Questions for the CSQE were updated on : Nov 21 ,2025
Which of the following lifecycle models would be most appropriate to use if the requirements are
well known?
C
Explanation:
The waterfall lifecycle model is most appropriate to use when the requirements are well known and
unlikely to change. This model follows a linear and sequential approach where each phase must be
completed before the next one begins. Because it assumes stable and well-defined requirements, it
allows for thorough planning and design upfront, which can lead to a more structured and
predictable development process. Waterfall is less flexible in accommodating changes compared to
iterative or agile models, making it suitable for projects with clear, stable requirements. This
approach is detailed in traditional software engineering textbooks and standards such as the IEEE
Standard for Developing Software Life Cycle Processes (IEEE 1074).
Which of the following is the best derived requirement based upon the requirement below? "The
user interface needs to be accessible to the visually impaired.
D
Explanation:
For a requirement stating that the user interface needs to be accessible to the visually impaired, the
best-derived requirement is that the user interface has voice activation. Voice activation directly
addresses the needs of visually impaired users by allowing them to interact with the software using
voice commands instead of relying on visual cues. This makes the interface more accessible and
aligns with accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandate that technology be accessible to people with
disabilities.
Which of the following metrics would be most appropriate for evaluating how effective the peer
review process was for removing defects?
B
Explanation:
Defect density is a metric that measures the number of defects relative to the size of the software
component (e.g., per thousand lines of code). It is particularly useful for evaluating the effectiveness
of the peer review process in removing defects. By calculating defect density before and after the
peer review process, teams can assess how many defects were identified and addressed during
reviews. This metric helps in understanding the quality of the code and the effectiveness of the
review process in identifying and mitigating defects. Higher effectiveness in peer reviews typically
results in lower defect density. Industry practices and standards, such as those from IEEE or ISO,
often recommend using defect density as a key quality metric.
Test-driven development in extreme programming ensures the quality of code by
A
Explanation:
Test-driven development (TDD) is a key practice in extreme programming (XP) that ensures the
quality of code by defining the test pass criteria before any code is written. In TDD, developers write
automated test cases before writing the actual code. These tests specify what the code should do
and serve as a guide for development. The process follows a cycle of writing a test, running it to see
it fail (since the code hasn't been written yet), writing the minimum code necessary to pass the test,
and then refactoring the code while ensuring the test still passes. This approach helps ensure that
code meets the required specifications from the outset and encourages writing only the necessary
code to pass tests, leading to higher quality and more maintainable code. Reference for TDD
practices can be found in books like "Test-Driven Development: By Example" by Kent Beck.
Which of the following activities is part of performing verification and validation on safety-critical
features at even' step of the life cycle?
C
Explanation:
Performing verification and validation on safety-critical features involves several key activities aimed
at ensuring that software functions correctly and safely throughout its lifecycle. One critical activity is
performing software hazard analysis and determining acceptable levels of safety risks. This process
involves identifying potential hazards that the software could pose and evaluating the risks
associated with these hazards. By assessing these risks, teams can establish acceptable safety levels
and implement measures to mitigate or eliminate these risks. This activity is fundamental in ensuring
that the software meets safety requirements and standards, such as those outlined in safety-critical
industry guidelines like ISO 26262 for automotive or DO-178C for aerospace.
Which of the following techniques would be most appropriate for identifying the source of a
problem?
B
Explanation:
Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic process used to identify the underlying causes of a
problem. It is the most appropriate technique for identifying the source of a problem due to the
following reasons:
Problem Identification: RCA focuses on identifying the fundamental issues that lead to a problem,
rather than just addressing the symptoms.
Systematic Approach: It involves a structured methodology to investigate and analyze the problem,
ensuring that all potential causes are considered.
Effective Solutions: By understanding the root causes, organizations can implement effective and
long-lasting solutions to prevent recurrence.
Reference: "Root Cause Analysis: A Tool for Total Quality Management: Root cause analysis is
essential for identifying and addressing the underlying causes of problems, leading to more effective
solutions." (Total Quality Management Journal)
During concurrent development., a user reported a problem with Version 1 of the software product.
A software quality engineer determined the problem originated m Version 2 of the product. Which of
the following actions would be most appropriate for the software quality engineer to take first to fix
the problem?
B
Explanation:
In a concurrent development environment, when a problem is identified in an earlier version
(Version 1) that originated in a later version (Version 2), the appropriate action involves managing
the code versions effectively. Branching the Version 2 codeline is the most appropriate first step
because:
Isolation of Changes: Branching allows for the isolation of the problematic code in Version 2,
enabling targeted fixes without affecting ongoing development in other versions.
Version Control: It helps maintain a clean and organized version control history, ensuring that
changes specific to Version 2 are tracked and managed separately.
Concurrent Development: This approach supports concurrent development activities, allowing
different teams to work on fixing the issue in Version 2 while continuing development on other
versions.
Reference: "Version Control Best Practices: Branching strategies help manage changes and fixes
effectively in a concurrent development environment." (Version Control Systems Guide)
When brainstorming is used to generate ideas, the most immediate result will be
A
Explanation:
Brainstorming is a creative technique used to generate a wide range of ideas in a group setting. The
immediate result of a brainstorming session is typically:
Unrestricted List: The primary goal is to produce as many ideas as possible without judgment or
prioritization. This encourages free thinking and innovation.
