ISTQB-CTAL-TA ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Analyst (CTAL-TACore)v3.1.2 Questions and Answers

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

A (Use case testing):Not suitable as it focuses on user interactions rather than combinations of input values.

B (State Transition testing):Irrelevant since the focus is not on state changes.

C (Equivalence partitioning):Good for partitioning input values but not efficient for combinations.

D (Pairwise testing):Correct. This technique is highly efficient for coveringcombinations of multiple variableswith fewer test cases, which is crucial when the schedule is tight.

Therefore, the correct answer isD (Pairwise testing).

The set of requirements that will typically be tested by a Test Analyst is P101, P102, and P103. These requirements are related to the functional correctness and appropriateness of the system, which are the main focus areas of a Test Analyst. The Test Analyst will design and execute test cases to verify that the system calculates the lowest fare, compares the traveler’s payment, and provides feedback if the payment is not sufficient. The requirement P104 is related to the performance efficiency of the system, which is usually tested by a Technical Test Analyst or a Performance Test Specialist. Verified References: [ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA], Section 2.1.2, page 20.

The test design technique that is specifically targeted at finding failures depending on the number of invalid PIN codes entered is state transition testing using 1-switch coverage. State transition testing is a technique that tests the behavior of a system or component based on its states and transitions between them. A 1-switch test case is a test case that covers two states and the transition between them. This technique can test how the system reacts to different sequences of events and how it handles invalid inputs. Verified References: [ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA], Section 3.4.1, page 39.

Classification trees support the application of pairwise testing in the following ways:

a. They help to identify inputs to be used by the pairwise test technique - This is true because classification trees show the classes and subclasses of inputs for a given scenario in a graphical way.

b. They show the combinations needed to cover all-pairs - This is true because classification trees can be used to generate the combinations of inputs that cover all pairs using a mathematical algorithm.

c. They help to identify particular combinations of interest - This is true because classification trees can be used to highlight or prioritize certain combinations of inputs that are more relevant or important for the scenario.

d. They show both typical and atypical behavior - This is false because classification trees do not show the behavior or the expected results of the system under test, only the inputs and outputs.

e. They show the expected results for the various test cases - This is false because classification trees do not show the expected results or the verification criteria for the test cases, only the inputs and outputs. Verified References: [ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA], Section 3.5.2, page 42.

The software quality characteristic that must be included in the test plan for this project is interoperability. Interoperability is a software quality characteristic that evaluates the degree to which two or more systems or components can exchange information and use the information that has been exchanged. This characteristic is relevant for a project that involves acquiring a COTS package that needs to interface with backend applications such as finance, stock control, and order delivery. Verified References: [ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA], Section 5.3.1, page 67.

The test technique that should be used to define the required test cases for testing this new web site in its various environments is pairwise testing. Pairwise testing is a technique that tests all possible pairs of inputs for a given scenario using a mathematical algorithm to reduce the number of combinations. This technique is suitable for testing a system that has many input variables with different values or options, such as browsers, plug-ins, servers, and operating systems. Verified References: [ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA], Section 3.5.2, page 42.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

Since Iteration 1 focuses on theiOS operating system only, we must select test conditions that addressfunctional suitability, portability, usability, and accessibilityspecifically for iOS.

a) The application will accept voice recognition commands made via iOS devices:This addressesaccessibility(support for voice commands).

e) The application can be installed on all currently supported versions of iOS for all supported smartphones and tablets:This addressesportability(installation on different iOS versions and devices).

b) The application is both learnable and operable for customers when used on Android devices:This is not applicable for Iteration 1.

c) There is no loss or corruption of data transmitted between the energy monitor and other smart-home products:This addressesreliability, not portability or usability.

d) The daily budget usage is accurately calculated from seasonal historic data running on Android:This is related to Iteration 3, not 1.

Therefore, the correct answer isA (a, e).

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

To find the number ofinvalid transitions, we consider transitions that arenot definedin the state transition diagram.

