Top 30 Most Common Manual Testing Questions You Should Prepare For
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Landing a role in software quality assurance, particularly as a manual tester, requires a solid understanding of core testing concepts, processes, and best practices. Interviewers ask manual testing questions to gauge your foundational knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and practical experience. Preparing thoroughly for common manual testing questions can significantly boost your confidence and performance during the interview process. It demonstrates your commitment to the field and your readiness to contribute effectively to a testing team. This guide covers 30 frequently asked manual testing questions, providing concise yet comprehensive answers to help you build a strong response strategy. Mastering these topics will equip you to articulate your understanding clearly and impress potential employers, showing you have the essential skills to identify defects and ensure software quality.
What Are manual testing questions?
manual testing questions are interview questions designed to assess a candidate's knowledge and skills related to manual software testing. They cover a wide range of topics, including fundamental testing definitions, different types of testing, the software development and testing lifecycles, defect management, test documentation, and practical scenarios. These manual testing questions aim to determine if a candidate understands the theoretical basis of quality assurance and how to apply that knowledge in a real-world testing environment. They are crucial for evaluating whether a candidate possesses the necessary analytical skills, attention to detail, and process understanding required to perform manual testing effectively, contributing to the delivery of high-quality software products. Preparing for these specific manual testing questions is key to success.
Why Do Interviewers Ask manual testing questions?
Interviewers ask manual testing questions for several key reasons. Primarily, they want to confirm that candidates have a strong grasp of fundamental testing principles and terminology. Manual testing forms the backbone of many QA processes, especially in the early stages of development or for exploratory and usability testing. Asking manual testing questions helps interviewers evaluate a candidate's understanding of the STLC, defect reporting, test case design, and different testing techniques. It also allows them to assess problem-solving skills when faced with hypothetical testing scenarios. Moreover, discussing manual testing questions reveals a candidate's communication skills and ability to articulate complex concepts clearly. Ultimately, the goal is to identify candidates who can contribute effectively to a testing team, ensure software quality, and potentially mentor others in manual testing practices.
What is Software Testing?
What is Manual Testing?
Difference between Verification and Validation?
What is SDLC?
What is STLC?
What is a Test Case?
What are Test Scenarios?
What is the Defect Life Cycle?
What is Regression Testing?
Difference between Retesting and Regression Testing?
What is Smoke Testing?
What is Sanity Testing?
What is a Test Plan?
What are Entry and Exit Criteria?
What is a Test Suite?
Black Box vs White Box Testing?
Positive vs Negative Testing?
What is a Test Bed?
What is a Blocker?
What is Unit Testing?
What is Integration Testing?
What is System Testing?
What is User Acceptance Testing (UAT)?
What is a Test Strategy?
How do you decide when to stop testing?
How do you test when requirements are not frozen?
What is the Role of a Manual Tester?
What documents do testers commonly produce?
Advantages of Manual Testing?
Disadvantages of Manual Testing?
Preview List
1. What is Software Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
This is a fundamental question to assess if you know the basic purpose and definition of your profession. It's the starting point for discussing quality assurance.
How to answer:
Define software testing as the process of evaluating software to ensure it meets requirements and functions correctly, identifying defects in the process.
Example answer:
Software testing is the process of executing a program or application with the intent of finding software bugs. It ensures the product meets its requirements and delivers the expected outcome, verifying functionality, performance, and security.
2. What is Manual Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
As a manual tester candidate, this question directly addresses the core skill set you are applying for.
How to answer:
Explain that manual testing involves a human tester executing test cases without automation tools, relying on observation and analysis.
Example answer:
Manual testing is a type of software testing where test cases are executed manually by a tester without using any automated tool or any script. The tester performs actions, compares actual results to expected results, and identifies defects.
3. What is the difference between Verification and Validation?
Why you might get asked this:
This question tests your understanding of key QA concepts regarding building the right product and building the product right.
How to answer:
Explain that verification confirms if the product is built according to specifications (Are we building the product right?), while validation confirms if the product meets user needs (Are we building the right product?).
Example answer:
Verification is a static process of evaluating work-products (documents, designs, code) to see if they meet specified requirements (e.g., reviews, inspections). Validation is a dynamic process of evaluating the final product to see if it meets user needs and expectations.
