Entries Tagged 'QA certifications' ↓

In continuation with our Previous article on “ISTQB software testing certification sample papers and tips to solve the questions quickly“, we are posting next set of ISTQB exam sample questions and answers with detailed evaluation for each option.

This is a guest article by “N. Sandhya Rani”.

ISTQB ‘Foundation level’ sample questions with answers and detailed evaluation of each option:

1. Methodologies adopted while performing Maintenance Testing:-
a) Breadth Test and Depth Test
b) Retesting
c) Confirmation Testing
d) Sanity Testing

Evaluating the options:
Continue reading →

Please welcome ‘Sandhya’ on softwaretestinghelp.com writer’s board. Sandhya is having extensive experience in software testing field and helping many software testers in clearing the testing certification exams like ISTQB.

Sandhya will be giving you ISTQB paper pattern and tips on how to solve the questions quickly. To start with, here are 10 sample ISTQB ‘Foundation level’ questions with detailed explanation for answers.

ISTQB question pattern and tips to solve:
ISTQB questions are formatted in such a way that the answers look very much similar. People often choose the one, which they are more familiar with. We should carefully read the question twice or thrice or may be more than that, till we are clear about what is being asked in the question.

Now look at the options carefully. The options are chosen to confuse the candidates. To choose the correct answer, we should start eliminating one by one. Go through each option and check whether it is appropriate or not. If you end up selecting more than one option, repeat the above logic for the answers that you selected. This will definitely work.

Before you start with the question papers, please read the material thoroughly. Practice as many papers as possible. This will help a lot because, when we actually solve the papers, we apply the logic that we know.

ISTQB ‘Foundation level’ sample questions with answers:

1. Designing the test environment set-up and identifying any required infrastructure and tools are a part of which phase

a) Test Implementation and execution
b) Test Analysis and Design
c) Evaluating the Exit Criteria and reporting
d) Test Closure Activities

Evaluating the options:
a) Option a: as the name suggests these activities are part of the actual implementation cycle. So do not fall under set-up
b) Option b: Analysis and design activities come before implementation. The test environment set-up, identifying any required infrastructure and tools are part of this activity.
c) Option c: These are post implementation activities
d) Option d: These are related to closing activities. This is the last activity.

So, the answer is ‘B’

2. Test Implementation and execution has which of the following major tasks?

i. Developing and prioritizing test cases, creating test data, writing test procedures and optionally preparing the test harnesses and writing automated test scripts.
ii. Creating the test suite from the test cases for efficient test execution.
iii. Verifying that the test environment has been set up correctly.
iv. Determining the exit criteria.

a) i,ii,iii are true and iv is false
b) i,,iv are true and ii is false
c) i,ii are true and iii,iv are false
d) ii,iii,iv are true and i is false

Evaluating the options:
Let’s follow a different approach in this case. As can be seen from the above options, determining the exit criteria is definitely not a part of test implementation and execution. So choose the options where (iv) is false. This filters out ‘b’ and ‘d’.

We need to select only from ‘a’ and ‘c’. We only need to analyze option (iii) as (i) and (ii) are marked as true in both the cases. Verification of the test environment is part of the implementation activity. Hence option (iii) is true. This leaves the only option as ‘a’.

So, the answer is ‘A’

3. A Test Plan Outline contains which of the following:-

i. Test Items
ii. Test Scripts
iii. Test Deliverables
iv. Responsibilities

a) I,ii,iii are true and iv is false
b) i,iii,iv are true and ii is false
c) ii,iii are true and i and iv are false
d) i,ii are false and iii , iv are true

Evaluating the options:
Let’s use the approach given in question no. 2. Test scripts are not part of the test plan (this must be clear). So choose the options where (ii) is false. So we end up selecting ‘b’ and ‘d’. Now evaluate the option (i), as option (iii) and (iv) are already given as true in both the cases. Test items are part of the test plan. Test items are the modules or features which will be tested and these will be part of the test plan.

So, the answer is ‘B’

4. One of the fields on a form contains a text box which accepts numeric values in the range of 18 to 25. Identify the invalid Equivalence class
a) 17
b) 19
c) 24
d) 21

Evaluating the options:
In this case, first we should identify valid and invalid equivalence classes.

