ISTQB CT-TAE Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions
Question 1
At which level should reusability be incorporated to ensure the Technical Application Service (TAS) can be reused across different projects?
A. Code level
B. Framework level
C. TAS level
D. Technical Automation Architecture (TAA) level
Answer: D
Explanation:
To ensure that the Technical Application Service (TAS) can be reused across various projects, it should be designed at the Technical Automation Architecture (TAA) level. The reason for this is that the TAA level provides a broad, overarching framework that includes the necessary structure, processes, and components to integrate and reuse services in multiple projects. By incorporating reusability at the TAA level, you establish a modular and scalable approach that aligns with different project requirements and can easily be adapted or extended to new projects without extensive redevelopment. This ensures that any changes or updates made to the TAS are uniformly applicable to all relevant projects.
While the code level (A) focuses on individual components, it is typically too granular to handle cross-project reuse efficiently. Reusability at the framework level (B) can help with reusing libraries or general components, but it may still lack the strategic integration needed at the architectural level. Similarly, the TAS level (C) is important but may be too specific for broad cross-project reuse without the strategic foundation that the TAA level provides.
Thus, the most effective way to ensure TAS reusability across projects is by addressing it at the TAA level, which creates a robust and flexible environment for integration, reuse, and scalability across different initiatives and applications.
Question 2
After deploying a product and running the automated test suite, a critical issue appears in production, despite all tests initially passing. Upon re-executing the suite, one test fails that relates to the defect, but later passes again. How should you proceed to validate the test suite?
A. Temporarily remove the unstable test and investigate the reason for inconsistent results
B. Verify whether the reported issue in production is a real defect
C. Re-run the test suite and take no action if it passes again
D. Eliminate the unstable test and proceed with the remaining test suite
Answer: A
Explanation:
When facing an issue where a test intermittently fails and passes, it indicates that there may be an instability in the test itself or in the environment in which it is being executed. The best approach is to temporarily remove the unstable test and investigate the reason for inconsistent results (A). This will allow you to focus on diagnosing the root cause of the problem without being distracted by the inconsistency of the test results. It’s important to analyze the test's environment, dependencies, and setup to determine if factors such as timing, external resources, or state changes could be influencing the test outcomes.
Option B, verifying whether the issue reported in production is a real defect, is necessary but doesn't address the immediate concern of the failing test in the automated suite. Even though a production issue may be related to the test failure, it’s essential to first validate the test's behavior to ensure that the failure is not a result of a test instability.
Option C, re-running the test suite and taking no action if it passes again, is not an optimal solution. If the test suite intermittently fails, ignoring it after a single pass can lead to missed defects or unstable test coverage.
Option D, eliminating the unstable test and proceeding with the remaining suite, could be a short-term solution but may overlook the underlying issues with the test itself. It is crucial to understand why the test fails intermittently before deciding to discard it entirely.
By temporarily removing the unstable test and investigating its inconsistency, you are ensuring the stability of the test suite and the validity of future test results. This helps identify whether the failure is related to environmental factors, issues within the test itself, or potential defects in the product that need to be addressed.
Question 3
What are the four horizontal layers included in the structure of a generic Test Automation Architecture (gTAA)?
A. Test adaptation, test execution, test design, test definition
B. Test generation, test execution, test definition, test APIs
C. Test generation, test definition, test execution, test adaptation
D. Test definition, test execution, test reporting, test adaptation
Answer: C
Explanation:
A generic Test Automation Architecture (gTAA) is typically divided into four core horizontal layers that represent different phases or aspects of the automation process. These layers help to structure the system in a way that is both efficient and scalable. The four layers in the gTAA structure are Test generation, Test definition, Test execution, and Test adaptation.
Test generation: This is the first layer in the gTAA structure and is responsible for creating the test cases that will be executed. These test cases are usually designed based on the requirements and behavior of the system under test. The test generation layer ensures that test scripts are created automatically or semi-automatically based on inputs like requirements, use cases, or system models. It aims to provide a large set of tests that can cover a wide range of scenarios.
Test definition: After test cases are generated, they need to be defined or structured in a format that can be executed. The test definition layer deals with specifying the exact inputs, expected outcomes, and conditions under which tests should run. This layer is about creating the metadata for each test, ensuring that tests can be understood and executed by the test automation framework.
Test execution: Once the tests are defined, they move into the execution layer. In this phase, the automated tests are actually run on the system under test. The execution layer interacts with the application, inputs data, checks results, and reports outcomes. It’s where the automation framework interacts with the actual software being tested, and the test results are produced.
