Chapter 5 – Managing the Test Activities
Risk – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A factor that could result in future negative consequences.
In simple words
Something that might happen and would hurt the project, product or business if it did.
Exam tip
Risk = likelihood x impact. Splits into product risk and project risk in CTFL v4.0.
Related terms
- Product RiskThings that could go wrong with the product itself — a bug, a data loss, a security flaw.
- Project RiskThings that could derail the project itself — late environments, sick team members, unclear scope.
- Risk-Based TestingYou test the risky stuff first and hardest. Low-risk areas get lighter coverage.
Practice this term in the ISTQB Mock Test
40 CTFL v4.0 questions, 60-minute timer, instant scoring and chapter-wise breakdown.
Practice in Mock Test