CTAL-TM Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) Questions and Answers

The correct answer is B. Planning. This is because test metrics are quantitative measures that are used to monitor and control the test process, and to evaluate the test results and quality. Test metrics should be defined during the planning step of the Fundamental Test Process, which is the activity of establishing the test objectives, scope, approach, resources, schedule, and deliverables. By defining the methods to be used to collect test metrics during the planning step, the test team can ensure that the test metrics are aligned with the test plan and the project goals, and that the data collection process is consistent and efficient. Test Metrics - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Test Metrics - ISTQB not-for-profit association

A reactive test strategy is a test strategy that uses the actual behavior and results of the software under test to design and execute tests, without prior knowledge or documentation of the software1. A reactive test strategy should be utilized for a project that uses a spiral development approach, which is a type of iterative/incremental approach that adds risk analysis and prototyping activities to each iteration2. A reactive test strategy is suitable for a spiral development approach because it allows for flexibility, adaptability, and creativity in the testing process, as well as for early feedback, risk reduction, and continuous improvement in the software development process3. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because a model-based test strategy is a test strategy that uses models to represent the desired behavior and structure of the software under test, and to derive test cases, test data, test procedures, and test oracles. A model-based test strategy may not work well with a spiral development approach, as it requires the availability and stability of the models, which may not be the case in a spiral development approach that involves frequent changes and refinements of the software under test. Option B is incorrect because a methodical test strategy is a test strategy that uses predefined test methods, techniques, and procedures to design and execute tests, such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, or decision table testing. A methodical test strategy may not work well with a spiral development approach, as it requires the availability and stability of the test basis, such as the requirements, specifications, or design documents, which may not be the case in a spiral development approach that involves frequent changes and refinements of the software under test. Option C is incorrect because a standard-compliant test strategy is a test strategy that follows a predefined set of standards, guidelines, or regulations to design and execute tests, such as ISO, IEEE, or CMMI. A standard-compliant test strategy may not work well with a spiral development approach, as it requires the compliance and consistency of the testing process, which may not be the case in a spiral development approach that involves frequent changes and refinements of the software under test. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Reactive Test Strategy 2: ISTQB Glossary, Spiral Model 3: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.1.1 : Spiral Model in Software Development Life Cycle - Software Testing Material : Spiral Model - Tools QA : Strategic Test Management - ISTQB not-for-profit association : ISTQB Glossary, Model-Based Testing : ISTQB Glossary, Methodical Test Strategy : ISTQB Glossary, Standard-Compliant Test Strategy : ISTQB Foundation Level #39 – Test Approach and Strategy - Software Testing Mentor

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is a technique used to analyze the causes of faults (defects). The technique visually models how logical relationships between failures, human errors, and external events can combine to cause specific faults to disclose1. FTA can help to determine the root cause of observed and potential failures by tracing back the fault events to their initiating causes and identifying the combinations of events that can lead to the fault occurrence2. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because FTA is not used to select the pairs of items to be used in pairwise testing, which is a technique to generate test cases based on the combinations of two input parameters. Option C is incorrect because FTA is not a formal technique used to identify the likely effects of risks, which are uncertain events or conditions that may have a positive or negative impact on the project objectives. Option D is incorrect because FTA is not used to target defect-based testing, which is a testing technique that uses information about the types, causes, and locations of defects discovered in previous projects to guide the selection, creation, and prioritization of test cases. References: 1: Fault Tree Analysis | ISTQB Glossary 2: Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) - Software Testing Genius : ISTQB Glossary, Pairwise Testing : ISTQB Glossary, Risk : ISTQB Glossary, Defect-Based Test Technique : Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) - Software Testing Genius : Fault Tree Analysis | ISTQB Glossary

The most effective solution to this problem is to implement mandatory reviews of all important design work products. This is because reviews are a type of static testing technique that can detect and prevent defects early in the software development lifecycle, before they become more costly and difficult to fix. By reviewing the low-level design work products, such as detailed design specifications, the project team can ensure that they are consistent, complete, and correct, and that they meet the requirements and the quality standards. Reviews - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Reviews - ISTQB not-for-profit association