Test adaptation: The test adaptation layer is responsible for adjusting the automation process to fit different environments, platforms, or tools. This layer allows the test framework to adapt to various changes in the application or the environment, ensuring that tests remain effective and functional even when the underlying systems or tools change. It’s a crucial layer for maintaining flexibility and scalability.
Thus, C is the correct answer as it properly lists the four layers: Test generation, Test definition, Test execution, and Test adaptation.
Question 4
After multiple sprints, a new version of the Test Automation Solution (TAS) has been implemented with improvements, but unresolved usability and performance issues remain.
How should the team decide whether to continue with the new version or revert to the previous one?
A. Conduct a risk-benefit analysis of the updated TAS to support decision-making
B. Revert to the earlier, stable version to avoid potential risks
C. Continue using the new version to maintain consistency in the live environment
D. Trial the new version during the first maintenance release, and revert if problems occur
Answer: A
Explanation:
In software development and test automation, making decisions about whether to continue with a new version or revert to an older one is a critical process that requires careful consideration. In this scenario, the new version of the Test Automation Solution (TAS) has introduced improvements but also comes with unresolved usability and performance issues. The best way to handle this situation is to conduct a risk-benefit analysis.
Risk-benefit analysis: This method involves systematically evaluating both the potential risks and benefits of continuing with the new version versus reverting to the previous one. Risks could include things like system instability, potential delays in the testing process, or negative impacts on the user experience. Benefits could include improved functionality, new features, and long-term improvements that will benefit the testing process. By conducting a thorough analysis, the team can assess whether the benefits of the new version outweigh the risks associated with its unresolved issues. This approach helps in making an informed decision rather than simply relying on subjective judgment or fear of risks.
Reverting to an earlier version: While reverting to the earlier stable version (B) might seem like a safer option, it ignores the potential improvements in the new version. The earlier version may be stable, but it might lack important new features or improvements that could enhance the test automation process in the long term.
Maintaining consistency in the live environment: Continuing to use the new version to maintain consistency (C) without evaluating the issues may lead to more problems in the future. The unresolved usability and performance issues could worsen over time, impacting the effectiveness of the TAS.
Trialing the new version during maintenance: While testing the new version during the first maintenance release (D) could provide more insight, it may delay the decision-making process. A more immediate, thorough assessment through a risk-benefit analysis would be more effective in determining the best course of action sooner.
Thus, A is the correct answer because conducting a risk-benefit analysis provides a clear, structured approach to decision-making that considers both the immediate issues and the long-term benefits of the new version.
Question 5
Which of the following practices is recommended when automating a manual regression test suite?
A. Centralize shared test data in a single source to reduce duplication and errors
B. Break down all manual tests into smaller automated ones to avoid redundancy
C. Remove all test inter-dependencies to lower failure risk and debugging effort
D. Execute the automated version of a manual test immediately after implementation
Answer: A
Explanation:
When automating a manual regression test suite, one of the best practices is to centralize shared test data in a single source to reduce duplication and errors (A). Centralizing test data ensures consistency across tests and helps eliminate data duplication, which could otherwise lead to errors or inconsistencies. By having a single source for test data, it becomes easier to manage updates and changes, making your test suite more maintainable and reliable over time. This also reduces the risk of outdated or mismatched test data being used, which is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of automated tests.
Option B, breaking down all manual tests into smaller automated ones to avoid redundancy, may not always be the best approach. While breaking tests into smaller components can sometimes help with modularity and reusability, it’s not always necessary or practical for regression tests. In fact, breaking tests down too much might lead to a loss of context or test coverage. Regression tests often cover a broader range of functionalities and may not require splitting them into smaller tests unless there is a specific need for it.
Option C, removing all test inter-dependencies to lower failure risk and debugging effort, is a good practice to some extent but may not always be feasible, especially for complex systems. Some level of inter-dependency may be unavoidable when dealing with tests that rely on multiple components interacting with each other. The goal should be to manage and minimize these dependencies where possible, but completely removing them could lead to unnecessary complexity in the test structure.
Option D, executing the automated version of a manual test immediately after implementation, is not a recommended practice. It’s essential to ensure that the automated test has been thoroughly reviewed and is reliable before execution. Rushing to execute it immediately might result in overlooking potential issues in the automated test itself, which could lead to incorrect results or missed defects.
The most effective strategy when automating a manual regression test suite is to centralize shared test data in a single source to streamline maintenance and reduce errors, ensuring that the automation process remains efficient and consistent.
Question 6
You're preparing to run a pilot using a tool that supports system modeling and automatic test case generation. Which project is most appropriate for the pilot?
