occur while the software is running. These tools can identify issues such as memory leaks, which are not detectable by static analysis tools.

Equivalence Partitioning is a black-box testing technique that divides the input data of a software unit into partitions of equivalent data from which test cases can be derived. It helps in reducing the number of test cases while maintaining adequate test coverage.

Static analysis tools are designed to examine the code without executing it. They are particularly effective at identifying structural issues in the code, such as potential infinite loops (B), which can occur due to incorrect logic that would cause the code to execute indefinitely. These tools analyze the code's structure and logic flow to find such issues early in the development process, helping to improve the code's quality before it is run​​.

Equivalence partitioning divides input data into partitions where each partition is expected to be treated the same way by the system. The values $2,000 (no duty), $2,001 (taxed at 10%), and $10,000 (partially taxed at 12%) fall into three different equivalence classes based on the provided tax brackets, ensuring different behaviors for each class.

For user acceptance testing (UAT) of the first release of a new software product aimed at a general market and built using Agile methods, appropriate test objectives would be to ensure the product works as expected (c) and to assess the overall quality of the product (d). These objectives focus on validating that the software meets user needs and overall quality standards.

Functional and structural tests are types of testing techniques that can be applied at various levels of testing. According to the ISTQB CTFL syllabus, functional and structural tests are not restricted to any specific test level but are applicable across all levels of testing. This includes component, integration, system, and acceptance testing. The use of both types of tests helps ensure comprehensive testing coverage, addressing both the functional requirements and the internal structure of the software product​​.

Based on the given flow graph and the test cases provided:

Test Case 1 covers the path P → Q → R → U.

Test Case 2 covers the path P → Q → S → V.

Test Case 3 covers the path P → Q → S → W → X.

Test Case 4 covers the path P → Q → S → W → Y.

All decision points (P, Q, R, S, W) are covered at least once, ensuring 100% decision coverage. However, not all statements (T) are covered, as there is no test case that covers the path leading to statement T.

Maintenance testing is conducted on the software after it has been delivered to address any issues or changes required due to defects, environment changes, or new requirements. The ISTQB syllabus explains that maintenance testing typically involves impact analysis to determine the extent of regression testing required, thus optimizing the testing effort and focusing on affected areas​​.

Experience-based techniques rely on the testers' knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as insights from developers and users, to design test cases. These techniques do not depend on formal models or the internal structure of the software but rather on practical experience and understanding of how the software is likely to be used and where defects are likely to be found​​.

For a review process to be successful, several factors must be in place. According to the ISTQB syllabus, successful reviews generally have clearly defined objectives (a), involve the right people who understand the objectives of the review (c), and place an emphasis on learning and process improvement (d). These elements ensure that the review is focused, effective, and contributes to the overall improvement of the software development process​​.

Debugging is the process where developers identify, locate, and correct defects. Testers are then responsible for confirming that the correction has resolved the original defect. This separation of responsibilities ensures that defects are properly fixed and verified.

For a web-based service designed to be available 24/7, a comprehensive testing approach is necessary to ensure functionality, security, reliability, and performance. Functional testing at the system level will verify the security aspects. Load testing at the system level will ensure the system can handle expected loads and remain available. Regression testing across all levels will confirm that changes do not introduce new defects. Structure-based testing at the component level will ensure the internal structure of components is robust. The ISTQB syllabus outlines these testing types and their importance in different contexts and levels​​.

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Use-case testing involves scenarios based on the use cases of a system. In a use-case diagram, an actor represents a type of user (i). A use-case describes interactions between actors and the system (iii). Test cases can be based on use-case scenarios (v), and use-case testing often identifies gaps not found by testing individual components (vi). However, an actor is not always a human user (iv), and use-cases are not the most common test basis for unit testing (ii).

The value of static code analysis lies in its ability to detect defects early in the development process. By analyzing the code without executing it, static analysis can identify potential issues, such as coding errors or violations of coding standards, which can be addressed before they lead to more significant problems.

To ensure that the statement 'Print 'Hold'' is exercised:

X=2, Y=4, Z=3 This test case will follow the path where X ≤ Y (False), Y > Z (True), leading to the 'Print 'Hold'' statement.

Metrics are used to measure various aspects of the testing process, such as the percentage of work done in test environment preparation, test case preparation, and whether test milestones were met. However, metrics are not specifically used to apply to the RAD (Rapid Application Development) development model. Metrics focus on providing data to evaluate and improve the testing process rather than applying to specific development methodologies.

Statement testing is a structure-based (white box) testing technique. It involves executing all the executable statements in the code at least once. This technique requires knowledge of the internal structure of the code, making it a white box testing method.

The highest level of independence in testing is achieved by having independent test specialists who focus on specific test types such as usability, performance, or certification testing. This independence helps in unbiased defect detection and evaluation, minimizing cognitive biases that might affect testers who are closer to the development process.