ATTA-ISTQB: Advanced Level Technical Analyst Interview Questions

The Advanced Level Technical Analyst (ATTA-ISTQB) certificate is recognized worldwide for professionals with competency to identify and describe the usual risks associated with software systems performance. In order to successfully pass the interview, you ought to have a good understanding of the core exam objective including the kinds of risks faced by software systems—performance, protection, reliability, portability, and maintenance. Moreover, you must have expertise on how to plan and design tests that can mitigate risk in these areas. While preparation you should also be able to include technical elements for the preparation, design, and implementation of performance, protection, reliability, functionality, and maintenance risk mitigation tests.

This article summarizes an exhaustive list of top Advanced Level Technical Analyst (ATTA-ISTQB) Interview Questions, to help you gain confidence to face the panel. So let’s begin!

Advanced Interview Questions

How do you approach testing complex systems with many interdependencies?

When testing complex systems with many interdependencies, I approach it by first understanding the system’s architecture and design. This includes identifying the different components and how they interact with each other. I also review any documentation, such as requirements and design specifications, to gain a thorough understanding of the system’s functionality.

Next, I create a test plan that outlines the testing strategy, including the types of tests to be performed (e.g. functional, performance, security, etc.) and the test cases to be executed. I also identify the test data and test environments needed for the tests.

Once the test plan is in place, I begin creating test cases that exercise the various components and their interactions. I also make sure to include tests that cover the different scenarios and edge cases that the system may encounter. I also ensure that the test cases are traceable to the requirements, so that I can verify that all requirements are met.

During the testing phase, I execute the test cases and record the results. I also pay close attention to the system’s behavior under different conditions and identify any issues or defects.

Finally, I analyze the results and report any defects found to the development team, and work with them to resolve the issues. If needed, I also retest the system to verify that the defects have been fixed correctly.

To sum up, when testing complex systems with many interdependencies, I approach it by understanding the system, creating a test plan, creating test cases, executing the test cases, reporting and resolving the defects.

Can you explain the concept of test automation and how it can be used in testing?

Test automation is the process of using specialized software or tools to execute test cases automatically. The goal of test automation is to increase test coverage, reduce testing time, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of testing.

There are different types of test automation, including unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. Each type of testing has its own specific tools and frameworks.

Unit testing is the process of testing individual units of code, such as functions or methods, to verify that they behave as expected. Unit testing frameworks, such as JUnit and TestNG, can be used to automate unit tests.

Integration testing is the process of testing how different components of a system interact with each other. Integration testing frameworks, such as Cucumber and Selenium, can be used to automate integration tests.

System testing is the process of testing a complete system to verify that it meets its requirements. System testing frameworks, such as TestComplete and Appium, can be used to automate system tests.

Acceptance testing is the process of testing a system to verify that it meets the needs of the end users. Acceptance testing frameworks, such as Capybara and Watir, can be used to automate acceptance tests.

In addition, there are test automation frameworks, such as TestNG, JUnit, and Selenium, that can be used to automate multiple types of testing, such as unit testing, integration testing, and system testing.

Test automation can be used in testing to increase test coverage, reduce testing time, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of testing. It also allows for the easy execution of repeatable test cases and the ability to run tests concurrently and in parallel, which can save a significant amount of time. It also helps to reduce human error and improve the consistency of test results.

How do you design and implement test cases for a system?

Designing and implementing test cases for a system involves several steps:

Understand the system: Before designing test cases, I review the requirements and design specifications for the system to gain a thorough understanding of its functionality. I also review any available documentation and talk to stakeholders to ensure that I have a clear understanding of the system’s requirements.
Identify test objectives: Based on the requirements and design specifications, I identify the objectives that the test cases need to achieve. This includes identifying the different scenarios and edge cases that the system needs to handle.
Create test cases: Once the objectives are identified, I design test cases that cover the different scenarios and edge cases identified. I make sure that the test cases are traceable to the requirements, so that I can verify that all requirements are met. I also ensure that the test cases are comprehensive and cover all necessary functionality.
Implement test cases: After creating the test cases, I implement them using appropriate test automation tools or frameworks. I also create test data and test environments as needed.
Review and update test cases: I review the test cases to ensure that they are accurate and complete. I also update the test cases as needed, based on any changes made to the system.
Execute test cases: After the test cases are implemented, I execute them to verify that the system behaves as expected. I also pay close attention to the system’s behavior under different conditions and identify any issues or defects.
Report and resolve defects: If any defects are found, I report them to the development team and work with them to resolve the issues. If needed, I also retest the system to verify that the defects have been fixed correctly.

