SQL Interview Questions for Manual Testing – Complete Job-Preparation Guide

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Introduction: Why Candidates Search for SQL Interview Questions for Manual Testing

If you are preparing for a QA or manual testing interview, you might already know that manual testing alone is not enough. Most companies today expect testers to validate not only the UI but also the backend data. That is why candidates actively search for SQL interview questions for manual testing.

In real projects:

  • UI may show correct data, but the database may be wrong
  • Payments may succeed, but records may not be saved
  • User actions may not reflect correctly in backend tables

Interviewers want QA testers who can:

  • Test features manually
  • Verify data using SQL queries
  • Identify root causes quickly
  • Communicate clearly with developers

This is why SQL interview questions for manual testing are asked in almost every interview questions for QA role—especially for product-based and data-driven applications.

This article is a fully SEO-optimised, job-preparation guide that covers:

  • Manual testing basics (for context)
  • SQL interview questions for manual testers
  • Real-time manual testing questions with SQL
  • Scenario-based questions with easy explanations
  • Real company interview round questions
  • Best answers to manual testing interview questions involving SQL

What is Manual Testing? (Simple Definition with Example)

Manual Testing is the process of testing software manually without using automation tools to verify that it meets business and user requirements.

Simple Example

Testing a signup page:

  • Enter valid details → Account created
  • Enter existing email → Error message
  • Leave mandatory fields empty → Validation message

You perform these actions manually and verify expected vs actual results. This is manual testing.

In real projects, manual testers also verify database entries using SQL to ensure data is saved correctly.

Why Companies Ask SQL Interview Questions for Manual Testing

Companies ask SQL interview questions for manual testing because QA testers often act as a bridge between UI and backend systems.

Real Workplace Angle

In real-time projects:

  • UI displays data fetched from the database
  • Business logic updates multiple tables
  • Reports depend heavily on SQL queries
  • Production issues often require DB validation

Interviewers want testers who can:

  • Validate UI data against database data
  • Check whether records are inserted, updated, or deleted correctly
  • Understand table relationships
  • Catch data-level defects early

That’s why real-time manual testing questions almost always include SQL-based scenarios.

Top Manual Testing Questions (Quick Context Before SQL)

Before moving into SQL, interviewers usually check your manual testing fundamentals.

1. What is Software Testing?

Software testing is the process of finding defects and ensuring software meets requirements.

2. What is Manual Testing?

Manual testing is testing software without automation tools.

3. What is a Test Case?

A test case is a documented set of steps with inputs and expected results.

4. What is STLC?

Requirement analysis → Test planning → Test case design → Test execution → Defect reporting → Test closure

5. What is a Defect?

A defect is a difference between expected and actual results.

These basics help you explain SQL-related answers more confidently in interviews.

SQL Interview Questions for Manual Testing (With Simple Answers)

Below are the most frequently asked SQL interview questions for manual testing, explained in simple and beginner-friendly language.

1. What is SQL?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data from a database.

2. Why do manual testers need SQL knowledge?

Manual testers use SQL to:

  • Verify backend data
  • Validate UI data
  • Check reports
  • Debug production issues

3. What is a Database?

A database is a structured collection of data stored electronically.

4. What is a Table?

A table stores data in rows and columns.

5. What is a Primary Key?

A primary key uniquely identifies each record in a table.

6. What is a Foreign Key?

A foreign key links one table to another table.

7. What is a SELECT statement?

Used to retrieve data.

SELECT * FROM users;

8. What is a WHERE clause?

Used to filter records.

SELECT * FROM users WHERE status=’Active’;

9. What is INSERT statement?

Used to add new data.

INSERT INTO users VALUES (1, ‘John’, ‘Active’);

10. What is UPDATE statement?

Used to modify existing data.

UPDATE users SET status=’Inactive’ WHERE id=1;

11. What is DELETE statement?

Used to delete records.

DELETE FROM users WHERE id=1;

12. What is TRUNCATE?

TRUNCATE removes all rows from a table quickly.

13. Difference Between DELETE and TRUNCATE

  • DELETE removes specific rows
  • TRUNCATE removes all rows

14. What is NULL?

NULL means no value.

