Chapter 4 – Test Techniques
State Transition Diagram – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A diagram that depicts the states a component or system can assume, and the transitions between them.
In simple words
A picture of states and the events that move between them.
Exam tip
The visual companion to state transition testing.
Related terms
- State Transition TestingYou model the system as states (Logged Out, Logged In, Locked) and design tests that trigger valid and invalid transitions between them.
- State TableA table version of a state diagram — rows are states, columns are events, cells are the next state (or 'invalid').
- Use CaseA step-by-step story of how a user gets something done with the system, including alternate and error paths.
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