In summary, designing and implementing test cases for a system includes understanding the system, identifying test objectives, creating test cases, implementing test cases, reviewing and updating test cases, executing test cases and reporting and resolving defects.

Can you explain how you use test metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of testing?

Test metrics are quantitative measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of testing. They provide a way to track the progress and quality of testing, and can be used to identify areas for improvement. Here are some examples of test metrics that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of testing:

Test coverage: Test coverage measures the percentage of requirements or code that have been tested. It helps to ensure that all important parts of the system have been tested.
Defect density: Defect density measures the number of defects per unit of code or requirements. It can be used to identify areas of the system that are more prone to defects.
Test case pass rate: Test case pass rate measures the percentage of test cases that pass. It can be used to assess the quality of the test cases and the system under test.
Test execution time: Test execution time measures the amount of time it takes to execute the test cases. It can be used to identify areas of the system that are taking longer to test, which may indicate performance issues.
Test efficiency: Test efficiency measures how much time and resources are required to test the system. It can be used to identify areas of the system that are taking longer to test, which may indicate areas where test automation can be used to improve efficiency.
Test effectiveness: Test effectiveness measures the quality of the testing process and the ability of the test cases to find defects. It can be used to identify areas of the system that are more prone to defects and areas where the test process can be improved.

These metrics can be used in combination to provide a comprehensive view of the testing process and identify areas where improvements can be made. It’s also important to note that, when evaluating test metrics, it’s important to also consider other factors that may affect the results such as the complexity of the system, the skills of the testers, the maturity of the testing process and the tools used.

How do you ensure that your testing covers all necessary scenarios and edge cases?

Ensuring that testing covers all necessary scenarios and edge cases is an important aspect of the testing process, and there are several techniques that I use to achieve this:

Risk-based testing: I use risk-based testing to prioritize testing based on the potential impact of defects on the system. This helps me to focus testing on the most critical areas of the system and ensure that all necessary scenarios and edge cases are covered.
Requirements-based testing: I review the requirements and design specifications for the system and use them to identify all necessary scenarios and edge cases. I make sure that test cases are traceable to the requirements, so that I can verify that all requirements are met.
Use case testing: I use use case testing to identify all necessary scenarios and edge cases. I review the use cases for the system and create test cases that cover all necessary scenarios and edge cases.
Exploratory testing: I use exploratory testing to identify additional scenarios and edge cases that may not have been identified through other techniques. This approach allows me to test the system in an unscripted way and identify defects that may not have been found through more structured testing.
Boundary value analysis: I use boundary value analysis to identify edge cases that lie on the boundaries of the system’s input and output range. This approach helps me to identify defects that may occur when the system is operating at its limits.
Negative testing: I use negative testing to identify defects that occur when the system is not functioning as intended. This approach helps me to identify defects that may not be found through positive testing, which tests the system when it is functioning as intended.
Error guessing: I use error guessing to identify defects that may occur due to common mistakes or misconceptions. This approach helps me to identify defects that may not be found through other techniques.

By using a combination of these techniques, I can ensure that testing covers all necessary scenarios and edge cases, and that all defects are identified and resolved.

Can you discuss your experience with performance and load testing?

I have experience with performance and load testing, which are both types of non-functional testing that are used to evaluate the performance and scalability of a system.

Performance testing is used to measure the responsiveness, stability and scalability of a system under normal and expected loads. The goal of performance testing is to identify bottlenecks and potential performance issues before they occur in a production environment.

I have experience using different types of performance testing such as:

Stress testing: to check the system’s behavior under an unexpectedly high load.
Load testing: to evaluate the behavior of the system under expected load, it’s how the system behaves when multiple users access it simultaneously.
Endurance testing: to check how the system behaves after a long period of time under a specific load.

Additionally, I am familiar with performance testing tools such as Apache JMeter, LoadRunner, Gatling and etc.

Load testing, on the other hand, is used to evaluate the behavior of a system under expected loads. This type of testing is used to measure the system’s ability to handle high loads of traffic and transactions, and to identify bottlenecks and potential performance issues.

I have experience using different types of load testing such as:

Spike testing: to check the system’s behavior when there’s a sudden increase in traffic.
Soak testing: to check the system’s behavior when it’s under a high load for an extended period of time.
Volume testing: to check the system’s behavior when it’s handling a high volume of data.

Furthermore, I am familiar with load testing tools such as Apache JMeter, LoadRunner, Gatling and etc.

To sum up, I have experience with different types of performance and load testing and familiar with various tools that can help me to conduct these testings. I understand the importance of performance and load testing and the role they play in ensuring that a system is able to handle the expected loads and traffic, and that it will perform well in a production environment.

