Root Cause Analysis
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a systematic process for identifying the underlying cause of a defect, failure, or problem so that effective corrective actions can be implemented.
“An analysis technique aimed at identifying the root causes of defects.”
(Definition reproduced from the ISTQB Glossary. Copyright belongs to ISTQB.)
View the complete ISTQB GlossaryWhat is Root Cause Analysis?
RCA helps organizations prevent recurring issues by addressing the actual source of problems rather than their visible symptoms.
Structured investigation: Uses systematic techniques to identify causes.
Preventive focus: Eliminates recurring problems.
Continuous improvement: Findings improve processes and quality.
Real World Example
A regulated product team is preparing a release where Root cause analysis appears in reviews, test design conversations, or defect triage rather than as an isolated glossary word.
The risk is that the team treats Root cause analysis as interchangeable with nearby ISTQB terms. That makes test scope blurry and can lead to weak evidence for the release decision.
The tester anchors the discussion in the official definition, asks where the concept appears in the product, and designs examples that show the difference between Root cause analysis and similar ideas.
The page becomes useful in practice because Root cause analysis is connected to a specific testing decision, not memorized as a detached definition.
Practice Questions
Question 1
Which statement BEST describes Root cause analysis in the context of ISTQB terminology?
Question 2
A tester needs to explain Root cause analysis to a non‑technical stakeholder. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
Test your knowledge with real ISTQB-style questions
You’ve learned Root Cause Analysis. Test your understanding with topic-specific questions in our Mock Exams.