ISTQB Software Testing Certification Sample Question Paper with Answers – Part II

Continuing from our previous Article on “ISTQB Software Testing Certification sample papers and techniques for quick question solving”, we are publishing the next batch of ISTQB exam practice questions and answers, along with a detailed explanation for each answer.

This guest article is penned by N. Sandhya Rani.

Sample questions for ISTQB ‘Foundation Level’ with answers and thorough analyses for every choice

#1) What are the Techniques used while conducting Maintenance Testing?

a) Breadth Test and Depth Test
b) Retesting
c) Confirmation Testing
d) Sanity Testing

Analyzing the choices:

a) Option a: Breadth testing is a series of tests that exercises the complete functionality of a product but not in detail. Depth testing is a test that drills down into a product feature in full detail.
b) Option b: Retesting is part of Regression
c) Option c: Confirmation testing is another term for retesting
d) Option d: Sanity Testing does not cover total functionality
Maintenance Testing includes testing some features in detail (for instance, the environment) and for some features, detailed testing is not needed. It’s a blend of both breadth and depth testing.

Hence, the response is ‘A’

#2) Which of the following is correct about Formal Review or Inspection?

i. It is governed by a trained Moderator (not the creator).
ii. No Pre-Meeting Preparations
iii. A formal Follow-up procedure.
iv. The primary aim is to detect defects

a) ii is correct and i,iii,iv are incorrect
b) i,iii,iv are correct and ii is incorrect
c) i,iii,iv are incorrect and ii is correct
d) iii is correct and i,ii,iv are incorrect

Analyzing the choices:

Examine the first point (i). It’s correct that a trained moderator leads the Inspection. Thus we can discard choices (a) and (d). Now consider the second point. Prior preparation is needed for Inspection. So this point is incorrect. Look for an option where (i) is correct and (ii) is incorrect.

The answer is ‘B’

#3) The stages of the formal review process are listed below, arrange them in the right sequence.

i. Planning
ii. Review Meeting
iii. Rework
iv. Individual Preparations
v. Kick Off
vi. Follow Up

a) i,ii,iii,iv,v,vi
b) vi,i,ii,iii,iv,v
c) i,v,iv,ii,iii,vi
d) i,ii,iii,v,iv,vi

Analyzing the choices:

The formal review process is called ‘Inspection’. Planning is the initial step. Thus, we can discard option “b”. We then need to kick-off the process, so the second step is the Kick-off. We located the correct answer, which is ’C’

The answer is ’C’

#4) Take into account the following state transition diagram of a two-speed hair dryer, which is controlled by pressing a single button. The first press of the button turns it on to Speed 1, the second press to Speed 2, and the third press turns it off.

Which series of state transitions below will offer 0-switch coverage?

a. A,C,B
b. B,C,A
c. A,B,C
d. C,B,A

Analyzing the choices:

In state transition testing, a test is curated for each state transition. The coverage accomplished via this testing is called 0-switch or branch coverage. 0-switch coverage is to execute each loop once (No repetition. We must start with an initial state and proceed until the end state. It does not test the ‘series of two-state transitions’).

In this case, the initial state is ‘OFF’, with the first button press it switches to Speed 1 (i.e. A). A second press turns it on to Speed 2 (i.e. B), and the third press turns it off (i.e. C). Here we do not test combinations like what if the starting state is ‘Speed 1’ or ‘Speed 2’, etc.

Alternatively, you can solve this by looking for choices where it starts with the ‘OFF’ state. So, we have options ‘a’ and ‘c’ to choose from. As per the state diagram from ‘OFF’ state, the dryer moves to ‘Speed 1’ and then to ‘Speed 2’. So our answer should start with ‘A’ and end with ‘C’.

The answer is ’C’

#5) How else can the White Box Technique be referred to?

a) Structural Testing
b) Design-Based Testing
c) Guessing Errors Technique
d) Experience-Based Technique

Analyzing the choices:

A simple and straight answer isn’t deemed necessary here. The white box technique can also be referred to as structural testing. (As it is done using the code)

The answer is ‘A’

#6) What is an Equivalence Partition (also known as an Equivalence class)?

a) A group of test cases for testing classes of objects.
b) An input or output range of values where only one value within the range becomes a test case.
c) An input or output range of values where every value within the range becomes a test case.
d) An input or output range of values where every tenth value within the range becomes a test case.

Analyzing the choices:

Let’s revisit the definition of equivalence partition. It is grouping inputs into valid and invalid classes. Hence, any values from a particular class form an input.

For instance, if the input of a valid class contains values from 3-5, then any value between 3-5 is considered as input. All values are assumed to yield the same output. Hence one value in this range becomes a test case.

The answer is ‘B’

#7) Test Cases Derived from use cases

a) Are primarily beneficial in discovering defects in the process flows during the actual use of the system
b) Are primarily beneficial in discovering defects in the process flows during system testing
c) Are primarily beneficial in covering the defects in the process flows during the actual use of the system
d) Are primarily beneficial in covering the defects at the Integration Level

Analyzing the choices:

Refer to a use case related topic in the foundation level guide “Use cases describe the “process flows” through a system based on its actual likely use