Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) Practice Test

Retesting after correcting defects falls into which category of the Cost of Quality?

1. Prevention costs

2. Appraisal costs

3. Internal failure costs

4. External failure costs

The correct answer is: Internal failure costs

Retesting after correcting defects is categorized under internal failure costs because it directly relates to the costs incurred when defects are identified before the product or service is delivered to the customer. Internal failure costs involve expenses associated with defects found during the testing phase, including rework, retesting, and any other activities necessary to address these defects. This category emphasizes the importance of identifying issues early in the development process to minimize disruption and additional costs that would arise later. By addressing defects through retesting, organizations aim to reduce the risk of these faults reaching the customer, thereby helping in overall quality management. In contrast, prevention costs refer to expenses related to activities designed to prevent defects from occurring in the first place, such as training and process improvement initiatives. Appraisal costs are associated with measuring and monitoring activities to ensure quality, such as inspections and testing prior to delivery. External failure costs arise when defects are found after the product has been delivered to the customer, leading to returns, warranty claims, and damage to reputation. These distinctions clarify why retesting after defect correction falls under internal failure costs.