CTFL-PT_D ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level - Specialist Performance Testing Questions and Answers

The characteristic risks associated with different architectures are as follows:

Dynamic/cloud-based systems: Critical workflows or dataflows to, from, or through unreliable or unpredictable remote servers, especially when such servers suffer periodic connection problems or intermittent periods of intense load. (C)

Client-server systems: Potential problems due to firewalls, packet inspection, and server load balancing. (A)

Multi-Tier systems: Failures related to the correct configuration of features such as distribution, virtualization, and scaling, during the initial configuration or subsequent updates. (D)

Distributed systems: Inadequate bandwidth or capacity on any individual server. (B)

References:

ISTQB Performance Testing Syllabus

ISTQB Glossary

Performance risks should be analyzed and evaluated continuously throughout the development lifecycle, especially in projects with high processing capacity and independent operation across multiple locations. This ongoing evaluation helps to identify and mitigate risks early and adapt to any changes that occur during development.

References:

ISTQB Performance Testing Syllabus

ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus

Virtualizing the servers is not typically part of performance test preparation. Performance test preparation generally involves activities such as deploying the test environment, setting up the system under test, and configuring load generation and monitoring tools to ensure accurate data collection. While virtualization can be an aspect of the overall infrastructure setup, it is not a direct step in preparing for performance testing. ISTQB performance testing guidelines emphasize setting up the environment, system, and tools specifically for performance test execution.

When preparing a presentation for business stakeholders, it is essential to focus on high-level objectives and outcomes that align with business goals. In the context of performance testing, the stakeholders are primarily concerned with ensuring that the system can handle peak loads and maintain operational integrity.

Option Atalks about the setup of the test environment and the logistics of passenger data, which is too technical for business stakeholders.

Option Bfocuses on budget and timeline, which are relevant but do not directly address the performance test's purpose and objectives.

Option Cclearly states the purpose of the performance test (spike test) and its objective, which is to verify that the system can support concurrent request peaks, directly aligning with business interests.

Option Dagain focuses on technical details about the test environment setup, which is not the primary concern for business stakeholders.

Therefore, Option C is the most appropriate choice as it succinctly communicates the performance test's objective and its relevance to business operations.

System testing of overall end-to-end behaviors under various load conditions provides a comprehensive view of how the system performs in real-world scenarios. This type of testing captures interactions between components, identifies potential bottlenecks, and ensures that the system meets performance requirements under expected load conditions. ISTQB performance testing principles highlight the importance of end-to-end testing to validate that the system can handle the intended workloads effectively.

Ramp-up in performance testing refers to the phase where the number of virtual users is gradually increased to simulate the increase in load on the system. This is essential for determining how the system behaves under varying levels of stress. The correct description of the ramp-up concept aligns with option C, which involves increasing the number of concurrent users to simulate a transition from a steady state to a higher load scenario.

References:

ISTQB Performance Testing Syllabus

ISTQB Glossary

In an Agile, iterative, and incremental development model:

III: The performance test may be conducted by a specific team. This is true as dedicated performance testing teams often handle complex performance testing tasks.

IV: A performance test cycle must be performed in each iteration by the development team (Agile). This ensures that performance testing is integrated into each iteration to catch performance issues early.

Statements I and II are not necessarily true:

I: While possible, it is not always the case that there will be a dedicated iteration for performance testing.

II: Performance testing in a cloud-based environment is beneficial but not mandatory.

References:

ISTQB Performance Testing Syllabus

ISTQB Agile Tester Extension Syllabus

Creating a baseline for maximum attendance helps ensure that the system can handle peak loads. This baseline acts as a reference point for performance testing, allowing James to simulate and measure the system's behavior under expected peak conditions. By doing this, he can verify that the system meets the performance target of handling 150 users per minute within the specified time constraints. Establishing such baselines is a fundamental practice in performance testing, as emphasized by the ISTQB guidelines.

When presenting to technical stakeholders, it is crucial to provide detailed information about the setup, preparation, and execution of the performance test.

Option Atalks about the test environment and passenger data logistics, which, while technical, is not as focused on the specific setup for the spike test.

Option Bdetails the specific environment setup by the systems manager and the preparation steps, which are highly relevant to technical stakeholders who will be involved in or overseeing the technical aspects of the test.

Option Cagain focuses on budget and timeline, not technical details.

Option Dis more high-level about the purpose of the test, which is not as relevant for technical stakeholders who need the specifics of the test setup.

Thus, Option B is the best fit as it provides the necessary technical details for the spike test environment and preparation steps.