CTAL-TM Sample Questions Answers

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

The graph indicates that a significant portion of risks, 29%, have not been mitigated, which suggests that these are either failed tests or other discovered failures. This level of unmitigated risk puts the project at risk, as it implies that there are still substantial issues that need to be addressed.

References:The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager documents outline the importance of risk-based testing and the interpretation of residual risk graphs. These graphs are used to communicate the current status of risk mitigation efforts in the project, and a high percentage of unmitigated risks is a clear indicator of potential problems1.

Test-driven development (TDD) is a core principle of Agile software development. In TDD, test cases are created before the code is written, and the code is developed to pass these tests. This approach emphasizes requirements and solutions evolving through collaborative effort and is a key practice in Agile methodologies12.

References:The Agile Alliance describes TDD as a style of programming tightly interwoven with coding, testing, and design, which is a fundamental aspect of Agile development3. Wikipedia also notes that TDD is related to the test-first programming concepts of extreme programming, an Agile methodology

This is because test-driven development (TDD) is a style of programming in which coding, testing, and design are tightly interwoven. TDD is a core principle of agile software development, which is an iterative and adaptive approach that values customer collaboration, working software, and responding to change. Agile Alliance References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, What is Test Driven Development (TDD)? | Agile Alliance

A depth-first risk-based testing technique is a method of prioritizing and executing test cases based on the risk level of the features or functions to be tested. In this technique, the test cases with the highest risk are executed first, followed by the test cases with lower risks. This ensures that the most critical and likely areas of failure are tested thoroughly and early in the testing process. Risk Based Testing: Approach, Matrix, Process & Examples - Guru99 References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, [Analytical Test Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide - LambdaTest]

A test manager must assemble team members that will spark informal cross training among themselves. This means that the team members are willing and able to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with each other, and learn from each other’s feedback and suggestions. This can improve the team’s performance, productivity, and quality, as well as foster a collaborative and supportive culture. Cross training can also help the team members to develop new competencies, fill skill gaps, and handle different roles and tasks when needed. Top 10 Leadership Qualities to Distinguish a Test ManagerTest manager roles and responsibilities (with FAQs) References:

• Top 10 Leadership Qualities to Distinguish a Test Manager - Software Test Professionals
• Test manager roles and responsibilities (with FAQs) - Indeed

The GNU General Public License (GPL) is a free, copyleft license that allows users to change and share all versions of a program. The basic concept of the GPL is that if you distribute the software, you must do so under the same license terms as when you received it. This ensures that the freedoms to use, study, share, and modify the software are preserved1.

References:

• GNU General Public License - Wikipedia1
• Licenses - GNU Project - Free Software Foundation2
• GNU General Public License - Techopedia3
• GNU General Public License - Simple English Wikipedia4
• GNU General Public License | GPLv3 explained | Snyk5

The cost of the training and the reviews can be justified by showing the return on investment (ROI) that they generate. ROI is a measure of the profitability of an investment, calculated by dividing the net benefit by the cost1. The net benefit of the training and the reviews is the difference between the cost of the reviews and the cost of dealing with defect escapes. Defect escapes are defects that are not detected during the review process and are found later in the development or testing phases, or even in production. The cost of dealing with defect escapes includes the cost of rework, testing, debugging, deployment, customer support, and potential loss of reputation or revenue2. The cost of the reviews includes the cost of the training, the time spent by the reviewers and moderators, the tools and resources used, and the overheads3. By calculating the ROI, you can demonstrate how much money the training and the reviews have saved or earned for the company, compared to the alternative of not conducting them. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because comparing the production defects from the previous project to the production defects from this project does not account for the cost of the reviews or the cost of dealing with defect escapes in other phases. Option B is incorrect because showing the defects that were found in the review sessions and the cost of quality regarding the perfect phase containment for those caught defects does not account for the cost of the training or the cost of dealing with defect escapes in production. Option C is incorrect because explaining that the reviews are a way of expanding the knowledge of your people and motivating them to work harder and faster is not a quantifiable or verifiable way of justifying the cost of the training and the reviews. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Return on Investment 2: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.3.2 3: How to manage formal reviews & management audits? Skills, metrics …

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

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

According to the TMMi model, the test process is fully integrated into the software development lifecycle at the Defined level. This level establishes that all projects are following the same standards and procedures throughout the organization or organizational unit. Test is integrated into the development life cycle and into all projects from early in development. TMMi ModelTMMi Introduction References:

• TMMi Model - TMMi
• What is TMMI (Test Maturity Model Integration) in Software Testing?

The correct answer is A. The Test Manager uses this information to control the test execution effort. This is because traceability information regarding the relationship between test results and test conditions can help the Test Manager to measure and evaluate the test progress, quality, and coverage, and to take corrective actions when necessary. For example, the Test Manager can use this information to identify and prioritize the test conditions that have not been tested yet, to analyze the test results and the defect status, and to adjust the test execution plan and schedule accordingly. 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 most clear way to convey the current status to project stakeholders is to use a pie chart showing residual risk. This is because a risk-based approach focuses on identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing the risks that may affect the quality of the system, and allocating testing resources accordingly. A pie chart can visually represent the proportion of each risk category (such as high, medium, or low) in the overall risk profile, and show how much risk has been reduced or remains after testing. This can help the stakeholders to understand the current level of confidence in the system, and the potential impact of any remaining risks. References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQB Test Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Managing the Test Team - ISTQB not-for-profit association

Creating a cross-functional team to address the remaining risks is the best option, as it actively involves various stakeholders in the mitigation process. This approach allows for diverse perspectives and expertise to be applied to reduce both the likelihood of the risks occurring and their potential impact, without incurring excessive costs or ignoring the risks altogether.

References:The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager syllabus and related documents emphasize the importance of risk management throughout the testing process. It suggests that forming teams to address risks can be an effective strategy, as it leverages collective knowledge and resources to mitigate risks in a cost-effective manner

This developer commentary is most likely to motivate a tester because it acknowledges the tester’s contribution in finding a defect that affected the product’s functionality and compatibility. It also shows that the developer took the defect seriously and fixed it promptly. This commentary demonstrates respect and appreciation for the tester’s work and fosters a collaborative relationship between the developer and the tester. 21 inspirational quotes about software testingWhat motivates you - Take the Motivation Test References:

• 21 inspirational quotes about software testing - Testlio
• What motivates you - Take the Motivation Test | SeeMyPersonality

The most important lesson to be learned from this information is that a broader cross-functional team should contribute to the risk analysis. This is because the risk analysis is the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing the risks that may affect the quality of the system, and allocating testing resources accordingly. A broader cross-functional team can provide different perspectives, expertise, and experience to the risk analysis, and help to identify and evaluate the risks more accurately and comprehensively. This can reduce the likelihood of overlooking or underestimating some risks, and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the risk-based testing approach. Risk Analysis - 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, Risk Analysis - ISTQB not-for-profit association