CTFL-Foundation ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Questions and Answers

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.

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.

Static analysis is a technique used to find defects in software source code and software models without executing the code. It involves reviewing the code or models to identify potential issues, such as syntax errors, logical errors, or security vulnerabilities. Static analysis helps improve code quality and maintainability by catching defects early in the development process​​.

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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.

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​​.

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​​.

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.

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.

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.

The Black-box testing technique is a method where the internal structure or workings of the item being tested are not known to the tester. This technique focuses on the input and output of the software system, ensuring that it meets the specified requirements without considering the internal code structure. It contrasts with White-box testing, which involves testing internal structures or workings of an application.

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.

Static techniques involve the examination and evaluation of software products without executing them. According to the ISTQB syllabus, these techniques include both manual and automated reviews and analyses of code and project documentation. This helps identify defects early in the development process, improving the overall quality and reducing the cost of fixing defects later in the lifecycle​​.

Independent testing is crucial because independent testers can provide an unbiased perspective and verify the assumptions made during the specification and implementation phases. This helps in identifying defects that might be overlooked by developers who are closely involved in the creation of the system.

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.

The fundamental test process consists of several sequential steps: planning and control, analysis, design, implementation, execution, evaluation of exit criteria and reporting, and test closure. This comprehensive process ensures that testing is methodical and covers all necessary aspects from preparation to conclusion.

Boundary Value Analysis (BVA) involves testing at the boundaries between partitions. For the given tax calculation system, the boundaries include $4,000 (tax-free), $5,500 (next bracket start), and $33,500 (higher bracket start). Testing with $5,000 is valid because it is a boundary value between the tax-free and the 10% tax bracket.

Determining whether enough testing has been performed involves considering several factors. These include:

(i) The exit criteria, which define the conditions that must be met to conclude testing. (ii) The budget, which affects the extent of testing that can be conducted. (iv) The product's risk profile,which helps prioritize testing efforts on high-risk areas. (vi) Sufficient details of the system status to allow decisions, ensuring that stakeholders have the necessary information to make informed decisions about the software's readiness.

These factors together ensure a balanced and informed decision-making process regarding the sufficiency of testing​​.

An effective incident report should provide a clear and detailed description of the issue, including the title, reproducibility, a detailed description of the failure, and any relevant references to specifications. This helps in accurately identifying, reproducing, and resolving the defect. In this case, including the specific reference to the PID and a screenshot helps provide all necessary information for resolving the issue.

When considering the use of testing tools, it is essential to first perform an analysis of the current test process. This analysis helps identify areas where tool support can provide the most benefit. Introducing tools without this assessment might lead to inefficiencies or the selection of inappropriate tools. A thorough evaluation ensures that the tools will effectively support and enhance the existing test process.

Experience-based test design techniques rely on the tester's skill, intuition, and experience to derive test cases. Techniques like error guessing and exploratory testing fall under this category. These methods do not depend on formal specifications but rather on the tester's understanding of the system and potential areas where defects might exist.

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.

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

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​​.

The requirements for reliability and security in a product significantly impact the testing effort. High requirements for reliability and security necessitate more extensive and thorough testing to ensure that the product meets these stringent criteria. This often includes additional test cases, more complex test environments, and longer test execution times.

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​​.

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

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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​​.

Equivalence Partitioning is a black box test design technique used to divide input data into partitions that are expected to be treated the same by the system. It focuses on ensuring that each partition represents a set of valid or invalid states for the input, and one test case from each partition is enough to cover the entire set. This technique does not rely on the internal structure of the code but rather on the functionality and behavior as seen from the user's perspective​​.

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 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​​.

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​​.

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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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​​.

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​​ .

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​​.

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​​.

Static analysis tools are designed to analyze code without executing it. They are particularly good at finding defects related to code structure, such as variables that are not used or improperly declared. These tools can parse the code and identify issues that may not be easily detected through dynamic testing methods. Other issues like omission of a major requirement (A), inadequate decision coverage (B), and component memory leakage (C) are typically found through dynamic testing or higher-level verification techniques​​ .

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​​.

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​​.

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

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

The 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​​.

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​​.

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​​ .

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​​.

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​​.

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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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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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​​.

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​​.

Structure-based testing, also known as white-box testing, uses information about the software’s internal structure to derive test cases. This method often involves measuring coverage, such as statement coverage or decision coverage, to ensure that different parts of the code are exercised by the tests. These techniques require a deep understanding of the software's construction and are used to validate the implementation rather than the functionality. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.1​​.

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​​.

One of the seven key principles of software testing is that exhaustive testing is impossible. This principle highlights the impracticality of testing all possible input and output combinations due to the vast number of permutations. Instead, risk-based and prioritized testing approaches should be used to focus on the most critical areas. This principle is fundamental in the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, emphasizing the importance of efficient test strategy over attempting exhaustive testing​​.

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

Static analysis of a software model is most likely to be performed by developers. This involves examining the code and software structure without executing the program, using tools to identify potential issues, such as coding standards violations, security vulnerabilities, and other quality issues. Developers often use static analysis as part of their development process to ensure code quality and maintainability. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 3.1.1​​.

