Ruankao Software Evaluator (Intermediate) study plan
Ruankao Software Evaluator (Intermediate) · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Test Techniques and Test Case Design & Software Testing Fundamentals and Process Models
Explain the difference between black-box and white-box testing and list at least three techniques for each.
Apply equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis to a given specification and derive test cases.
Draw a cause-effect graph for a simple function and convert it into a decision table.
Describe the fundamental test process (planning, monitoring, analysis, design, implementation, execution, evaluation, closure) and its outputs.
Your checkpoint
A test case design document for a login module using equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, and decision tables, with at least 12 test cases and expected results.
Test Techniques and Test Case Design & Software Testing Fundamentals and Process Models
Construct a state transition diagram and derive test cases to achieve state transition coverage.
Apply statement and branch coverage to a given code snippet and calculate the percentage achieved by a set of test cases.
Compare verification and validation and explain how they map to the V-model.
List the entry and exit criteria for each test level in the V-model.
Your checkpoint
A coverage analysis report for a 30-line code sample showing statement and branch coverage for a designed test set, with at least 90% branch coverage and a justification of any uncovered branches.
Computer Fundamentals and Software Engineering & Test Levels and Test Types
Describe the software development life cycle models (waterfall, V-model, iterative, agile) and their implications for testing.
Explain the purpose and content of a test plan according to IEEE 829 or ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119-3.
Differentiate unit, integration, system, and acceptance testing in terms of objectives, participants, and exit criteria.
Identify at least four types of functional and non-functional testing and give an example of when each is appropriate.
Your checkpoint
A one-page test plan for a small e-commerce checkout feature covering scope, approach, resources, schedule, and risk, aligned with a chosen life cycle model.
Test Management and Defect Management & Software Testing Fundamentals and Process Models
Write a defect report with all essential fields (ID, summary, steps to reproduce, expected vs actual, severity, priority, environment).
Classify defects by severity and priority and justify the classification for three sample defects.
Describe the defect life cycle and the roles of tester, developer, and manager in each state.
Explain how to perform root cause analysis using the 5 Whys or fishbone diagram.
Your checkpoint
A defect report for a real or simulated bug, including a root cause analysis and a proposed process improvement to prevent recurrence.
Test Automation, Tools and Environments & Performance, Load and Stress Testing
Compare at least three test automation tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit, JMeter) and select one for a given scenario with justification.
Describe the test automation pyramid and explain the trade-offs between unit, service, and UI automation.
Design a load test scenario for a web application, specifying virtual users, ramp-up, duration, and metrics to collect.
Interpret performance test results (response time, throughput, error rate) and identify bottlenecks.
Your checkpoint
A performance test plan and a sample JMeter test script (or equivalent) for a simple API, with a results summary analyzing response times under 50 concurrent users.
Performance, Load and Stress Testing & Security and Reliability Testing
Explain the differences between load, stress, spike, and endurance testing and when to use each.
Identify common security vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, XSS, broken authentication) and describe how to test for them.
Describe reliability testing concepts: MTBF, MTTF, availability, and how to design reliability test cases.
Outline the OWASP Top 10 and select three relevant items to test for a web application.
Your checkpoint
A security and reliability test checklist for a web application covering at least 10 test items, each with a brief test approach and expected result.
Software Quality and Standards & Computer Fundamentals and Software Engineering
Summarize the purpose and key requirements of ISO/IEC 25010 (SQuaRE) quality model.
Explain the difference between software quality assurance and software quality control.
Describe at least three software quality metrics (e.g., defect density, test coverage, mean time to failure) and how to use them.
Outline the CMMI levels and their relevance to test process improvement.
Your checkpoint
A quality assessment report for a hypothetical project that maps its test process to ISO/IEC 25010 characteristics and proposes two improvements based on CMMI.
Professional English for Software Testing & Test Management and Defect Management
Read and interpret a software testing standard or article in English and summarize its key points.
Define at least 20 English software testing terms and use them in sentences.
Review all domains using practice questions and achieve at least 80% correct.
Create a personal exam-day strategy including time allocation and question triage.
Your checkpoint
A glossary of 20 English testing terms with Chinese translations and example sentences, plus a scored practice test result of at least 80%.
Milestones
Week 2: Can design test cases using at least four black-box and two white-box techniques and calculate coverage for a given code snippet.
Week 4: Can write a complete test plan and a defect report that meets industry standards, and explain the defect life cycle.
Week 6: Can design and interpret a performance test and list at least five security test cases for a web application.
Week 8: Achieve at least 80% on a full-length practice exam covering all domains, with no domain below 60%.