CTFL 2.2.2: Distinguish the different test types
K2Syllabus section 2.2.2
4 original PrepBench practice questions for learning objective 2.2.2 of the CTFL 4.0 syllabus. Try the examples below and check each answer against its syllabus reference.
Practice questions
Question 1
A team must decide which test type a planned check belongs to. The check exercises the search function and confirms that results come back within the agreed response time. How is it classified?
- Functional testing, because the check exercises the search function
- Non-functional testing, because it checks that a non-functional constraint holds while the function runs
- Both equally, because a check that uses a function cannot be assigned to one test type
- White-box testing, because measuring a response time requires access to the internal structure
Show answer
- Functional testing, because the check exercises the search functionExercising the function is how the check is performed, not what it evaluates.
- Correct answer: Non-functional testing, because it checks that a non-functional constraint holds while the function runsThe function is the vehicle; the non-functional constraint is what is checked.
- Both equally, because a check that uses a function cannot be assigned to one test typeDeriving a non-functional test from a functional one is normal, not an unresolvable case.
- White-box testing, because measuring a response time requires access to the internal structureBlack-box and white-box classify how tests are derived, not what is evaluated.
Many non-functional tests are derived from functional tests: they use the same functional tests but check that, while performing the function, a non-functional constraint is satisfied — the syllabus gives checking that a function performs within a specified time as its example. The check therefore evaluates how well the system behaves, which is non-functional testing.
Syllabus section 2.2.2
Question 2
A team derives its tests from the system's implementation and internal structure — its code and data flows — aiming to cover that structure to an acceptable level. Which test type is this?
- Functional testing
- Non-functional testing
- White-box testing
- Black-box testing
Show answer
- Functional testingFunctional testing evaluates the functions a component or system should perform.
- Non-functional testingNon-functional testing evaluates attributes other than functional characteristics.
- Correct answer: White-box testingDeriving tests from internal structure to cover it is white-box testing.
- Black-box testingBlack-box testing derives tests from documentation not related to the internal structure.
White-box testing is structure-based and derives tests from the system's implementation or internal structure, for example code, architecture, work flows and data flows. Its main objective is to cover the underlying structure by the tests to an acceptable level.
Syllabus section 2.2.2
Question 3
Which pairing of a test objective to a test type is correct?
- Checking that a discount is calculated according to the business rules — functional testing
- Checking that a discount is calculated according to the business rules — non-functional testing
- Measuring how easily new users learn the checkout flow — functional testing
- Achieving 100% branch coverage — non-functional testing
Show answer
- Correct answer: Checking that a discount is calculated according to the business rules — functional testingChecking a business rule such as discount calculation evaluates a function — functional testing.
- Checking that a discount is calculated according to the business rules — non-functional testingA business-rule calculation is functional behavior, not a non-functional characteristic.
- Measuring how easily new users learn the checkout flow — functional testingLearnability is a usability (non-functional) characteristic, not functional testing.
- Achieving 100% branch coverage — non-functional testingBranch coverage is a white-box (structural) measure, not non-functional testing.
Functional testing evaluates what the system should do — its functions and business rules. Learnability is a usability (non-functional) characteristic, and branch coverage belongs to white-box (structural) testing.
Syllabus section 2.2.2
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