Top 60+ Software Testing Interview Questions & Answers in 2025

Preparing for a software testing interview can be daunting, but with the right preparation, you can walk in with confidence. This guide provides you with 60+ essential questions and answers that cover everything from basic to advanced topics, ensuring you're ready for any question that comes your way.

Our questions are carefully selected and categorized into 3 sections:

• Beginner level
• Intermediate level
• Advanced level 

At the end we have also included valuable tips, strategies, and helpful resources to answer tricky interview questions better, as well as suggest some more personal questions that aim to uncover your previous experience in the field for you to prepare.

Good luck with your interview

Beginners Level Software Testing Interview Questions and Answers For Freshers

1. What is software testing?

There are 2 primary approaches to software testing:

1. Manual Testing: testers execute test cases manually without any assistance from automated tools or test scripts
2. Automation Testing: testers leverage automated tools or scripts to carry out the test steps for them. They focus more on the planning and strategic side of testing.

2. Why is software testing important in the software development process?

Product quality should be defined in a broader sense than just “a software without bugs”. Quality encompasses meeting and surpassing customer expectations.

While an application should fulfill its intended functions, it can only attain the label of "high-quality" when it surpasses those expectations. Software testing does exactly that:

1. It maintains the software quality at a consistent standard
2. It continuously improves the overall user experience and identifies areas for optimization.

Read More: What is Software Testing? Definition, Guide, Tools

3. Explain the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)

The Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is a systematic process that QA teams follow when conducting software testing. The stages in an STLC are designed to achieve high test coverage, while maintaining test efficiency.

There are 6 stages in the STLC:

1. Requirement Analysis: testers work with stakeholders (developers, analysts, clients) to understand what needs to be tested. They document these requirements in a Requirement Traceability Matrix (RTM), which serves as the foundation for the test strategy.

2. Test Planning: from the test strategy, testers create a test plan that outlines testing objectives, scope, deliverables, environment setup, risks, and schedule. It provides detailed guidance for the testing process.

3. Test Case Development: test cases can be done manually (written in spreadsheets) or automatically (written as scripts using tools like Selenium or Katalon). Manual testing is best for unique scenarios, while automation saves time on repetitive tasks.

4. Environment Setup: QA teams set up the required hardware, software, and network configurations to run tests, whether locally, remotely, or on the cloud.

5. Test Execution: testers run the prepared test cases. Manual testing is used for tasks needing human judgment, while automation handles repetitive tasks. Any bugs found are reported to the development team for fixes.

6. Test Cycle Closure: The team reviews test results, assesses what worked, and documents lessons learned to improve future testing processes. Regular reviews help keep the QA process efficient and effective.

4. What is the purpose of test data? How do you create an effective test data set?

Usually the software being tested is still in the staging environment where no usage data is available. Certain test scenarios require data from real users, such as the Login feature test, which involves users typing in certain combinations of usernames and passwords. In such cases, testers need to prepare a test data set consisting of mock usernames and passwords to simulate actual user interactions with the system. 

There are several criteria when creating a test data set:

• Data Relevance: is the data relevant to the application being tested? Does it represent real-world scenarios?
• Data Diversity: is there a wide variety of data types (valid/invalid/boundary values, special characters, etc.)? Have these data types covered enough input combinations to achieve maximum coverage?
• Data Completeness: does the data cover all of the necessary elements required for that particular scenario (for example: mandatory/optional fields)
• Data Size: should we use a small or large data set?
• Data Security: is there any sensitive/confidential information in the data set? Is the test data properly managed and stored?
• Data Independence: is the test data independent from other test cases? Does the test data of this test case interfere with the result of another?

5. What is shift left testing? How different is it from shift right testing?

Below is a table comparing shift left testing vs shift right testing:

6. Explain the difference between functional testing and non-functional testing.

7. What is the purpose of test cases and test scenarios?

A test case is a specific set of conditions and inputs that are executed to validate a particular aspect of the software functionality

Test scenario is a much broader concept, representing the real-world situation being tested. It combines multiple related test cases to verify the behavior of the software.

If you don't know which test cases to start with, here are the list of popular test cases for you. They should give you a good foundation of how to approach a system as a tester. 

1. Test Cases For API Testing
2. Test Cases For Login Page
3. Test Cases For Registration Page
4. Test Cases For Banking Application
5. Test Cases For E-commerce website
6. Test Cases For Search Functionality

8. What is a defect, and how do you report it effectively?

A defect is a flaw in a software application causing it to behave in an unintended way. They are also called bugs, and usually these terms are used interchangeably, although there are some slight nuances between them.

