ISTQB Exam CT-PT Topic 2 Question 1 Discussion

Actual exam question for ISTQB's CT-PT exam

Question #: 1
Topic #: 2

[All CT-PT Questions]

Which of the following is the best description of spike testing?

AIt focuses on the ability of the system to handle loads that are gradually increased to reach the expected maximum.

BIt focuses on the ability of the system to handle loads that are at or beyond the expected peak load.

CIt focuses on the ability of the system to meet future efficiency requirements.

DIt focuses on the ability of the system to respond to quick and extreme changes in load.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: D

Spike testing is a type of performance testing that evaluates how a system responds to sudden, extreme increases or decreases in load. It is designed to simulate unexpected surges in user activity or workload, such as flash sales, viral events, or cyberattacks.

Option A (Gradual load increase testing) describes load testing, not spike testing.

Option B (Handling expected peak load) describes stress testing, which pushes the system to or beyond its limits but does not focus on sudden changes.

Option C (Meeting future efficiency requirements) relates to capacity planning rather than spike testing.

Spike testing helps to identify system bottlenecks, resource allocation issues, and performance degradation when traffic surges unexpectedly.

by Glory at Mar 20, 2025, 08:40 PM

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18 days ago

Wow, this is a tough one! I was tempted to go with option A, but I think B is the most accurate description. Spike testing is all about pushing the limits, not just gradual load increases.

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Artie

4 days ago

User 1: I think option A is the best description of spike testing.

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Francisca

20 days ago

Option D sounds good to me. Spike testing is about the system's ability to respond to quick and extreme changes in load, not just gradually increasing loads.

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Belen

24 days ago

I think option B is the best description of spike testing. It's all about testing the system's ability to handle loads at or beyond the expected peak load.

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Peggie

10 days ago

User 1: I think option B is the best description of spike testing.

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