Diverse Inputs: Participants contribute a variety of ideas, leading to a comprehensive and diverse set
of potential solutions or concepts.
Foundation for Further Analysis: This unrestricted list serves as the basis for subsequent steps, such
as categorization, prioritization, and solution development.
Reference: "Brainstorming Techniques: The initial outcome of a brainstorming session is an
unrestricted list of ideas, which fosters creativity and a wide range of solutions." (Creative Problem
Solving Handbook)
A software quality engineer is managing a project to develop a new air traffic control system for a
federal agency When conducting a stakeholder needs analysis., which of the following groups would
be most important for eliciting criteria for the functional tests?
A
Explanation:
When developing a new air traffic control system, the functional tests should be based on the needs
and requirements of the end-users who interact with the system on a daily basis. Current air traffic
controllers are the most critical stakeholders for eliciting criteria for functional tests due to the
following reasons:
User Experience: Air traffic controllers have firsthand experience with the operational aspects and
practical challenges of the system, providing valuable insights into functional requirements.
Operational Knowledge: They understand the necessary functionalities, safety features, and usability
aspects that the new system must support.
Critical Feedback: Their feedback is crucial for identifying essential functionalities, ensuring the
system meets real-world requirements and safety standards.
Reference: "Stakeholder Analysis in Software Projects: Eliciting requirements from actual users, such
as air traffic controllers, ensures that the functional tests reflect practical and operational needs."
(Project Management Institute)
Which of the following types of testing is conducted to test the interfaces and interactions between
source code modules?
B
Explanation:
Integration testing is a type of testing conducted to evaluate the interfaces and interactions between
different modules of source code. Here’s why integration testing is the correct choice:
Definition: Integration testing focuses on verifying that the modules or components of an application
work together as expected. It checks for data flow between modules and ensures that integrated
units function correctly.
Scope: Unlike system testing (which tests the entire system) or component testing (which tests
individual components), integration testing specifically targets the interactions and interfaces
between modules.
Purpose: The goal is to identify issues that arise when combining components, such as incorrect data
exchange, communication errors, and interface mismatches.
Reference: "Software Testing Techniques: Integration testing is crucial for ensuring that different
parts of an application work together correctly, focusing on the interfaces and interactions between
modules." (IEEE Software Testing Standards)
Which of the following cultures would allow an organization's DevOps team to be most effective?
D
Explanation:
An aligned collaborative, transparent culture without silos would allow an organization's DevOps
team to be most effective. This type of culture promotes open communication, shared
responsibilities, and a unified approach to problem-solving, which are essential for the success of
DevOps practices. Eliminating silos ensures that development, operations, and other teams work
together seamlessly, fostering a continuous integration and delivery environment.
Reference:
"The Phoenix Project: A Novel About IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win" by Gene Kim, Kevin
Behr, and George Spafford
"Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and DevOps: Building and Scaling High Performing
Technology Organizations" by Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble, and Gene Kim
Which of the following usage metrics is most effective for capacity planning of a data warehouse?
D
Explanation:
Queries per user group per timeframe is the most effective usage metric for capacity planning of a
data warehouse. This metric provides detailed insights into the workload generated by different user
groups over specific periods, allowing for accurate forecasting of resource needs and planning for
future capacity. It helps in identifying patterns and peak usage times, which are crucial for efficient
capacity management.
Reference:
"Data Warehousing in the Real World: A Practical Guide for Building Decision Support Systems" by
Sam Anahory and Dennis Murray
"The Data Warehouse Lifecycle Toolkit" by Ralph Kimball et al.
Which of the following can be used to assess the impact of a proposed software change?
A
Explanation:
A traceability matrix can be used to assess the impact of a proposed software change. This tool maps
requirements to their corresponding test cases, ensuring that all requirements are covered and
helping to identify the effects of changes on existing functionality. By providing a clear link between
requirements, development, and testing, a traceability matrix facilitates impact analysis and helps in
maintaining the integrity of the system during changes.
Reference:
"Software Requirements Traceability" by Anne Mette Jonsson and Jørgen Holm Westergaard
"Managing Software Requirements: A Unified Approach" by Dean Leffingwell and Don Widrig
The best way to reduce post-release defect density in future releases is to
B
Explanation:
The best way to reduce post-release defect density in future releases is to categorize defects and
perform analyses to uncover their causes. By systematically categorizing defects and analyzing their
root causes, organizations can identify underlying issues in the development process and implement
corrective actions. This approach helps in preventing similar defects in future releases, leading to
improved software quality.
Reference:
"Root Cause Analysis: Improving Performance for Bottom-Line Results" by Robert J. Latino and
Kenneth C. Latino
"The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery" by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
Under which of the following product requirements would the amount of work completed by a
software system over a period of time be classified?
D
Explanation:
The amount of work completed by a software system over a period of time is classified under
performance requirements. Performance requirements define how well the system performs under
certain conditions, focusing on aspects such as response time, throughput, and resource utilization.
They are crucial in ensuring that the software system meets the expected performance standards,
which directly impact user satisfaction and system efficiency.
Reference:
"Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach" by Roger S. Pressman
"Performance Engineering of Software Systems" by Connie U. Smith