Typical Test Objectives (Exam D – Question 1)
Reading time: 6–8 minutes
1. Introduction
In the ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus, test objectives explain why testing is performed.
Many exam questions try to confuse candidates by mixing test objectives with development or management activities.
ISTQB Foundation Level에서 테스트 목적(Test Objective)은 테스트를 왜 수행하는지를 설명합니다. 시험에서는 테스트 목적과 개발·관리 활동을 혼동하지 않는 것이 중요합니다.
2. Practice Question
❓ Question
Which of the following is a typical test objective?
- a) Finding and fixing defects in the test object
- b) Maintaining effective communications with developers
- c) Validating that legal requirements have been met
- d) Building confidence in the quality of the test object
✅ Correct Answer: d)
3. Explanation
✔ d) Building confidence in the quality of the test object — Correct
A typical objective of testing is to build confidence in the level of quality of the test object.
By executing tests and evaluating results, testing provides evidence that the system behaves as expected.
테스트의 대표적인 목적은 테스트 대상의 품질에 대한 신뢰를 구축하는 것입니다.
테스트 실행 결과를 통해 시스템이 기대한 대로 동작한다는 근거를 제공합니다.
❌ a) Finding and fixing defects in the test object — Incorrect
Finding defects is part of testing, but fixing defects is not a testing activity.
Defect fixing is the responsibility of developers.
결함을 발견하는 것은 테스트 목적이지만, 결함을 수정하는 것은 개발자의 역할입니다.
❌ b) Maintaining effective communications with developers — Incorrect
Good communication helps testing, but it is not a primary test objective.
It supports other objectives, such as better decision-making.
개발자와의 원활한 소통은 중요하지만 테스트의 주요 목적은 아닙니다.
❌ c) Validating that legal requirements have been met — Incorrect
Validation checks whether the system meets user and stakeholder needs.
Checking legal requirements is a form of verification, not a typical test objective.
법적 요구사항 충족 여부 확인은 검증(Verification) 활동에 해당합니다.
4. Summary Table
| Option | Main Reason | Typical Test Objective? | 요약 |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | Fixing defects is development work | ✖ No | 수정은 개발 |
| b | Support activity only | ✖ No | 보조 활동 |
| c | Verification activity | ✖ No | 검증 |
| d | Builds confidence in quality | ✔ Yes | 품질 신뢰 |
5. Final Takeaway
For the ISTQB exam, remember this key sentence:
Testing aims to build confidence in the quality of the test object, not to fix defects.
시험 대비 핵심 문장입니다.
테스트의 목적은 결함 수정이 아니라 테스트 대상의 품질에 대한 신뢰를 제공하는 것이다.
Related: More ISTQB Posts | Next Question