Top 30 Manual Testing Interview Questions 2024

In the world of software development, manual testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, functionality, and usability of applications. It involves the meticulous execution of test cases by using manual testing tools and keen observation of software behavior by skilled manual test engineers. In this blog, we will explore ten essential questions and their small explanatory answers that are commonly asked in manual testing interviews.

Manual Testing Interview Questions

According to PRNewswire forecast Software Testing Services Market to Grow at a CAGR of 12% by 2025. Job opportunity in Software manual testing will be double by 2025.

The blog will cover a wide range of topics related to manual and automation testing, starting with the fundamentals. We will delve into the definition of manual testing, its advantages over automated testing, and the key components of a test plan. Additionally, we will explore various types of manual testing techniques, such as boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, and exploratory testing. You will also gain insights into important aspects of manual testing and automation testing, including defect life cycle, test case prioritization, and the significance of test closure reports.

Whether you are a budding software tester preparing for an interview or someone seeking a better understanding of manual testing, this blog is designed to provide you with valuable information and insights.

So, let's dive in and unravel the world of manual testing together!

Manual Testing Interview Questions for freshers

1. What is Manual testing?

Manual testing refers to the process of verifying and validating software applications or systems manually, without the use of automation tools. Testers execute test cases, perform functional and non-functional tests, and provide feedback on the software's behavior.

2. What are the advantages of manual testing over automated testing?

Manual testing offers certain advantages, such as its flexibility to adapt to changes in requirements, the ability to identify user experience issues, and the option to perform ad-hoc testing. It also allows testers to explore the software, uncover hidden defects, and provide subjective feedback.

3. What is the test plan and what does it include?

A test plan is a document that outlines the objectives, scope, and approach for a testing project. It includes details about the test strategy, test environments, test deliverables, entry and exit criteria, test schedules, and resource allocation.

4. What is the difference between functional testing and non-functional testing?

• Functional testing focuses on verifying the individual functions and features of a software application to ensure they work as intended.
• Non-functional testing, on the other hand, checks aspects like performance, usability, security, scalability, and reliability of the system.

5. What is regression testing?

Regression testing involves retesting the modified or updated parts of a software application to ensure that existing functionality has not been affected by the changes. It helps in identifying any regression or unintended defects introduced during development or maintenance.

6. What is the importance of test case prioritization?

Test case prioritization helps in determining the order in which test cases should be executed when there are time or resource constraints. Prioritization ensures that critical and high-risk areas are thoroughly tested first, maximizing the likelihood of finding important defects early in the testing process.

7. What is a defect life cycle?

The defect life cycle refers to the various stages a defect goes through from its identification to its closure. These stages typically include defect logging, triage or analysis, assignment to development, fixing, retesting, verification, and closure.

8. What is exploratory testing?

Exploratory testing is an informal testing approach where testers explore the software application dynamically, with little or no predefined test cases. It allows testers to learn, design, and execute tests simultaneously while actively monitoring the system's behavior to find defects and potential risks.

9. What is a test environment?

A test environment is a setup that mimics the production environment where testing activities are performed. It includes hardware, software, network configurations, databases, and other components required to execute the tests accurately and simulate real-world conditions.

10. What is the purpose of a test closure report?

A test closure report summarizes the testing activities performed during a project or testing phase. It includes details about the test coverage, test execution results, defect statistics, overall quality assessment, and recommendations for future improvements. The report serves as a formal closure document for the testing phase.

Manual Testing Interview Questions for Experienced Candidates

11. What is the difference between smoke testing and sanity testing?

Smoke testing is a subset of functional testing that checks the major functionalities of an application to ensure stability before further testing. Sanity testing, on the other hand, is a narrow and focused regression testing to verify if the defects fixed in the software are working as expected and no new issues have been introduced.

12. What is the purpose of a test case?

A test case is a document that outlines the steps, inputs, expected outcomes, and preconditions for executing a specific test. Its purpose is to provide a systematic approach to validate the software against the specified requirements and ensure thorough testing coverage.

13. What is boundary value analysis?

Boundary value analysis is a testing technique that focuses on testing the values at the boundaries or edges of input domains. It helps identify defects that are likely to occur near the boundaries and ensure that the software handles such values correctly.

14. What is a test harness?

A test harness is a collection of software and test data that is used to execute tests on a software system. It provides the necessary infrastructure to set up the test environment, execute the tests, and collect and analyze the results.

15. What is the difference between positive testing and negative testing?

Positive testing involves testing the software with valid inputs to ensure that it functions correctly and produces the expected results. Negative testing, on the other hand, involves testing the software with invalid or unexpected inputs to check how it handles such conditions, including error messages and graceful failure.