Invalid Class | Valid Class | Invalid Class
Below 18 | 18 to 25 | 26 and above

Option ‘a’ falls under invalid class. Options ‘b’, ‘c’ and ‘d’ fall under valid class.

So, the answer is ‘A’

5. In an Examination a candidate has to score minimum of 24 marks in order to clear the exam. The maximum that he can score is 40 marks. Identify the Valid Equivalence values if the student clears the exam.

a) 22,23,26
b) 21,39,40
c) 29,30,31
d) 0,15,22

Evaluating the options:
Let’s use the approach given in question 4. Identify valid and invalid equivalence classes.

Invalid Class | Valid Class | Invalid Class
Below 24 | 24 to 40 | 41 and above

The question is to identify valid equivalence values. So all the values must be from ‘Valid class’ only.

a) Option a: all the values are not from valid class
b) Option b: all the values are not from valid class
c) Option c: all the values are from valid class
d) Option d: all the values are not from valid class

So, the answer is ‘C’

6. Which of the following statements regarding static testing is false:

a) static testing requires the running of tests through the code
b) static testing includes desk checking
c) static testing includes techniques such as reviews and inspections
d) static testing can give measurements such as cyclomatic complexity

Evaluating the options:
a) Option a: is wrong. Static testing has nothing to do with code
b) Option b: correct, static testing does include desk checking
c) Option c: correct, it includes reviews and inspections
d) Option d: correct, it can give measurements such as cyclomatic complexity

So, the answer is ‘A’

7. Verification involves which of the following:-
i. Helps to check the Quality of the built product
ii. Helps to check that we have built the right product.
iii. Helps in developing the product
iv. Monitoring tool wastage and obsoleteness.

a) Options i,ii,iii,iv are true.
b) i is true and ii,iii,iv are false
c) i,ii,iii are true and iv is false
d) ii is true and i,iii,iv are false.

Evaluating the options:
a) Option a: The quality of the product can be checked only after building it.
Verification is a cycle before completing the product.
b) Option b: Verification checks that we have built the right product.
c) Option c: it does not help in developing the product
d) Option d: it does not involve monitory activities.

So, the answer is ‘B’

8. Component Testing is also called as :-
i. Unit Testing
ii. Program Testing
iii. Module Testing
iv. System Component Testing .

a) i,ii,iii are true and iv is false
b) i,ii,iii,iv are false
c) i,ii,iv are true and iii is false
d) all of above is true

Evaluating the options:
a) Option a: correct, component testing is also called as unit testing
b) Option b: not sure (but as all the options indicate this as true, we can conclude that Program testing is also called as unit testing)
c) Option c: correct, component testing is also called as module testing
d) Option d: wrong. System component testing comes under system testing.

So, the answer is ‘A’

9. Link Testing is also called as :
a) Component Integration testing
b) Component System Testing
c) Component Sub System Testing
d) Maintenance testing

Evaluating the options:
As the name suggests, this testing is performed by linking (say modules). Now if
we look at the options, only option ‘a’ is performed by linking or integrating
modules/components.

So, the answer is ‘A’

10.

What is the expected result for each of the following test cases?
A.TC1: Anand is a 32 year old married, residing in Kolkatta.
B.TC3: Attapattu is a 65 year old married person, residing in Colombo.
a) A – Issue membership, 10% discount, B–Issue membership, offer no discount. B
b) A – Don’t Issue membership, B – Don’t offer discount. C
c) A – Issue membership, no discount, B – Don’t Issue membership.
d) A – Issue membership, no discount, B- Issue membership with 10% discount.

Evaluating the options:

Explanation:
For TC1: follow the path in green color
(The person is Indian resident, so select only ‘True’ options.
The person is aged between 18-55, so select only ‘True’
The person is a married, so again select only ‘True’
For this person, the actions under ‘Rule 4′ will be applied. That is, issue membership and no discount)

For TC3: follow the path in blue color
(The person is not Indian resident, so select only ‘False’ (under Rule 1)
The person is not aged between 18-55. No need to select any path, as it is written “Don’t care”.
The person is married. No need to select any path, as it is written “Don’t care”.
For this person, the actions under ‘Rule1′ will be applied, That is, Don’t issue membership and no discount.)

So, the answer is ‘C’

Note: The answers are based on writers own experience and judgment and may not be 100% correct. If you feel any correction is required please discuss in comments below.

