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

 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)

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 most likely cause of the traceability breakdown in the testing area is that the testers are not updating the test execution information in the test management system. This is because the test management system is a tool that supports the test process, and it can store and manage the test documentation, such as the requirements, the test conditions, the test cases, and the test results. If the testers do not update the test execution information in the test management system, such as the test cases that are run, the test results that are obtained, and the defects that are found, the traceability between the test cases and the test conditions will be lost or inaccurate. This can affect the test analysis and reporting, and the test coverage measurement. Test Management - 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 Management - ISTQB not-for-profit association

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

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

If reviewers do not have an adequate level of technical knowledge, they may not be able to identify and describe anomalies in the product or project under review1. They may also not be able to provide constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement2. This can result in a less efficient review, as the review objectives may not be met, the review process may take longer, or the review outcome may be of lower quality3. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because having sufficient business knowledge is not enough to perform a technical review, as business knowledge does not cover the technical aspects of the product or project4. Option B is incorrect because having sufficient process knowledge is not enough to perform a technical review, as process knowledge does not cover the technical aspects of the product or project4. Option D is incorrect because skipping any technical aspect can compromise the quality and completeness of the review, and may lead to defects or risks in the product or project5. References: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Reviewer 2: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.2.2 3: ISTQBAdvanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.2.3 4: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.3.1 5: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 2.3.2

The technique that will assist you in determining targeted improvement areas to reduce the number of defects is Pareto analysis. This is because Pareto analysis is a method of identifying and prioritizing the most significant causes of defects, based on the principle that 80% of the problems are caused by 20% of the causes. By applying Pareto analysis, you can focus on the improvement areas that will have the most impact on reducing the number of defects. Pareto Analysis - ISTQB not-for-profit association References: Certified Tester Advanced Level Test Manager (CTAL-TM) - ISTQB not-for-profit association, ISTQBTest Manager Certification - ISTQB Exams Worldwide - ISTQB Official Registration, Pareto Analysis - ISTQB not-for-profit association

Determining the cost of external failures involves analyzing the impact of defects that escape into production. This includes the direct costs associated with fixing the defects, as well as the indirect costs such as customer dissatisfaction, damage to the company’s reputation, and potential loss of business. By quantifying these costs, the Test Manager can illustrate the financial benefits of comprehensive testing in preventing high-cost external failures, thereby demonstrating its value as an investment rather than a cost overhead.

References:The ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager documents provide guidelines on how to establish and use metrics to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the testing process, including the cost of quality and the Return on Investment (ROI) for testing activities. These references support the rationale behind choosing option C as the verified answer.

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

The correct answer is D. Test Closure. This is because test closure is the final activity of the test process, in which the test team evaluates the test results, reports the outcomes, identifies the lessons learned, and hands over the testware and the defect reports to the maintenance team. The Defect Accepted and Deferred report is a document that lists the defects that have been accepted by the stakeholders and deferred to be fixed in future releases. By handing over this report to the maintenance team, the test team is performing the test closure activity. Test Closure - 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 Closure - ISTQB not-for-profit association

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

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

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]

In the IDEAL model, the Diagnosing step is where the success criteria are defined. This step involves understanding the current state and identifying gaps between the current and desired states. It sets the stage for creating action plans to address these gaps and defines the metrics for success.

References: The information is based on the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager documents, which outline the IDEAL model and its application in process improvement within the context of software testing.

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