1. Introduction (Generic Tester Skills)
ISTQB defines several categories of skills that testers must have, including domain knowledge, technical knowledge, and generic skills. Generic skills are broad abilities that help testers work effectively, such as communication, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and understanding of the domain. This question asks you to identify which scenario represents a tester using a generic skill.
이 문제는 테스터가 업무 수행에 사용하는 “일반적인 역량(Generic Skills)”을 구분할 수 있는지를 묻습니다. Generic skills은 특정 도구나 기술에 의존하지 않고, 다양한 테스트 상황에서 활용되는 보편적 능력입니다.
2. Question & Options
Question: Which of the following is MOST likely to be an example of a tester using a generic skill when testing?
- a) The tester’s deep knowledge of a variety of computer games meant that they got on well with one of the developers who was also into gaming
- b) The tester was a former pilot and was better able to understand the acceptance criteria for the helicopter control system
- c) The tester previously worked as a programmer and used their skills in this area to better communicate with the business analysts
- d) The tester was very careful not to make mistakes when they methodically generated test cases prior to starting their exploratory testing session
3. Correct Answer
✔ Correct Answer: b)
Why option (b) is correct?
Option (b) shows a tester applying domain knowledge, which is one of the recognized generic skills in ISTQB. Domain knowledge helps testers understand the business context, user needs, and acceptance criteria. A former pilot reviewing acceptance criteria for a helicopter control system will naturally understand:
- How the system is used in real-world operations
- Critical safety requirements
- Potential risks and failure points
- Why certain acceptance criteria exist and how important they are
This deeper understanding helps produce better test scenarios, identify gaps in requirements, and detect higher-risk areas.
파일럿 경험이 있는 테스터는 헬리콥터 제어 시스템의 요구사항을 훨씬 더 정확히 이해할 수 있습니다. 이처럼 도메인 지식은 테스터가 테스트 상황을 더 잘 파악하고, 요구사항의 의도와 중요성을 정확히 해석하는 데 큰 도움이 되는 대표적인 Generic Skill입니다.
4. Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
a) Getting along with a developer due to gaming knowledge
Although communication and teamwork are important generic skills, this option describes a personal hobby connection, not a professional skill applied during testing. Knowing many video games does not directly support testing activities.
게임 지식이 많은 것은 업무와 무관한 개인적 취향이며, 테스트 수행 능력과 직접적인 관련이 없습니다.
c) Using programming experience to communicate with business analysts
Programming is a technical skill, not a generic skill. Also, programming knowledge generally helps communicate with developers—not business analysts. Business analysts focus on requirements, business rules, and user needs, not code.
프로그래밍 경험은 기술적 능력이지 Generic Skill이 아닙니다. 또한 BA(비즈니스 분석가)와의 커뮤니케이션 개선에도 직접적으로 도움이 되지 않습니다.
d) Creating test cases before exploratory testing
Attention to detail and thoroughness are indeed useful generic skills. However, this example contradicts the principles of exploratory testing, where test design and execution happen simultaneously. If test cases were written beforehand, it would no longer be exploratory testing.
탐색적 테스트에서는 테스트 케이스를 사전에 작성하지 않습니다.
따라서 이 사례는 올바른 Generic Skill 사용 예시라고 보기 어렵습니다.
5. Summary & Study Tip
Generic skills include communication, analytical thinking, critical thinking, curiosity, and domain knowledge. Option (b) best reflects a tester applying domain knowledge to understand acceptance criteria, making it a valid example of using a generic skill.
Generic Skill은 단순 기술 능력이 아니라, 다양한 테스트 상황에서 폭넓게 활용되는 역량입니다. 도메인 이해력처럼 “문제를 깊게 이해하게 만드는 능력”이 가장 대표적이며 ISTQB 시험에서도 자주 등장합니다. FL-1.5.1
Related: More ISTQB posts | 다음 문제