How do you approach testing in an Agile development environment?

Testing in an Agile development environment requires a different approach than testing in a traditional Waterfall environment, due to the different principles and values of Agile development. The Agile methodology emphasizes rapid feedback, collaboration, and flexibility.

When testing in an Agile environment, I approach testing with the following strategies:

Continuous testing: I conduct testing throughout the development process, rather than waiting until the end of the development cycle. This allows me to provide rapid feedback to the development team and helps to ensure that defects are identified and resolved early.
Collaboration: I work closely with the development team and other stakeholders, such as the product owner, to ensure that testing is aligned with the project’s goals and objectives. This helps to ensure that testing is focused on the most important aspects of the system and that all necessary scenarios and edge cases are covered.
Automation: I use automated testing tools and frameworks to ensure that testing is efficient and repeatable. This allows me to run tests quickly and easily, and helps to ensure that all necessary scenarios and edge cases are covered.
Test-Driven Development (TDD): I follow the TDD approach, where tests are written before the development of features. This helps to ensure that the system is being developed with testing in mind, and that all necessary scenarios and edge cases are covered.
Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): I follow CI/CD practices, where I integrate code changes frequently and deliver them to the end users. This helps to ensure that the system is always in a releasable state and that any defects are identified and resolved early.
Adaptability: I adapt to changes in the development process and requirements, as Agile development is built on flexibility and constant improvement.

By following these strategies, I can ensure that testing is aligned with the project’s goals and objectives and that all necessary scenarios and edge cases are covered. Additionally, my testing approach helps to ensure that defects are identified and resolved early and that the system is always in a releasable state.

Can you explain how you use risk-based testing to prioritize testing efforts?

Risk-based testing is a method of prioritizing testing efforts by identifying and assessing the risks associated with a system, and then focusing testing efforts on the areas of the system that pose the greatest risks.

The process of risk-based testing typically involves the following steps:

Identify risks: I identify the risks associated with the system, such as potential defects, security vulnerabilities, or compliance issues. I also consider external factors such as changes in regulations or market conditions that could affect the system.
Assess risks: I assess the potential impact of each identified risk on the system, and the likelihood of the risk occurring. I use this information to prioritize the risks and focus my testing efforts on the areas of the system that pose the greatest risks.
Create test cases: I create test cases that are designed to identify and mitigate the identified risks. These test cases may include functional testing, security testing, and compliance testing, depending on the nature of the risks.
Execute test cases: I execute the test cases and document any defects that are identified. I also analyze the results of the test cases to identify any additional risks that may have been missed during the initial risk identification and assessment.
Report and track: I report the defects and risks identified during testing to the relevant stakeholders, and track the progress of resolving the defects and mitigating the risks.

By using risk-based testing, I can ensure that testing efforts are focused on the areas of the system that pose the greatest risks, rather than on areas that are less critical. This approach helps to ensure that defects and vulnerabilities are identified and resolved early, and that the system is as robust and secure as possible. Additionally, risk-based testing approach allows me to be more efficient in testing, by focusing on the most critical areas and not spending too much effort on areas that are less critical.

How do you stay current on developments in the field of testing and new testing tools?

Staying current on developments in the field of testing and new testing tools is an ongoing effort that requires a combination of different strategies. Some ways I stay updated include:

Professional development: I continuously seek out professional development opportunities such as training courses, conferences, and certifications to learn about new testing tools and techniques, as well as to stay up to date with industry best practices.
Networking: I actively participate in professional networking groups and online communities such as online forums and social media groups. This provides me with an opportunity to connect with other testing professionals and stay informed about new testing tools and developments in the field.
Research: I regularly conduct research on new testing tools and developments in the field. I keep an eye on the latest trends, whitepapers and articles, and read case studies to understand the benefits and limitations of new tools, and how they can be used in testing.
Hands-on experience: I take advantage of opportunities to try out new testing tools in a safe and controlled environment. This allows me to gain hands-on experience and understand how the tools work, as well as to evaluate their effectiveness in solving particular testing problems.
Participating in Beta Programs: Many software vendors offer beta programs for their new tools and software, I try to participate in such programs to get early access to new testing tools and provide feedback to the vendors.

By following these strategies, I can stay informed about new testing tools and developments in the field, and continuously improve my skills and knowledge. Additionally, participating in the above strategies also allows me to learn about new trends and technologies that are being developed and that might impact my field in the future.

Can you discuss a particularly difficult testing situation you have faced and how you overcame it?

