istqb-exam-generator

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, // index of correct answer
    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:

• Scenario is realistic and specific to testing context
• All 4 options are plausible
• Correct answer is unambiguous per ISTQB syllabus
• Distractors are related but incorrect
• Explanation references ISTQB concepts and is educational
• Uses correct ISTQB terminology (v4.0)
• Tests understanding (K2) or application (K3)
• Matches the correct chapter
• No "All of the above" or "None of the above"
• Appropriate difficulty for Foundation level

Generation Strategy

1. Full Exam: Generate 40 questions with chapter weighting per syllabus
2. Chapter-Specific: Generate 10-15 questions for a single chapter
3. Topic-Specific: Generate 5-10 questions for a specific technique
4. Mixed Difficulty: 40% K2 (Understand), 60% K3 (Apply)

Output Format

import type { Question } from '@/types';

export const questions: Question[] = [
  // Generated questions here
];

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