CTFL-Foundation ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Questions and Answers

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​​.

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​​.

It is generally not feasible to perform exhaustive testing due to time and resource constraints. Instead, testing efforts should be focused using risk analysis and priorities to ensure the most critical areas are tested thoroughly. This approach helps in maximizing the effectiveness of the testing process while managing resources efficiently.

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​​.

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.

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.

In state transition testing, test cases are designed to execute specific sequences of state transitions. Referring to the provided state transition diagram:

For test case (i) X-Z-V-W, the corresponding state transitions are S1 (X) → S2, S2 (Z) → S3, S3 (V) → S4, and S4 (W) → S2. Therefore, the sequence of state transitions is S1 – S2 – S3 – S4 – S2.

For test case (ii) W-Y-U-U, the corresponding state transitions are S4 (W) → S2, S2 (Y) → S4, S4 (U) → S4, and S4 (U) → S4. Therefore, the sequence of state transitions is S4 – S2 – S4 – S4 – S4.

This ensures that the transitions accurately reflect the states and paths described in the test cases.

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.

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).

Testing support tools are typically used to automate activities that are resource-intensive when done manually, repetitive tasks, and repetitive inspections. However, they are not usually designed to automate activities that cannot be executed manually at all, as such activities may require complex and sophisticated human intervention or decision-making.

The task "verify the test environment set up is correct" relates to the Implementation and Execution phase of the fundamental test process. This phase includes setting up the test environment, creating test data, and executing test cases.

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​​.

Typically, exit criteria may consist of various metrics that indicate whether testing has been sufficiently thorough. Estimates of defect density or reliability measures are common exit criteria used to decide if the software is ready for the next stage or release. These criteria help in assessing the quality and stability of the software based on the number and severity of defects found during testing​​.

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.

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​​.

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.

From the decision table:

Carol has a student railcard and a Flexible Standard Class ticket, which means she is eligible to upgrade.

James has a senior railcard and a Super Saver ticket, which means he cannot use the service as per the conditions specified in the table.

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.

A data-driven approach to test automation design involves separating the test data inputs from the test scripts. This approach allows the same generic script to read different sets of test data and execute the same test steps with various inputs. This method enhances reusability and efficiency in automated testing by allowing testers to run multiple test scenarios using the same script but different data sets​​.

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​​.

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.

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.

State transition testing is the most effective test design technique for testing screen-dialog flows. This technique is used to model the different states of a system and the transitions between those states, which is ideal for verifying that the system behaves correctly as the user navigates through different screens and dialogs.

Testing is primarily aimed at detecting defects, verifying the functionality, and providing information to stakeholders for decision-making. While investigating defects is part of the testing process, fixing defects is not typically considered an objective of testing; it falls under the development activities. The main objectives of testing include preventing defects (through early testing activities), gaining confidence in the system, and providing valuable information to stakeholders​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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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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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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 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​​.

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​​.

To meet the test plan requirements and logical dependencies, the test schedule should start with re-tests (those that have previously failed), followed by the highest priority tests. Additionally, tests should be scheduled to create necessary test data for subsequent tests. In this case, teste(log in as admin user and create a standard user) must be done first as it is necessary to perform all other actions. Following this, testa(log in as standard user and create customer account) creates the standard user needed for subsequent actions. Then, the highest priority testd(order twoitems or more), which has failed before, should be executed next, followed by testc(create invoice for order), and finally testb(order one item)​​.

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​​ .

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​​.

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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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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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​​.

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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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​​.

The amount of testing effort is highly influenced by the predicted number of defects and the subsequent amount of rework required. If a high number of defects are expected, more effort will be needed to identify, document, and retest the defects after they are fixed. This impacts the overall testing workload significantly compared to other factors such as the ratio of developers to testers, which affects team dynamics but not the core testing effort​​.

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​​.

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​​ .

The impossibility of complete testing has several important consequences. It means we can never be certain that the program is entirely bug-free (A). There is no definite stopping point for testing, which can make it easier for some managers to justify minimal testing (B). Additionally, there is no simple answer for which testing tasks should always be required, as each task takes time that could be allocated to other critical activities (C). Therefore, all these consequences (D) are valid and important considerations in software testing. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 2.2​​.

According to the ISTQB Glossary, regression testing is performed to ensure that changes or modifications in the software have not introduced new defects. The primary purpose of regression testing is to verify that the existing functionality of the software remains unaffected by recent changes, enhancements, or bug fixes.

The syllabus states that regression testing helps in confirming that the recent modifications do not negatively impact the previously working functionalities of the software​​.

Walkthroughs are often led by the author of the document and are used to aid learning and understanding among team members. These informal review meetings help in discussing the content and obtaining feedback from participants, but they are less formal than inspections and do not necessarily involve defined roles for all participants or result in documented outcomes. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 3.2.1​​.

Acceptance test cases are derived from requirements to ensure that the system meets the agreed-upon criteria and works as expected from an end-user perspective. These tests validate that the system satisfies business needs and requirements before it is accepted for deployment. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.5.3​​.

