Black-box, white-box, experience-based, and collaboration-based test techniques including equivalence partitioning, BVA, decision tables, state transitions, and more.
This is the highest-weighted chapter on the CTFL exam and covers test techniques in depth. Black-box test techniques include equivalence partitioning (dividing inputs into valid and invalid partitions), boundary value analysis (testing at partition boundaries), decision table testing (modeling complex business rules), and state transition testing (modeling system states and transitions). White-box test techniques cover statement testing and statement coverage, branch testing and branch coverage, and the value of white-box testing. Experience-based test techniques include error guessing, exploratory testing (session-based, charter-based), and checklist-based testing. Collaboration-based test approaches cover collaborative user story writing (using the three Cs: card, conversation, confirmation), acceptance criteria, and acceptance test-driven development (ATDD). (~34% of exam, K1-K3 cognitive levels)
5 minutes
5 Questions
Test Analysis and Design is a fundamental phase in the ISTQB Foundation Level testing lifecycle that bridges the gap between test planning and test execution. This phase involves two critical activities: analyzing what needs to be tested and designing the actual test cases.
During Test Analysis, testers examine the test basis (requirements, design specifications, user stories) to identify testable features and conditions. This involves understanding functional and non-functional requirements, identifying risks, and determining the scope of testing. Testers analyze what could go wrong and what needs to be verified to ensure the software meets stakeholder expectations.
Test Design follows analysis and involves creating detailed test cases, test data, and test procedures. Testers select appropriate test design techniques such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision table testing, and state transition testing. These techniques help ensure comprehensive coverage and identify defects efficiently. Test cases should include preconditions, test steps, expected results, and postconditions.
Key outputs of this phase include:
- Test cases with clear objectives
- Test data requirements
- Expected results
- Traceability between requirements and test cases
Important aspects include:
- Prioritizing tests based on risk and business value
- Ensuring test cases are maintainable and reusable
- Identifying test conditions that cover both positive and negative scenarios
- Creating test scenarios that simulate real-world usage
This phase is crucial because well-designed tests reduce defect escape rate, improve test efficiency, and provide better test coverage. Quality test design enables faster test execution and makes it easier to maintain tests as the software evolves. Following structured test design techniques ensures systematic and comprehensive testing rather than ad-hoc approaches, ultimately contributing to software quality assurance and customer satisfaction.Test Analysis and Design is a fundamental phase in the ISTQB Foundation Level testing lifecycle that bridges the gap between test planning and test execution. This phase involves two critical activities: analyzing what needs to be tested and designing the actual test cases.
During Test Analysis, t…