CTFL-Foundation ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Questions and Answers

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.

Independence in software testing refers to the separation of testing activities from the development and production processes. This separation helps ensure objectivity and reduces the risk of bias in the testing results. Independent testers are more likely to identify defects that developers might overlook due to familiarity with the code. The ISTQB syllabus highlights the importance of independence in testing as a key factor in promoting effective and unbiased testing practices​​.

For a safety-critical system, it is essential to ensure that regression tests are run and passed following defect corrections at all test levels. Additionally, tracking incidents raised and closed at all levels of testing helps ensure that all defects are addressed and the system meets safety standards. These metrics provide a comprehensive view of both the completeness of testing and the effectiveness of defect resolution.

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.

Software testing contributes to the quality of delivered software by identifying root causes of defects from past projects. This allows the team to learn from previous mistakes and improve their processes, ultimately reducing the defect count in future projects.

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.

White box testing techniques, also known as structure-based techniques, focus on the internal structure of the software. Decision testing (C) is a white box technique that involves creating test cases to execute specific decision points in the code, such as conditional statements. This ensures that all possible paths through the code are tested, helping to identify defects related to the control flow of the application. Other techniques listed, such as use case testing and state transition testing, are black box techniques that focus on the software's functionality from the user's perspective​​.

A test condition is defined as an item or event that can be verified by one or more test cases. It can include functions, transactions, structural elements, or quality attributes that need to be tested to ensure the system behaves as expected.

White box testing design is characterized by its focus on the internal structure of the component or system. It involves testing based on knowledge of the code structure, architecture, and internal design. This approach contrasts with black box testing, which is based on functional specifications without any knowledge of the internal workings of the software.

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.

The failure rate in testing already completed is a useful metric to monitor progress along with test preparation and execution. It provides insight into the effectiveness of the tests and the quality of the product, helping to identify areas that may require additional attention or resources.

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.

Test planning should be a continuous activity throughout the software development lifecycle. This ensures that the test plans remain relevant and effective, adapting to any changes in the project scope, requirements, or timelines.

Testing is primarily used to identify defects in the software. While it can show the presence of defects, it cannot guarantee that no defects are present. Thus, testing helps in demonstrating that there are defects, which can then be addressed.

According to the state transition table and the sequence of events, starting from state S1 and triggering events E1, E4, E5, and E7 will lead the system to state S4 with the output O4. Each event transitions the system from one state to another, producing the specified output at each step until the final state and output are reached​​.

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.

According to the IEEE 829 Standard for Software Test Documentation, an incident report should include the identification of configuration items of the software or system (i), the software or system lifecycle process in which the incident was observed (ii), a description of the anomaly to enable reproduction of the incident (iii), and the classification of the cause of the incident formetrics and reporting purposes (v). The number of occurrences of the incident is not typically included.

The application failed due to a defect in the purchase identification module. This defect could have been caused by a programmer mistake or an error in the specification. The incorrect counting of purchase attempts indicates a flaw in the logic or implementation of the module responsible for identifying successful purchases.

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.

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.

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.

Decision table testing is a black-box test design technique used to test system requirements and to ensure that different combinations of inputs result in appropriate outputs. It is especially useful for testing complex business logic and rules where various combinations of conditions need to be verified.

To achieve 100% decision coverage, each decision point in the pseudo code must be tested for both true and false outcomes. In the provided pseudo code, the decision point is the if-else statement checking the gender. Therefore, we need two test cases: one where Gender is 'female' and one where Gender is not 'female' (e.g., 'male'). This ensures that both paths (true and false) are covered​​.

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​​.

A technical review is a formal type of review that focuses on discussing, making decisions, evaluating alternatives, finding defects, solving technical problems, and checking conformance to specifications, plans, regulations, and standards. It is typically conducted by a team of experts and aims to ensure the technical quality of the product.

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.

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​​ .

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​​.

According to the decision table:

For TC1, since Paul is not a full member but is a Loyalty Card holder and requests 18 holes with a buggy/cart, the applicable action is £18 Green Fees plus £5 for buggy/cart, totaling £23.

For TC2, since Cheryl is not a full member, does not have a Loyalty Card, and requests 9 holes with a buggy/cart, the applicable action is £16 Green Fees with no buggy allowed​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​ .

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

The testability of requirements is evaluated during the Test Analysis and Design stage of the fundamental test process. In this stage, the test team reviews the requirements to ensure they are clear, complete, and testable. The focus is on understanding the test basis and defining the test conditions, test cases, and test data necessary to verify the requirements​​.

Exploratory testing is highly effective when under severe time pressure because it allows testers to simultaneously learn, design, and execute tests. It is a flexible approach that does not require extensive preparation and documentation, making it ideal for situations where time is limited​​.

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​​.

