ISTQB CT-TAE Certified Tester Test Automation Engineer Exam Practice Test

The most crucial metric to collect in order to determine the maintenance effort for automated tests in a regression test suite, especially for a system under test (SUT) that undergoes frequent releases, is the number of automated tests requiring maintenance. This metric directly reflects the impact of changes in the SUT on the test suite. High maintenance needs can indicate that the automated tests are tightly coupled to the SUT, which may require a redesign of the test automation strategy to improve maintainability and reduce future effort.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus emphasizes the importance of metrics in monitoring the effectiveness of test automation. It specifically mentions the need to manage and optimize testing assets to facilitate maintainability, which aligns with the concept of measuring the number of tests requiring maintenance12.

When transitioning from manual to automated testing, the focus is on factors that directly affect the automation process’s feasibility, reliability, and efficiency. The look and feel of the System Under Test (SUT) is generally not a factor because automated tests are designed to verify the functionality and performance of the system rather than its user interface aesthetics. Automated tests often interact with the system at a code or API level, where the visual representation is not relevant. Therefore, while the look and feel may be important for manual testing, especially in terms of user experience, it is not a consideration for the effectiveness of automated tests.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus covers the factors influencing test automation, such as the suitability of the SUT for automation, tool selection, and design for testability12. It emphasizes the technical aspects of test automation, including the correctness of test data and test cases, and the controllability of the SUT, which are crucial for automated testing3.

Both the time to execute automated tests and the speed and efficiency of TAS components are considered internal TAS metrics. Internal metrics are those that relate directly to the performance and effectiveness of the Test Automation System (TAS) itself, rather than its impact on external processes or outcomes. The time to execute automated tests measures how long the TAS takes to run a set of tests, which is a key factor in assessing the efficiency and performance of the automation. Similarly, the speed and efficiency of TAS components are directly related to how well the internal parts of the TAS are functioning. These metrics are crucial for understanding and improving the internal workings of the TAS, making them both internal metrics.

 For a test automation pilot project, the most suited types of test cases are those that provide high added value and can show this value soon after implementation. High added value test cases that require little effort to automate (option a) are ideal for a pilot because they demonstrate the effectiveness of automation quickly and with minimal investment. Reliability test cases that can show added value soon (option c) are also suitable as they help to establish trust in the automation process by providing tangible benefits early on. These types of test cases can serve as a proof of concept, showcasing the potential of automated testing to stakeholders and informing future time estimates and schedules.

References = The selection of test cases for a pilot project in test automation should focus on quick wins and demonstrable value to support the transition from manual to automated testing. This approach is supported by the ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus, which recommends starting with test cases that are likely to yield immediate and visible benefits, thereby gaining support for the automation initiative123.

 The statement that the structure of automated tests must always be the same as the corresponding manual tests is false. Automated regression testing does not require the structure of the automated tests to mirror the manual tests. Instead, the focus should be on the objectives of the tests and ensuring they are met effectively through automation. The structure of automated tests can be different from manual tests as long as they are efficient and maintainable. Automated tests can be designed to be more modular, reusable, and maintainable compared to their manual counterparts. References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer documents and training resources provide comprehensive guidelines on the design, development, and maintenance of test automation solutions. They emphasize the importance of automating dynamic functional tests and the relationship of those tests to test management, configuration management, defect management, and other aspects of the software development lifecycle123.

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.

When planning the pilot for an in-house developed Test Automation Solution (TAS), it is essential to conduct training workshops for new users (Option C) and develop a detailed project plan while reserving the necessary budget and resources (Option D). Training workshops ensure that the users are adequately prepared to use the TAS effectively, contributing to the success of the pilot by minimizing user-related issues and enhancing the adoption rate. A comprehensive project plan with allocated budget and resources establishes a structured framework for the pilot, ensuring that all necessary aspects, such as objectives, scope, timeline, and success criteria, are clearly defined and understood. These steps are critical in preparing the organization for the pilot, mitigating risks, and setting a clear path toward evaluating the TAS's effectiveness and potential benefits for the organization.

 Controllability refers to the degree to which a system, such as the System Under Test (SUT), allows inputs to be injected in a controlled manner. When the SUT provides interfaces that can be used to perform actions on it, this characteristic is essential for test automation because it enables the test engineer to manipulate the system’s state and behavior during testing. Controllability is crucial for ensuring that tests can be performed consistently and effectively, as it allows for precise control over the test conditions. References = ISTQB materials define controllability as a key attribute of a testable system. It is discussed in the context of test automation, particularly in relation to the interfaces provided by the SUT that allow for controlled manipulation during testing12.

