Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST) Practice Test

Which approach is beneficial in reducing the cost of quality?

1. Testing at the end of the development cycle

2. Testing continuously throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

3. There is no relation to reducing costs

4. Implementing rigorous documentation

The correct answer is: Testing continuously throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Testing continuously throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is beneficial in reducing the cost of quality because it allows for early detection and resolution of defects. When testing is integrated into each phase of the SDLC, issues can be identified and addressed while they are still manageable and less expensive to fix. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of finding significant problems later in the development process or after deployment, thereby avoiding costly rework and potential damage to customer relationships. Additionally, continuous testing fosters better collaboration among teams, ensures that requirements are being met throughout the development process, and provides immediate feedback, which can lead to higher quality products with fewer defects upon release. This overall improvement in quality directly contributes to reduced costs associated with quality assurance, support, and maintenance. The other options do not effectively support cost reduction in terms of quality. Testing at the end of the development cycle often leads to identifying many defects that could have been caught earlier, which can be expensive to fix at that stage. Rigid documentation might ensure compliance but does not guarantee a reduction in quality costs, and the idea that there is no relation to reducing costs disregards the essential role that continuous testing plays in enhancing product quality.