Practice Free CTFL_SYLL_4.0 Exam Online Questions
Question #1
Which of the following coverage criteria results in the highest coverage for state transition based test cases?
- A . Can’t be determined
- B . Covering all transitions at least once
- C . Covering only start and end states
- D . Covering all states at least once
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Covering all transitions at least once is the highest coverage criterion for state transition based test cases, because it ensures that every possible change of state is tested at least once. This means that all the events that trigger the transitions, as well as the actions and outputs that result from the transitions, are verified. Covering all transitions at least once also implies covering all states at least once, but not vice versa. Therefore, option D is not the highest coverage criterion.
Option C is the lowest coverage criterion, because it only tests the initial and final states of the system or component, without checking the intermediate states or transitions.
Option A is incorrect, because the coverage criteria for state transition based test cases can be determined and compared based on the number of transitions and states covered. Reference = CTFL 4.0 Syllabus, Section 4.2.3, page 49-50.
B
Explanation:
Covering all transitions at least once is the highest coverage criterion for state transition based test cases, because it ensures that every possible change of state is tested at least once. This means that all the events that trigger the transitions, as well as the actions and outputs that result from the transitions, are verified. Covering all transitions at least once also implies covering all states at least once, but not vice versa. Therefore, option D is not the highest coverage criterion.
Option C is the lowest coverage criterion, because it only tests the initial and final states of the system or component, without checking the intermediate states or transitions.
Option A is incorrect, because the coverage criteria for state transition based test cases can be determined and compared based on the number of transitions and states covered. Reference = CTFL 4.0 Syllabus, Section 4.2.3, page 49-50.
Question #2
Which of the following s the most correct statement about state testing techniques?
- A . Static techniques can be used before all code is ready for execution
- B . Static techniques find more detects then dynamic techniques.
- C . Static techniques can be used by inexperienced users.
- D . Static techniques are always cheaper than dynamic techniques.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
State testing techniques are a type of dynamic testing techniques that are based on the behavior of the system under test for different input conditions and events. Dynamic testing techniques require the system to be executed with test cases, whereas static testing techniques do not. Static testing techniques can be applied before the code is ready for execution, such as reviews, inspections, walkthroughs, and static analysis. Static testing techniques can help find defects early in the development process, improve the quality of the code, and reduce the cost and effort of dynamic testing. Reference = ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 Syllabus, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.1, Page 281; ISTQB Glossary of Testing Terms v4.0, Page 292
A
Explanation:
State testing techniques are a type of dynamic testing techniques that are based on the behavior of the system under test for different input conditions and events. Dynamic testing techniques require the system to be executed with test cases, whereas static testing techniques do not. Static testing techniques can be applied before the code is ready for execution, such as reviews, inspections, walkthroughs, and static analysis. Static testing techniques can help find defects early in the development process, improve the quality of the code, and reduce the cost and effort of dynamic testing. Reference = ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) v4.0 Syllabus, Chapter 4, Section 4.2.1, Page 281; ISTQB Glossary of Testing Terms v4.0, Page 292
Question #3
In branch testing, what is the significance of a conditional branch in a software program?
- A . It marks a point where the program’s execution will terminate bringing the program to a halt.
- B . It indicates a decision point where the program can follow different paths based on specific conditions.
- C . It represents a programming error and therefore a conditional branch should be avoided.
- D . It signifies a comment or documentation within the code and it doesn’t indicate a defect.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
In branch testing, a conditional branch represents a decision point in the software program where the flow of execution can take different paths based on specific conditions.
For example, this could be an "if-else" statement, a "switch-case" statement, or loops where different execution paths are taken depending on the evaluated condition. This type of testing ensures that all possible paths and conditions are executed at least once, which helps in identifying any potential defects in different branches of the code.
B
Explanation:
In branch testing, a conditional branch represents a decision point in the software program where the flow of execution can take different paths based on specific conditions.
For example, this could be an "if-else" statement, a "switch-case" statement, or loops where different execution paths are taken depending on the evaluated condition. This type of testing ensures that all possible paths and conditions are executed at least once, which helps in identifying any potential defects in different branches of the code.
Question #4
Which sequence of state transitions is INCORRECT in accordance with the following description?
To provide for disaster recovery a system (designated as A) has been provided with a backup system (designated as B). Only one of them can be active at a time. When A goes down, B becomes active. When A comes back up then B becomes inactive and A becomes active again. However, when A is down and B also goes down then a message is sent to the system administrator. After this once A comes back up, A becomes active or if B comes up then B becomes Active.
- A . A and B are both down then A and B both come back up at the same time. A should become the active system and B should be inactive
- B . A is active and B is inactive. A goes down. B becomes active then B goes down. A is made active
- C . A is active and B is inactive then A goes down, B becomes active.
- D . A comes up when B is active and A was down. Now A becomes active and B becomes inactive.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
According to the description provided, when both systems A and B come back up at the same time, the process should involve a decision about which system should become active. However, the description states that if both systems come up simultaneously, one should become active based on a specific condition or precedence. Generally, in disaster recovery systems, there are protocols to avoid both systems becoming active simultaneously to prevent conflicts. Therefore, the transition where both A and B come back up at the same time and A becomes active while B becomes inactive without any conflict or decision-making step is incorrect.