To report a defect/bug effectively, there are several recommended best practices:

• Try to reproduce it consistently, and describe the exact steps to trigger that issue for the developers to have an easier time addressing it on their end.
• Use defect tracking tool like Jira, Bugzilla, or GitHub Issues to better manage the defect
• Provide a clear and descriptive title to the bug
• Write a high specific description that includes all relevant information about the bug (environment, steps to reproduce, expected behavior, actual behavior, frequency, severity, etc.)
• Add screenshots if need to

9. Explain the Bug Life Cycle

The defect/bug life cycle encompasses the steps involved in handling bugs or defects within software development. This standardized process enables efficient bug management, empowering teams to effectively detect and resolve issues.  There are 2 approaches to describe the defect life cycle: by workflow and by bug status.

The bug life cycle follows these steps:

1. Testers execute tests.
2. Testers report newly found bugs and submit them to a bug management system, setting the bug status to new.
3. Project leads, project managers, and testers review the reported bugs and decide whether to fix them. If necessary, they assign developers to work on them, updating the bug status to in progress or under investigation.
4. Developers investigate and reproduce the bugs.
5. Developers fix the bugs if successfully reproduced. Otherwise, they request more information from the testers and update the bug status accordingly.
6. Testers provide further description or use bug-reporting tools to elaborate on the bug.
7. Testers verify the fix by executing the steps described in the bug report.
8. Testers close the bug if the fix is verified. Otherwise, they update the bug status and provide further explanation.

10. How do you categorize defects?

When reporting bugs, we should categorize them based on their attributes, characteristics, and criteria for easier management, analysis, and troubleshooting later. Here is a list of basic bug categories that you can consider:

• Severity (High - Medium - Low impact to system performance/security)
• Priority (High - Medium - Low urgency)
• Reproducibility (Reproducible, Intermittent, Non-Reproducible, or Cannot Reproduce)
• Root Cause (Coding Error, Design Flaw, Configuration Issue, or User Error, etc.)
• Bug Type (Functional Bugs, Performance Issues, Usability Problems, Security Vulnerabilities, Compatibility Errors, etc.)
• Areas of Impact
• Frequency of Occurrence

Read More: How To Find Bugs on Websites

11. What is the difference between manual testing and automated testing?

Automated testing is best for large projects with many repetitive test cases, as it ensures accuracy and consistency without human errors.

Manual testing is better for smaller or one-time tests, ad-hoc checks, and finding hidden bugs. It relies on human creativity, which machines lack.

Automating tests for small projects can take more time and effort than manual testing. Deciding whether to automate depends on the project’s needs, time, and resources.

Read More: Manual Testing vs Automation Testing

12. Define the term "test plan" and describe its components.

A test plan is like a detailed guide for testing a software system. It tells us how we'll test, what we'll test, and when we'll test it. The plan covers everything about the testing, like the goals, resources, and possible risks. It makes sure that the software works well and is of good quality.

13. What is regression testing? Why is automated testing recommended for regression testing?

Regression testing is a type of software testing conducted after a code update to ensure that the update introduced no new bugs. It involves repeatedly testing the same core features of the application, making the task repetitive by nature. 

As software evolves and more features are added, the number of regression tests to be executed also increases. When you have a large codebase, manual regression testing becomes time-consuming and impractical. Automated testing can be executed quickly, allowing faster feedback on code quality. Automated tests eliminate risks of human errors, and the fast test execution allows for higher test coverage. 

14. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using automated testing tools?

✅ Advantages of Automated Testing Tools:

1. Speed: Faster execution of tests compared to manual testing.
2. Accuracy: Reduces human error in repetitive tasks.
3. Reusability: Test scripts can be reused across different projects.
4. Scalability: Easily handles large test cases and complex scenarios.
5. Continuous Testing: Supports CI/CD pipelines for faster releases.

❌ Disadvantages of Automated Testing Tools:

1. Initial Cost: High setup cost for tools and infrastructure.
2. Maintenance: Test scripts require regular updates as the application evolves.
3. Limited Human Insight: Can't detect UX issues or unexpected bugs.
4. Skill Requirement: Requires skilled testers to write and maintain scripts.
5. Not Suitable for All Tests: Not ideal for exploratory or ad-hoc testing.

15. Explain the Test Pyramid

The test pyramid is a testing strategy that represents the distribution of different types of automated tests based on their scope and complexity. It consists of three layers: unit tests at the base, integration tests in the middle, and UI tests at the top.