The best option to hire new people for your test team is to hire a mix of people with strong testing and domain skills. This means that the new people have both the technical knowledge and the business understanding to test the software system effectively and efficiently. Hiring a mix of people with strong testing and domain skills can complement the existing skill sets of your test team, as well as enhance the team’s diversity, creativity, and collaboration. Hiring a mix of people with strong testing and domain skills can also help the team to achieve a balance between white box and black box testing, and to cover different aspects and perspectives of the software system. How to Build a Software Testing TeamHow to Hire a Software Tester References:

• How to Build a Software Testing Team - Testim.io
• How to Hire a Software Tester - The Ultimate Guide

Determining the cost of external failures involves analyzing the impact of defects that escape into production. This includes the direct costs associated with fixing the defects, as well as the indirect costs such as customer dissatisfaction, damage to the company’s reputation, and potential loss of business. By quantifying these costs, the Test Manager can illustrate the financial benefits of comprehensive testing in preventing high-cost external failures, thereby demonstrating its value as an investment rather than a cost overhead.

References:The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager documents provide guidelines on how to establish and use metrics to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the testing process, including the cost of quality and the Return on Investment (ROI) for testing activities. These references support the rationale behind choosing option C as the verified answer.

Risk analysis is typically used to identify the appropriate depth of testing for each identified risk. This involves assessing the potential impact and likelihood of risks to prioritize testing efforts and ensure that high-risk areas are thoroughly tested.

References:The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager syllabus and e-learning materials emphasize the importance of organizing and leading risk identification and risk analysis sessions. The outcomes of these sessions are used for test estimation, planning, monitoring, and control, which includes determining the depth of testing based on the identified risks

The unorthodox structure mentioned in option C involves business analysts performing alpha testing. Typically, alpha testing is conducted by internal staff or a team close to the development environment, not specifically by business analysts. This step is unusual as business analysts are generally responsible for requirements analysis and ensuring that the developed system meets business needs, rather than conducting alpha testing, which is more focused on identifying bugs and issues from a user’s perspective.

References:

• ISTQB Glossary, Distributed Testing
• ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 3.2.1
• Related literature on testing roles and responsibilities

The effectiveness of a review process can be measured by how well it detects and removes defects from the work products being reviewed1. One of the metrics that can indicate the defect detection capability of a review process is the number of defects found in production for each module that was reviewed2. This metric can show how many defects escaped the review process and were not detected until the software was deployed. A lower number of defects found in production means a higher review effectiveness. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because the development language used to create each module that was reviewed is not relevant to the review process effectiveness. Option C is incorrect because the elapsed time between each module’s review and its corresponding deployment into production is not a measure of defect detection or removal, but rather a measure of development speed or efficiency. Option D is incorrect because the business criticality of each module that was reviewed is not a measure of defect detection or removal, but rather a measure of risk or priority. References: 1: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.3.2 2: Software Testing Metrics: What is, Types & Example

If reviewers do not have an adequate level of technical knowledge, they may not be able to identify and describe anomalies in the product or project under review1. They may also not be able to provide constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement2. This can result in a less efficient review, as the review objectives may not be met, the review process may take longer, or the review outcome may be of lower quality3. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because having sufficient business knowledge is not enough to perform a technical review, as business knowledge does not cover the technical aspects of the product or project4. Option B is incorrect because having sufficient process knowledge is not enough to perform a technical review, as process knowledge does not cover the technical aspects of the product or project4. Option D is incorrect because skipping any technical aspect can compromise the quality and completeness of the review, and may lead to defects or risks in the product or project5. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Reviewer 2: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.2.2 3: ISTQBAdvanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.2.3 4: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.3.1 5: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.3.2