Separating test definition from test execution in a Test Automation Architecture (TAA) is crucial for ensuring flexibility and maintainability in test automation efforts. The best reason for this separation is option B: It allows the test definition to be completed without knowledge of the tool that will be used for execution. This separation abstracts the process of defining what to test (test definition) from how to test (test execution). By decoupling these aspects, test definitions can be written in a more tool-agnostic manner, focusing solely on the testing objectives, requirements, and criteria without being constrained by the capabilities or limitations of any specific test execution tools. This approach not only enhances the reusability of test cases across different tools and environments but also facilitates easier maintenance and updates to the test suite as testing tools evolve or change. It enables a more sustainable and adaptable test automation framework that can better respond to changes in technology, tools, and testing needs over time.

The best approach to ensure the correct functioning of the Test Automation System (TAS) after an operating system update is to start with a small, representative set of automated tests. This allows for the identification of any issues caused by the update with minimal impact. Once the smaller set of tests is confirmed to be working as expected, the remaining tests can be run to ensure the entire suite is functioning correctly. This phased approach helps in isolating problems and ensures that the TAS remains stable and reliable throughout the process.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus discusses the importance of verifying the behavior of the TAS in various scenarios, including after updates to the operating system1. It also emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to testing and the potential impact of environmental changes on the TAS12. The syllabus provides guidance on how to manage and maintain the TAS, ensuring its effectiveness and reliability1.

The design for reuse of a Test Automation Solution (TAS) should primarily occur at the Test Automation Architecture (TAA) level. This is because the TAA defines the overall structure and design patterns that will be used throughout the TAS lifecycle. By focusing on reuse at the TAA level, it ensures that the test automation is designed with reuse in mind from the outset, which can increase the ability for reuse across different layers of the TAA.

References = The ISTQB® Test Automation Engineer (CT-TAE) certification materials emphasize the importance of designing for reuse at the TAA level. It is noted that while reuse aspects are already settled when the TAA is defined, the TAS can help increase the ability for reuse. This information is corroborated by discussions and consensus in the professional community, as seen in the resources provided by ISTQB and other educational platforms12.

Observability in the context of a System Under Test (SUT) refers to the degree to which the system provides insights into its behavior, allowing users to understand the status of various actions performed. This enables users to verify that the system’s actual behavior matches the expected behavior. Observability is crucial for diagnosing issues, understanding system performance, and ensuring that the system functions correctly.

References = The concept of observability is covered in the ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus, which discusses the importance of designing a system that provides clear and understandable interfaces giving control and visibility on all test levels. This includes the ability of the SUT to provide interfaces that give insight into the system, which is essential for creating effective and maintainable automated tests1.

 In the context of a CRM application with a GUI delivered through Internet Explorer using proprietary Active X and Java controls, keyword-driven scripting is the most suitable technique. This approach separates the test automation code from the test data, allowing for the creation of high-level keywords that represent user actions on the GUI. It is particularly effective in environments where specific commercial automation tools are necessary, as it enables non-technical testers to write automated test cases using a set of predefined keywords. This method enhances the maintainability and reusability of test scripts, making it easier to adapt to changes in the GUI controls or the underlying application.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and materials provide guidance on selecting appropriate scripting techniques based on the characteristics of the application under test and the test automation tools available. It discusses the advantages of keyword-driven scripting in scenarios where rich client capabilities are implemented and specific automation tools are required12.

Establishing a central library of keywords and associated definitions ensures consistency across different teams working on the same System Under Test (SUT). This approach not only promotes uniformity in keyword usage but also facilitates better communication, maintenance, and scalability of the test automation framework. By having a shared repository of keywords, teams can avoid duplication of effort and reduce the risk of discrepancies in test implementation. This centralization aligns with the ISTQB’s principles of efficient test automation architecture and management.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer (CT-TAE) documents and training resources emphasize the importance of a consistent and maintainable test automation framework. The creation of a central library of keywords is a recommended practice to achieve this consistency, as it supports the definition, implementation, and execution layers of a generic test automation architecture12.

When faced with an intermittently failing test, it is essential to remove it from the test suite to prevent it from affecting the overall test results and reliability. The next step is to conduct a thorough investigation to understand why the test is producing inconsistent results. This could involve examining the test environment, the test data, the timing of the test execution, and any potential race conditions or dependencies that could cause the test to behave differently from one run to another. Understanding and resolving the root cause of the intermittent failure is crucial to ensure the stability and accuracy of the automated test suite.

References = The approach to handling intermittently failing tests is discussed in various ISTQB Test Automation Engineer documents, which emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of the test suite and ensuring consistent and reliable test results123.

The best approach for collecting metrics that measure code coverage is to automate the process as much as possible. Option C suggests an automated solution where the testware records the code coverage for each run and exports the data to an Excel spreadsheet. This spreadsheet is pre-formatted to update a trend analysis bar chart automatically. This method not only minimizes manual overheads and errors but also provides stakeholders with an easy-to-understand visual representation of the coverage trends over time. It ensures that the scope of the regression test pack is continuously reflecting the enhancements made to the SUT, with coverage metrics that should not drop and ideally increase, aligning with the requirements for trend-based metrics.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and industry best practices recommend the use of automated solutions for tracking and analyzing test metrics. This includes the automation of metric collection and the use of trend analysis to monitor the effectiveness of the test suite over time123.