• Unit Testing: Forming the foundation of the pyramid, unit tests focus on individual software components, ensuring each part functions correctly in isolation. These tests are fast to write and execute, making them essential for catching errors early in development.
• Service Level Testing: This is the middle layer of the pyramid. Service tests validate interactions between integrated components, including API testing, contract testing, and integration testing. They ensure that various parts of the system interact as expected.
• End-to-End (E2E) Testing: The top layer of the pyramid focuses on verifying that the entire system operates correctly from the user’s perspective. E2E tests are fewer in number compared to unit and service tests because they are more complex, slower to execute, and prone to breaking due to system changes.

16. Describe the differences between black-box testing, white-box testing, and gray-box testing.

Black-Box Testing:

• Definition: Testing without knowledge of the internal structure or code of the application.
• Focus: Validates functionality by providing inputs and observing outputs.
• Example: UI testing, user acceptance testing (UAT).
• Used By: QA testers, end-users.

White-Box Testing:

• Definition: Testing with full knowledge of the internal structure, code, and logic of the application.
• Focus: Ensures that internal operations, code paths, and logic work as expected.
• Example: Unit tests, code coverage testing.
• Used By: Developers.

Gray-Box Testing:

• Definition: A combination of black-box and white-box testing, where the tester has limited knowledge of the internal structure.
• Focus: Tests both functionality and some internal processes, such as API interactions or database queries.
• Example: Penetration testing, integration testing.
• Used By: QA engineers, security testers.

17. How do you prioritize test cases?

18. What is the purpose of the traceability matrix in software testing?

A traceability matrix is a key document that helps ensure comprehensive test coverage and establishes links between various artifacts in the software development life cycle.

Purpose:

• Tracks the relationship between requirements, test cases, and other artifacts.
• Ensures that all requirements are covered by corresponding test cases.
• Helps identify gaps in test coverage.
• Provides a clear mapping between what needs to be tested and how it is tested.
• Ensures that changes in requirements are reflected in test cases.

19. What is exploratory testing? Is it different from ad-hoc testing?

Exploratory testing is an unscripted, manual software testing type where testers examine the system with no pre-established test cases and no previous exposure to the system. Instead of following a strict test plan, they jump straight to testing and make spontaneous decisions about what to test on the fly. 

Exploratory testing shares many similarities with ad-hoc testing, but there are still minor differences between the 2 approaches. 

20. Explain the concept of CI/CD

CI/CD stands for Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (or Continuous Deployment), and it is a set of practices and principles used in software development to streamline the process of building, testing, and delivering software changes to production. The ultimate goal of CI/CD is to enable faster, more reliable, and more frequent delivery of software updates to end-users while maintaining high-quality standards.

• Continuous Integration (CI):

  • Developers frequently commit code to a shared repository.
  • Each commit triggers an automated build and tests.
  • Ensures new code works well with the existing codebase.
  • Helps catch bugs early in the development process.

  Continuous Delivery (CD):

  • Automates the release process to keep the application ready for deployment.
  • After passing CI tests, code is automatically deployed to a staging environment.
  • Reduces human errors in releases.
  • Ensures the software is consistently available for testing and feedback.

Intermediate Level Software Testing Interview Questions and Answers

21. Explain the differences between static testing and dynamic testing. Provide examples of each.

Static Testing:

• Checks the code without running it.
• Focuses on finding errors by reviewing documents like code, design, or requirements.
• Examples:
  • Code reviews (checking code for mistakes)
  • Inspections (formal checking by a group)
  • Walkthroughs (informal review with a team)

Dynamic Testing:

• Runs the code to check how it works.
• Focuses on finding bugs during execution.
• Examples:
  • Unit testing (testing small parts of the code)
  • Integration testing (checking if different parts work together)
  • System testing (testing the whole application)

22. What is the V-model in software testing? How does it differ from the traditional waterfall model?

The V-model is a software testing model that emphasizes testing activities aligned with the corresponding development phases. It differs from the traditional waterfall model by integrating testing activities at each development stage, forming a "V" shape. In the V-model, testing activities are parallel to development phases, promoting early defect detection.

23. Describe the concept of test-driven development (TDD) and how it influences the testing process.

TDD is a software development approach where test cases are written before the actual code. Programmers create automated unit tests to define the desired functionality. Then, they write code to pass these tests. TDD influences the testing process by ensuring better test coverage and early detection of defects.
 

