TM3 ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level - Test Management v3.0 Questions and Answers

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

The syllabus lists multiple competence development approaches (training/education, coaching/mentoring, on-the-job learning, peer learning, andself-study) and explicitly characterizesself-studyas learning through materials such as books and recorded content. This aligns directly with the scenario of “reading books and watching recorded videos,” which isself-study(CTAL-TM v3.0, People Skills – competence development options).

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

The syllabus describesratio-based estimation(e.g., estimating test effort as a proportion of known or estimated development effort) as appropriate when reliable development-effort data or estimates and clear scope are available. Here, detailed specifications exist, overall development effort is estimated, and increments are defined—conditions well-suited to ratio-based estimation.

Extrapolationrequires comparable historical test data for this context.

Wide-band Delphiis useful when data is scarce and expert consensus is needed.

Planning pokeris typically used by Agile development teams to size user stories, not for contracting UAT with a third party.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

Product characteristic → quality of the test basis (C = i):The syllabus lists the quality and stability of the requirements/specifications (test basis) as a product-related estimation driver.

Test results characteristic → amount of rework (B = iii):Expected rework/defect-fix cycles and their impact on retesting and confirmation testing are identified through past results/defect patterns and directly affect estimates.

Test context characteristic → distribution across locations (A = iv):Organizational and logistical context (multiple sites, time zones, communication overhead) influences test effort.

Development process characteristic → availability of test automation (D = ii):Process/tooling capability (e.g., presence of automation frameworks) is treated as a development/process factor affecting test efficiency and thus estimation.The syllabus groups estimation drivers into characteristics such as product, development process, test results/history, and test/organizational context, and recommends mapping specific factors to these groups to structure estimation.

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

In the CTAL-TM v3.0 syllabus (Chapter on Risk-Based Testing), checklists are described as a reusable aid for identifying risks based on prior knowledge and experience. They help ensure important areas are not overlooked and are frequently used in contexts where compliance with standards is required. These characteristics match the question’s bullets exactly (re-use/experience, prompting memory of commonly missed areas, and standards alignment).

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

Afalse-positivedefect is one where the reported behavior isnot actually a defect(e.g., intended behavior, misuse, environment/setup issue). In defect management, the appropriate disposition for “not a defect” is torejectthe report rather than accept, resolve, or defer it.

Rejected: used when the item is not a defect (e.g., “as designed,” duplicate, or cannot be reproduced).

Accepted/Resolved: used when confirmed and fixed.

Deferred: used when confirmed, but the fix is postponed to a later release.This aligns with the syllabus content ondefect lifecycle states and dispositionswithin defect management governance and reporting (CTAL-TM v3.0, Chapter 5: Test Monitoring, Test Control, and Test Reporting — defect management process, defect states, and reporting).

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Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

WithinTest Planning(Chapter:Test Planning, Monitoring, and Control), the syllabus describes that the test manager defines the test approach fornon-functional quality characteristics(e.g., performance, load, scalability, reliability). For these, the test manager oftensets or references benchmarks/baselines and success criteria(e.g., response-time thresholds, throughput targets) to evaluate system behavior under specified conditions. Establishing and usingbenchmarksis a hallmark ofnon-functional testing, particularlyperformance testing.

(Reference: CTAL-TM v3.0 Syllabus — Chapter “Test Planning, Monitoring, and Control”, subsections on defining the test approach for non-functional testing and specifying success criteria/benchmarks.)

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

The syllabus distinguisheslightweightandheavyweightrisk-based approaches. Lightweight approaches typically usequalitativeassessments withordinalscales for likelihood and impact (e.g., Low/Medium/High). Heavyweight approaches aremore formal and quantitative, may involvemathematical models,detailed documentation, anddefined processes, and can still involve a broad stakeholder set (e.g., via structured workshops), but theydo not rely on simple ordinal scalesas their main analysis device. Therefore, usingordinal scales(B) is characteristic oflightweight, not heavyweight.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

The syllabus differentiatescost of qualityinto:

Prevention(to avoid defects),

Appraisal(to evaluate products, e.g., reviews, testing),

Internal failure(defectsfound before release, including the cost to fix during testing), and

External failure(defects foundafter release).“Fixing a defect found during testing” is aninternal failure cost, because the failure is detected and corrected prior to delivery (CTAL-TM v3.0, Organizational Test Management – economics of testing and cost of quality categories).

