Testing Roles vs Test Management Roles
1. Introduction
This question checks your understanding of the different testing roles and how they are applied, especially in an Agile software development context.
ISTQB often tests whether you can distinguish between:
- The testing role (technical testing work)
- The test management role (planning, monitoring, control)
이 문제는 테스팅 역할(Tester)과 테스트 관리 역할(Test Management)의 차이를 이해하고 있는지를 묻습니다. 특히 애자일 개발 환경에서의 역할 분담이 핵심입니다.
2. Key Concept: Testing Role vs Test Management Role
In ISTQB terms:
- Testing role: technical and engineering activities (test analysis, test design, test implementation, test execution)
- Test management role: management activities (test planning, test monitoring & control, test completion)
In Agile development, responsibilities may be shared, but the distinction between roles still exists.
ISTQB 기준으로 보면:
- 테스팅 역할: 분석·설계·구현·실행과 같은 기술적 테스트 활동
- 테스트 관리 역할: 계획, 모니터링/제어, 종료와 같은 관리 활동
애자일에서는 역할이 팀에 분산될 수 있지만, 역할의 성격 자체가 사라지는 것은 아닙니다.
3. Practice Question
❓ Question
Which of the following statements about the different testing roles is MOST likely to be CORRECT?
- a) In Agile software development, the test management role is the primary responsibility of the team, while the testing role is primarily the responsibility of a single individual from outside the team
- b) The testing role is primarily responsible for test monitoring and test control, while the test management role is primarily responsible for test planning and test completion
- c) In Agile software development, test management activities that span multiple teams are handled by a test manager outside the team, while some test management tasks are handled by the team itself
- d) The test management role is primarily responsible for test analysis and test design, while the testing role is primarily responsible for test implementation and test execution
✅ Correct Answer: c)
4. Explanation (EN / KR)
✔ c) Agile: shared + cross-team test management — Correct
In Agile development, many test management tasks are handled by the Agile team itself. However, when test activities span multiple teams, a test manager outside the team may coordinate these activities.
애자일에서는 일부 테스트 관리 업무를 팀이 직접 수행합니다. 하지만 여러 팀에 걸친 테스트 활동은 팀 외부의 테스트 매니저가 담당할 수 있습니다.
❌ a) Testing done by one person outside the team — Incorrect
This contradicts the whole-team approach. In Agile, testing is typically performed by multiple team members, not by a single external individual.
애자일에서는 테스팅이 특정 외부 인원 1명에게 맡겨지지 않습니다. 팀 전체가 품질에 책임을 지는 것이 기본 원칙입니다.
❌ b) Testing role responsible for monitoring & control — Incorrect
Test monitoring and test control are primarily part of the test management role, not the testing role.
테스트 모니터링과 제어는 테스트 관리 역할의 책임입니다. 테스팅 역할의 주 책임이 아닙니다.
❌ d) Test management responsible for analysis and design — Incorrect
Test analysis and test design are technical testing activities. They belong primarily to the testing role, not test management.
테스트 분석과 설계는 기술적 테스트 활동으로, 테스팅 역할의 책임입니다.
5. Summary Table
| Role | Main Responsibility | Agile Context | 한글 요약 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Testing role | Analysis, design, implementation, execution | Shared within the team | 기술적 테스트 수행 |
| Test management role | Planning, monitoring/control, completion | Team + cross-team coordination | 테스트 관리 및 조정 |
6. Final Takeaway
For ISTQB exams, remember:
Testing role = technical testing work
Test management role = planning, monitoring, control, completion
시험에서는 아래 구분을 꼭 기억하세요.
테스팅 역할 = 기술적 테스트 활동
테스트 관리 역할 = 계획 · 모니터링 · 제어 · 종료
Related: More ISTQB Posts | Next Question