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.

Maintenance testing is performed on an existing operational system that has undergone planned enhancements, corrections, or other modifications. The goal is to ensure that the changes have been implemented correctly and that the system continues to function as intended. This type of testing is not typically used for defect correction during development, user acceptance testing complaints, or the integration of functions in new system development​​.

The amount of testing that is considered enough depends on various factors, including the level of risk associated with the application, industry standards, contractual obligations, and specific requirements. It is a risk-based decision that balances the need for thorough testing with time and resource constraints. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.2.2​​.

Reporting discrepancies as incidents is part of the Test Implementation and Execution phase. During this phase, any deviations from expected results, bugs, or issues discovered are logged as incidents. These incidents are then managed and tracked until they are resolved. This phase is crucial for identifying and documenting problems that occur during the testing process​​.

The highest level of risk is calculated by considering both the likelihood of failure and the impact value. Risk can be quantified as the product of these two factors:

A: 20% * £100,000 = £20,000

B: 10% * £150,000 = £15,000

C: 1% * £500,000 = £5,000

D: 2% * £200,000 = £4,000

Therefore, Option A (20% likelihood of failure and £100,000 impact value) represents the highest risk value. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.2.3 .

A tool that supports traceability, recording of incidents, or scheduling of tests is called a test management tool. These tools help in planning, managing, and tracking the testing process, providing features for managing test cases, tracking defects, and maintaining traceability between test artifacts​​.

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The purpose of test completion criteria in a test plan is to define when to stop testing. These criteria are used to determine if sufficient testing has been conducted to meet the test objectives and to decide whether the product is ready for release. They typically include coverage goals, risk levels, defect rates, and other quality indicators. According to the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, defining test completion criteria helps ensure that testing is both thorough and efficient, avoiding unnecessary testing while ensuring the product meets quality standards​​.

One of the most likely benefits of using static techniques is productivity improvements in the development process. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0 states that static techniques, such as reviews and static analysis, help in identifying defects early, which reduces the time and effort required for rework, thus improving overall productivity in the development process​​.

Non-functional system testing evaluates various quality attributes of a system rather than specific behaviors or functionalities. According to the ISTQB CTFL Syllabus, version 4.0, non-functional testing encompasses several critical aspects:

Performance testingevaluates how the system performs under different conditions, such as load and stress, to ensure it meets performance requirements.

Usability testingassesses the user-friendliness and overall user experience of the system, ensuring that it is intuitive and accessible for end-users.

The syllabus outlines that non-functional system testing includes testing the quality attributes of the system, which goes beyond just functionality and delves into performance, usability, reliability, and other key attributes​​.

Designing the tests is part of the Test Analysis and Design phase, not the Test Implementation and Execution phase. The Test Implementation and Execution phase involves creating test suites, executing test cases, and comparing actual results with expected outcomes to identify any discrepancies​​.

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

Planning and control

Analysis and design

Implementation and execution

Evaluating exit criteria and reporting

Test closure activities

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

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​​.

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​​.

McCabe’s Cyclomatic Complexity is a metric used to measure the complexity of a program. It is calculated using the formula:

Cyclomatic Complexity=E−N+2P\text{Cyclomatic Complexity} = E - N + 2PCyclomatic Complexity=E−N+2P

where:

E = number of edges in the flow graph

N = number of nodes in the flow graph

P = number of connected components (usually 1 for a single program)

In the given program, there are 2 decision points (IF and THEN). The cyclomatic complexity is calculated as:

Cyclomatic Complexity=2−1+2=3\text{Cyclomatic Complexity} = 2 - 1 + 2 = 3Cyclomatic Complexity=2−1+2=3

Hence, the answer is B. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 4.3.2​​.

Different types of applications require different testing approaches based on their specific characteristics, risk profiles, and operational environments. For example, testing a financial application would focus heavily on security and accuracy, while testing a mobile game might focusmore on performance and usability. The context-driven nature of software testing recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and effective testing must be tailored to the particular application under test.

Structure-based (white-box) test case design techniques involve deriving test cases systematically from the delivered code. The ISTQB CTFL syllabus v4.0 describes that these techniques focus on the internal structure of the software, using knowledge of the code to create test cases that ensure comprehensive coverage of the code's pathways and logic​​.

Using equivalence partitioning, we divide the temperature ranges into the following partitions:

Fragile fabrics: 15–30

Normal fabrics: 31–60

Heavily soiled and tough fabrics: 61–100

In set C (25, 45, 75), each value belongs to a different equivalence partition:

25 (Fragile fabrics)

45 (Normal fabrics)

75 (Heavily soiled and tough fabrics)

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.

The odd one out among the given options is "Functional". The other options—White box, Glass box, and Structural—refer to testing techniques that involve examining the internal structure of the application. In contrast, functional testing focuses on testing the software against its functional requirements without considering its internal structures​​.

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.

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​​.