Free Practice Questions for ISTQB CT-TAE Exam

 In the context of the Generic Test Automation Architecture (gTAA), the reporting layer is responsible for ensuring that the results from automated tests are properly communicated to other systems, such as a test management system. This layer handles the formatting and transmission of test results, making it possible for managers to quickly access and analyze the data. By integrating the test automation results with the test management system, the reporting layer facilitates informed decision-making based on comprehensive test data.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus outlines the gTAA and its layers, emphasizing the importance of the reporting layer in the context of result communication and integration with test management systems12. It is essential for the reporting layer to provide accurate and timely information to support the overall test process and enable effective management oversight1.

Test automation does not inherently find more defects than manual testing; it executes pre-scripted tests against the software. The effectiveness of finding defects is determined by the quality of the test cases, whether automated or manual. Automated tests run the same steps consistently every time they are executed, which means they are not designed to find new defects unless the test scripts are updated to reflect changes in the test cases or the system under test.

References = The information is synthesized from the ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and various resources that discuss the benefits and risks of test automation. Specifically, the ISTQB emphasizes the efficiency, repeatability, and coverage that test automation provides, as well as the challenges such as the initial investment and ongoing maintenance required1.

 When evaluating the impact of new features on the Test Automation Solution (TAS), it would not be appropriate for the Test Automation Engineer (TAE) to gather feedback from Business Analysts to determine if the current TAS will meet the needs of the new features (Option A). While Business Analysts provide valuable insights into business requirements and the intended functionality of new features, their feedback may not directly inform the technical suitability or readiness of the TAS to handle these new features. Instead, the TAE should focus on technical evaluations such as reviewing existing keywords for necessary modifications (Option B), running existing automated tests against the updated SUT to identify any changes in operation (Option C), and assessing compatibility with existing test tools or identifying alternative solutions (Option D). These actions directly address the technical implications of new features on the TAS, ensuring that the automated testing remains effective and aligned with the evolving requirements of the SUT.

 The best way to automatically provide a report that is available 24/7 to the project team in a CI environment is to store the execution results of the integration tests for each build in a database without overwriting the previous results. This allows for a historical record of test results, which is essential for analyzing trends over time and for audit purposes. Using this database to automatically update a dashboard ensures that the information is readily accessible to the team at any time, providing a real-time and comprehensive view of the build history and test results.

References = The answer aligns with best practices in continuous integration and reporting, as described in ISTQB’s Test Automation Engineer syllabus, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining a history of test results and providing easy access to the results for all team members123.

When evaluating a test automation tool for use in distributed environments and interfacing with other test tools, the primary concerns should be the tool’s ability to operate effectively across multiple machines and environments (A), and whether it requires specific libraries that could impact the System Under Test (SUT) (E). The tool’s feature set © and the licensing scheme (B) are important but secondary to ensuring functional compatibility and integration with the existing ecosystem. The least important concerns would be the size of the feature set if only part of it will be used ©, and the details in the release notes about the impact on interfaces (D), as these do not directly affect the tool’s operational effectiveness or its integration with the SUT and other tools.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and certification materials emphasize the importance of selecting tools that support effective and efficient testing within the given environment and integration with other tools. The syllabus covers the evaluation of test tools, considering factors such as compatibility, integration, and the impact on the SUT123.

The business case for the pilot project set a very ambitious target: reducing the execution time by 90% for all tests in the regression suite. However, at the end of the pilot, only 40% of the tests were automated with a 60% reduction in execution time. This indicates that the initial target may have been unrealistic within the given timeframe and resources. It’s important for business cases to set achievable goals to ensure that the project can meet its objectives and provide a clear return on investment. Setting realistic targets also helps maintain stakeholder confidence and support for the project. References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and related materials discuss the importance of realistic planning and setting achievable targets in the context of test automation projects. These resources emphasize that while test automation can significantly improve efficiency, the extent and speed of these improvements must be realistically assessed based on the specific context of the project12345.

Transitioning from a waterfall to a Scrum methodology for a Windows/GUI based SUT requires the TAS to be agile and adaptable to frequent changes. The best steps to undertake during the review would be:

d) Review the functions that act upon the controls for the GUI for possible consolidation. This step is crucial because it directly addresses the adaptability of the TAS to the new user interface, ensuring that the functions are optimized for the modernized UI.

e) Involve the test team to see what ease-of-use improvements they would like to see made to the TAS. The test team’s involvement is essential for identifying practical improvements from a user perspective, which can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the TAS during the iterative sprints of the Scrum methodology.

These steps are aligned with the ISTQB’s emphasis on ensuring that the TAS is not only technically sound but also user-friendly and responsive to the needs of the test team, which is critical in an agile environment123.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and study materials highlight the importance of reviewing and optimizing the TAS to support new methodologies and technologies123. The ISTQB also stresses the significance of involving the test team in the review process to ensure that the TAS remains effective and relevant123.

For a pilot project, it’s advisable to select a project that is manageable in scope and has a significant, but not critical, impact on the business. Project C fits this description well. It is a short, one-month project, which means the pilot can be conducted and evaluated quickly. Although it is an important project, it is not of such critical business importance that any issues arising from the pilot would cause significant disruption. This allows for a thorough evaluation of the new tool in a real-world setting without the pressure and risk associated with projects of higher business criticality or visibility.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus suggests that pilot projects should be selected based on criteria such as project size, criticality, and the ability to manage risks effectively. Project C allows for a controlled environment to assess the tool’s capabilities and make necessary adjustments before scaling up to more critical projects123.

The key challenge in this context is ensuring that the automated solution is compatible with mobile devices. Since the website must be “mobile friendly,” it is crucial that the automation covers the functionality on mobile platforms. However, automating tests for mobile browsers can be more complex due to the variety of devices, screen sizes, and operating systems. This complexity can make it challenging to ensure that the automation is effective across all potential user scenarios.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer (CT-TAE) documents and training resources provide comprehensive information on the challenges and considerations for test automation in a mobile-friendly context. These resources emphasize the importance of designing automation that is adaptable to different environments and can handle the intricacies of mobile platforms.