Please feel free to ask any question related to ISTQB exam and testing certifications in comment section below.

I have written many articles on software testing certifications. Here is one more ‘sample exam questions’ article on CSTE certification. CSTE testing certification is the basic certification to check testers skill and understanding of software testing theory and software testing practices.

If you are applying for CSTE certification check if you can answer at least 75% of the following test questions. Four and half hour CSTE exam consist of 4 parts, Two multiple choice parts and two essay parts.

Below you will find 20 multiple choice questions from all skill categories. There are around 10 skill categories and I have included 2 questions from each category.

Skill categories:

• Software Testing Principles and Concepts
•  Building the Test Environment
•  Managing the Test Project
•  Test Planning
•  Executing the Test Plan
•  Test Reporting Process
•  User Acceptance Testing
•  Testing Software Developed by Contractors
•  Testing Internal Control
•  Testing New Technologies

These are the latest sample questions from the CSTE CBOK.

Mark the answers somewhere so that you can check the score at the end of the test.

1. The customer’s view of quality means:
a. Meeting requirements
b. Doing it the right way
c. Doing it right the first time
d. Fit for use
e. Doing it on time

2. The testing of a single program, or function, usually performed by the developer is called:
a. Unit testing
b. Integration testing
c. System testing
d. Regression testing
e. Acceptance testing

3. The measure used to evaluate the correctness of a product is called the product:
a. Policy
b. Standard
c. Procedure to do work
d. Procedure to check work
e. Guideline

4. Which of the four components of the test environment is considered to be the most important component of the test environment:
a. Management support
b. Tester competency
c. Test work processes
d. Testing techniques and tools

5. Effective test managers are effective listeners. The type of listening in which the tester is performing an analysis of what the speaker is saying is called:
a. Discriminative listening
b. Comprehensive listening
c. Therapeutic listening
d. Critical listening
e. Appreciative listening

6. To become a CSTE, an individual has a responsibility to accept the standards of conduct defined by the certification board. These standards of conduct are called:
a. Code of ethics
b. Continuing professional education requirement
c. Obtaining references to support experience
d. Joining a professional testing chapter
e. Following the common body of knowledge in the practice of software testing

7. Which of the following are risks that testers face in performing their test activities:
a. Not enough training
b. Lack of test tools
c. Not enough time for testing
d. Rapid change
e. All of the above

8. All of the following are methods to minimize loss due to risk. Which one is not a method to minimize loss due to risk:
a. Reduce opportunity for error
b. Identify error prior to loss
c. Quantify loss
d. Minimize loss
e. Recover loss

9. Defect prevention involves which of the following steps:
a. Identify critical tasks
b. Estimate expected impact
c. Minimize expected impact
d. a, b and c
e. a and b

10. The first step in designing use case is to:
a. Build a system boundary diagram
b. Define acceptance criteria
c. Define use cases
d. Involve users
e. Develop use cases

11. The defect attribute that would help management determine the importance of the defect is called:
a. Defect type
b. Defect severity
c. Defect name
d. Defect location
e. Phase in which defect occurred

12. The system test report is normally written at what point in software development:
a. After unit testing
b. After integration testing
c. After system testing
d. After acceptance testing

13. The primary objective of user acceptance testing is to:
a. Identify requirements defects
b. Identify missing requirements
c. Determine if software is fit for use
d. Validate the correctness of interfaces to other software systems
e. Verify that software is maintainable

14. If IT establishes a measurement team to create measures and metrics to be used in status reporting, that team should include individuals who have:
a. A working knowledge of measures
b. Knowledge in the implementation of statistical process control tools
c. A working understanding of benchmarking techniques
d. Knowledge of the organization’s goals and objectives
e. All of the above

15. What is the difference between testing software developed by a contractor outside your country, versus testing software developed by a contractor within your country:
a. Does not meet people needs
b. Cultural differences
c. Loss of control over reallocation of resources
d. Relinquishment of control
e. Contains extra features not specified

16. What is the definition of a critical success factor:
a. A specified requirement
b. A software quality factor
c. Factors that must be present
d. A software metric
e. A high cost to implement requirement

17. The condition that represents a potential for loss to an organization is called:
a. Risk
b. Exposure
c. Threat
d. Control
e. Vulnerability

18. A flaw in a software system that may be exploited by an individual for his or her advantage is called:
a. Risk
b. Risk analysis
c. Threat
d. Vulnerability
e. Control

19. The conduct of business of the Internet is called:
a. e-commerce
b. e-business
c. Wireless applications
d. Client-server system
e. Web-based applications

20. The following is described as one of the five levels of maturing a new technology into an IT organization’s work processes. The “People-dependent technology” level is equivalent to what level in SEI’s compatibility maturity model:
a. Level 1
b. Level 2
c. Level 3
d. Level 4
e. Level 5

Done? Check the answers. 