15. What is JOIN?

JOIN is used to combine data from multiple tables.

16. Types of JOINs

  • INNER JOIN
  • LEFT JOIN
  • RIGHT JOIN
  • FULL JOIN

17. Difference Between WHERE and HAVING

  • WHERE filters rows
  • HAVING filters grouped data

18. What is GROUP BY?

Used to group rows with similar values.

19. What is ORDER BY?

Used to sort results.

20. What is COUNT()?

Used to count rows.

Real-Time SQL Interview Questions for Manual Testing

These real-time manual testing questions combine UI testing + SQL validation, which interviewers love.

21. How do you validate data displayed on UI using SQL?

  • Perform action on UI
  • Write SELECT query
  • Compare UI data with DB data

22. User registered successfully but record not found in DB

  • Check users table
  • Validate INSERT query
  • Report defect

23. Payment successful but order not created

  • Check orders table
  • Check payment table
  • Verify transaction status

24. Profile updated on UI but DB not updated

  • Check UPDATE query
  • Validate backend service

25. Duplicate records created

  • Check unique constraints
  • Validate form submission logic

26. Report values not matching UI

  • Validate report query
  • Check source tables

27. User deleted from UI but still exists in DB

  • Check DELETE query
  • Validate soft delete logic

28. Cart items missing after refresh

  • Check cart table
  • Verify session mapping

29. App slow during peak hours

  • Identify heavy SQL queries
  • Report performance concern

30. Data mismatch between environments

  • Compare DB data across environments

Scenario-Based SQL Interview Questions for Manual Testing (15 Examples)

Scenario-based questions are critical in SQL interview questions for manual testing.

1. Login works but user role is incorrect

Check:

  • User role table

2. Order placed but invoice not generated

Check:

  • Invoice table
  • Order status

3. Email sent but user status unchanged

Check:

  • Notification logs
  • User status column

4. Dashboard shows wrong count

Check:

  • COUNT query logic

5. Multiple users with same email

Check:

  • Unique constraints

6. Tax calculated incorrectly

Check:

  • Tax rules table

7. Audit logs missing

Check:

  • Audit table

8. User logged out automatically

Check:

  • Session table

9. Partial data saved

Check:

  • Transaction rollback

10. Data lost after app upgrade

Check:

  • Migration scripts

11–15. More SQL Scenarios

  • Incorrect permissions
  • Broken table relationships
  • Data duplication
  • Missing foreign keys
  • Invalid default values

Real Company Interview Round Format + Preparation Tips

Typical Interview Rounds

  1. HR round
  2. Manual testing basics
  3. SQL interview questions for manual testing
  4. Scenario-based discussion
  5. Project walkthrough

Preparation Tips

  • Practice SQL queries daily
  • Understand UI-DB flow
  • Explain answers step-by-step

How to Answer SQL Interview Questions for Manual Testing Like a Pro

Best Answer Framework

  1. Explain UI behavior
  2. Explain database validation
  3. Mention SQL query usage
  4. Explain defect handling

Example:
 “If order is missing, I verify UI confirmation, check orders table using SQL, and report the defect with evidence.”

Common Mistakes Candidates Make

  • Ignoring SQL preparation
  • Memorizing queries without understanding
  • Not explaining real-time scenarios
  • Poor communication

Final Revision Sheet – Quick Preparation

Must-Revise Topics

  • Manual testing basics
  • SQL CRUD operations
  • JOINs
  • WHERE, GROUP BY
  • Scenario-based questions

One Day Before Interview

  • Practice SQL queries
  • Revise scenarios
  • Stay calm and confident

FAQs – SQL Interview Questions for Manual Testing

Q1. Is SQL mandatory for manual testers?

Yes, basic SQL is expected in most QA roles.

Q2. How much SQL is enough for manual testing?

Basic SELECT, JOIN, WHERE, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE.

Q3. Are SQL questions asked for freshers?

Yes, basic SQL questions are common.

Q4. Do I need advanced SQL?

No, basic to intermediate SQL is sufficient.

Q5. How to prepare SQL in one week?

Practice queries daily and understand real-time scenarios.

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