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

Performance testing is the process of determining the speed, responsiveness, and stability of a system under a given workload1. Performance testing should be started as early aspossible in the software development lifecycle, preferably during unit and integration testing, to identify and resolve performance issues before they become costly or risky2. Starting performance testing early can also help to validate the performance requirements, design, and architecture of the system, as well as to optimize the performance testing strategy and scope3. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because deferring the start of performance testing until all functional defects have been resolved can delay the detection and resolution of performance issues, increase the cost and effort of performance testing, and reduce the confidence and quality of the system4. Option C is incorrect because leveraging end users to do unit-level performance testing and automated tools for system-level performance testing can introduce inconsistency, bias, and inefficiency in the performance testing process, as well as compromise the reliability and validity of the performance test results. Option D is incorrect because requiring all performance tests to pass before starting functional testing can create unrealistic or unnecessary expectations, as well as hinder the progress and feedback of the functional testing activities. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Performance Testing 2: ISTQB® Certified Tester - Performance Testing (CT-PT)3 3: ISTQB® Performance Testing - TesterYou4 4: Performance Testing - ISTQB not-for-profit association : ISTQB - PERFORMANCE TESTING : Performance Testing - ISTQB not-for-profit association

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

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 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

A management review, particularly in the context of software testing and quality assurance, often involves an external group or higher-level management team that reviews the processes and procedures to ensure compliance with specified standards or objectives. This can include assessing the effectiveness of current practices, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring that the project aligns with organizational or industry standards. This type of review is distinct from other forms of reviews like technical reviews or walkthroughs, which might focus more on the technical aspects or consistency of system requirements.

Defect density is a testing metric that measures the number of defects identified in a component or system divided by the size of the component or system (expressed in standard measurement terms, e.g., lines-of-code, number of classes or function points)1. Defect density is a product metric, as it evaluates the quality or reliability of a software product2. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because project metrics are metrics that measure the characteristics of the software project, such as cost, schedule, effort, scope, or resources3. Option C is incorrect because process metrics are metrics that measure the characteristics of the software process, such as effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, or maturity. Option D is incorrect because people metrics are metrics that measure the characteristics of the software personnel, such as skills, experience, motivation, or satisfaction. References: 1: Defect Density | ISTQB Glossary 2: Software Testing Metrics: What is, Types & Example 3: [Project Metrics - Software Testing Fundamentals] : [Process Metrics - Software Testing Fundamentals] : [People Metrics - Software Testing Fundamentals]

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

 A model-based testing strategy is a testing strategy that uses models to represent the desired behavior and structure of the system under test, and to derive test cases, test data, test procedures, and test oracles1. A model-based testing strategy requires an activity to select an appropriate quality standard, such as ISO 9126, to be used to guide the testing. A quality standard is a set of criteria, guidelines, or characteristics that define the quality attributes of a software product, such as functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, maintainability, and portability2. A quality standard can help to define the quality requirements, objectives, and measures for the system under test, and to evaluate the quality of the test results and the test process3. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because conducting a quality risk analysis with all affectedstakeholders is not an activity specific to a model-based testing strategy, but rather a general testing activity that can be applied to any testing strategy. A quality risk analysis is a process of identifying and assessing the quality risks that may affect the system under test, and prioritizing them based on their impact and likelihood4. Option B is incorrect because conducting operational profiling to determine the expected usage of the system is not an activity specific to a model-based testing strategy, but rather an activity related to a usage-based testing strategy. An operational profile is a statistical representation of the relative frequencies of the inputs, operations, and operating conditions of a system in its operational environment. Option D is incorrect because creating the test charters for the exploratory testing sessions is not an activity specific to a model-based testing strategy, but rather an activity related to an exploratory testing strategy. A test charter is a document that defines the scope, objective, and approach of an exploratory testing session. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Model-Based Testing 2: ISTQB Glossary, Quality Standard 3: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.3.1 4: ISTQB Glossary, Quality Risk Analysis : ISTQB Glossary, Operational Profile : ISTQB Glossary, Test Charter : Model-Based Tester - ISTQB not-for-profit association : ISTQB Model-Based Testing Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB … : ISTQB - ABOUT MODEL-BASED TESTER EXT. : ISTQB® Certified Tester – Model-Based Tester (CT-MBT)

This can demotivate a tester because it implies that the tester’s work is not valued or respected by the management or the stakeholders. It also suggests that the tester’s efforts and skills are wasted or ineffective, as the product quality is compromised and the customer satisfaction is reduced. Testing is cut short when there is insufficient time, budget, or resources allocated for testing, or when there is pressure to release the product without adequate testing. This can lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and loss of confidence among the testers. Top 6 things that demotivate a developerHow to Demotivate Your Best Employees References:

• Top 6 things that demotivate a developer - Amsterdam Standard
• How to Demotivate Your Best Employees - HBS Working Knowledge

