Which of the following is a factor that is likely to increase the test estimate? [1]
Correct Answer: A
A test estimate is an approximation of the amount of effort, time, and resources required to perform testing activities for a software project1. A test estimate can be influenced by various factors, such as the size, complexity, and quality of the software, the scope, objectives, and approach of the testing, the skills, experience, and availability of the test team, the tools, methods, and standards used for testing, and the constraints, risks, and assumptions related to the project2. One of the factors that is likely to increase the test estimate is the use of a new technology. A new technology is a technology that is unfamiliar or unproven to the test team or the organization, such as a new programming language, framework, platform, or tool3. The use of a new technology can increase the test estimate because it may require more time and effort to learn, understand, and apply the technology, as well as to deal with potential issues, challenges, or limitations that may arise from the technology. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B is incorrect because a requirement for high level test documentation is not a factor that is likely to increase the test estimate, but rather a factor that is likely to increase the test documentation effort. Test documentation is the set of documents that describe the test basis, test objectives, test design, test procedures, test results, and test evaluation of a software project. A requirement for high level test documentation means that the test documents need to be detailed, comprehensive, and consistent, which may require more time and effort to produce, review, and maintain. However, this does not necessarily affect the test estimate, as the test documentation effort can be considered as a separate or parallel activity to the test execution effort. Option C is incorrect because assigned personnel who are experienced on working with similar projects in similar environments is not a factor that is likely to increase the test estimate, but rather a factor that is likely to decrease the test estimate. Experienced personnel are personnel who have the relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the testing activities for a software project. Assigned personnel who are experienced on working with similar projects in similar environments can decrease the test estimate because they may require less time and effort to understand, design, implement, and execute the tests, as well as to deal with potential issues, challenges, or limitations that may arise from the project. Option D is incorrect because static test data is not a factor that is likely to increase the test estimate, but rather a factor that is likely to decrease the test estimate. Test data is the data that is used as input or output for the tests. Static test data is test data that is fixed and predefined, and does not change during the test execution. Static test data can decrease the test estimate because it may require less time and effort to create, manage, and maintain, as well as to ensure the validity, reliability, and traceability of the test data. Reference: 1: ISTQB Glossary, Test Estimate 2: ISTQB Advanced Level Test Manager Syllabus, Section 3.1.1 3: What is New Technology? - Definition from Techopedia : The Impact of New Technologies on Software Testing : ISTQB Glossary, Test Documentation : ISTQB Glossary, Experienced-Based Test Technique : ISTQB Glossary, Test Data : ISTQB Glossary, Static Test Data : Test Manager - ISTQB not-for-profit association : [ISTQB Foundation Level #38 - Test Estimation Techniques - Software Testing Mentor] : [What are the estimation techniques in software testing?]