A static analysis tool is a software tool that analyzes the source code of a program without executing it. It can detect various software characteristics, such as syntax errors, potential bugs, security vulnerabilities, code quality, and coding standard violations. Coding standard violations are deviations from the agreed or recommended rules and conventions for writing source code, such as naming, indentation, formatting, commenting, and complexity. A static analysis tool can check the source code against a predefined or customized coding standard and report any violations. Coding standard violations can affect the readability, maintainability, and portability of the code, and can also introduce defects or inconsistencies. List of tools for static code analysisTop 5 Open Source Source and Free Static Code Analysis Tools in 2020 References:

• List of tools for static code analysis - Wikipedia
• Top 5 Open Source Source and Free Static Code Analysis Tools in 2020 - GeeksforGeeks

The correct answer is D. Create the traceability between the test cases and the requirements. This is because traceability is the ability to follow the life of a requirement, in both a forward and backward direction, through its documentation, development, and testing. Traceability can help to ensure that the test cases are derived from the requirements, and that they cover all the relevant aspects of the system. By creating the traceability between the test cases and the requirements concurrently with creating the test cases, the test team can improve the quality and completeness of the test design, and facilitate the test analysis and reporting. Traceability Matrix - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Traceability Matrix - ISTQB not-for-profit association

Capturing the system build information for newly identified defects is crucial as it helps in tracking the defect back to a specific state of the software. This information is essential for developers to understand the context of the defect and for testers to manage regression testing effectively. It allows for precise identification of when the defect was introduced, aiding in quicker resolution and ensuring that similar issues can be prevented in future builds.

References:

• ISTQB Glossary, Distributed Testing1
• Defect Report in ISTQB: Software Engineering - The Knowledge Academy
• ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 3.2.1
• Defect classification and prioritisation: ISTQB offers a standardised defect classification scheme

The most useful classification information to capture for newly identified defects is the system build that the defect was found in. This is because the system build is the version of the software that is compiled, integrated, and tested together. By capturing the system build for each defect, the test team can track and manage the defects more effectively, and identify the root causes and impacts of the defects. The system build can also help to reproduce and verify the defects, and to measure the quality and progress of the software development. Defect Management - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Defect Management - ISTQB not-for-profit association

The most critical activity of the standard test process for the Test Manager to perform in this scenario is test monitoring and control. This is because test monitoring and control involves measuring and evaluating the test progress, quality, and risks, and taking corrective actions when necessary. Given the aggressive schedule, the unclear requirements, the new technologies, the offshore development team, the limited testing resources, and the high stakeholder expectations, the Test Manager needs to closely monitor and control the testing activities to ensure that the test objectives and exit criteria are met, and that any deviations or issues are identified and resolved in a timely manner. Test Monitoring and Control - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Test Monitoring and Control - ISTQB not-for-profit association

The correct answer is D. Test Closure. This is because test closure is the final activity of the test process, in which the test team evaluates the test results, reports the outcomes, identifies the lessons learned, and hands over the testware and the defect reports to the maintenance team. The Defect Accepted and Deferred report is a document that lists the defects that have been accepted by the stakeholders and deferred to be fixed in future releases. By handing over this report to the maintenance team, the test team is performing the test closure activity. Test Closure - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Test Closure - ISTQB not-for-profit association

The most reasonable change to the plan based on how the project is going is to continue to run the automated smoke tests first, execute the automated regression test and new manual functional tests in parallel, and discontinue automating any new functional test cases. This is because this option can help to reduce the maintenance effort and time for the automated tests, while still ensuring that the most critical and frequently changed areas are tested adequately. By running the automated smoke tests first, the test team can verify the basic functionality and stability of the new build before proceeding to more detailed testing. By executing the automated regression test and new manual functional tests in parallel, the test team can optimize the use of the available testing resources and cover the most relevant test cases for the current iteration. By discontinuing automating any new functional test cases, the test team can avoid adding more complexity and maintenance overhead to the existing automation suite. Test Automation - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Test Automation - ISTQB not-for-profit association