One particularly difficult testing situation I faced was when I was working on a project for a large financial institution. The project involved developing a new system for managing and processing financial transactions. The system was highly complex and had many interdependencies, and the client had very strict requirements for security, compliance, and performance.

One of the biggest challenges was that the system had a lot of edge cases, which made it difficult to test thoroughly. Additionally, the system had a lot of dependencies on external systems, which made it difficult to test in isolation.

To overcome these challenges, I first identified the key risks associated with the system and prioritized them based on their potential impact and likelihood of occurrence. I then created a comprehensive test plan that covered all necessary scenarios and edge cases, including functional testing, security testing, and performance testing.

To ensure that the system was tested thoroughly, I used a combination of manual testing and automated testing. I automated repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as regression testing and performance testing, and used manual testing to focus on the more complex and critical scenarios.

I also closely collaborated with the development team to ensure that the system was tested in a realistic and representative environment, and that any defects or issues were identified and resolved as early as possible. Additionally, I also developed a monitoring and reporting system to track the progress of testing and to identify any potential issues that might arise.

Finally, I also kept the client informed about the testing progress and shared the test results with them regularly. By using a combination of risk-based testing, automated testing, manual testing, and close collaboration with the development team, I was able to thoroughly test the system and ensure that it met the client’s requirements for security, compliance, and performance.

Basic Interview Questions

1. Why is the risk-based approach for testing important?

Risk-based testing (RBT) is a method developed by the software industry to prioritize tests of features and functions in software, based on their importance, risk of failure, and likelihood or impact of failure.

2. How can a risk assessment be performed?

Firstly, identifying hazards, and anything that may cause harm
Then, deciding who may get harmed and how
Assessing the risks involved and taking appropriate actions
Then, making a record of the findings
Finally, reviewing the risk assessment

3. Can you name the four elements of a risk assessment?

Any good risk assessment has four important parts: Asset identification, Risk Analysis, Risk likelihood & impact, and finally, Cost of Solutions

4. Can you describe what are white-box techniques?

White Box Testing, or WBT, is a software testing technique. WBT can be defined as the process of evaluating the internal structure, design, and coding of software to verify the input-output flow and improve design, usability, and security. In other words, you’re taking a look at what’s inside the box (i.e. your code) by looking at the software like it’s a “see-through box”.

5. What test techniques come under the white box technique?

Data flow testing, control flow testing, path testing, branch testing, statement, and decision coverage are used by white box testing. These act as a guideline for creating error-free software.

6. What is better according to you? Black box or white box testing?

An appropriate answer would be that neither of them is better. Instead, they both are equally necessary and complementary. White box testing helps ensure code functionality and saves time later, while black box testing improves the user experience.

7. What is the importance of MC/DC coverage in unit testing?

MC/DC is a code coverage criterion commonly used in software testing. It requires that each condition in a decision affects that decision’s outcome and is independent of other conditions.

8. How many test cases are needed to satisfy MC/DC?

We must have a minimum number of test cases in order to satisfy the MC DC in the following decision. Essentially, you will need to look for at least one Test Pair for every condition in the boolean expression that completely fulfills the MCDC criterion.

9. How would you explain path coverage in testing?

When it comes to software testing, path coverage refers to a set of carefully chosen test cases. This type of testing is more structured than other methods and is usually performed by a computer. In software testing, a path is a series of steps that can be executed on a program in order to test whether it performs appropriately. Path coverage testing involves evaluating every possible path through the code of a computer program.

10. What do you understand by API testing?

API testing is a type of software testing that evaluates the software components that make up an application through its APIs. API testing ensures that the user experience is still enjoyable even after the integration of the various components.

11. How do you choose the right White-box Test technique?

There are several factors influencing the choice of an appropriate white-box technique. These are:

Type of system or software application
Regulatory standards
Customer’s requirements
Level and type of risk
Test objectives
Tester’s skill and knowledge
Time and budget
Application development life cycle
Previous experience in types of defects tracked

12. Can you elaborate on how the data flow analysis is applied to detect if the given code has any data flow anomalies?

Data flow testing utilizes the control flow graph of a program to test for unexpected conditions. It can detect relationships between values and variables that can throw a program off. It defines ambiguous data paths as problems that can cause a program to crash, freeze, or misbehave in other problematic ways, like:

When a variable is defined but is not used or referenced
Also, when a variable is used but it is nowhere defined
Last but not the least, when a variable is defined twice before it is used only once

13. What do you think is the need for performing the dynamic analysis?

Dynamic analysis can be used to account for inertial forces that occur as loads are changed quickly in an application. Its use is recommended if your application involves loads that are changing rapidly.