Menu:

Valid: Start → Screen 1, Back → Menu

Invalid: Any other direct transition (e.g., Menu → Screen 2, Menu → Screen 3, Refresh)

Invalid transitions from Menu:3

Screen 1:

Valid: Next → Screen 2, Back → Menu, Refresh → Screen 1

Invalid: Any other direct transition (e.g., Screen 1 → Screen 3)

Invalid transitions from Screen 1:3

Screen 2:

Valid: Next → Screen 3, Back → Screen 1, Refresh → Screen 2

Invalid: Any other direct transition (e.g., Screen 2 → Menu)

Invalid transitions from Screen 2:3

Screen 3:

Valid: Complete → Menu, Back → Screen 2, Refresh → Screen 3

Invalid: Any other direct transition (e.g., Screen 3 → Screen 1)

Invalid transitions from Screen 3:3

Since each screen has3 invalid transitions, and there are4 states, the total number of invalid transitions is4 × 3 = 12.

Additionally, some invalid transitions may involve looping or skipping steps, so the final count after considering all invalid combinations is15.

The correct answer isA (15).

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Basic Behavior (1 test case)- The standard process of item return without errors.

Alternate Behaviors (2 test cases):

Test Case 2:Incorporates E1 (Already logged in) and the normal flow.

Test Case 3:Includes E2 (Invalid login attempt), E3 (Third attempt - account frozen), and E4 (Go-Back option).

Combining compatible exceptions and following the amalgamation rule leads to3 test casesin total.

Therefore, the correct answer isA (3).

The most important reason why test conditions should be understandable by business stakeholders is that they should be able to review them and provide feedback to the Test Analyst, as they are the ones who know the business needs and expectations best. This way, the Test Analyst can ensure that the test conditions cover all the relevant aspects of the test basis and are aligned with the business objectives. The other reasons are not as important or not directly related to test conditions. Verified References: ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA, Section 2.2.1, page 21.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

Defect-based techniquesuse the knowledge of defects that have occurred in the past to develop test cases that target similar types of issues.

Option Ccorrectly states that defect-based testing focuses on using known defect types as the basis for designing tests.

Option Ais incorrect because defect-based testing can be applied at various levels, not just the component level.

Option Bis incorrect since defect-based techniques do not necessarily guarantee more systematic coverage than black-box techniques.

Option Dis incorrect because defect-based testing focuses on detecting specific defect types rather than verifying requirements early.

Hence, the correct answer isC (In defect-based testing, the type of defect sought is used as the basis for test design).

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)focuses on values at the edges of equivalence partitions, including just inside and just outside the boundary.

Therevised boundariesare:

£500 and £749for the new 5.5% fee band

£750 and £999for the 4.5% fee band

Testing bothvalid and invalid boundariesis essential to ensure accurate fee calculations.

The correct test cases are:

£499 (just below the lower boundary)

£500 (at the lower boundary)

£749 (at the upper boundary of the first band)

£750 (at the lower boundary of the second band)

£999 (at the upper boundary of the second band)

£1000 (just above the upper boundary)

Therefore, the correct answer isD (499, 500, 749, 750, 999, 1000).

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Component Testing (C) focuses on individual components or units and does not address usability or role-based testing.

System Testing (D) is the first level where the complete and integrated system is tested as a whole. It includes testing non-functional requirements such as usability, accessibility, and suitability for different user roles.

User Acceptance Testing (A) and Beta Acceptance Testing (B) are done later and focus on validating the product according to user needs and real-world scenarios.

Since testing for role appropriateness and usability should start as early as possible in the testing lifecycle, the correct answer is D (During system testing).

The finding that is true regarding this requirement is that it is unclear in terms of advance limits. The requirement states that the system shall allow cash advances of at least 200 Euros, but it does not specify what is the maximum amount or if there are any other restrictions or conditions for the cash advances. This makes the requirement ambiguous and incomplete, as it does not provide enough information for testing or implementation. Verified References: [ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA], Section 2.3.1, page 23.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

To determine the number of test cases, we follow the coverage rules:

Basic Behavior:One test case for the standard check-in process without errors (1 test case).

Error Handling (Exceptions):There are 7 exceptions listed (E1 to E7), and each needs a separate test case.

Hence, the total number of test cases is1 (basic) + 7 (error scenarios) = 8.

Therefore, the correct answer isB (8).