A
Explanation:
According to the description provided, when both systems A and B come back up at the same time, the process should involve a decision about which system should become active. However, the description states that if both systems come up simultaneously, one should become active based on a specific condition or precedence. Generally, in disaster recovery systems, there are protocols to avoid both systems becoming active simultaneously to prevent conflicts. Therefore, the transition where both A and B come back up at the same time and A becomes active while B becomes inactive without any conflict or decision-making step is incorrect.
Question #5
Which ONE of the following options explains a benefit of independent testing the BEST?
- A . The testers can be isolated from the development team and thus avoid acquiring the same bias as the developers.
- B . Independent testers may lack information regarding the test object.
- C . Independent testers are likely to recognize different types of failures compared to developers.
- D . Developers may lose a sense of responsibility for the quality of the product they develop.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Independent testers provide a fresh perspective and are more likely to identify failures that developers might overlook due to their familiarity with the software (C). Independent testing helps avoid cognitive biases, improves defect detection, and enhances the overall quality assurance process. While A and D touch on related concepts, they do not directly define the benefit as well as C does.
Option B highlights a potential challenge rather than a benefit.
Reference: ISTQB CTFL v4.0 Syllabus, Section 1.5.3 C The Independence of Testing
C
Explanation:
Independent testers provide a fresh perspective and are more likely to identify failures that developers might overlook due to their familiarity with the software (C). Independent testing helps avoid cognitive biases, improves defect detection, and enhances the overall quality assurance process. While A and D touch on related concepts, they do not directly define the benefit as well as C does.
Option B highlights a potential challenge rather than a benefit.
Reference: ISTQB CTFL v4.0 Syllabus, Section 1.5.3 C The Independence of Testing
Question #6
Which ONE of the following options BEST describes the purpose of confirmation testing versus regression testing?
- A . The purpose of confirmation testing is to confirm that the defect giving rise to a failure has been successfully fixed. The regression test aims to ensure that no defects have been introduced or discovered in unmodified areas of the software as a result of the changes made.
- B . Confirmation testing ensures the entire system functions as expected, whereas regression testing focuses only on modified components.
- C . Confirmation testing verifies all system requirements, while regression testing ensures that no additional test cases are needed.
- D . Regression testing and confirmation testing are interchangeable and serve the same purpose.
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Confirmation testing is performed after a defect is fixed to confirm it no longer exists (A). Regression testing ensures new defects have not been introduced in unchanged parts of the system. Regression testing is broader than confirmation testing and covers unmodified areas affected by the changes. Options B, C, and D misrepresent the relationship and scope of these tests.
Reference: ISTQB CTFL v4.0 Syllabus, Section 2.2.3 C Confirmation Testing and Regression Testing
A
Explanation:
Confirmation testing is performed after a defect is fixed to confirm it no longer exists (A). Regression testing ensures new defects have not been introduced in unchanged parts of the system. Regression testing is broader than confirmation testing and covers unmodified areas affected by the changes. Options B, C, and D misrepresent the relationship and scope of these tests.
Reference: ISTQB CTFL v4.0 Syllabus, Section 2.2.3 C Confirmation Testing and Regression Testing
Question #7
Which ONE of the following options BEST describes the third test quadrant (Q3)?
- A . This test quadrant contains smoke tests and non-functional tests (except usability tests). These tests are often automated.
- B . This test quadrant is business-facing and criticizes the system. It contains exploratory testing, usability testing, and user acceptance testing.
- C . This test quadrant contains functional tests, examples, user story tests, user experience prototypes, API testing, and simulations. These tests check the acceptance criteria and can be manual or automated.
- D . This test quadrant is technology-facing and supports the team. These tests should be automated and included in the continuous integration (CI) process.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Agile Testing Quadrants framework categorizes tests based on their purpose and audience:
Quadrant 1 (Q1): Technology-facing tests (unit and component tests).
Quadrant 2 (Q2): Business-facing tests supporting development (e.g., BDD tests).
Quadrant 3 (Q3): Business-facing tests that critique the system (B).
Includes usability testing, exploratory testing, and UAT to ensure software meets user expectations.
Quadrant 4 (Q4): Technology-facing tests that critique the system (e.g., performance, security testing).
Option B correctly defines Q3since it focuses on evaluating the user experience, exploring the system, and validating business expectations.
Reference: ISTQB CTFL v4.0 Syllabus, Section 5.1.7 C Agile Testing Quadrants
B
Explanation:
The Agile Testing Quadrants framework categorizes tests based on their purpose and audience:
Quadrant 1 (Q1): Technology-facing tests (unit and component tests).
Quadrant 2 (Q2): Business-facing tests supporting development (e.g., BDD tests).
Quadrant 3 (Q3): Business-facing tests that critique the system (B).
Includes usability testing, exploratory testing, and UAT to ensure software meets user expectations.
Quadrant 4 (Q4): Technology-facing tests that critique the system (e.g., performance, security testing).