Also check - Selenium Interview Questions And Answers

16. What is usability testing?

Usability testing evaluates the ease of use, user-friendliness, and overall user experience of a software application. Testers simulate real user interactions and observe how easily users can navigate through the system, accomplish tasks, and provide feedback on any usability issues.

17. What is equivalence partitioning?

Equivalence partitioning is a technique that divides the input data into groups or partitions based on the assumption that if a test case within a partition reveals a defect, other test cases within the same partition would also reveal the same defect. It helps in reducing the number of test cases while still achieving adequate test coverage.

18. What is ad-hoc testing?

Ans: Ad-hoc testing is an informal testing approach where testers explore the software application without any predefined test cases or test scripts. It relies on the tester's intuition, experience, and creativity to identify defects, explore various scenarios, and provide quick feedback.

19. What is a test execution report?

A test execution report provides a summary of the test execution activities, including the number of test cases executed, passed, failed, and blocked. It also includes details about the test environment, any issues or defects encountered, and overall test status. The report helps stakeholders assess the quality and progress of testing.

20. What is the role of a test lead in manual testing?

A test lead is responsible for managing and coordinating the testing activities in a project. They oversee the test planning, test design, test execution, and defect management processes. The test lead also collaborates with stakeholders, communicates test progress, and ensures that testing is conducted effectively and efficiently.

21. What is the difference between functional requirements and non-functional requirements?

Functional requirements specify what the software should do and describe its features, functionalities, and behavior. Non-functional requirements, on the other hand, define the quality attributes and constraints of the software, such as performance, usability, security, and scalability.

22. What is the purpose of a test log?

A test log is a document that records detailed information about the execution of test cases, including the date and time of execution, test case IDs, test results (pass/fail), any defects encountered, and relevant comments or observations. It helps in tracking and analyzing the testing progress and provides an audit trail of testing activities.

Scenario Based Interview Questions For Manual Testing

23. What is negative testing and why is it important?

Negative testing involves testing the software with inputs that are outside the normal or expected range, or with invalid data, to ensure that it handles such scenarios correctly. It helps uncover defects, vulnerabilities, and security loopholes that could lead to undesired system behavior or potential risks.

24. What is a test deliverable?

A test deliverable refers to any artifact or document produced during the testing process that provides information about the testing activities and results. Examples of test deliverables include test plans, test cases, test scripts, test data, test reports, and defect logs.

25. What is alpha testing and beta testing?

Alpha testing is conducted by a select group of users or internal testers in a controlled environment to evaluate the software application's functionality, usability, and overall performance. Beta testing, on the other hand, involves releasing the software to a larger audience or external users to gather feedback, uncover defects, and assess its readiness for production.

26. What is the purpose of a traceability matrix?

A traceability matrix is a document that establishes a link between requirements and test cases, ensuring that each requirement is covered by one or more test cases. It helps in ensuring complete test coverage, tracking the progress of testing, and identifying any gaps or missing test cases.

27. What is the difference between verification and validation?

Verification involves checking whether the software meets the specified requirements and adheres to the predefined standards and guidelines. Validation, on the other hand, focuses on evaluating the software to ensure that it satisfies the user's needs and expectations and performs as intended in its intended environment.

28. What is the purpose of a test environment setup?

Test environment setup involves preparing the necessary hardware, software, and infrastructure to create an environment that closely resembles the production environment. The purpose of this setup is to ensure accurate and reliable testing, replicate real-world conditions, and identify any environment-related issues that may impact the software's behavior.

29. What is the difference between functional testing and system testing?

Functional testing verifies the individual functions and features of a software application to ensure they work as intended. System testing, on the other hand, focuses on testing the integrated system as a whole, including its interactions with external systems or components, to ensure that it meets the specified requirements and functions correctly in its entirety.

30. What is a test strategy?

A test strategy is a high-level document that outlines the overall approach, goals, and guidelines for testing a software application. It defines the scope of testing, test levels, test types, entry and exit criteria, test deliverables, and resource allocation. The test strategy provides a roadmap for the testing activities and ensures alignment with the project's objectives and requirements.

Summing Up - QA Manual Testing

Manual testing remains an integral part of software development life cycle and quality assurance. Its value lies in the human touch it brings to the testing process, allowing testers to meticulously explore the software, identify defects, and provide valuable feedback. Through this blog, we have covered ten essential questions and their explanatory answers, shedding light on various aspects of manual testing.

From understanding the difference between functional and non-functional testing to exploring techniques like boundary value analysis and exploratory testing, we have provided insights into the core concepts and practices of manual testing. We have also discussed the importance of test case, test scenario prioritization, defect life cycle management, and the creation of comprehensive test closure reports. By familiarizing yourself with these questions and their answers, you are better prepared for manual testing interviews and equipped with knowledge that will help you excel in your testing endeavors. Remember, manual testing allows for flexibility, adaptability, and a deep understanding of software behavior, which are vital in delivering high-quality software products.

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