Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) Practice Test

What is the main function of Software Quality Assurance (SQA)?

1. Verifying software product outputs

2. Identifying bugs in the software

3. Establishing and evaluating processes to produce quality products

4. Providing customer support

The correct answer is: Establishing and evaluating processes to produce quality products

The primary function of Software Quality Assurance (SQA) is to establish and evaluate processes that ensure the production of quality software products. This involves defining a comprehensive set of standards, guidelines, and methodologies that the development and testing teams should follow throughout the software development lifecycle. By focusing on these processes, SQA aims to prevent defects, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and enhance the overall quality of the software being developed. This approach goes beyond merely identifying bugs or issues after the fact. Instead, it emphasizes creating a quality-centric culture where processes are continuously monitored and improved. This proactive stance allows teams to assess the effectiveness of their methods and identify areas for improvement, ultimately leading to higher quality software and increased customer satisfaction. In contrast, verifying software product outputs and identifying bugs are important aspects of the overall quality assurance and testing processes, but they are not the primary focus of SQA itself. These activities fall under quality control, which is a key component but distinct from the broader scope of establishing and evaluating processes. Providing customer support is also crucial for maintaining software quality after release, but it does not directly relate to the functions of SQA in the development phase.