Option B correctly defines Q3since it focuses on evaluating the user experience, exploring the system, and validating business expectations.
Reference: ISTQB CTFL v4.0 Syllabus, Section 5.1.7 C Agile Testing Quadrants
Question #8
Which of the following is a typical potential risk of using test automation tools?
- A . Reduced feedback times regarding software quality compared to manual testing
- B . Reduced test execution times compared to manual testing
- C . Reduced repeatability and consistency of tests compared to manual testing
- D . Underestimation of effort required to maintain test scripts
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
One of the typical potential risks associated with using test automation tools is the underestimation of the effort required to maintain test scripts. While test automation can reduce test execution times and provide more consistent and repeatable tests compared to manual testing, maintaining test scripts can be labor-intensive and often requires significant effort. Changes in the application under test can lead to frequent updates in the test scripts to keep them functional and relevant.
Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 6.2 on the benefits and risks of test automation tools
The syllabus outlines that while automation can improve efficiency, it also introduces maintenance challenges.
D
Explanation:
One of the typical potential risks associated with using test automation tools is the underestimation of the effort required to maintain test scripts. While test automation can reduce test execution times and provide more consistent and repeatable tests compared to manual testing, maintaining test scripts can be labor-intensive and often requires significant effort. Changes in the application under test can lead to frequent updates in the test scripts to keep them functional and relevant.
Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 6.2 on the benefits and risks of test automation tools
The syllabus outlines that while automation can improve efficiency, it also introduces maintenance challenges.
Question #9
A test manager decided to skip static testing since he believes bugs can be found easily by doing dynamic testing. Was this decision right or wrong?
- A . The decision was wrong. Ensuring quality mandates that static testing is performed after performing the dynamic testing.
- B . The decision was right. Static testing is usually redundant if a product is planned to go through a full-cycle of dynamic testing.
- C . The decision was right. Most of the bugs are easier to identify during the dynamic testing.
- D . The decision was wrong. Static testing can find defects early in the development process, reducing the overall cost of testing and development
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Static testing is a form of testing that does not involve executing the software or system under test. It includes activities such as reviews, inspections, walkthroughs, and analysis of documents, code, and models. Static testing can find defects early in the development process, before they become more expensive and difficult to fix in later stages. Static testing can also improve the quality of the software or system by preventing defects from being introduced in the first place. Static testing can complement dynamic testing, which involves executing the software or system under test and checking the results against expected outcomes. Dynamic testing can find defects that static testing may miss, such as performance, usability, or integration issues. However, dynamic testing alone is not sufficient to ensure quality, as it may not cover all possible scenarios, inputs, or paths. Therefore, a test manager who decides to skip static testing is making a wrong decision, as he or she is ignoring the benefits of static testing and relying solely on dynamic testing, which may not be effective or efficient enough to find andprevent defects. Reference = ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus, Version 4.0, 2018, Section 2.1.1, page 14; ISTQB Glossary of Testing Terms, Version 4.0, 2018, page 36; ISTQB CTFL 4.0 – Sample Exam – Answers, Version 1.1, 2023, Question 3, page 9.
D
Explanation:
Static testing is a form of testing that does not involve executing the software or system under test. It includes activities such as reviews, inspections, walkthroughs, and analysis of documents, code, and models. Static testing can find defects early in the development process, before they become more expensive and difficult to fix in later stages. Static testing can also improve the quality of the software or system by preventing defects from being introduced in the first place. Static testing can complement dynamic testing, which involves executing the software or system under test and checking the results against expected outcomes. Dynamic testing can find defects that static testing may miss, such as performance, usability, or integration issues. However, dynamic testing alone is not sufficient to ensure quality, as it may not cover all possible scenarios, inputs, or paths. Therefore, a test manager who decides to skip static testing is making a wrong decision, as he or she is ignoring the benefits of static testing and relying solely on dynamic testing, which may not be effective or efficient enough to find andprevent defects. Reference = ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus, Version 4.0, 2018, Section 2.1.1, page 14; ISTQB Glossary of Testing Terms, Version 4.0, 2018, page 36; ISTQB CTFL 4.0 – Sample Exam – Answers, Version 1.1, 2023, Question 3, page 9.
Question #10
Which of the following types of bug are more likely to be found by static testing then by dynamic testing?
- A . A sub-system that does not perform the intended functionality
- B . Variables that were declared in the code without initialization
- C . Functions that take much longer time to complete than expected
- D . Crashes of the application
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Static testing involves reviewing the code, requirements, and design documents without executing the code. It is effective in finding certain types of bugs that do not require the code to be run. One common example of such a bug is variables that are declared but not initialized. These issues can be detected through code inspections or static analysis tools, which can identify uninitialized variables, missing declarations, and other coding standard violations without the need to execute the code.
B
Explanation:
Static testing involves reviewing the code, requirements, and design documents without executing the code. It is effective in finding certain types of bugs that do not require the code to be run. One common example of such a bug is variables that are declared but not initialized. These issues can be detected through code inspections or static analysis tools, which can identify uninitialized variables, missing declarations, and other coding standard violations without the need to execute the code.