All the options listed (Planning and control, Test closure activities, Analysis and design) are indeed part of the fundamental test process. The fundamental test process includes activities such as planning and control, analysis and design, implementation and execution, evaluating exit criteria and reporting, and test closure activities. Thus, the correct answer is 'None,' as all options are fundamental parts of the test process.

Non-functional testing is focused on testing the attributes of a system such as usability, reliability, maintainability, performance, and security. These attributes define how the system operates rather than what the system does. Non-functional testing ensures that the software meets certain criteria that are critical to its operational performance and user satisfaction​​.

Assessing organizational maturity (i) is very important when deciding whether to introduce a test tool, as implementing a tool in an immature test organization with poor processes is unlikely to produce any benefits.

A quick return on the initial investment (ii) in a test tool is rare.

Having a requirement that a tool should be easy to use for untrained and unskilled testers (iii) is generally a false hope. This is comparable with expecting someone who has never driven a car to be able to drive safely and effectively.

Agreeing requirements before evaluating tools (iv) is essential. Not to do so would be comparable with building and testing a system without requirements.

In conclusion, (i) and (iv) are good principles to follow when introducing a tool and (ii) and (iii) are not.

The Author is the only role that is typically used in a review.

A Champion might sponsor the review process but is not a defined role within an actual review; a Project Sponsor, if technically competent, might be asked to play a defined role within the review process, but whilst using that role they will not be a Project Sponsor; finally, a Custodian might ensure the results are stored safely but would not be involved in the actual review itself.

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​​.

Change Man and Clear Case are examples of configuration management tools. These tools are used to manage changes in the software, track revisions, and control the versions of the code and documentation throughout the software development lifecycle. They help ensure that the integrity and consistency of the product are maintained as it evolves. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.5.2​​.

Evaluating the testability of requirements (i) and developing and prioritizing test cases (iv) are part of the test analysis and design activities. Repeating testing activities after changes (ii), designing the test environment set-up (iii), and verifying the environment is set up correctly (v) are part of the test implementation and execution activities. These distinctions are part of the fundamental test process, which ensures that each phase of testing is appropriately planned and executed. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 1.4.1​​.

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​​.

Incident management is the collection and processing of incidents raised when errors and defects are discovered. Test monitoring identifies the status of the testing activity on a continuous basis. Risk management identifies, analyses and mitigates risks to the project and the product. Configuration management is concerned with the management of changes to software components and their associated documentation and testware.

The typical sequence of formal review activities includes planning, kick-off, individual preparation, and review meeting. The planning phase sets the scope and objectives, the kick-off initiates the review process, individual preparation involves participants reviewing the materials on their own, and then the review meeting is held to discuss the findings. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 3.2.2​​.

The main purpose of the component build and integration strategy is to specify which components to combine when, and how many at once. This strategy helps manage the complexity of integrating different parts of the system by providing a structured approach to combining components incrementally. It ensures that integration is done systematically, reducing the risk of integration issues and making it easier to identify and resolve problems as they arise​​.

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Test independence is beneficial because it helps to avoid author bias, ensuring that the tests are designed and executed objectively. When testers who are not involved in the development of the code test it, they bring a fresh perspective and are more likely to identify defects that the developers might have overlooked due to familiarity with their own work. This principle is supported by the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, which highlights that independence can enhance the effectiveness of testing by eliminating the preconceived notions and biases of those who wrote the code​​.

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 .

For every development activity, there is a corresponding testing activity to ensure that testing is integrated into the development process. Additionally, involving testers early in the document review process allows for the identification of defects and issues early in the lifecycle, which aligns with the principles of early and continuous testing. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 1.4.1​​.

The selection of a test approach is crucial for the success of the testing process. According to the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, version 4.0, one of the most important factors in selecting a test approach is the availability of skills and experience in the proposed techniques. This ensures that the team can effectively implement and execute the testing strategies.

While other factors like the availability of tools, budget for training, and willingness to learn new techniques are important, the skills and experience of the team are critical to ensure that the chosen test approach can be executed efficiently and effectively. Without the necessary skills and experience, even the best tools and techniques may not be utilized to their full potential​​.

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​​.

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.

A driver is a piece of code that calls a function or module to be tested and passes it the necessary test data. It is commonly used in bottom-up integration testing to simulate the higher-level modules thatinvoke the function being tested. Stubs, on the other hand, are used to simulate lower-level modules. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.1​​.

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​​.

For reviewing safety-critical components in a software project, the most adequate review types are Inspections and Technical Reviews. Inspections are a formal review technique with a well-defined process that includes thorough preparation, examination, and documentation, making them suitable for critical components. Technical Reviews involve a detailed examination of the technical aspects of the software and are conducted by experts, which ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed early.

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​​.

A disadvantage of independent testing is that developers might lose a sense of responsibility for the quality of their work. When developers rely too much on independent testers to find defects, they may become less diligent in their own testing and quality assurance efforts. The ISTQB CTFL Syllabus pointsout that while independent testing can provide an unbiased perspective and identify defects that might be missed by developers, it can also lead to potential downsides such as diminished developer accountability​​.