A. A large-scale e-commerce project still in the requirements phase, mostly developed in-house
B. A high-risk, safety-critical autonomous car parking application
C. A short, one-month upgrade to an internal HR time tracking app for web and mobile
D. A standalone payment system, part of the larger e-commerce project
Answer: B
Explanation:
The most appropriate project for piloting a tool that supports system modeling and automatic test case generation is a high-risk, safety-critical autonomous car parking application (B). The reason for this is that safety-critical applications, such as those in the automotive industry, require thorough and exhaustive testing due to the high consequences of failure. Using a tool that automatically generates test cases based on system models can significantly improve testing efficiency and effectiveness in such high-risk scenarios, ensuring that all aspects of the system are thoroughly validated. This is particularly valuable in autonomous vehicle systems, where precision and reliability are critical.
Option A, a large-scale e-commerce project still in the requirements phase, might not be the best candidate for this type of pilot. At the requirements phase, the system’s design is still evolving, and using a tool for system modeling and automatic test generation might lead to challenges due to incomplete or changing requirements. It’s more appropriate to wait until the project is further along in development, where the system is more stable and defined.
Option C, a short, one-month upgrade to an internal HR time tracking app, may not be a strong candidate either. While system modeling and automatic test case generation are useful for larger, more complex systems, the small scale and relatively low complexity of a short upgrade to a time tracking app likely don’t justify the overhead of setting up and piloting such a tool. Additionally, the time frame of one month might not provide sufficient time to fully leverage the capabilities of such a tool.
Option D, a standalone payment system that is part of a larger e-commerce project, might also be useful for a pilot, but it does not involve the same level of complexity or risk as the autonomous car parking application. Payment systems, while critical, are typically less complex in terms of system modeling than a safety-critical autonomous vehicle system. However, if the payment system is part of a larger e-commerce system with many interconnected components, this could be a viable candidate depending on the project specifics.
In conclusion, B is the best option because safety-critical applications, such as an autonomous car parking system, would benefit most from the advanced capabilities of system modeling and automated test case generation. The high stakes of such projects make the pilot particularly beneficial.
Question 7
Which two types of test cases are best suited for inclusion in an automation pilot project to help estimate future effort and scheduling?
A. a and b
B. a and c
C. b and d
D. c and e
Answer: B
Explanation:
In an automation pilot project, the primary goal is to assess the potential benefits, effort, and scheduling for scaling up automation in the future. The most suitable test cases for this purpose are those that can quickly demonstrate the effectiveness of the automation setup and provide insights into the effort involved.
Test cases with high business value and low automation effort (A) are ideal because they offer a quick return on investment (ROI) while also contributing significantly to the overall business goals. These tests can demonstrate early benefits, allowing for better planning and estimation of future automation efforts. Automating such tests early can provide immediate insights into the feasibility of the automation project.
Additionally, stable test cases that can quickly demonstrate benefits (C) are also a strong choice for inclusion in the pilot. Stability is critical in the initial stages of an automation pilot because it allows the team to see the effectiveness of the automation without the complication of frequently changing test scripts. Furthermore, stable tests are more likely to produce consistent results, helping to assess the reliability and speed of the automated testing process.
Option A (a and b) is not the best choice because while tests with high business value and low automation effort are beneficial, rarely executed tests (b) may not provide a realistic representation of future needs. Rare tests, while easier to automate, may not yield enough data to estimate future scheduling and effort accurately. They can be useful for testing automation mechanics but are not representative of the typical workload.
Option C (b and d), which suggests including rarely executed tests and technically complex cases, may be useful for testing the robustness of the automation framework but doesn't help much with estimating future effort and scheduling. Technically complex cases can be difficult to automate efficiently and may not yield useful results during the pilot phase.
Option D (c and e) includes low-priority test cases (e), which are not ideal for a pilot focused on estimating effort and scheduling. Low-priority tests may not give a clear picture of the value and impact of the automation on critical areas of the business.
Therefore, the best answer is B because test cases with high business value and low automation effort, along with stable test cases that can quickly demonstrate benefits, will provide valuable insights into the feasibility and scaling potential of automation.
Question 8
Which of the following is a key advantage of applying a modular test automation framework?
A. It enables execution of tests without requiring test data
B. It reduces the overall number of required test cases
C. It promotes reusability and simplifies maintenance of test scripts
D. It avoids the need for manual verification after test execution
Answer: C
Explanation:
A modular test automation framework is designed to organize test scripts into reusable, self-contained modules, which makes it easier to maintain, scale, and update the test suite. One of the most significant advantages of this approach is that it promotes reusability and simplifies maintenance of test scripts (C). By modularizing test scripts, you can reuse common functions or actions across multiple test cases, reducing the redundancy of writing the same code repeatedly. This not only saves time during the creation of new tests but also makes it easier to maintain and update test scripts since changes to a module can be applied across all tests that use it. As a result, a modular framework helps keep the test suite organized, easier to maintain, and more adaptable to changes in the application under test.
