| name | istqb-exam-generator |
| description | Use when generating ISTQB exam questions for Foundation Level (CTFL) or Generative AI (CT-GenAI) certifications. Ensures K1-K3 cognitive levels, combination-answer formats, and syllabus-compliant topic coverage. |
Purpose
Generate high-quality, exam-style questions for ISTQB certifications. Covers ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) and ISTQB Testing with Generative AI.
Official Exam Requirements
ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL v4.0)
- 40 questions per test set
- 60 minutes duration
- Passing score: 65% (26/40)
- Question types: Multiple choice (single answer)
- Chapters:
- Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Testing (15%)
- Chapter 2: Testing Throughout the SDLC (15%)
- Chapter 3: Static Testing (10%)
- Chapter 4: Test Analysis & Design (25%)
- Chapter 5: Managing the Test Activities (20%)
- Chapter 6: Test Tools (5%)
ISTQB Testing with Generative AI
- 40 questions per test set
- 60 minutes duration
- Passing score: 65% (26/40)
- Question types: Multiple choice (single answer)
- Chapters:
- Chapter 1: Introduction to GenAI in Testing (15%)
- Chapter 2: GenAI Use Cases for Testing (25%)
- Chapter 3: Prompt Engineering for Testing (20%)
- Chapter 4: Risks & Quality of GenAI (25%)
- Chapter 5: Implementing GenAI in Test Process (15%)
Question Format Standards
Multiple Choice (ISTQB Standard)
import type { Question } from '@/types';
export const questions: Question[] = [
{
id: 1,
domain: 'Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Testing',
type: 'multiple-choice',
question: 'Scenario-based question...',
options: [
'A. First option',
'B. Second option',
'C. Third option',
'D. Fourth option',
],
correctAnswer: 2,
explanation: 'Detailed explanation referencing ISTQB syllabus...',
},
];
Question Writing Rules
DO:
- Base questions on official ISTQB syllabus terminology
- Use realistic testing scenarios with specific context
- Include 4 distinct options (A, B, C, D)
- Make distractors plausible and related to the topic
- Write detailed explanations (2-3 sentences minimum)
- Reference specific ISTQB concepts (e.g., "equivalence partitioning", "boundary value analysis")
- Test understanding over memorization
- Use K2 (Understand) and K3 (Apply) cognitive levels per Bloom's taxonomy
- Include real-world testing contexts (agile, waterfall, regulated industries)
DON'T:
- Use "All of the above" as an answer
- Use "None of the above" as an answer
- Ask purely definitional questions without context
- Include trick questions or intentionally misleading options
- Use outdated ISTQB terminology (follow v4.0 syllabus)
- Mix concepts from different certification levels
- Reference tools not mentioned in the syllabus
In-Scope Topics by Chapter
CTFL Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Testing (15%)
- Why testing is necessary
- What is testing
- Seven testing principles
- Fundamental test process
- Psychology of testing
- Test basis, test objects, test types
- Maintenance testing
CTFL Chapter 2: Testing Throughout SDLC (15%)
- Software development lifecycle models
- Test levels (component, integration, system, acceptance)
- Test types (functional, non-functional, structural, change-related)
- Maintenance testing
- Shift-left testing
CTFL Chapter 3: Static Testing (10%)
- Static testing techniques
- Review process
- Roles and responsibilities
- Review types (informal, walkthrough, technical review, inspection)
- Static analysis tools
CTFL Chapter 4: Test Analysis & Design (25%)
- Test analysis process
- Test design techniques
- Black-box techniques (equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables, state transition, use case testing)
- White-box techniques (statement coverage, decision coverage)
- Experience-based techniques (error guessing, exploratory testing, checklists)
- Test implementation
CTFL Chapter 5: Managing Test Activities (20%)
- Test organization
- Test planning and estimation
- Risk-based testing
- Defect management
- Test monitoring and control
- Configuration management
- Incident management
CTFL Chapter 6: Test Tools (5%)
- Tool support for testing
- Test automation
- Tool selection and implementation
GenAI Chapter 1: Introduction to GenAI in Testing (15%)
- What is GenAI and LLMs
- GenAI capabilities relevant to testing
- Limitations and risks of GenAI
- GenAI in the testing landscape
GenAI Chapter 2: GenAI Use Cases for Testing (25%)
- Test case generation
- Test data generation
- Test script generation
- Defect analysis and reporting
- Requirements analysis
- Code review assistance
GenAI Chapter 3: Prompt Engineering for Testing (20%)
- Prompt design principles
- Context provision
- Output validation
- Iterative refinement
- Prompt templates for testing
GenAI Chapter 4: Risks & Quality of GenAI (25%)
- Hallucination and accuracy
- Bias and fairness
- Data privacy and security
- Quality assurance of GenAI outputs
- Validation and verification strategies
GenAI Chapter 5: Implementing GenAI in Test Process (15%)
- Integration into existing processes
- Tool evaluation and selection
- Skills and training
- Governance and policies
- Measuring effectiveness
Scenario Templates
Template 1: Concept Application
"A test analyst is [situation]. According to ISTQB principles, which approach is MOST appropriate?"
Template 2: Technique Selection
"A team needs to test [scenario] with [constraints]. Which test design technique is BEST suited?"
Template 3: Defect Analysis
"During testing, [observation] was made. What is the MOST likely cause?"
Template 4: Process Understanding
"In an agile project, [situation]. When should [testing activity] be performed?"
Template 5: Risk-Based Decision
"A project has [constraints] and [risks]. Which testing strategy provides the BEST risk coverage?"
Quality Checklist
Before generating, verify each question:
Generation Strategy
- Full Exam: Generate 40 questions with chapter weighting per syllabus
- Chapter-Specific: Generate 10-15 questions for a single chapter
- Topic-Specific: Generate 5-10 questions for a specific technique
- Mixed Difficulty: 40% K2 (Understand), 60% K3 (Apply)
Output Format
import type { Question } from '@/types';
export const questions: Question[] = [
];
Ensure each question is properly typed, follows the format standards, and includes comprehensive explanations referencing ISTQB syllabus concepts.
When to Use This Skill
- Generating new ISTQB Foundation Level questions
- Generating new ISTQB Testing with GenAI questions
- Expanding question banks for existing ISTQB exams
- Creating practice tests aligned with official syllabus