Structural testing, also known as white-box testing, focuses on the internal structure of the software. It includes testing all paths, achieving decision coverage, and ensuring that all branches within the component calls are tested. Ensuring that users can navigate to all fields on the screen, however, is a form of functional testing, which focuses on the behavior and usability of the application from the user's perspective, rather than its internal structure​​.

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​​ .

The correct logical order for the test cases ensures a smooth and realistic flow through the system functionalities. The sequence should start with logging into the system (Test Case 3), searching for available flights (Test Case 1), selecting an available flight (Test Case 4), viewing the selected item in My Flights (Test Case 2), confirming details and booking the flight in My Flights (Test Case 6), and finally printing the confirmation receipt and exiting (Test Case 5)​​ .

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Boundary value analysis involves testing at the boundaries between partitions. For the Frequency input, valid boundaries are 1 and 5, while invalid boundaries are 0 and 6. For the Duration input, valid boundaries are 1 and 60 minutes, while invalid boundaries are 0 and 61 minutes. Therefore, Option C includes the correct set of valid and invalid boundary values for both inputs​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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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Load testing is a type of non-functional testing used to verify that the system can handle a specified load of users performing transactions within acceptable performance parameters. In this case, load testing would ensure that up to 100 users can carry out transactions simultaneously with response times within 5 seconds. This testing helps identify performance bottlenecks and ensure that the system meets the performance requirements under expected user load conditions​​.

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​​.

Maintenance testing refers to the testing that is conducted on a software system that has been changed, either through corrections, enhancements, or other modifications. Its main purpose is to ensure that the changes have been implemented correctly and that the system as a whole continues to function as intended. This type of testing is crucial after a system has been released and needs to be updated or fixed. Maintenance testing ensures that the new changes do not adversely affect the existing functionality of the system​​.REREE33

Testing and debugging are two distinct activities in the software development process. Testing, particularly dynamic testing, involves executing the software to identify failures caused by defects. It aims to find and document defects. Debugging, on the other hand, is the process of diagnosing and fixing the root causes of the failures identified during testing. According to the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, testing demonstrates the presence of defects, while debugging addresses and removes these defects​​.

Debugging defects is not a testing objective. According to the ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0, the primary objectives of testing include finding defects, gaining confidence about the level of quality, providing information, and preventing defects. Debugging is a developer's activity that involves identifying the cause of defects and fixing them, which is different from the objectives of testing​​.

Incident management tools are most useful during test implementation and execution as this is the stage at which the tool is used to raise, manage, retest and close incidents.

The data collected during the defect life cycle can then be manipulated into information that is useful for other activities within the fundamental test process.

Information on numbers of defects outstanding may be useful for evaluating exit criteria (option (D)). This information could also be used for planning future testing and for taking control (option (A)).

Incident management tools can also assist in test analysis and design (option (B)) as information about defects found when testing the previous release of the system could be used when analyzing the type of testing required for the next enhancement.

The other answers are incorrect because:

(ii) Walkthroughs do not require code and static analysis does require code.

(iv) Static techniques do not execute the code and therefore can be run before and after the code is ready for execution.

If the project isn't big enough to justify extensive testing, using risk-based analysis to find out which areas need to be tested is the best approach. Risk-based testing prioritizes testing activities based on the risk of failure and the impact of those failures, ensuring that critical areas of the application are tested thoroughly even with limited resources. This approach helps in focusing testing efforts where they are most needed. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.2.3​​.

Statement coverage measures the percentage of executable statements in the code that have been executed. However, it does not check for missing statements since these are not present in the code to be executed in the first place. Statement coverage can identify unused branches, dead code, and unused statements within the code. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.2​​.

Answer (i) looks temptingly right, and the availability of tools might make the use of a technique more or less attractive, but it would not be decisive in the way that regulatory standards and tester knowledge are.

Answer (iii) is irrelevant because testing should be independent of development anyway, but it could tempt someone who is unsure about the relationship between development and testing.

Answer (v) is a factor in managing the test team, and experience would need to be maintained, but this should not influence the selection of techniques for a live project.

Regression testing serves to demonstrate that unchanged areas of the software have not been unintentionally affected by changes. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0 states that while regression testing can be carried out at various stages of the lifecycle and is often automated, its primary purpose is to ensure that existing functionality remains unaffected after changes​​.

The implementation and execution phase of the fundamental test process involves the execution of the tests according to the test plan, where the main task is to compare the actual results of the test execution against the expected results. This phase ensures that the tests are carried out and the discrepancies between the actual and expected outcomes are identified and documented. This information is critical to determining whether the software behaves as intended and meets the specified requirements.

Tests are prioritized to ensure that the most critical and risk-prone areas are tested first, thereby achieving the best possible coverage within the available time frame. This approach helps manage resources effectively and ensures that significant defects are found early. As per the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, prioritization helps in maximizing the effectiveness of testing by focusing on the most important aspects and making the best use of limited time and resources​​.

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​​.