Option A (It enables execution of tests without requiring test data) is not a correct answer. While a modular framework helps organize test scripts and makes them reusable, it does not inherently eliminate the need for test data. Test data is still essential for verifying that the application behaves as expected under different conditions. Modularization typically focuses on the structure and reuse of test logic, not the management of test data.
Option B (It reduces the overall number of required test cases) is also incorrect. A modular framework does not reduce the number of test cases; instead, it makes it easier to create, execute, and maintain them. The number of test cases required depends on the coverage of the application being tested. Modularization is about improving the efficiency of test creation, not reducing the quantity of tests.
Option D (It avoids the need for manual verification after test execution) is not an inherent benefit of a modular test automation framework. While automation can reduce the need for manual testing, the need for manual verification often depends on the nature of the test and the application being tested. Automated tests still require manual checks for things like interpreting the results, validating complex user interactions, or assessing visual aspects of the application.
Thus, the correct answer is C because a modular test automation framework promotes reusability and simplifies the maintenance of test scripts, making the process of test creation and upkeep more efficient.
Question 9
What is the primary purpose of a test harness in the context of test automation?
A. To store and manage automated test case documentation
B. To simulate user interactions with a graphical interface
C. To control the execution environment and manage inputs and outputs during test runs
D. To automatically generate business requirements from test cases
Answer: C
Explanation:
A test harness in the context of test automation is a framework that is used to control the execution environment and manage the inputs and outputs during test runs. It acts as a supporting structure for automated tests, ensuring that they execute correctly in a controlled environment. The test harness ensures that tests run with the correct configuration, handles any data preparation or setup needed, and manages the execution flow, including capturing outputs or results.
Controlling the execution environment: The test harness plays a critical role in setting up the environment for testing, ensuring that tests run under consistent and reliable conditions. This involves managing the system configurations, environment variables, or other external factors that could affect the execution of tests.
Managing inputs and outputs: The test harness is also responsible for feeding the necessary inputs to the test and capturing the resulting outputs. It may collect logs, reports, or other output data generated during the test run. It ensures that the test interacts with the system under test in a controlled and systematic way.
Not for documentation: While it may be helpful to document test cases or test results in other tools or systems, a test harness is not primarily designed for storing and managing automated test case documentation (A). This is usually handled by test management tools or databases.
Not simulating user interactions: Simulating user interactions with a graphical interface (B) is more typically handled by test automation scripts or specialized tools such as record-and-playback tools. The test harness is more about managing the environment in which these tests run.
Not for generating requirements: Automatically generating business requirements from test cases (D) is not the role of a test harness. The harness helps run the tests but does not generate requirements.
In summary, the test harness provides the necessary infrastructure to run tests in an organized and controlled manner, making C the correct answer.
Question 10
Which factor should be considered first when selecting a tool for automating testing activities?
A. The popularity of the tool in the testing community
B. The number of test cases the tool can execute per hour
C. The compatibility of the tool with the current systems and technologies in use
D. The graphical interface design of the tool
Answer: C
Explanation:
When selecting a tool for automating testing activities, the compatibility of the tool with the current systems and technologies in use is the most critical factor to consider first. This is because the tool must integrate seamlessly with the existing infrastructure, software, and technologies that are already in place in the organization. If the tool is not compatible with the systems being tested, the automation process will face significant barriers that can lead to inefficiencies, integration issues, and even failure to properly execute tests.
Compatibility with systems and technologies: The first priority should always be ensuring that the tool is compatible with the application or system under test. This includes being able to work with the operating systems, browsers, programming languages, databases, or other technologies in use. A tool that does not support these technologies will lead to wasted time, effort, and possibly the need to switch tools midway through the process, which can cause delays and added costs.
Tool popularity: While the popularity of a tool (A) can be a good indicator of its reliability and support, it is not as critical as compatibility. A popular tool may still not be compatible with the systems you are using, making it ineffective. Popular tools may also come with an overwhelming number of features, which could distract from the specific needs of your project.
Execution speed: The number of test cases the tool can execute per hour (B) is important, but it is a secondary consideration. Even a tool that can execute large volumes of tests quickly will not be useful if it cannot work with your specific system or technologies. It is better to have a tool that works well with your environment, even if it runs tests more slowly, than a tool that doesn't fit your needs.
Graphical interface design: The design of the graphical interface (D) can be important for user experience, but it should not be the first factor in selecting an automation tool. A tool with a sleek interface may look attractive but could lack the essential functionality required for testing your specific applications.
Thus, C is the correct answer, as compatibility should always be the first priority when selecting an automation tool to ensure the tool can successfully integrate with your existing technology stack.