Read More: TDD vs BDD: A Comparison

24. Discuss the importance of test environment management and the challenges involved in setting up test environments.

Test environment management is vital to create controlled and representative testing environments. It allows QA teams to:

• Execute test cases and run tests without production environment
• Ensures that testing conditions are consistent and can be reproduced for debugging and resolving issues effectively
• Well-managed test environments closely resemble the production environment, ensuring that test results accurately reflect the behavior of the software in the real-world scenario.
• Enable the creation of different configurations to simulate various operating systems, browsers, devices

Managing test environments can be challenging in terms of:

• Gaining access and managing shared environments may be tricky, especially in teams with limited resources
• Configuring and maintaining complex test environments require technical expertise
• Properly managing test data, ensuring its security and privacy, and maintaining data integrity require dedicated teams
• Aligning the test environment with the production environment may require teams to invest into physical machines

Read More: How To Build a Good Test Infrastucture?

25. What are the different types of test design techniques? When would you use these types of test design techniques?

Test design techniques are methods used to derive and select test cases from test conditions or test scenarios. Here are some you should know:

1. Equivalence Partitioning

• Divides input data into groups (partitions) that are expected to behave the same way.
• Only one test case from each group is tested.
• Example: If a system accepts numbers between 1 and 100, partitions would be:
  • Valid: 1 to 100
  • Invalid: Below 1 and above 100

2. Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)

• Focuses on testing boundaries (edges) of input ranges.
• Test cases are created for values at the edges, as they are more prone to errors.
• Example: For a range of 1 to 100, test 0, 1, 100, and 101.

3. Decision Table Testing

• Used for systems with different combinations of inputs and actions.
• Creates a table with conditions and expected outcomes to ensure all combinations are covered.
• Example: A login system might have conditions like valid/invalid username and password.

4. State Transition Testing

• Used when a system's behavior changes based on its current state.
• Test cases are created for state changes and events that trigger transitions.
• Example: An ATM system’s states can be:
  • Card inserted → Enter PIN → Select option → Withdraw money.

5. Exploratory Testing

• Unscripted testing where testers explore the application to find defects.
• Useful for uncovering unexpected bugs or testing complex scenarios.

6. Error Guessing

• Based on the tester’s experience, where they predict areas prone to errors.
• No formal rules; relies on intuition and past experience.
• Example: Testing empty fields, invalid inputs, and special characters.

26. Explain the concept of test data management and its significance in software testing.

Test data management (TDM) is the process of creating, maintaining, and controlling the data used for software testing purposes. It involves managing test data throughout the testing lifecycle, from test case design to test execution.

The primary goal of test data management is to ensure that testers have access to relevant, accurate, and representative test data to perform thorough and effective testing.

27. What are the common challenges in mobile app testing?

• Device Fragmentation: The vast number of mobile devices with different screen sizes, resolutions, operating systems, and hardware configurations make it challenging to test on all possible combinations.
• OS and Platform Versions: Testing across various OS versions and platforms introduces compatibility issues, as older devices may not support the latest software updates.
• Network Conditions: Mobile apps are highly dependent on network connectivity, and testing in different network conditions (3G, 4G, Wi-Fi) is essential to validate app performance.
• App Store Approval: Strict app store guidelines and review processes can lead to delays in app releases and updates.
• Interrupt Testing: Handling interruptions like incoming calls, messages, or low battery scenarios without app crashes can be complex.
• Limited Resources: Mobile devices have limited resources (CPU, memory), and apps must perform efficiently under these constraints.

28. Explain the concept of test automation framework. Examples of some test automation frameworks.

Here are the top automation testing tools/frameworks in the current market, according to the survey from State of Quality Report 2024. You can download the report to get the latest insights in the industry.

A test automation framework is a structured way to create and run automated tests. It provides guidelines, reusable components, and best practices to make testing efficient and organized. Several test automation frameworks include:

• Selenium WebDriver: A widely used open-source framework for web application testing. It supports multiple programming languages like Java, Python, C#, and more.
• TestNG: A testing framework inspired by JUnit and NUnit, designed for test configuration, parallel execution, and better reporting in Java-based test automation.
• JUnit: A popular testing framework for Java applications, commonly used for unit testing.
• Cucumber: A behavior-driven development (BDD) framework that enables test scenarios to be written in a human-readable format. It integrates with languages like Java, Ruby, and JavaScript.
• Robot Framework: An open-source, keyword-driven test automation framework that supports web, mobile, and desktop applications. It uses a simple tabular syntax for test case creation.
• Appium: An open-source mobile application testing framework that supports automated testing of native, hybrid, and mobile web applications for Android and iOS. 

