ISTQB CT-PT Exam Practice Test Instant Access

Question 1

Which of the following is a key reason to include ramp-up and ramp-down periods in a performance test?

ATo ensure virtual users complete their transactions within a defined time window

BTo simulate a more realistic user load pattern and avoid sudden system stress

CTo provide a buffer for slow-performing transactions to complete

DTo guarantee that all virtual users remain active throughout the test duration

Answer : B

A ramp-up period in a performance test gradually increases load over time, and a ramp-down period does the opposite. This prevents sudden surges in system load, making test results more realistic.

Option A (Ensuring transactions complete in a time window) is incorrect because ramp-up/down periods do not control transaction timing.

Option C (Providing a buffer for slow transactions) is incorrect because ramp-up/down is about load balancing, not transaction timing.

Option D (Keeping all virtual users active throughout the test) is incorrect because ramp-down periods reduce users gradually.

Question 2

Which of the following performance script types measures network response times?

AGUI scripts

BAPI scripts

CHTTP scripts

DProtocol-level scripts

Answer : D

Protocol-level scripts measure the actual response times of network requests, making them ideal for analyzing network latency, bandwidth issues, and server response times.

Option A (GUI scripts) measure user interactions, not network timing.

Option B (API scripts) measure API interactions but do not provide detailed network response time analysis.

Option C (HTTP scripts) measure web requests but lack low-level network insights.

Question 3

Which type of performance test measures the system's ability to handle increasing levels of load?

ALoad testing

BElevation testing

CSpike testing

DEndurance testing

Answer : A

Load testing assesses a system's ability to handle gradually increasing levels of load and ensures that it meets performance expectations under normal and peak conditions.

Option B (Elevation testing) is incorrect because this term does not exist in ISTQB performance testing terminology.

Option C (Spike testing) focuses on sudden increases in load rather than gradual scaling.

Option D (Endurance testing) examines how a system performs over an extended period, rather than gradual load increases.

Question 4

You are managing a project that is testing a system that manages a newly redesigned jet engine for heavy aircraft. Given the fact that this engine is specifically engineered to reduce noise, it is important that the software maintains enough thrust for lift for a period of 5 minutes without exceeding 87.5dB. The software must achieve this independent of other internal systems such as fuel or navigation management.

Given the risk for the ability of the aircraft to meet the noise abatement regulations while still being able to fly, when is the optimum time in the software lifecycle to apply the performance testing?

APreferably during each phase in the lifecycle

BPreferably at the end of system testing

CPreferably during system integration testing

DPreferably at the end of unit testing

Answer : A

Performance testing should be integrated into every phase of the software lifecycle to ensure that critical performance requirements (such as thrust-to-noise ratio) are met early and continuously validated.

Option B (End of system testing) is too late, as issues may be costly to fix at that stage.

Option C (During system integration testing) is useful but not comprehensive enough.

Option D (At the end of unit testing) is incorrect because unit tests do not assess overall system performance.

Question 5

Which of the following is the most economical solution to minimize costs and time for performance testing for a high-end production client-server platform?

AIsolated lab environment

BCloud-based environment

CMainframe environment

DNo environment

Answer : B

A cloud-based environment is the most cost-effective solution for performance testing. It offers scalability, pay-per-use models, and flexibility, allowing testers to simulate large workloads without expensive infrastructure investments.

Option A (Isolated lab environment) is costly due to hardware maintenance and infrastructure costs.

Option C (Mainframe environment) is expensive and impractical for performance testing.

Option D (No environment) is not a viable option.

Question 6

You are managing the testing efforts of an existing distributed system that manages inventories of automobile and light truck tires from multiple warehouses across the country. The system is being enhanced to track incoming restocking shipments at the point of entry to the warehouse and outbound sales shipments at the point of shipment from the warehouse, all of which are executed in real-time. System loads traditionally peak on Mondays due to built-up demand from the previous weekend.

You are preparing a presentation to the business stakeholders, outlining your performance testing strategy.

Which of the following is appropriate to present to this audience?

AEstablished HTTP response per second goals that will have acceptable minimum, maximum, and average response times

BA test plan that includes specific technical specifications for the computing hardware to be used for performance testing

CA comprehensive list of support staff to be available during performance testing, including key members of the application development team

DThe risks that may exist due to platform differences between the test environment and the production environment

Answer : D

Business stakeholders are most concerned with risks that affect deployment and production stability. The primary risk in performance testing is that the test environment may differ from production, leading to misleading test results.

Option A (HTTP response goals) is too technical for a business stakeholder audience.

Option B (Hardware specifications) is relevant for technical teams, not business stakeholders.

Option C (Support staff details) is a logistical aspect, not a key performance testing risk for business decision-makers.

Question 7

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.

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.

ISTQB CT-PT ISTQB Certified Tester - Performance Testing Exam Practice Test