4. What is SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle)?
Why you might get asked this:
Understanding SDLC shows you know where testing fits within the overall software development process.
How to answer:
Describe SDLC as the structured process phases used in software development, from initial requirements to maintenance.
Example answer:
SDLC is a framework defining tasks performed at each step in the software development process. Common phases include requirements gathering, design, implementation (coding), testing, deployment, and maintenance.
5. What is STLC (Software Testing Life Cycle)?
Why you might get asked this:
This question assesses your knowledge of the specific process followed by testing teams.
How to answer:
Outline the typical phases of the STLC, showing it's a cycle within the broader SDLC focused solely on testing activities.
Example answer:
STLC is a sequence of activities conducted to perform software testing. Phases include requirements analysis, test planning, test case development, environment setup, test execution, and test cycle closure.
6. What is a Test Case?
Why you might get asked this:
Test cases are the fundamental building blocks of structured manual testing. You must know what they are.
How to answer:
Define a test case as a set of steps with inputs, execution conditions, and expected results designed to test a specific functionality.
Example answer:
A test case is a document specifying inputs, execution conditions, testing steps, and expected results, developed for a particular objective, such as testing a program path or verifying compliance with a specific requirement.
7. What are Test Scenarios?
Why you might get asked this:
This question distinguishes between high-level functional descriptions and detailed test steps.
How to answer:
Explain test scenarios as high-level descriptions of a feature or functionality to be tested, derived from requirements or use cases.
Example answer:
Test scenarios are high-level ideas of what to test. For example, a scenario for an e-commerce site might be "Test customer login functionality," which would then break down into specific test cases.
8. What is the Defect Life Cycle?
Why you might get asked this:
Managing defects is a core responsibility. Knowing the defect life cycle shows you understand how issues are tracked and resolved.
How to answer:
Describe the journey of a defect from discovery through its various states (e.g., New, Assigned, Open, Fixed, Retest, Closed).
Example answer:
The defect life cycle tracks a bug's states: New (reported), Assigned, Open (being fixed), Fixed, Retest (verified fix), Closed (verified), or Rejected/Deferred.
9. What is Regression Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
Regression testing is vital to ensure stability when changes occur. Knowing this concept is crucial.
How to answer:
Explain that regression testing is performed to confirm that recent code changes haven't negatively impacted existing features.
Example answer:
Regression testing is re-running functional and non-functional tests to ensure that previously developed and tested software still performs after a change, such as a bug fix or new feature.
10. What is the difference between Retesting and Regression Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
This is a common differentiator question to check precise understanding of test types performed after fixes.
How to answer:
Clarify that retesting specifically verifies a fixed defect, while regression testing checks for unintended side effects introduced by changes elsewhere in the system.
Example answer:
Retesting confirms a specific defect fix. Regression testing ensures the fix or other changes haven't broken existing, previously working parts of the application.
11. What is Smoke Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
Smoke testing is a quick initial check for build stability. It's a common practice.
How to answer:
Describe smoke testing as a minimal set of tests run on a new build to ensure the most critical functions work before proceeding with more thorough testing.
Example answer:
Smoke testing is a quick, high-level test performed on a new software build to ensure the application starts and the critical functionalities are working. If it fails, the build is rejected.
12. What is Sanity Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
This distinguishes a focused re-test after a minor change or fix from the broader smoke test.
How to answer:
Explain sanity testing as a quick evaluation to confirm a specific feature or fix works as expected after a minor change.
Example answer:
Sanity testing is a narrow regression test focusing on a specific area or functionality after a small code change or bug fix to confirm the issue is resolved and no new critical issues were introduced in that area.
13. What is a Test Plan?
Why you might get asked this:
A test plan is a key deliverable. Knowing its purpose and contents is essential.
How to answer:
Define a test plan as a detailed document outlining the scope, objectives, strategy, resources, schedule, and deliverables of the testing effort.
Example answer:
A test plan is a document describing the scope, approach, resources, and schedule of planned testing activities. It identifies what is to be tested, how it will be tested, and the criteria for completion.