In coming articles I will emphasize more on sample CSTE essay papers and how to answer multiple choice and essay type questions. You can refer previous software testing certification articles here.

To get more testing tips, register free with your email only.

This article will give you general idea about CSTE certification exam paper pattern. I have included some sample questions and answers for the CSTE mock test paper. You can refer these questions and can judge the pattern of descriptive answer paper. If you need objective type questions from CSTE paper you can refer our previous article on CSTE objective type question answers . Also you can download some more sample papers from our ‘Downloads’ section.

CSTE mock test paper – Questions and Answers:

1. Define the following along with examples [25 Marks]
a. Boundary Value testing
b. Equivalence testing
c. Error Guessing
d. Desk checking
e. Control Flow analysis

Answer:
a) Boundary value Analysis: – A process of selecting test cases/data by identifying the boundaries that separate valid and invalid conditions. Tests are constructed to test the inside and outside edges of these boundaries, in addition to the actual boundary points. or A selection technique in which test data are chosen to lie along “boundaries” of the input domain [or output range] classes, data structures, procedure parameters, etc. Choices often include maximum, minimum, and trivial values or parameters.

E.g. – Input data 1 to 10 (boundary value)
Test input data 0, 1, 2 to 9, 10, 11

b) Equivalence testing: – The input domain of the system is partitioned into classes of representative values, so that the no of test cases can be limited to one-per-class, which represents the minimum no. of test cases that must be executed.

E.g.- valid data range: 1-10
Test set:-2; 5; 14

c) Error guessing: – Test data selection technique. The selection criterion is to pick values that seem likely to cause errors Error guessing is based mostly upon experience, with some assistance from other techniques such as boundary value analysis. Based on experience, the test designer guesses the types of errors that could occur in a particular type of software and designs test cases to uncover them.

E.g. – For example, if any type of resource is allocated dynamically, a good place to look for errors is in the de-allocation of resources. Are all resources correctly deallocated, or are some lost as the software executes?

d) Desk checking: – Desk checking is conducted by the developer of the system or program. The process involves reviewing the complete product to ensure that it is structurally sound and that the standards and requirements have been met. This is the most traditional means for analyzing a system or program.

e) Control Flow Analysis: – It is based upon graphical representation of the program process. In control flow analysis; the program graphs has nodes which represent a statement or segment possibly ending in an unresolved branch. The graph illustrates the flow of program control from one segment to another as illustrated through branches .the objective of control flow analysis is to determine the potential problems in logic branches that might result in a loop condition or improper processing.

2. You find that there is a senior tester who is making more mistakes than the junior testers. You need to communicate this aspect to the senior tester. Also, you don’t want to loose this tester. How should one go about the constructive criticism? [10 Marks]

Answer:
In the quality approach, it is the responsibility of the supervisor to make His/Her subordinates successful. The effective use of criticism is a tool for improving subordinate performance.

In giving constructive criticism, you should incorporate the following tactics: -

• Do it privately.
• Have the facts.
• Be prepared to help the worker improve His/Her performance.
• Be specific on Expectations.
• Follow a specific process in giving the criticism.

3. Your manager has taken you onboard as a test lead for testing a web-based application. He wants to know what risks you would include in the Test plan. Explain each risk factor that would be a part of your test plan. [20 marks]

Answer:
Web-Based Application primary risk factors:-

A) Security: anything related to the security of the application.
B) Performance:- The amount of computing resources and code required by the system to perform its stated functions.
C) Correctness:-Data entered, processed, and outputted in the system is accurate and complete
D) Access Control:-Assurance that the application system resources will be protected
E) Continuity of processing:-The ability to sustain processing in the event problem occurs
F) Audit Trail:-The capability to substantiate the processing that has occurred.
G) Authorization:-Assurance that the data is processed in accordance with the intents of the management.