Security testing falls under functional testing. It involves verifying that the system protects data and maintains functionality as intended, even in the presence of malicious inputs or attacks. Security testing is essential to ensure that the system meets its security requirements and is capable of resisting unauthorized access or other security breaches. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 2.4.3​​.

Reviewing the test basis is a key activity in the Test Analysis and Design phase. This phase involves analyzing the test basis documents (such as requirements, design specifications, and use cases) to identify test conditions and design test cases. The ISTQB CTFL Syllabus explains that thorough review of the test basis ensures that the tests are aligned with the specified requirements and design, improving the accuracy and relevance of the tests​​.

100% statement coverage means that every statement in the code must be executed at least once. To achieve this, we need to ensure that the conditionIf A > Biggestis both true and false at least once during the test.

Test case D (10, 11, 0) will cover all the statements:

InitialBiggestset to 10.

WhenAis 10, the conditionA > Biggestis false.

WhenAis 11, the conditionA > Biggestis true, andBiggestis updated to 11.

WhenAis 0, the loop exits.

This covers all possible paths through the code, ensuring 100% statement coverage. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.1​​.

Re-testing and regression testing are essential concepts in software testing, each serving a different purpose. According to the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, version 4.0, the difference between these two types of testing is highlighted as follows:

Re-testing(also known as confirmation testing) involves executing the same tests again on the same version of the software after defects have been fixed. The primary goal is to confirm that the original defects have been successfully removed and that the software behaves as expected.

Regression testing, on the other hand, is performed to ensure that recent code changes have not adversely affected the existing functionalities of the software. This testing aims to detect any unexpected side effects introduced by the new changes.

The syllabus states: "Re-testing is running a test again; regression testing looks for unexpected side effects"​​. This explanation clarifies that while re-testing focuses on verifying specific defect fixes, regression testing ensures the overall stability and integrity of the software after changes.

A key principle of software testing is that it is usually impossible to test all possible input and output combinations for a software system. This principle, highlighted in the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, acknowledges the practical limitations of testing. Instead, risk-based testing and prioritization techniques are employed to focus on the most critical areas. This approach ensures effective and efficient testing without attempting the infeasible task of exhaustive testing​​.

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​​.

The development strategy will affect the component testing (option (A)), in so far as it cannot be tested unless it has been built. Options (C) and (D) require the system to have been delivered; at these points the development strategy followed is not important to the tester. Option (B) needs knowledge of the development strategy in order to determine the order in which components will be integrated and tested.

Code Coverage is a measure used to describe the degree to which the source code of a program is tested by a particular test suite. It helps in determining the effectiveness of testing by indicating the parts of the code that have been exercised by the tests and those that have not. It is an important metric for evaluating test coverage and identifying areas that may require additional testing. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.2​​.

When testing worldwide web sites, it is crucial to focus on several key features:

A. Interaction between HTML pages to ensure that navigation and link functionalities work correctly.

B. Performance on the client side to make sure that the website loads efficiently and performs well under different conditions.

C. Security aspects to protect the website and its users from potential vulnerabilities and attacks.

These combined aspects ensure that the website provides a good user experience, performs well, and remains secure​​.

Incremental testing approaches involve testing components of the software in increments or steps, allowing for integration and testing of parts of the system progressively. According to the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, version 4.0, the common types of incremental testing approaches include:

Top-down: Testing starts from the top of the module hierarchy and progresses downwards.

Bottom-up: Testing begins with the lower-level modules and progresses upwards.

Functional incrementation: Adding and testing one function at a time.

Big-bang testing, however, is not an incremental approach. In big-bang testing, all components or modules are integrated simultaneously, and the system is tested as a whole. This approach does not allow for incremental testing and integration and is therefore not considered a type of incremental testing approach​​.

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​​.

Retesting, also known as confirmation testing, involves executing a previously failed test case after the defect has been fixed. The objective is to ensure that the original defect has been successfully removed. This type of testing is critical in verifying that the defect fixes are effective and that the software now operates as expected under the same conditions that previously caused the failure.

A test completion criterion is used to determine when testing activities can be concluded. According to the ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus v4.0, setting test completion criteria helps in defining when the testing objectives have been achieved, which includes reaching a defined coverage level, running out of time or budget, or meeting the expected level of risk acceptance. These criteria are essential for ensuring that the testing process is concluded appropriately and resources are utilized effectively.

In the MASPAR case study, several key issues were highlighted. Security failures were attributed to untested parts of code (A), despite achieving complete statement and branch coverage, a serious bug was still missed in the MASPAR operating system (B). Additionally, an obscure error required testing the function with nearly every input value to find the two special-case failures (C). Therefore, all thesepoints together (D) illustrate the complexity and challenges in software testing. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0​​.

Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) is performed by an entity outside the project's sphere of influence to provide an unbiased assessment of the software product. This independence helps ensure that the verification and validation processes are objective and not influenced by the project's internal dynamics. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 1.4.1​​.