Chapter 2 – Testing Throughout the SDLC
Spike Testing – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A type of performance testing that evaluates system behavior when the load is suddenly and dramatically increased.
In simple words
Slam the system with a sudden burst of traffic to see how it copes.
Exam tip
Spike tests catch problems that steady load tests miss.
Related terms
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