Read More: Top 8 Cross-browser Testing Tools For Your QA Team

29. How would you choose the right framework for a project?

Several criteria to consider when choosing a test automation framework for your project include:

• Project Requirements: Assess the specific requirements of the project, including the application's complexity, supported technologies, and types of tests needed (e.g., functional, regression, performance).
• Team Expertise: Evaluate the skillset and experience of the testing team members. Choose a framework that aligns with their expertise and allows them to work efficiently.
• Scalability and Reusability: Look for frameworks that support scalability and encourage code reusability to avoid duplication of efforts.
• Tool Integration: Consider the compatibility of the framework with the test automation tools and technologies that the team intends to use.
• Maintenance Effort: Assess the effort required to maintain the test scripts and framework components in the long run.
• Community Support: Check if the framework has an active community and reliable support channels to address issues and queries.
• Reporting and Logging: Ensure that the framework provides comprehensive reporting and logging capabilities to aid in result analysis and debugging.
• Flexibility and Customization: Look for frameworks that can be customized to meet specific project needs and accommodate future changes.
• Proof of Concept (POC): Conduct a small Proof of Concept (POC) to evaluate the framework's suitability and effectiveness in addressing the project's requirements

Read More: Test Automation Framework - 6 Common Types

30. How to test third-party integrations?

Since these third-party integrations may have been built on different technologies with the system under test, conflicts may occur. Testing for these integrations are necessary, and the process for it is similar to the Software Testing Life Cycle as follows:

• Gain a thorough understanding of the third-party integrations, including their functionalities, APIs, data formats, and potential limitations. We can collaborate with the development and integration teams to gather detailed information.
• Set up a dedicated testing environment that mirrors the production environment as closely as possible. Ensure that all third-party systems and APIs are accessible and correctly configured.
• Perform integration testing to verify that the application correctly interacts with the third-party systems. Test various integration scenarios, data exchanges, and error handling.
• Validate data mappings between the application and third-party systems
• Test the application's behavior when encountering boundary conditions and error scenarios during data exchange with third-party systems.

31. What are different categories of debugging?

• Static Debugging: analyzing the source code or program without executing it
• Dynamic Debugging: analyzing the program during its execution or runtime
• Reactive Debugging: performed after an issue or defect has been identified in the software, often used when a failure occurs during testing or in a live environment.
• Proactive Debugging: anticipating potential issues and implementing preventive measures to minimize the occurrence of defects
• Collaborative Debugging: multiple individuals working together to identify and resolve complex issues

32. Explain the concept of data-driven testing.

Data-driven testing is a testing approach in which test cases are designed to be executed with multiple sets of test data. Instead of writing separate test cases for each test data variation, data-driven testing allows testers to parameterize test cases and run them with different input data, often stored in external data sources such as spreadsheets or databases.

33. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of open-source testing tools in a project.

Read More: Top 10 Free Open-source Testing Tools, Frameworks, and Libraries

34. Explain the concept of model-based testing. What is the process of model-based testing?

Model-Based Testing (MBT) is a testing technique that uses models to represent the system's behavior and generate test cases based on these models. The models can be in the form of finite state machines, flowcharts, decision tables, or other representations that capture the system's functionality, states, and transitions.

The process of Model-Based Testing involves the following steps:

• Model Creation: Create a model that abstracts the behavior of the system under test. The model should represent various states, actions, and possible transitions between states.
• Test Case Generation: Based on the model, generate test cases automatically or semi-automatically. These test cases represent different scenarios and combinations of actions to test the system's functionality.
• Test Execution: Execute the generated test cases against the actual system and observe its behavior during testing.
• Result Analysis: Analyze the test results to identify discrepancies between expected and actual system behavior. Any deviations or failures are then reported as defects.

35. What is TestNG?

TestNG (Test Next Generation) is a popular testing framework for Java-based applications. It is inspired by JUnit but provides additional features and functionalities to make test automation more efficient and flexible. TestNG is widely used in the Java development community for writing and running tests, particularly for unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing.

36. Describe the role of the Page Object Model (POM) in test automation.

The Page Object Model (POM) is a design pattern widely used in test automation to enhance the maintainability, reusability, and readability of test scripts. It involves representing each web page or user interface (UI) element as a separate class, containing the methods and locators needed to interact with that specific page or element.

37. Explain the concept of abstraction layers in a test automation framework. How do they promote scalability and reduce code duplication?

In a test automation framework, abstraction layers are the hierarchical organization of components and modules that abstract the underlying complexities of the application and testing infrastructure.

