Learning objectives are indicated for each section in the syllabus and classified as follows:
- K1: remember, recognize, recall
- K2: understand, explain, give reasons, compare, classify, categorize, give examples, summarize
- K3: apply, use
- K4: analyze
There are 62 Learning objectives in the 2018 Foundation syllabus:
- 15 K1
- 40 K2
- 7 K3
The 2018 Foundation Level Learning objectives are as follows:
Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Testing
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1.1 What is Testing? |
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| LO-1.1.1 | Identify typical objectives of testing (K1) |
| LO-1.1.2 | Differentiate testing from debugging (K2) |
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1.2 Why is Testing Necessary? |
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| LO-1.2.1 | Give examples of why testing is necessary (K2) |
| LO-1.2.2 | Describe the relationship between testing and quality assurance and give examples of how testing contributes to higher quality (K2) |
| LO-1.2.3 | Distinguish between error, defect, and failure (K2) |
| LO-1.2.4 | Distinguish between the root cause of a defect and its effects (K2) |
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1.3 Seven Testing Principles (K2) |
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| LO-1.3.1 | Explain the seven principles of testing (K2) |
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1.4 Test Process |
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| LO-1.4.1 | Explain the impact of context on the test process (K2) |
| LO-1.4.2 | Describe the test activities and respective tasks within the test process (K2) |
| LO-1.4.3 | Differentiate the work products that support the test process (K2) |
| LO-1.4.4 | Explain the value of maintaining traceability between the test basis and the test work products (K2) |
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1.5 The Psychology of Testing (K2) |
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| LO-1.5.1 | Identify the psychological factors that influence the success of testing (K1) |
| LO-1.5.2 | Explain the difference between the mindset required for test activities and the mindset required for development activities (K2) |
Chapter 2 Testing Throughout the Software Development Lifecycle
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2.1. Software Development Lifecycle Models |
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| LO-2.1.1 | Explain the relationships between software development activities and test activities in the software development lifecycle (K2) |
| LO-2.1.2 | Identify reasons why software development lifecycle models must be adapted to the context of project and product characteristics (K1) |
| LO-2.1.3 | Recall characteristics of good testing that are applicable to any life cycle model (K1) |
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2.2 Test Levels (K2) |
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| LO-2.2.1 | Compare the different test levels from the perspective of objectives, test basis, test objects, typical defects and failures, and approaches and responsibilities (K2) |
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2.3 Test Types (K2) |
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| LO-2.3.1 | Compare functional, non-functional and white-box testing (K2) |
| LO-2.3.2 | Recognize that functional and structural tests occur at any test level (K1) |
| LO-2.3.3 | Recognize that functional, non-functional and white-box tests occur at any test level (K1) |
| LO-2.3.4 | Compare the purposes of confirmation testing and regression testing (K2) |
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2.4 Maintenance Testing (K2) |
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| LO-2.4.1 | Summarize triggers for maintenance testing (K2) |
| LO-2.4.2 | Describe the role of impact analysis in maintenance testing (K2) |
| LO-2.4.3 | Describe the role of impact analysis in maintenance testing (K2) |
Chapter 3 Static Testing
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3.1 Static Testing Basics |
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| LO-3.1.1 | Recognize types of software work product that can be examined by the different static testing techniques (K1) |
| LO-3.1.2 | Use examples to describe the value of static testing (K2) |
| LO-3.1.3 | Explain the difference between static and dynamic techniques, considering objectives, types of defects to be identified, and the role of these techniques within the software lifecycle (K2) |
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3.2 Review Process |
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| LO-3.2.1 | Summarize the activities of the work product review process (K2) |
| LO-3.2.2 | Recognize the different roles and responsibilities in a formal review (K1) |
| LO-3.2.3 | Explain the differences between different review types: informal review, walkthrough, technical review and inspection (K2) |
| LO-3.2.4 | Apply a review technique to a work product to find defects (K3) |
| LO-3.2.5 | Explain the factors that contribute to a successful review (K2) |
Chapter 4 Test Techniques
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4.1 Categories of Test Techniques |
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| LO-4.1.1 | Explain the characteristics, commonalities, and differences between black-box test techniques, white-box test techniques and experience-based test techniques (K2) |
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4.2 Black-box Test Techniques |
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| LO-4.2.1 | Apply equivalence partitioning to derive test cases from given requirements (K3) |
| LO-4.2.2 | Apply boundary value analysis to derive test cases from given requirements (K3) |
| LO-4.2.3 | Apply decision table testing to derive test cases from given requirements (K3) |
| LO-4.2.4 | Apply state transition testing to derive test cases from given requirements (K3) |
| LO-4.2.5 | Explain how to derive test cases from a use case (K2) |
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4.3 White-box Test Techniques |
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| LO-4.3.1 | Explain statement coverage (K2) |
| LO-4.3.2 | Explain decision coverage (K2) |
| LO-4.3.3 | Explain the value of statement and decision coverage (K2) |
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4.4 Experience-based Test Techniques |
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| LO-4.4.1 | Explain error guessing (K2) |
| LO-4.4.2 | Explain exploratory testing (K2) |
| LO-4.4.3 | Explain checklist-based testing (K2) |
Chapter 5 Test Management
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5.1 Test Organization |
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| LO-5.1.1 | Explain the benefits and drawbacks of independent testing (K2) |
| LO-5.1.2 | Identify the tasks of a test manager and tester (K1) |
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5.2 Test Planning and Estimation |
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| LO-5.2.1 | Summarize the purpose and content of a test plan (K2) |
| LO-5.2.2 | Differentiate between various test approaches (K2) |
| LO-5.2.3 | Give examples of potential entry and exit criteria (K2) |
| LO-5.2.4 | Apply knowledge of prioritization, and technical and logical dependencies, to schedule test execution for a given set of test cases (K3) |
| LO-5.2.5 | Identify factors that influence the effort related to testing (K1) |
| LO-5.2.6 | Explain the difference between two estimation techniques: the metrics-based technique and the expert-based technique (K2) |
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5.3 Test Monitoring and Control |
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| LO-5.3.1 | Recall metrics used for testing (K1) |
| LO-5.3.2 | Summarize the purposes, contents, and audiences for test reports (K2) |
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5.4 Configuration Management |
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| LO-5.4.1 | Summarize how configuration management supports testing (K2) |
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5.5 Risks and Testing |
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| LO-5.5.1 | Define risk level by using likelihood and impact (K1) |
| LO-5.5.2 | Distinguish between project and product risks (K2) |
| LO-5.5.3 | Describe, by using examples, how product risk analysis may influence thoroughness and scope of testing (K2) |
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5.6 Defect Management |
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| LO-5.6.1 | Write a defect report, covering defects found during testing (K3) |
Chapter 6. Tool Support for Testing
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6.1 Test tool considerations |
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| LO-6.1.1 | Classify test tools according to their purpose and the test activities they support (K2) |
| LO-6.1.2 | Identify benefits and risks of test automation (K1) |
| LO-6.1.3 | Remember special considerations for test execution and test management tools (K1) |
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6.2 Test Planning and Estimation (K3) |
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| LO-6.2.1 | Identify the main principles for selecting a tool (K1) |
| LO-6.2.2 | Recall the objectives for using pilot projects to introduce tools (K1) |
| LO-6.2.3 | Identify the success factors for evaluation, implementation, deployment and on-going support of test tools in an organization (K1) |