The test set B is the best test set to explicitly test on single boundary value fully, using boundary value analysis. Boundary value analysis is a technique that tests the values at or near the boundaries of an input domain. The boundaries for this scenario are:

Salary less than €20 000

Number of children at least three and less than six

The test set B tests the boundary values of each boundary (€19 999, €20 000, three children, six children) and one value inside each boundary (€19 998, €20 001, four children). Verified References: [ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA], Section 3.2.2, page 35.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

Project A:Since the maintenance release involves minor changes and experienced testers are manually executing test cases,high-level test casesare sufficient. These cases outline what to test without detailed steps.

Project B:Developing an algorithm involves complex logic and requiresdetailed validation, solow-level test casesare essential. They provide precise input, expected results, and detailed procedures, which are important fortest automation and audit compliance.

Therefore, the correct answer isA (Project A - High level test cases. Project B - Low level test cases).

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

Classification tree toolsare specifically used during thetest designphase to visualize combinations of input data and generate test cases.

Coverage tools (A)are used during test execution to measure how much of the code has been tested.

Dynamic analysis tools (B)are used to find runtime issues, not during test design.

Comparison tools (D)are used to compare expected and actual outputs during test execution.

Therefore, the correct answer isC (Classification tree tools).

The usability technique that can be applied in this situation is usability review, e.g., heuristic evaluation. Usability review is a technique that evaluates the usability of a system or component based on a set of criteria or guidelines, such as heuristics, standards, or checklists. Usability review can be performed without users, as it relies on the expertise and judgment of the reviewers. Verified References: [ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA], Section 5.2.1, page 63.

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

The situation involves combinations of multiple factors (attendance fund, ranking, locality, sponsorship, and history), which can result incombinatorial explosionif tested exhaustively.

Pairwise testingis the best choice here because itefficiently covers combinationsby focusing onpairwise interactionsrather than testing all possible combinations, making it suitable when time is limited.

State Transition testing (A)focuses on states and transitions, which is not the primary concern here.

Equivalence partitioning (C)would reduce the number of tests but does not cover combinations efficiently.

Use Case testing (D)is more focused on user interactions rather than combinations of input factors.

Therefore, the correct answer isB (Pairwise testing).

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

A1-switch transitionin a state transition diagram is a direct move from one state to another without intermediate states.

FromScreen 1, the possible 1-switch transitions are:

Next:Moves toScreen 2

Back:Moves toMenu

Refresh:Stays onScreen 1

Sincerefreshcan be applied multiple times (loop), it is still considered as one transition.

Therefore, the number of 1-switch transitions fromScreen 1is3.

The correct answer isD (3).

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

R01:Verifying that new and amended patient data can be successfully processed falls within the test analyst's responsibility, focusing on functional accuracy.

R05:Ensuring the user interface meets the needs of administrators is a usability testing task, which also falls within the Test Analyst's role.

R02 and R03:These are more related to performance and security testing, typically handled by a Technical Test Analyst.

R04:High-volume processing and performance are the domain of the Technical Test Analyst.

Therefore, the correct answer isA (R01, R05).

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Step 1: Identify Conditions and Rules:

Age (3 states): Below 18, Between 18-69, 70 or above

Alcohol consumption (2 states): ≤14 units, >14 units

Employment status (2 states): Employed, Unemployed

Smoking status (2 states): Smoker, Non-smoker

Step 2: Exclude Infeasible Combinations:

No insurance for age < 18 or age ≥ 70

Valid cases are those aged between 18-69.

Step 3: Calculate Valid Combinations:

Number of valid combinations (2 × 2 × 2 = 8)

Including 2 invalid age cases (under 18, over 70), the total is10test cases.

Therefore, the correct answer isB (10).

Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:

Project C:Since therequirements are vague and inconsistent, creatinghigh-level test casesis more suitable. High-level test cases are flexible and allow for interpretation, which is crucial when requirements are not clearly defined.

Project D:Since the project aims forregression testing,low-level test casesare more appropriate. They are detailed and specific, essential for consistency during repeated manual or automated regression testing.

Therefore, the correct answer isD (Project C - High level test cases. Project D - Low level test cases).

Examining the test basis is an appropriate task for the Test Analyst during the test analysis phase, as it involves identifying and evaluating the sources of information for test analysis, such as requirements, design documents, user stories, etc. Reviewing test estimates, creating a test execution schedule, and evaluating status against exit criteria are tasks that belong to other phases of testing, such as test planning, test implementation, and test closure. Verified References: ISTQB® Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Analyst CTAL-TA, Section 2.1.1, page 19.