CTFL-Foundation ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

To ensure that the statement 'Print 'Hold'' is exercised:

X=2, Y=4, Z=3 This test case will follow the path where X ≤ Y (False), Y > Z (True), leading to the 'Print 'Hold'' statement.

Testing support tools are typically used to automate activities that are resource-intensive when done manually, repetitive tasks, and repetitive inspections. However, they are not usually designed to automate activities that cannot be executed manually at all, as such activities may require complex and sophisticated human intervention or decision-making.

Effective ways to improve communication and relationships between testers and other team members include communicating factual information in a constructive way (a) and trying to understand how the other person feels and why they react the way they do (b). These approaches foster a collaborative and empathetic environment, reducing friction and enhancing teamwork.

For user acceptance testing (UAT) of the first release of a new software product aimed at a general market and built using Agile methods, appropriate test objectives would be to ensure the product works as expected (c) and to assess the overall quality of the product (d). These objectives focus on validating that the software meets user needs and overall quality standards.

For a review process to be successful, several factors must be in place. According to the ISTQB syllabus, successful reviews generally have clearly defined objectives (a), involve the right people who understand the objectives of the review (c), and place an emphasis on learning and process improvement (d). These elements ensure that the review is focused, effective, and contributes to the overall improvement of the software development process​​.

Static analysis is a technique used to find defects in software source code and software models without executing the code. It involves reviewing the code or models to identify potential issues, such as syntax errors, logical errors, or security vulnerabilities. Static analysis helps improve code quality and maintainability by catching defects early in the development process​​.

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Boundary Value Analysis (BVA) involves testing at the boundaries between partitions. For the given tax calculation system, the boundaries include $4,000 (tax-free), $5,500 (next bracket start), and $33,500 (higher bracket start). Testing with $5,000 is valid because it is a boundary value between the tax-free and the 10% tax bracket.

In state transition testing, test cases are designed to execute specific sequences of state transitions. Referring to the provided state transition diagram:

For test case (i) X-Z-V-W, the corresponding state transitions are S1 (X) → S2, S2 (Z) → S3, S3 (V) → S4, and S4 (W) → S2. Therefore, the sequence of state transitions is S1 – S2 – S3 – S4 – S2.

For test case (ii) W-Y-U-U, the corresponding state transitions are S4 (W) → S2, S2 (Y) → S4, S4 (U) → S4, and S4 (U) → S4. Therefore, the sequence of state transitions is S4 – S2 – S4 – S4 – S4.

This ensures that the transitions accurately reflect the states and paths described in the test cases.

The Black-box testing technique is a method where the internal structure or workings of the item being tested are not known to the tester. This technique focuses on the input and output of the software system, ensuring that it meets the specified requirements without considering the internal code structure. It contrasts with White-box testing, which involves testing internal structures or workings of an application.

Decision table testing is a black-box test design technique used to test system requirements and to ensure that different combinations of inputs result in appropriate outputs. It is especially useful for testing complex business logic and rules where various combinations of conditions need to be verified.

Dynamic Analysis Tools are used during the execution of software to find defects that can occur while the software is running. These tools can identify issues such as memory leaks, which are not detectable by static analysis tools.

Based on the given flow graph and the test cases provided:

Test Case 1 covers the path P → Q → R → U.

Test Case 2 covers the path P → Q → S → V.

Test Case 3 covers the path P → Q → S → W → X.

Test Case 4 covers the path P → Q → S → W → Y.

All decision points (P, Q, R, S, W) are covered at least once, ensuring 100% decision coverage. However, not all statements (T) are covered, as there is no test case that covers the path leading to statement T.

The value of static code analysis lies in its ability to detect defects early in the development process. By analyzing the code without executing it, static analysis can identify potential issues, such as coding errors or violations of coding standards, which can be addressed before they lead to more significant problems.

An incident report should include additional details such as the status of the incident (e.g., new, open, closed), the degree of impact (e.g., critical, major, minor), and the Test Case Number to provide a complete understanding of the context and severity of the issue.

A valid objective of testing is to prevent defects. While correcting defects and locating defects in the code are part of the testing process, the primary goal is often to prevent defects by identifying issues early in the development cycle and improving the overall quality of the software. Ensuring no defects are present is an unrealistic objective, as testing can demonstrate the presence of defects but not their absence.

Test planning involves defining the overall approach to testing, including setting objectives, strategies, and resources. It ensures that the level of detail in test procedures is appropriate for the subsequent test execution phase. Effective test planning helps in aligning the testing activities with the project goals and ensures that the tests are executed as per the defined procedures.

For a safety-critical system, it is essential to ensure that regression tests are run and passed following defect corrections at all test levels. Additionally, tracking incidents raised and closed at all levels of testing helps ensure that all defects are addressed and the system meets safety standards. These metrics provide a comprehensive view of both the completeness of testing and the effectiveness of defect resolution.

The selection of a software development model should be based on the specific characteristics of the product and project. Factors such as project size, complexity, requirements stability, and team expertise influence the choice of the most suitable development model. The ISTQB syllabus explains that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and the decision should be tailored to the context and needs of the project​​.

Independence in software testing refers to the separation of testing activities from the development and production processes. This separation helps ensure objectivity and reduces the risk of bias in the testing results. Independent testers are more likely to identify defects that developers might overlook due to familiarity with the code. The ISTQB syllabus highlights the importance of independence in testing as a key factor in promoting effective and unbiased testing practices​​.