Each layer is designed to handle specific responsibilities, and they work together to create a robust and scalable testing infrastructure. The key abstraction layers typically found in a test automation framework are:

• UI Layer
• Business Logic Layer
• API Layer
• Data Layer
• Utility Layer

38. Explain the concept of parallel test execution. How do you implement parallel testing to optimize test execution time?

Parallel test execution is a testing technique in which multiple test cases are executed simultaneously on different threads or machines. The goal of parallel testing is to optimize test execution time and improve the overall efficiency of the testing process. By running tests in parallel, testing time can be significantly reduced, allowing faster feedback and quicker identification of defects.

The main benefits of parallel test execution are:

• Reduced test execution time
• Faster feedback
• Improved test coverage
• Optimized resource allocation
• Enhanced productivity

39. Compare Selenium vs Katalon

Read More: Katalon vs Selenium

40. Compare Selenium vs TestNG

Advanced Level Software Testing Interview Questions and Answers For Experienced Testers

41. How to develop a good test strategy?

When creating a test strategy document, we can make a table containing the listed items. Then, have a brainstorming session with key stakeholders (project manager, business analyst, QA Lead, and Development Team Lead) to gather the necessary information for each item. Here are some questions to ask:

Test Goals/Objectives:

• What are the specific goals and objectives of the testing effort?
• Which functionalities or features should be tested?
• Are there any performance or usability targets to achieve?
• How will the success of the testing effort be measured?

Sprint Timelines:

• What is the duration of each sprint?
• When does each sprint start and end?
• Are there any milestones or deadlines within each sprint?
• How will the testing activities be aligned with the sprint timelines?

Lifecycle of Tasks/Tickets:

• What is the process for capturing and tracking tasks or tickets?
• How will tasks or tickets flow through different stages (e.g., new, in progress, resolved)?
• Who is responsible for assigning, updating, and closing tasks or tickets?
• Is there a specific tool or system used for managing tasks or tickets?

Test Approach:

• Will it be manual testing, automated testing, or a combination of both?
• How will the test approach align with the development process (e.g., Agile, Waterfall)?

Testing Types:

• What types of testing will be performed (e.g., functional testing, performance testing, security testing)?
• Are there any specific criteria or standards for each testing type?
• How will each testing type be prioritized and scheduled?
• Are there any dependencies for certain testing types?

Roles and Responsibilities:

• What are the different roles involved in the testing process?
• What are the responsibilities of each role?

Testing Tools:

• What are the preferred testing tools for different testing activities (open source/vendor-based)?
• Are there any specific criteria for selecting testing tools?
• How will the testing tools be integrated into the overall testing process?
• Is there a plan for training and support in effectively using the testing tools?

42. How to manage changes in testing requirements?

• Have a backup plan in case changes are needed in the test plan.
• Communicate with stakeholders (project managers, developers, business analysts) to explain:
  • Why changes are needed.
  • What the objectives are.
  • How it will affect the project.
• Update the test plan to reflect the changes.
• Adjust test artifacts (test cases, scripts, reports) as needed.
• Continue the test cycle based on the updated plan.

43. What are some key metrics to measure testing success?

Several important test metrics include:

• Test Coverage: the extent to which the software has been tested with respect to specific criteria
• Defect Density: the number of defects (bugs) found in a specific software component or module, divided by the size or complexity of that component
• Defect Removal Efficiency (DRE): the ratio of defects found and fixed during testing to the total number of defects found throughout the entire development lifecycle. A higher DRE value indicates that testing is effective in catching and fixing defects early in the development process
• Test Pass Rate: the percentage of test cases that have passed successfully out of the total executed test cases. It indicates the overall success of the testing effort
• Test Automation Coverage: the percentage of test cases that have been automated

Learn More: What is a Test Report? How To Create One?

44. What is an Object Repository?

An object repository is a central storage location that holds all the information about the objects or elements of the application being tested. It is a key component of test automation frameworks and is used to store and manage the properties and attributes of user interface (UI) elements or objects.

45. Why do we need an Object Repository?

Having an Object Repository brings several benefits:

• Modularity: Test scripts can refer to objects by name or identifier stored in the repository, making them more readable and maintainable.
• Centralization: All object-related information is stored centrally in the repository, making it easier to update, maintain, and manage the objects, especially when there are changes in the application's UI.
• Reusability: Testers can reuse the same objects across multiple test scripts, promoting reusability and reducing redundancy in test automation code.
• Enhanced Collaboration: The object repository can be accessed by the entire test team, promoting collaboration and consistency in identifying and managing objects.