14. What are Entry and Exit Criteria in testing?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your understanding of when a testing phase can start and finish, important for process management.
How to answer:
Explain that entry criteria are conditions required to begin a test phase, and exit criteria are conditions required to end a test phase.
Example answer:
Entry criteria are conditions met before testing can begin, like having a stable build. Exit criteria are conditions met to stop testing, such as fixing all high-priority defects and completing planned tests.
15. What is a Test Suite?
Why you might get asked this:
Test suites organize test cases logically. Knowing this shows organizational skills.
How to answer:
Define a test suite as a collection of related test cases grouped together to test a specific feature or set of functionalities.
Example answer:
A test suite is a collection of test cases that are grouped together to test a particular part or functionality of the software. This helps in organizing and managing tests efficiently.
16. What is the difference between Black Box Testing and White Box Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
These are two fundamental testing approaches. You need to know their distinctions.
How to answer:
Contrast black box testing (testing functionality without knowing internal code) with white box testing (testing based on knowledge of the internal code structure).
Example answer:
Black box testing focuses on input/output without internal knowledge. White box testing examines internal structure and code logic. Manual testers typically perform black box testing, while developers often do white box testing.
17. What is Positive and Negative Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
Understanding these approaches shows you consider both expected and unexpected user behavior.
How to answer:
Explain positive testing uses valid inputs to confirm desired behavior, while negative testing uses invalid/unexpected inputs to check system robustness and error handling.
Example answer:
Positive testing validates that the software works as expected with valid inputs (e.g., logging in with correct credentials). Negative testing checks behavior with invalid inputs (e.g., logging in with incorrect credentials).
18. What is a Test Bed?
Why you might get asked this:
This relates to setting up the environment needed for testing.
How to answer:
Define a test bed as the environment configured with hardware, software, data, and network setup required to execute test cases.
Example answer:
A test bed is the specific environment set up for testing. It includes the necessary hardware, software configurations, network settings, and test data needed to execute test cases accurately.
19. What is a Blocker?
Why you might get asked this:
Knowing defect severity is important for prioritization and communication.
How to answer:
Define a blocker as a critical defect that prevents further testing or usage of a significant part of the application.
Example answer:
A blocker is a defect of the highest severity that completely prevents the testing or normal use of the software or a major feature. It must be fixed immediately.
20. What is Unit Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
While primarily done by developers, knowing what unit testing is shows an understanding of testing levels.
How to answer:
Describe unit testing as the testing of individual components or modules of code in isolation, typically performed by developers.
Example answer:
Unit testing is the process of testing individual units or components of source code, usually performed by the programmers who write the code, to ensure each unit functions correctly.
21. What is Integration Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
This tests interactions between units, showing you understand how components work together.
How to answer:
Explain integration testing verifies the interfaces and interactions between integrated modules.
Example answer:
Integration testing is done to expose defects in the interfaces and interaction between integrated software modules. It verifies that different parts of the system work together correctly.
22. What is System Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
System testing is a major phase where the complete integrated system is tested.
How to answer:
Define system testing as testing the complete, integrated software system to evaluate compliance with specified requirements.
Example answer:
System testing tests the complete integrated system to evaluate its compliance with the specified requirements. It tests the entire system from end-to-end to ensure it meets functional and non-functional requirements.
23. What is User Acceptance Testing (UAT)?
Why you might get asked this:
UAT is the final testing phase before release. Understanding it shows you know the end-user perspective.
How to answer:
Describe UAT as the final stage where end users or clients test the software to ensure it meets business needs and is ready for deployment.
Example answer:
UAT is performed by the end-users or clients to verify the software against their business requirements before accepting it. It ensures the product is fit for purpose in the real world.
24. What is a Test Strategy?
Why you might get asked this:
This tests your understanding of the high-level approach to testing a project.
How to answer:
Define a test strategy as a high-level document outlining the general approach, objectives, scope, and testing types for a project.
Example answer:
A test strategy is a high-level document describing the testing approach to be followed throughout the software development life cycle. It defines the scope, objectives, test phases, and entry/exit criteria.
25. How do you decide when to stop testing?
Why you might get asked this:
This assesses your practical judgment regarding testing completeness and project constraints.
