Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) Practice Test

What does stress testing evaluate regarding a system?

1. Security vulnerabilities

2. Performance with expected volumes

3. Recovery options

4. User satisfaction

The correct answer is: Performance with expected volumes

Stress testing specifically evaluates how a system behaves under extreme conditions, which often involves pushing it beyond its normal operational capacity. The primary focus is on assessing the system's performance when subjected to high traffic, overwhelming data loads, or other intense usage scenarios. Through stress testing, testers can determine the system’s breaking points, identify how it reacts when resources are over-utilized, and observe how it manages peak loads versus expected operations. The insights gleaned from such testing are critical for understanding whether the application can maintain functionality and performance levels when faced with stressors, and whether it can recover after such conditions subside. While other aspects like security vulnerabilities, recovery options, or user satisfaction are important for system evaluation, stress testing's core emphasis is on performance metrics under stress and scenarios beyond usual operating conditions. This makes it indispensable in preparing systems for real-world demands where unexpected surges in activity may occur.