46. How do you ensure test case reusability and maintainability in your test suites?

There are several best practices when it comes to test case reusability and maintainability:

• Break down test cases into smaller, independent modules or functions.
• Each module should focus on testing a specific feature or functionality.
• Use a centralized object repository to store and manage object details.
• Separate object details from test scripts for easier maintenance.
• Decouple test data from test scripts using data-driven testing techniques.
• Store test data in external files (e.g., CSV, Excel, or databases) to facilitate easy updates and reusability.
• Use test automation frameworks (e.g., TestNG, JUnit, Robot Framework) to provide structure.
• Leverage libraries or utilities for common test tasks, such as logging, reporting, and data handling.

47. Write a test script using Selenium WebDriver with Java to verify the functionality of entering data in test boxes

Assumptions:

• We are testing a simple web page with two text boxes: "username" and "password".
• The website URL is "https://example.com/login".
• We are using Chrome WebDriver. Make sure to have the ChromeDriver executable available and set the system property accordingly.

import org.openqa.selenium.By;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebElement;
import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver;

public class TextBoxTest {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Set ChromeDriver path
        System.setProperty("webdriver.chrome.driver", "path/to/chromedriver");

        // Create a WebDriver instance
        WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();

        // Navigate to the test page
        driver.get("https://example.com/login");

        // Find the username and password text boxes
        WebElement usernameTextBox = driver.findElement(By.id("username"));
        WebElement passwordTextBox = driver.findElement(By.id("password"));

        // Test Data
        String validUsername = "testuser";
        String validPassword = "testpass";

        // Test case 1: Enter valid data into the username text box
        usernameTextBox.sendKeys(validUsername);
        String enteredUsername = usernameTextBox.getAttribute("value");
        if (enteredUsername.equals(validUsername)) {
            System.out.println("Test case 1: Passed - Valid data entered in the username text box.");
        } else {
            System.out.println("Test case 1: Failed - Valid data not entered in the username text box.");
        }

        // Test case 2: Enter valid data into the password text box
        passwordTextBox.sendKeys(validPassword);
        String enteredPassword = passwordTextBox.getAttribute("value");
        if (enteredPassword.equals(validPassword)) {
            System.out.println("Test case 2: Passed - Valid data entered in the password text box.");
        } else {
            System.out.println("Test case 2: Failed - Valid data not entered in the password text box.");
        }

        // Close the browser
        driver.quit();
    }
}

48. Write a test script using Selenium WebDriver with Java to verify the error message for invalid email format.

import org.openqa.selenium.By;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebElement;
import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver;

public class InvalidEmailTest {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Set ChromeDriver path
        System.setProperty("webdriver.chrome.driver", "path/to/chromedriver");

        // Create a WebDriver instance
        WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();

        // Navigate to the test page
        driver.get("https://example.com/contact");

        // Find the email input field and submit button
        WebElement emailField = driver.findElement(By.id("email"));
        WebElement submitButton = driver.findElement(By.id("submitBtn"));

        // Test Data - Invalid email format
        String invalidEmail = "invalidemail";

        // Test case 1: Enter invalid email format and click submit
        emailField.sendKeys(invalidEmail);
        submitButton.click();

        // Find the error message element
        WebElement errorMessage = driver.findElement(By.className("error-message"));

        // Check if the error message is displayed and contains the expected text
        if (errorMessage.isDisplayed() && errorMessage.getText().equals("Invalid email format")) {
            System.out.println("Test case 1: Passed - Error message for invalid email format is displayed.");
        } else {
            System.out.println("Test case 1: Failed - Error message for invalid email format is not displayed or incorrect.");
        }

        // Close the browser
        driver.quit();
    }
}

49. How to do usability testing?

1. Decide which part of the product/website you want to test

2. Define the hypothesis (what will users do when they land on this part of the website? How do we verify that hypothesis?)

3. Set clear criteria for the usability test session

4. Write a study plan and script

5. Find suitable participants for the test

6. Conduct your study

7. Analyze collected data

50. How do you ensure that the testing team is aligned with the development team and the product roadmap?

• Involve testing team members in project planning and product roadmap discussions from the beginning.
• Attend sprint planning meetings, product backlog refinement sessions, and other relevant meetings to understand upcoming features and changes.
• Promote regular communication between development and testing teams to share progress, updates, and challenges.
• Utilize common tools for issue tracking, project management, and test case management to foster collaboration and transparency.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure the progress and quality of the project.
• Consider having developers participate in testing activities like unit testing and code reviews, and testers assist in test automation.