General risk or secondary risk’s:-

A) Complex – anything disproportionately large, intricate or convoluted.
B) New – anything that has no history in the product.
C) Changed – anything that has been tampered with or “improved”.
D) Upstream Dependency – anything whose failure will cause cascading failure in the rest of the system.
E) Downstream Dependency – anything that is especially sensitive to failures in the rest of the system.
F) Critical – anything whose failure could cause substantial damage.
G) Precise – anything that must meet its requirements exactly.
H) Popular – anything that will be used a lot.
I) Strategic – anything that has special importance to your business, such as a feature that sets you apart from the competition.
J) Third-party – anything used in the product, but developed outside the project.
K) Distributed – anything spread out in time or space, yet whose elements must work together.
l) Buggy – anything known to have a lot of problems.
M) Recent Failure – anything with a recent history of failure.

4. You are in the contract stage of a project and are developing a comprehensive proposal for a safety critical software system. Your director has consulted you for preparing a guideline document what will enlist user’s role during acceptance testing phase. Indicate the key roles you feel that the user should play during acceptance stage. Also indicate the categories into which the acceptance requirements should fall. [10 Marks]

Answer:
1) Ensure user involvement in developing systems requirement and acceptance criteria.
2) Identify interim and final products for acceptance their acceptance criteria and schedule.
3) Plan how and by whom each acceptance activity will be performed.
4) Plan resources for providing information.
5) Schedule adequate time for buyer staff to receive and examine the products and evaluation prior to acceptance review.
6) Prepare the acceptance plan.
7) Respond to the analysis of project entitles before accepting and rejecting.
8 ) Approve the various interim software products.
9) Perform the final acceptance activities, including the formal acceptance testing at delivery.
10) Make an acceptance decision for each product.

5. What is parallel testing and when do we use parallel testing? Explain with
example? [5 marks]

Answer:
Testing a new or an altered data processing system with the same source data that is used in another system. The other system is considered as the standard of comparison. OR we can say that parallel testing requires the same input data be run through two versions of the same application.
Parallel testing should be used when there is uncertainty regarding the correctness of processing of the new application. And old and new versions of the applications are same.
E.g.-
1) Operate the old and new version of the payroll system to determine that the paychecks from both systems are reconcilable.
2) Run the old version of the application system to ensure that the operational status of the old system has been maintained in the event that problems are encountered in the new application.

6. What is the difference between testing Techniques and tools? Give examples. [5 marks]

Answer:
Testing technique: – Is a process for ensuring that some aspects of the application system or unit functions properly there may be few techniques but many tools.

Tools: – Is a vehicle for performing a test process. The tool is a resource to the tester, but itself is insufficient to conduct testing

E.g.:- The swinging of hammer to drive the nail. The hammer is a tool, and swinging the hammer is a technique. The concept of tools and technique is important in the testing process. It is a combination of the two that enables the test process to be performed. The tester should first understand the testing techniques and then understand the tools that can be used with each of the technique.

7. Quality control activities are focused on identifying defects in the actual products produced; however your boss wants you to identify and define processes that would prevent defects. How would you explain to him to distinguish between QA and QC responsibilities? [10 Marks]

Answer:

Quality Assurance:
1) A planned and systematic set of activities necessary to provide adequate confidence that requirements are properly established and products or services conform to specified requirements
2) An activity that establishes and evaluates the processes to produce the products.
3) Helps establish processes.
4) Sets up measurements programs to evaluate processes.
5) Identifies weaknesses in processes and improves them.
6) QA is the responsibility of the entire team.
7) Prevents the introduction of issues or defects

Quality Control:
1) The process by which product quality is compared with applicable standards; and the action taken when nonconformance is detected.
2) An activity which verifies if the product meets pre-defined standards.
3) Implements the process.
4) Verifies if specific attribute(s) are in a specific product or service
5) Identifies defects for the primary purpose of correcting defects.
6) QC is the responsibility of the tester.
7) Detects, reports and corrects defects

8 ) Differentiate between Transaction flow modeling, Finite state modeling, Data flow modeling and Timing modeling? [10 Marks]

Answer:
Transaction Flow modeling: -The nodes represent the steps in transactions. The links
represent the logical connection between steps.