How to answer:
Mention factors like reaching planned deadlines, meeting exit criteria, achieving acceptable defect levels, and completing tests based on risk assessment.
Example answer:
Stopping testing depends on several factors: meeting deadlines, budget constraints, achieving defined exit criteria, acceptable defect density/severity, test coverage goals, and conducting risk analysis.
26. How do you test when requirements are not frozen?
Why you might get asked this:
This checks your ability to adapt in dynamic environments, common in Agile.
How to answer:
Discuss prioritizing based on available requirements, focusing on stable areas, using exploratory testing, and collaborating closely with stakeholders as requirements evolve.
Example answer:
In such scenarios, focus on testing available stable requirements, prioritize based on risk, use exploratory testing for new or changing areas, and maintain close communication with stakeholders for clarification and updates.
27. What is the Role of a Manual Tester?
Why you might get asked this:
This asks you to define your job function and responsibilities clearly.
How to answer:
List core tasks like understanding requirements, writing test cases, executing tests, reporting defects, retesting fixes, and providing feedback on usability.
Example answer:
A manual tester analyzes requirements, designs and executes test cases, identifies and reports defects with detail, performs retesting of fixes, and ensures the overall quality and usability of the software.
28. What documents do testers commonly produce?
Why you might get asked this:
Knowing common deliverables shows familiarity with standard testing practices.
How to answer:
List typical documents such as test plans, test cases, defect reports, test summary reports, and potentially requirement traceability matrices.
Example answer:
Common documents include Test Plans, detailing the testing approach; Test Cases, with steps and expected results; Defect Reports, documenting issues; and Test Summary Reports, summarizing testing efforts and results.
29. What are the advantages of Manual Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
You should be able to articulate the value and strengths of the discipline you practice.
How to answer:
Highlight flexibility, effectiveness for exploratory/usability testing, lower initial cost (no tools needed), and human observation skills.
Example answer:
Advantages include flexibility, suitability for exploratory and usability testing that requires human intuition, lower setup cost compared to automation, and the ability to observe visual and user experience aspects.
30. What are the disadvantages of Manual Testing?
Why you might get asked this:
Recognizing limitations shows a balanced perspective and understanding where automation might be needed.
How to answer:
Mention being time-consuming, prone to human error, difficult for repetitive tasks, and less efficient for large-scale or performance testing.
Example answer:
Disadvantages are that it can be time-consuming and costly for large projects, repetitive tests are tedious and error-prone, and it's less effective for performance or load testing.
Other Tips to Prepare for a manual testing questions
Preparing for manual testing questions involves more than just memorizing definitions. It requires understanding the practical application of these concepts. Practice explaining these topics in your own words. Think about real-world examples from projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss how you've applied concepts like defect tracking or regression testing in practice. "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do," as stated by Pele. Embrace the learning process for manual testing questions. Consider using tools like Verve AI Interview Copilot to practice your responses to manual testing questions in a simulated environment. Verve AI Interview Copilot can provide instant feedback, helping you refine your answers and delivery for manual testing questions. Practice articulating the STLC phases and the defect lifecycle seamlessly. Remember that enthusiasm for quality assurance is key. Use resources like https://vervecopilot.com to build confidence for your manual testing questions. Prepare specific examples of challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Verve AI Interview Copilot can help you structure these situational responses effectively for various manual testing questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Should I only prepare manual testing questions?
A1: While focusing on manual testing questions is key, also understand basic Agile/Scrum concepts if the company uses them.
Q2: How deep should my answers be for manual testing questions?
A2: Be concise but demonstrate understanding; provide a brief example if possible without going into excessive detail unless asked.
Q3: Will I be asked to write test cases during the interview?
A3: Often yes. Be prepared to write test cases for a simple feature (e.g., a login form) on a whiteboard or shared document.
Q4: What if I don't know the answer to a manual testing question?
A4: It's okay to admit you don't know, but offer to explain a related concept you are familiar with or ask for clarification.
Q5: Is automation testing knowledge required for a manual testing role?
A5: For some roles, basic awareness is beneficial, but deep knowledge of automation is usually not required unless specified.