A test estimate is an approximation of the amount of effort, time, and resources required to perform testing activities for a software project1. A test estimate can be influenced by various factors, such as the size, complexity, and quality of the software, the scope, objectives, and approach of the testing, the skills, experience, and availability of the test team, the tools, methods, and standards used for testing, and the constraints, risks, and assumptions related to the project2. One of the factors that is likely to increase the test estimate is the use of a new technology. A new technology is a technology that is unfamiliar or unproven to the test team or the organization, such as a new programming language, framework, platform, or tool3. The use of a new technology can increase the test estimate because it may require more time and effort to learn, understand, and apply the technology, as well as to deal with potential issues, challenges, or limitations that may arise from the technology. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because a requirement for high level test documentation is not a factor that is likely to increase the test estimate, but rather a factor that is likely to increase the test documentation effort. Test documentation is the set of documents that describe the test basis, test objectives, test design, test procedures, test results, and test evaluation of a software project. A requirement for high level test documentation means that the test documents need to be detailed, comprehensive, and consistent, which may require more time and effort to produce, review, and maintain. However, this does not necessarily affect the test estimate, as the test documentation effort can be considered as a separate or parallel activity to the test execution effort. Option C is incorrect because assigned personnel who are experienced on working with similar projects in similar environments isnot a factor that is likely to increase the test estimate, but rather a factor that is likely to decrease the test estimate. Experienced personnel are personnel who have the relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the testing activities for a software project. Assigned personnel who are experienced on working with similar projects in similar environments can decrease the test estimate because they may require less time and effort to understand, design, implement, and execute the tests, as well as to deal with potential issues, challenges, or limitations that may arise from the project. Option D is incorrect because static test data is not a factor that is likely to increase the test estimate, but rather a factor that is likely to decrease the test estimate. Test data is the data that is used as input or output for the tests. Static test data is test data that is fixed and predefined, and does not change during the test execution. Static test data can decrease the test estimate because it may require less time and effort to create, manage, and maintain, as well as to ensure the validity, reliability, and traceability of the test data. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Test Estimate 2: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 3.1.1 3: What is New Technology? - Definition from Techopedia : The Impact of New Technologies on Software Testing : ISTQB Glossary, Test Documentation : ISTQB Glossary, Experienced-Based Test Technique : ISTQB Glossary, Test Data : ISTQB Glossary, Static Test Data : Test Manager - ISTQB not-for-profit association : [ISTQB Foundation Level #38 – Test Estimation Techniques - Software Testing Mentor] : [What are the estimation techniques in software testing?]

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

Product risk analysis is the process of identifying and assessing the product risks that may affect the quality or functionality of the software under test1. Product risk analysis involves two primary activities: risk identification and risk assessment. Risk identification is the activity of finding, naming, and describing the risks that might affect the software under test2. Risk assessment is the activity of estimating the impact and probability of occurrence (likelihood) of the identified risks, and prioritizing them based on these factors3. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because risk testing and risk management are not primary activities of product risk analysis, but rather activities that follow or use the results of product risk analysis. Risk testing is the activity of designing, implementing, and executing tests based on the product risk levels to reduce the level of product risks and inform stakeholders of their status4. Risk management is the activity of planning, monitoring, and controlling the risks and the risk mitigation actions in the software project5. Option C is incorrect because risk identification and risk testing are not primary activities of product risk analysis, but rather activities that are part of product risk analysis and risk-based testing respectively. Option D is incorrect because risk management and risk assessment are not primary activities of product risk analysis, but rather activities that are part of risk management and product risk analysis respectively. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Product Risk Analysis 2: ISTQB Glossary, Risk Identification 3: ISTQB Glossary, Risk Assessment 4: ISTQB Glossary, Risk-Based Testing 5: ISTQB Glossary, Risk Management : Product Risk Analysis (PRA) | TMap : Risk-Based Testing | ISTQB Glossary : Risk Analysis | ISTQB Glossary

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

An iterative/incremental lifecycle model is a type of software development lifecycle that divides the project into smaller iterations or increments, each delivering a part of the functionality and undergoing its own planning, analysis, design, implementation, and testing phases1. This model is suitable for projects that have aggressive schedules, unclear requirements, new technologies, distributed teams, and high quality expectations, as it allows for early feedback, risk reduction, parallel development, frequent delivery, and continuous improvement2. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because a spiral model is a type of iterative/incremental model that adds risk analysis and prototyping activities to each iteration3. While this model can also handle unclear requirements, new technologies, and high quality expectations, it may not be the best choice for projects that have aggressive schedules and distributed teams, as it requires more time and communication for risk assessment and prototyping4. Option C is incorrect because a V-model is a type of sequential model that maps each development phase to a corresponding testing phase in a V-shaped diagram5. This model is suitable for projects that have clear and stable requirements, well-known technologies, co-located teams, and moderate quality expectations, as it allows for early verification, traceability, and defect prevention. However, this model may not be the best choice for projects that have aggressive schedules, unclear requirements, new technologies, distributed teams, and high quality expectations, as it does not allow for early feedback, risk reduction, parallel development, frequent delivery, and continuous improvement. Option D is incorrect because a waterfall model is a type of sequential model that follows a linear sequence of phases from requirements to deployment. This model is suitable for projects that have simple and fixed requirements, well-known technologies, co-located teams, and low quality expectations, as it allows for easy planning, management, and documentation. However, this model may not be the best choice for projects that have aggressive schedules, unclear requirements, new technologies, distributed teams, and high quality expectations, as it does not allow for early feedback, risk reduction, parallel development, frequent delivery, and continuous improvement. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Iterative/incremental lifecycle model 2: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.2.1 3: ISTQB Glossary, Spiral model 4: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.2.1 5: ISTQB Glossary, V-model : ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.2.1 : ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.2.1 : ISTQB Glossary, Waterfall model : ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.2.1 : ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 1.2.1

The best option to address this scenario is to leverage the development team to fill any knowledge gaps in the in-house tool. This option allows the test team to reuse the existing performance test suite and avoid the risks and costs of switching to a new tool or excluding performance testing altogether. The development team can provide support and guidance to the test team on how to use and modify the in-house tool, since it is written in the same programming language as the product itself. This option also preserves the intellectual property of the organization and does not expose the in-house tool to the open source community. ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager SyllabusAdvanced Software Testing - Vol. 2 References:

• ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus
• Advanced Software Testing - Vol. 2, 2nd Edition