Finite state modeling:-The nodes represent the different user observable states of the software. The links represent the transitions that occur to move from state to state.

Data flow modeling:-The nodes represent the data objects. The links represent the transformations that occur to translate one data object to another.

Timing Modeling:-The nodes are Program Objects. The links are sequential connections between the program objects. The link weights are used to specify the required execution times as program executes.

9) List what you think are the two primary goals of testing
[5 Marks]

Answer:
1) Determine whether the system meets specifications (producer view)
2) determine whether the system meets business and user needs (Customer view)

I have previously written some posts on Software testing certifications.  Many readers don’t know how to apply and prepare for these Testing and QA certifications. I will briefly guide here about the certifications available and the locations where you can give the exams.

Certifications In software Testing some history:

In 1980 Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) established a association to represent Quality Assurance professionals. Currently many beginners and advanced level certifications are offered by QAI. Certifications like CSQA (Certified Software Quality Analyst), CSTE (Certified Software Test Engineer), CSPM (Certified Software Project Manager) and Some Advanced level certifications like CMST (Certified Manager of Software Testing), CMSQ (Certified Manager of Software Quality).

Normally people having these certifications are recognized as proficient in Quality Assurance. (As what they believe )  But there is definitely a plus when it’s comes to your promotion. Other advantage of having certification what I feel is you will brush up the testing knowledge and methodologies while preparing for exam.

There are some prerequisite you should meet before applying for these software Testing certifications. These depends on the certification you are applying for plus some common prerequisites like:

•  4 years degree from reputed college + 2 years of IT experience OR
•  3 years degree + 3 years UT experience OR
•  2 years degree + 4 years IT experience OR
•  6 years IT experience OR

AND  Should be worked in IT field for the last 18 months.

To apply for the certification fill out the form available at Testing certification application form. Please check which certification you want to pursue and then fill the form accordingly.

Please note that the application fee for any fresh certification is US $350 in which you can also get the exam guide CD. You must mail or fax the above filled application form to the appropriate address provided in the application form with your fees payment.

Note that these certifications exams are conducted in the location of your choice. Your application is first reviewed by QAI board and on approval further notes are sent to the local exam centers approved by QAI.  You can check the current year schedule and locations of testing certification here.

For example if you want to give software testing certification exam in India, Pune center (MIT college) you must fill the application form before 15th October 2007 and can give the exam on 15th December 2007.  Total 2 retakes are allowed for any certification. If you still not cleared the exam then forget about the testing certifications and even Testing.

More guide on available certifications and filling the form can be found here.

As a test engineer or QA engineer it is very important to have at least one of the Software testing certifications. This will help to broaden the software testing knowledge, also helpful for testing employees to get the promotion in their respective field in large MNC’s.

Here I am listing some important software testing certifications:
See the description to know why should one go for the respective certification.

CQA-Certified Quality Analyst:
For Professional level of competence in the principles and practices of quality assurance in the IT profession.

CSTE-Certified Software Test Engineer:
Intended to establish standards for initial qualification and provide direction for the testing function through an aggressive educational program.

CSTP- Certified Software Test Professional:
To teach individuals from different disciplines sound and effective testing techniques and methods and to certify them as Software Testing Professionals.

CQE- Quality Engineer Certificate:
CQE is designed for those who understand the principles of product and service quality evaluation and control.

Quality Manager Certification:
For those who understand quality principles and standards in relation to organization and human resource management

CSQE- Certified Software Quality Engineer:
CSQE is designed for those who have a comprehensive understanding of software quality development and implementation; have a thorough understanding of software inspection and testing, verification, and validation; and can implement software development and maintenance processes and methods

CQIA- Quality Improvement Associate Certificate:
CQIA is designed to assess basic knowledge of quality tools and their uses by individuals who are involved in quality improvement projects, but do not necessarily come from traditional quality areas.

To apply for any of the certification or to know more in detail about any certification you can refer following links:

ASQ American society for quality Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)
American society for quality Quality Improvement Associate
SSBB Six sigma black belt certification
ISEBQualification in software testing
ISTQB Certified tester International software quality institute
Mercury tools certifications
CSQA Certified software quality analyst
Rational certifications
Segue tools certifications