51. How do you ensure that test cases are comprehensive and cover all possible scenarios?

Even though it's not possible to test every possible situation, testers should go beyond the common conditions and explore other scenarios. Besides the regular tests, we should also think about unusual or unexpected situations (edge cases and negative scenarios), which involve uncommon inputs or usage patterns. By considering these cases, we can improve the coverage of your testing. Attackers often target non-standard scenarios, so testing them is essential to enhance the effectiveness of our tests.

52. What are defect triage meetings?

Defect triage meetings are an important part of the software development and testing process. They are typically held to prioritize and manage the defects (bugs) found during testing or reported by users. The primary goal of defect triage meetings is to decide which defects should be addressed first and how they should be resolved.

53. What is the average age of a defect in software testing?

The average age of a defect in software testing refers to the average amount of time a defect remains open or unresolved from the moment it is identified until it is fixed and verified. It is a crucial metric used to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of the defect resolution process in the software development lifecycle.

The average age of a defect can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the software, the testing process, the size of the development team, the severity of the defects, and the overall development methodology (e.g., agile, waterfall, etc.).

54. What are some essential qualities of an experienced QA or Test Lead?

An experienced QA or Test Lead should have technical expertise, domain knowledge, leadership skills, and communication skills. An effective QA Leader is one that can inspire, motivate, and guide the testing team, keeping them focused on goals and objectives.

Read More: 9 Steps To Become a Good QA Lead

55. Can you provide an example of a particularly challenging defect you have identified and resolved in your previous projects?

There is no true answer to this question because it depends on your experience. You can follow this framework to provide the most detailed information:

Step 1: Describe the defect in detail, including how it was identified (e.g., through testing, customer feedback, etc.)

Step 2: Explain why it was particularly challenging.

Step 3: Outline the steps you took to resolve the defect

Step 4: Discuss any obstacles you faced and your rationale to overcoming it.

Step 5: Explain how you ensure that the defect was fully resolved and the impact it had on the project and stakeholders.

Step 6: Reflect on what you learned from this experience.

56. What is DevOps?

DevOps is a software development approach and culture that emphasizes collaboration, communication, and integration between software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) teams. It aims to streamline and automate the software delivery process, enabling organizations to deliver high-quality software faster and more reliably.

Read More: DevOps Implementation Strategy

57. What is the difference between Agile and DevOps?

Agile focuses on iterative software development and customer collaboration, while DevOps extends beyond development to address the entire software delivery process, emphasizing automation, collaboration, and continuous feedback. Agile is primarily a development methodology, while DevOps is a set of practices and cultural principles aimed at breaking down barriers between development and operations teams to accelerate the delivery of high-quality software.

58. Explain user acceptance testing (UAT).

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is when the software application is evaluated by end-users or representatives of the intended audience to determine whether it meets the specified business requirements and is ready for production deployment. UAT is also known as End User Testing or Beta Testing. The primary goal of UAT is to ensure that the application meets user expectations and functions as intended in real-world scenarios.

59. What are entry and exit criteria?

Entry criteria are the conditions that need to be fulfilled before testing can begin. They ensure that the testing environment is prepared, and the testing team has the necessary information and resources to start testing. Entry criteria may include:

• Requirements Baseline
• Test Plan Approval
• Test Environment Readiness
• Test Data Availability
• Test Case Preparation
• Test Resources

Similarly, exit criteria are the conditions that must be met for testing to be considered complete, and the software is ready for the next phase or release. These criteria ensure that the software meets the required quality standards before moving forward, including:

• Test Case Execution
• Defect Closure
• Test Coverage
• Stability
• Performance Targets
• User Acceptance

60. How to test a pen? Explain software testing techniques in the context of testing a pen.

Recommended Readings For Your Software Testing Interview

To better prepare for your interviews, here are some topic-specific lists of interview questions:

• QA Interview Questions
• Web API Testing Interview Questions
• Mobile Testing Interview Questions
• DevOps Interview Questions
• Manual To Automation Testing Interview Questions
• 15 Questions to Evaluate Your QA Team's Software Testing Process
• Strategies to Deal A Software QA Engineer's Salary

The list above only touches mostly the theory of the QA industry. In several companies you will even be challenged with an interview project, which requires you to demonstrate your software testing skills. You can read through our Katalon Blog for up-to-date information on the testing industry, especially automation testing, which will surely be useful in your QA interview.

As a leading automation testing platform, Katalon offers free Software Testing courses for both beginners and intermediate testers through Katalon Academy, a comprehensive knowledge hub packed with informative resources.