CTFL-v4 Fundamentals of Testing Practice Question
What is the primary purpose of 'regression testing'?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often incorrectly believe regression testing is meant to find new bugs in new features, rather than verifying that existing, previously working features remain functional after changes.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
To confirm that changes have not adversely affected existing features.
Regression testing is performed to ensure that new code changes or fixes have not inadvertently introduced or uncovered defects in existing, previously working functionality. As software evolves, it is common for changes in one area to cause failures elsewhere. This testing is crucial in all development lifecycles to maintain system stability and ensure that the quality of the existing product is not compromised by new additions or updates.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
To verify the new functionality is working as expected.
Why it's wrong here
This describes confirmation testing, not regression testing. Confirmation testing specifically verifies that a previously reported defect has been fixed. While important, it is distinct from regression testing, which focuses on the unintended side effects of changes on parts of the system that were not modified.
- ✗
To test the system against non-functional requirements.
Why it's wrong here
Testing non-functional requirements relates to performance, security, or usability testing. While regression testing can include non-functional tests, its core purpose is specifically to ensure that existing functionality remains intact after changes, rather than verifying performance benchmarks or security compliance which are usually handled by other dedicated test types.
- ✓
To confirm that changes have not adversely affected existing features.
Why this is correct
The specific goal of regression testing is to confirm that modifications to the software, such as bug fixes or new feature additions, have not caused failures in parts of the application that were previously working correctly, thus preserving the overall integrity of the system.
- ✗
To perform exhaustive testing of all code paths.
Why it's wrong here
Exhaustive testing is impossible. Regression testing usually focuses on a subset of test cases that cover critical paths or areas likely to be affected by the changes. Suggesting it covers all code paths is a fundamental misunderstanding of the practical constraints and purpose of regression testing.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISTQB exam blueprint
This CTFL-v4 practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISTQB certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CTFL-v4 exam.