After a pilot to improve test execution time, the team collects data showing a 10% reduction, but the target was 20%. What is the most appropriate action in the Check phase?

Run the pilot again with the same parameters to see if the results change.

Analyze the data to understand why the target was not met and identify any deviations from the plan.

Modify the plan to lower the target to 10%.

Standardize the change because any improvement is beneficial.

What is the main purpose of the Act phase in the PDCA cycle?

To execute the plan on a small scale to collect data

To analyze the results and compare them to expected outcomes

To standardize successful changes and decide on next improvement cycles

To define the goals and metrics for the improvement effort

A testing team plans to pilot a new exploratory testing technique on one feature to see if it increases defect discovery. They have defined metrics and a baseline. What is the most appropriate action for the Do phase?

Compare the number of defects found with the baseline to determine if the technique was effective.

Roll out the technique to all features immediately to maximize defect discovery.

Define the metrics and baseline for defect discovery.

Apply the technique to the selected feature, document observations, and collect data on defects found.

A testing team completes a PDCA cycle to improve their test case review process. The Check phase shows that the new review checklist reduced defects escaping to production by 25%, exceeding the target. What should the team do in the Act phase?

Standardize the new review checklist as part of the team's definition of done and plan the next improvement cycle.

Run the same pilot again to confirm the results are repeatable.

Analyze the data more deeply to find other deviations.

Discard the checklist because it only achieved a 25% reduction, not 100%.

In the Plan phase of PDCA, what is the primary focus?

Defining goals, processes, hypotheses, and metrics for improvement

Executing the planned activities on a small scale

Analyzing results to identify deviations from expected outcomes

Standardizing successful changes and deciding on next steps

Certified Tester Agile Test Leadership at Scale

Domain 3Objective 1

Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle CT-ATLAS Practice Questions (Page 1)

Part of the Continuous Improvement of Quality and Testing domain, which makes up ~17% of our current practice bank. ISTQB does not publish an official question count, but from its 120-minute exam (~50–80 total, ~9–14 in this domain), expect 2–3 from this objective — we provide 26 practice questions to prepare you well beyond it. (estimate)

26questions here

6free pages

6concepts

Questions 1–5

1application · medium
After a pilot to improve test execution time, the team collects data showing a 10% reduction, but the target was 20%. What is the most appropriate action in the Check phase?
Select an answer first
2foundation · easy
What is the main purpose of the Act phase in the PDCA cycle?
Select an answer first
3application · medium
A testing team plans to pilot a new exploratory testing technique on one feature to see if it increases defect discovery. They have defined metrics and a baseline. What is the most appropriate action for the Do phase?
Select an answer first
4application · medium
A testing team completes a PDCA cycle to improve their test case review process. The Check phase shows that the new review checklist reduced defects escaping to production by 25%, exceeding the target. What should the team do in the Act phase?
Select an answer first
5foundation · easy
In the Plan phase of PDCA, what is the primary focus?
Select an answer first

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