IT Examiner School - Oct 2025

Internal Use Only

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) • A project management approach that breaks down complex work into smaller, manageable phases. • Segmenting helps ensure each phase is completed before moving forward. • SDLC is typically structured into 5 phases. May vary by organization. 1. Initiation 4. Monitoring & Controlling 5. Closing

2. Planning

3. Executing

Internal Use Only

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Methodologies

Methodology

Key Traits

Examiner Focus / Adjustments

• Linear, sequential phases (Requirements → Design → Build → Test → Deploy → Maintain) • Heavy front-loaded documentation • Stage gates at each phase

• Expect full SDLC artifacts: charter, detailed requirements, design docs, test plans/results, approvals at each stage • Validate formal change control (scope, cost, schedule) • Confirm risk assessments performed early and updated at stage gates • Look for documented governance adapted to Agile: backlog grooming, sprint reviews, retrospective notes • Verify risk & security reviews are embedded in each sprint or release • Expect change control via backlog management rather than big stage gates • Evaluate testing & QA evidence (unit, integration, security) done continuously

Waterfall

• Iterative, short sprints (2– 4 weeks) • Incremental delivery and evolving requirements • Heavy use of backlogs, user stories, and demos

Agile