 The statement reflects the standard success factors for deploying an automation tool, which include rolling out the tool incrementally and adapting processes to fit with the use of the tool1. This approach allows for a controlled and measured implementation that can be adjusted based on feedback from each phase of the rollout. It is common for the test automation regime to not be fully mature immediately following a pilot; maturity develops over time as the tool is integrated into more projects and processes are refined.

References = The answer is based on the ISTQB Advanced Level Test Automation Engineer syllabus and the recognized best practices for deploying test automation tools as outlined in ISTQB materials21.

Observability in the context of a System Under Test (SUT) refers to the degree to which the internal states of the system can be inferred from knowledge of its external outputs. It is a measure of how well internal states of a system can be understood by examining its outputs. In test automation, observability is crucial because it allows testers to understand what is happening inside the SUT without having direct access to its internal workings. This characteristic is essential for identifying and diagnosing issues, understanding system behavior, and ensuring that the system is functioning correctly. High observability means that the system’s outputs, including its states and any intermediate results or error messages, are readily available for examination, which is vital for effective testing and debugging.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus and study materials emphasize the importance of observability as part of the testability of systems. It is highlighted as a key characteristic that enables testers to detect defects and understand system behavior through the outputs the system provides during test execution123.

 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.

The success of a test automation project is contingent upon the maintenance and adaptability of the test suite to evolving requirements. When automated tests fail due to changes in the System Under Test (SUT), it is crucial to address these failures by updating the tests to align with the new requirements. This ensures that the test suite remains effective and relevant, providing accurate validation for the SUT. Disabling failing tests can lead to gaps in test coverage and diminish the integrity of the test suite, which is why prompt fixing is recommended over disabling.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus emphasizes the importance of maintaining and adapting test automation to meet new requirements. It outlines the need for test automation solutions to be designed, developed, and maintained with a focus on the dynamic nature of functional tests and their relationship to test management, configuration management, and defect management1234.

 The most significant risk for the Test Automation System (TAS) in this scenario is related to the level of abstraction and the departure of the automation architect. The architect’s role is crucial in designing and maintaining the architecture of the TAS. Their departure can lead to challenges in understanding the system’s design and making necessary updates or changes. The level of abstraction means that the system is designed in a way that may not be easily understood without the architect’s insight, which can make maintenance difficult. This risk is compounded when the TAS is used across several projects, each with its own library of keywords, which requires a deep understanding of the system’s architecture to manage effectively.

References = This answer is based on the principles outlined in the ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus, which discusses the importance of maintainability and the risks associated with high levels of abstraction in test automation architectures12. The syllabus also emphasizes the role of the automation architect in ensuring the long-term success of the TAS2.

Introducing a ‘TAS error’ status (b) would provide a clear distinction between failures caused by the SUT and those due to issues within the TAS itself, which is essential for accurate failure analysis and effective defect reporting. Including system configuration information (e), such as software/firmware and operating system versions, is also critical. This information can significantly aid developers in reproducing issues, as it provides context about the environment in which the test was executed.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer documents and training resources emphasize the importance of detailed logging for failure analysis and defect reporting. These resources advocate for clear categorization of test case outcomes and comprehensive recording of test environment configurations123.

Abstraction in Test Automation Architecture (TAA) is primarily advantageous because it allows for flexibility in the test automation framework, making it easier to reuse and improve upon. Abstraction helps in encapsulating the complexity of tests, which means changes in the system under test (SUT) may require minimal changes in the test scripts themselves. This level of abstraction also supports the scalability of the test automation, allowing for the addition of new tests or features with less effort.

References = The ISTQB Test Automation Engineer documents highlight the importance of abstraction in creating a maintainable and scalable test automation framework. The principles of abstraction align with the goals of test automation, which include efficiency, reusability, and ease of maintenance123.

For a Test Automation Solution (TAS) that utilizes a third-party capture-replay tool, it is crucial to ensure that: a) The tool is placed under configuration management control. This is important to maintain consistency across different environments and versions, and to manage changes effectively. c) Information about updates and new versions of the tool is obtained and applied. Keeping the tool up-to-date ensures that the latest features and fixes are utilized, which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the TAS.

Placing the tool under configuration management control and staying informed about updates are essential practices for maintaining the reliability and integrity of the TAS.

References = The answer is based on the best practices for test automation as outlined in the ISTQB Test Automation Engineer syllabus, which includes the management of test tools and the importance of keeping software up-to-date as part of configuration management123.