CTC - Certified Test Conductor Test Configuration Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A post-test review reveals that a critical power supply used during a qualification test had an expired calibration certificate. As the Test Conductor, what is the most significant implication of this configuration management lapse?

Accepted Answer

The validity of the collected test data is now questionable.

Answer

The primary purpose of calibration is to ensure that test and measurement equipment provides accurate and reliable data. Using out-of-calibration equipment means the measurements taken cannot be trusted, which directly invalidates the results and integrity of the completed test.

Question 2

What is the primary function of a "configuration baseline" in test configuration management?

Accepted Answer

To establish a formal, agreed-upon definition of the test setup that serves as the basis for all subsequent test activities and changes.

Answer

A configuration baseline is a formally approved and documented set of specifications for a system at a specific point in time. In testing, it defines the exact state of the test article, test equipment, software, and procedures against which the test will be conducted and all future changes will be measured and controlled.

Question 3

A Test Conductor is preparing for a formal qualification test of an aerospace flight controller. Which of the following elements is MOST critical to be placed under formal configuration control and documented in the test procedure?

Accepted Answer

The specific version and checksum of the flight software loaded onto the controller.

Answer

The version of the software being tested is a fundamental part of the test configuration baseline. Testing the wrong version of software would make the results inapplicable to the intended qualified item. Therefore, its version number, and often a checksum to verify its integrity, must be formally identified, controlled, and recorded.

Question 4

During a pre-test briefing, a software developer states they applied a "quick, un-versioned patch" to the ground control software. As the Test Conductor, what is the most appropriate action from a configuration management standpoint?

Accepted Answer

Halt the test and require the change to be formally documented, approved, and released as a new, controlled version.

Answer

Introducing an undocumented, unapproved change violates the core principle of configuration control. The Test Conductor's responsibility is to ensure the test is run on a known, approved baseline. The proper procedure is to submit the change through a formal process, which includes review, approval (often by a Configuration Control Board), and the release of a new, version-controlled build.

Question 5

In the context of a formal test program, what is the primary purpose of a Test Readiness Review (TRR) as it relates to test configuration management?

Accepted Answer

To formally verify that the test article, facilities, and procedures are in the correct, approved configuration for testing.

Answer

A Test Readiness Review (TRR) is a critical gate review to ensure that all elements of the test are in place. From a configuration management standpoint, this includes confirming that the test article is in the proper build configuration, the test procedures are the correct approved versions, all support equipment is calibrated and functional, and personnel are certified and ready.

(CTC) Certified Test Conductor Practice Test

(CTC) Certified Test Conductor Practice Test

CTC - Certified Test Conductor Test Configuration Management Questions and Answers