14. Can you tell about the five stages of the development life cycle?

A widely followed software development process is the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The SDLC has five phases: planning, designing, developing, testing, and deploying with ongoing maintenance. This is a fundamental process for success that must be conducted every time you create or manage an application.

15. What are functional and non-functional testing?

Functional testing verifies that actions are working, whereas non-functional testing checks the performance of the software. An example of functional testing is checking login functionality, and an example of non-functional testing is checking that a dashboard takes two seconds to load.

16. What are the reasons for incorporating security testing?

Security Testing provides insight into the threats inherent in a system and discloses possible vulnerabilities so that weaknesses can be addressed or eliminated before they are exploited.

17. What are the important factors involved in designing reliable systems?

In designing for reliability, there are several techniques:

Firstly, failure modes and effects analysis
Robust parameter design
Then, block diagrams and fault tree analyses
Physics-of-failure methods
Also, simulation methods
Finally, root-cause analysis.

18. What way is the most effective for performance testing?

Firstly, you start by defining the test plans including load testing, stress testing, endurance testing, availability testing, configuration testing, and isolation testing. s

19. What will be your responsibilities as an Advanced level technical test analyst (ATTA-ISTQB)?

A Testing Analyst is responsible for running software and hardware through its paces before it hits the market. They test new software, update existing software, and evaluate or troubleshoot existing hardware to ensure it works well with other systems. To do this, they develop tests to find any problems before the product reaches consumers.

20. Why do you think identifying the problem when designing a solution is important?

Problems are at the heart of good design. Before you begin thinking about how to solve a design problem, take the time to identify the problem in the first place. If the designer can’t identify the problem, he or she has no way to visualize a solution. No matter what type of project, identifying and solving problems is a must. If you don’t have a problem to solve, your designer will be heading in the wrong direction, producing beautiful results but lacking intention.

21. When asked to identify the pseudo-code, how will you do it?

Pseudocode is a way of writing out a computer program that can be read by people other than the computer. It does this using comment lines and friendly sentences. It is a document that explains how to solve a problem by breaking it down into smaller problems and then solving each of these subproblems, using code written in an actual programming language to do so.

22. In your opinion, how useful is pseudo-code as a tool for solving problems?

Computer programmers create an algorithm by writing code in a language that is understood by their target computer. For complex problems, it can be useful to write the algorithm in pseudocode, a high-level description of the steps needed to solve the problem. Pseudocode can also be used to write algorithms in multiple languages at once, avoiding the need to translate or re-implement the same solution over and over.

23. What causes automation projects to fail?

Automation can often be a source of frustration. The most common cause of this is unrealistic expectations about what can be automated and how automatic processes will work. Some of the reasons are:

Firstly, unrealistic expectations
Poor testing practices
Then, expecting that automated tests will search for new defects
False sense of security
Also, the maintenance of automated tests
Technical problems
Last but not the least, organizational problems.

24. Can you define keywords in business?

Search engines use keywords to match web pages to potential customers’ search queries. Keywords are important to businesses because they want their web pages to be located in search engine results when potential customers search for the keywords or phrases that describe their products or services.

25. Why do testers perform fault injection testing?

Fault injection is a layer between the production and deployment stages. It is typically carried out prior to deployment in order to uncover any potential problems that may have been introduced during the creation of a new system. Fault injection testing provides valuable feedback about weaknesses in a hardware or software system so they can be avoided or fixed.

26. How would you explain Web testing?

Website testing is the process of finding and fixing problems with your website before it is launched to the public. Web testing checks for functionality, usability, security, and compatibility. It determines the quality of a web application or website. Automated software and manual procedures ensure that your program functions as designed provides user-friendly features, and is secure.

27. Can you tell the three categories of tools for testing components?

The three major categories of test tools are automation, bug tracking, and coverage.

28. What do you understand by Fault seeding?

Fault seeding or Debugging refers to an informal testing method in which special ‘test-only’ code is inserted into a program to purposely cause faults. The software tester then looks for symptomatic effects and fixes the errors. Programmers often use this technique where they add known bugs to a program to see if the code can be tested for situations in which it would break.

29. What are the main benefits of performance testing tools and how can they aid you?

Firstly, speed: determines whether or not the software product will respond rapidly
Secondly, scalability: determines the amount of load a software product can handle at a given time
Stability: determines whether or not the software product will be stable in case of varying workloads.
Finally, reliability: determines whether or not the software product is secure

30. Can you list some of the challenges you faced in the tool testing process?

First and most importantly, lack of communication, particularly while conveying the software requirements
Then, missing documentation
Diversity in the testing environments
Last but not the least, inadequate testing