ISTQB_TEST MANAGEMENT_ The Test Process_1.1.2 Test Monitoring and Control

 1.1.2 Test Monitoring and Control

Test monitoring and control are essential ongoing activities that track progress and manage deviations:

• Monitoring:

  • Involves gathering, analyzing, and reporting test progress.

  • Uses defined metrics like number of executed test cases, defect density, pass/fail ratios.

  • Relies on tools and dashboards for real-time data.

  • Helps assess whether test activities are on schedule and aligned with the test plan.

• Control:

  • Involves taking corrective or adaptive actions when deviations from the plan occur.

  • Examples include adding resources, reprioritizing test cases, or adjusting scope.

  • Requires communication with stakeholders.

• Exit Criteria & Readiness:

  • Completion readiness is based on defined exit criteria.

  • Management may approve formal test closure based on reports.

• Reporting:

• Reports must be tailored to stakeholder needs (e.g., technical details for devs, status summaries for management).

• Clear communication and trend analysis are essential.

Question 1 (K2 - Understand)

Which of the following BEST describes a reason for test monitoring?

• A. To delay reporting defects until the end of testing

• B. To ensure test activities are complete before code is developed

• C. To compare actual progress against the test plan and identify deviations

• D. To avoid stakeholder involvement during test execution
  ✔️ Answer: C

Question 2 (K2 - Understand)

Which of the following is a typical input for test control actions?

• A. Updated user manuals

• B. Deviations observed during monitoring

• C. External audits of test cases

• D. Final test report
  ✔️ Answer: B

Question 3 (K1 - Remember)

Which of the following is NOT usually tracked during test monitoring?

• A. Number of test cases executed

• B. Number of hours spent on training

• C. Number of passed test cases

• D. Defect detection rate
  ✔️ Answer: B

Question 4 (K3 - Apply)

You are reviewing a weekly test report. The report shows a lower-than-expected test execution rate and a high number of blocked test cases. What is the most appropriate next step as a Test Manager?

• A. Wait until more test cases are executed before making decisions

• B. Ignore the deviations and continue according to the original plan

• C. Initiate test control actions such as reallocating resources or investigating blockers

• D. Reduce the number of test cases to meet the schedule
  ✔️ Answer: C

Question 5 (K2 - Understand)

Which of the following would MOST LIKELY be part of test control?

• A. Identifying quality risks

• B. Prioritizing test cases based on project changes

• C. Reviewing the business requirements

• D. Creating regression test data
  ✔️ Answer: B

Question 6 (K1 - Remember)

Which of the following defines readiness for test completion?

• A. All test automation has passed

• B. Stakeholders have signed off user stories

• C. Exit criteria defined in the test plan are met

• D. The release date has been announced
  ✔️ Answer: C

Question 7 (K3 - Apply)

Your team reports an increasing number of high-priority defects with no change in test progress. What should you do as part of test control?

• A. Stop testing immediately and revise requirements

• B. Report test success since defects are being found

• C. Adjust the test schedule and add exploratory testing

• D. Archive the defect logs for future audits
  ✔️ Answer: C

Question 8 (K2 - Understand)

Why is it important to tailor test status reports for stakeholders?

• A. To avoid sharing detailed data with developers

• B. To ensure only good news is reported to management

• C. To ensure relevance and clarity for decision-making

• D. To delay project-level escalations
  ✔️ Answer: C

Question 9 (K1 - Remember)

What metric is LEAST useful during test monitoring?

• A. Number of defects found per day

• B. Percentage of executed test cases

• C. Number of helpdesk tickets closed

• D. Test case pass/fail ratio
  ✔️ Answer: C

Question 10 (K4 - Analyze)

The test team is two weeks behind schedule, but exit criteria metrics show 80% test case execution with high defect density. What would be the most appropriate action?

• A. Continue with the test plan without any changes

• B. Delay reporting to stakeholders to buy time

• C. Reassess the test priorities and communicate revised risks and expectations

• D. Reduce the scope of testing without stakeholder consultation
  ✔️ Answer: C