ISTQB CTAL-TM Exam - Topic 10 Question 4 Discussion

Actual exam question for ISTQB's CTAL-TM exam

Question #: 4
Topic #: 10

An old stock control system is being decommissioned and replaced with a new system that has been running successfully in the live environment for the last few months. The stakeholders would like to -

* retain historical information held in the database to comply with their data retention policy (which requires order information to be retained for 7 years)

* query the historical information by running pre-written SQL queries.

* all commands must be invoked by keyboard as one of the end users is unable to use a mouse

The pre-written SQL queries will be designed, developed and tested by the developers who are decommissioning the system and writing the data migration routine.

As the system to be decommissioned is integrated to other systems that will remain operational, the stakeholders have requested that testing incorporates all systems that are part of the stock control suite.

The stakeholders and project manager have identified the following risks, in priority order -

* 1st - Data has not been successfully migrated to an archived data store, resulting in the inability to query past stock levels and re-order details.

* 2nd - Historical data for the last 7 years is unavailable, resulting in the failure to meet the data retention policy.

* 3rd - Failure of existing systems within the stock control suite, adversely affecting the operational running of the business

The risks are to form the basis of the test objectives. Which three of the following test activities, work products and/or resources achieves the test objectives?

a. Use of the live database to test the data migration does not corrupt or lose data

b. A test plan detailing the test approach for ST. SIT & OT test levels

c. Accessibility testing of the pre-defined SQL queries

d. Security and Penetration testing of the archived database

e Performance testing of the data migration exercise to ensure it completes in the time specified by the stakeholders

f. Functional testing of the pre-defined SQL queries

g. Regression testing of the end to end process for maintaining specified stock levels.

Aa, c and g.

Bb, d and f.

Ca, e and g.

Da, b and d.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: D

by Katina at Mar 08, 2025, 10:18 AM

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Bette

4 months ago

I’m not convinced about using the live database for testing.

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Edmond

4 months ago

Totally agree, accessibility testing is a must!

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Gennie

4 months ago

Wait, how can we be sure the migration won't mess up the data?

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Antione

4 months ago

I think option A is the best choice here.

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Ettie

4 months ago

Sounds like a solid plan to keep historical data for 7 years!

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Erasmo

5 months ago

I vaguely remember that performance testing was important for data migration, but I'm not clear if it was more important than functional testing of the SQL queries.

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Camellia

5 months ago

Accessibility testing for the SQL queries seems crucial since one user can't use a mouse, but I wonder if it directly addresses the migration risks.

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Madelyn

5 months ago

I think we practiced a similar question where we had to prioritize testing activities based on risks. I feel like a test plan is definitely needed, but I can't recall if it was the top priority.

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Jeannetta

5 months ago

I remember we discussed the importance of using the live database for migration testing to avoid data loss, but I'm not sure if that's the best option here.

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Carmela

5 months ago

I'm feeling pretty confident about this one. The question is clearly asking us to identify the test activities that address the stated risks and objectives. I think I've got a good handle on the right combination of testing to cover all the bases.

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Danica

5 months ago

This is a tricky one, but I think the answer is pretty straightforward. We need to ensure the data migration is successful, the historical data is accessible, and the overall system functionality is maintained. The test activities that cover those bases are the obvious choice.

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Alise

5 months ago

Okay, I think I've got a good handle on this. The key risks are around data migration, data retention, and impact on the existing systems. So I'd focus on testing the data migration process, the archived database, and the end-to-end functionality.

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Kenny

5 months ago

Hmm, I'm a bit confused by all the different test levels and types mentioned. I'll need to make sure I understand the differences between system, integration, and operational testing before I can decide which ones are most relevant here.

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Sean

5 months ago

This seems like a complex question with a lot of moving parts. I'll need to carefully read through the requirements and risks to identify the key test activities that address them.

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Fatima

12 months ago

Hey, as long as the end user can bash those keys without a mouse, I'm happy. Accessibility testing is key, for sure. But I think C covers all the bases - gotta make sure that data migration is lightning-fast!

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Ronny

11 months ago

Yeah, I think option C covers all the important test activities we need to achieve the test objectives.

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Afton

11 months ago

I agree, but we also need to focus on the performance testing of the data migration to meet stakeholder requirements.

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Kattie

11 months ago

Accessibility testing is definitely important, we need to make sure everyone can use the system.

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Hyun

12 months ago

I see your point, Garry. Option A does seem to address the key risks effectively. Let's go with that.

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Garry

12 months ago

But option A covers testing of data migration, accessibility of SQL queries, and regression testing. It seems more aligned with the risks identified.

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Theron

12 months ago

Haha, I bet the developers who wrote those SQL queries are hoping for a nice long vacation after this project. Gotta make sure those queries work like a charm, eh? I'd say A is the way to go.

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Raylene

11 months ago

Yeah, A seems like the best choice to ensure the data migration and testing goes smoothly.

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Glory

11 months ago

Definitely, they better hope those queries work smoothly or they might not get that vacation after all.

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Kayleigh

11 months ago

I agree, those developers must be feeling the pressure to make sure those SQL queries are spot on.

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Antonette

12 months ago

I'm not sure about option A. I think option B) b, d and f might be more comprehensive.

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Hyun

1 year ago

I agree with you, Garry. Those activities seem to cover the test objectives well.

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Maryln

1 year ago

I'm going with B. Security and penetration testing of the archived database is a must, and functional testing of the SQL queries is important too. Can't afford any data breaches or broken queries!

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Shaun

11 months ago

Functional testing is also important to ensure the queries work correctly.

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Colton

12 months ago

I agree, security testing is crucial to prevent any breaches.

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Felicia

12 months ago

B) b, d and f.

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Garry

1 year ago

I think we should choose option A) a, c and g for the test activities.

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Doretha

1 year ago

Nah, I'd go with C. Performance testing of the data migration is crucial to ensure it completes on time, and that's not mentioned in A. Plus, regression testing is a given.

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Emerson

1 year ago

Hmm, I think the answer is A. We need to ensure the data migration doesn't corrupt the data, test the accessibility of the SQL queries, and do regression testing of the end-to-end process. Seems like the most comprehensive approach to meet the test objectives.

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Avery

12 months ago

I think testing the accessibility of the SQL queries is crucial as well.

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Dean

1 year ago

I agree, we definitely need to make sure the data migration is done correctly.

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