According to theISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 Syllabus (Chapter 3: Test Planning, Monitoring, and Control), the choice oftest estimation techniquedepends on several influencing factors, including data availability, expert availability, and knowledge of historical information or models.

“The selection of a suitable estimation approach (metrics-based or expert-based) depends on factors such as the availability of relevant historical data, the availability of experts with appropriate experience, the time available to perform estimation, and the knowledge of applicable models.”

(ISTQB CTAL-TM v3.0 Syllabus, Chapter 3 – Test Planning, Section: Test Estimation)

Analysis for this scenario:

The organization isadding a test management toolto anexisting productusing thesame team and technology— implyingavailability of previous project datafrom similar development work.→Data availability(B) is a significant factor, enabling the use ofmetrics-based estimation.

Thesame experienced teamis working on the project, meaningdomain and technical expertsare available.→Expert availability(C) also influences estimation and may support anexpert-based estimationapproach for new, customer-driven increments.

Therefore, the combination ofdata availability (B)andexpert availability (C)most strongly influences the estimation technique to be applied in this scenario.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Estimation error– This is a result of estimation, not a factor influencing the choice of estimation technique.

D. Knowledge in modelling– While useful, modelling is not central to this specific context because data and experts are readily available.

E. Time constraints– Not highlighted as a limiting factor in this scenario; estimation can be planned adequately given the context.

References (from ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 Syllabus):

Chapter 3: Test Planning, Monitoring, and Control

Section:Test Estimation

Lists influencing factors for selecting estimation techniques:availability of historical data, expert knowledge, applicable models, and time available for estimation.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

According to theISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 Syllabus (Chapter 7: People Skills – Team Composition), theBelbin team role modelis referenced to describe how a balanced team benefits from diverse behavioral roles.

“A team should consist of people who complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. When the team lacks drive or the ability to meet deadlines, a role such as the Implementer or Completer-Finisher may be needed to ensure that work is completed efficiently and on time.”

(ISTQB CTAL-TM v3.0 Syllabus, Chapter 7 – People Skills, Section: Building and Leading Test Teams)

When a test teamlacks driveand isslow in completing tasks, this indicates the absence oftask-oriented rolesthat emphasize execution and delivery. The Belbin roles that suit this gap include:

Implementer (Practical Organizer)– disciplined, reliable, and efficient in turning ideas into actions.

Completer-Finisher (Detail-Oriented Finisher)– conscientious and ensures that work is completed to the required standard.

Recruiting a person with astrong ability to complete tasksbest addresses this deficiency and directly improves the team’s delivery performance.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. A test process improvement consultant– Focuses on optimizing processes, not motivating daily execution or speeding up delivery.

C. A person with in-depth technical skills– Adds expertise but does not necessarily address the lack of drive or task completion discipline.

D. A person who brings new ideas to the team– Reflects a creative or “Plant” role, valuable for innovation but not for improving execution speed or focus.

References (from ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 Syllabus):

Chapter 7:People Skills – Team Composition

Section:Test Team Dynamics and the Belbin Team Roles

States that“the Test Manager should identify and balance behavioral roles within the team to ensure effectiveness, for example, introducing task-oriented members when delivery speed is lacking.”

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

The syllabus introducesBelbin team rolesas a tool tobalance rolesin a team and improve collaboration. It notes the use ofself-assessmentandobserver feedbackand stresses aligning team composition and role usage withthe team’s goals and context. Therefore, statementDis incorrect: teamsshouldalign roles withteam goals and expectations; keeping them “independent” runs counter to the intended use of Belbin roles in Agile teams.

(ISTQB CTAL-TM v3.0 — Chapter “People Skills – Team Composition”: Belbin roles, use of self/observer assessments, and aligning role mix with team goals.)

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract of ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level – Test Manager v3.0 syllabus:

Per the syllabus, when building abusiness caseusing thecost of qualitymodel, compare theavoided external failure costswith thesum of relevant pre-release costs(prevention, detection/appraisal, and internal failure). For 50 expected defects found in testing:

Avoided external failure cost= 50 × €2,500 =€125,000

Pre-release costsper defect = €200 (prevention) + €400 (detection) + €150 (internal failure) =€750

Total pre-release costs= 50 × €750 =€37,500

Net benefit (cost-benefit)= €125,000 − €37,500 =€87,500

This computation follows the syllabus’ guidance to quantify bothcosts(prevention, detection, internal failure) andbenefits(external failures avoided) to demonstrate the economic value of testing.