QA Manual Testing Interview Questions – Complete Job-Preparation Guide

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Introduction: Why Candidates Search for QA Manual Testing Interview Questions

If you are preparing for a QA (Quality Assurance) or software testing interview, one of the most searched topics is QA manual testing interview questions.
The reason is simple: manual testing is the backbone of QA roles, especially for entry-level and mid-level positions.

Even in companies that use automation, interviews still focus heavily on:

  • Manual testing fundamentals
  • Logical thinking
  • Real-time problem-solving
  • Scenario-based questions

Recruiters believe that a good QA tester is first a strong manual tester. That’s why candidates across experience levels—freshers, 1–3 years, and even senior testers—prepare using QA manual testing interview questions.

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

  • Top manual testing questions
  • Interview questions for QA roles
  • Real-time manual testing questions
  • Scenario-based questions with easy answers
  • Real company interview round questions

What is Manual Testing? (Simple Definition with Example)

Manual Testing is the process of testing software manually without using automation tools to identify defects and ensure the application works according to requirements.

Simple Example

You are testing a login page:

  • Enter valid username and password → Login successful
  • Enter invalid password → Error message displayed
  • Leave fields empty → Validation message shown

You perform these steps manually and compare actual results with expected results. This is called manual testing.

Why Companies Ask QA Manual Testing Interview Questions

Companies ask QA manual testing interview questions to evaluate whether a candidate can think like:

  • An end user
  • A quality analyst
  • A problem solver

Real Workplace Angle

In real projects:

  • Requirements may be incomplete
  • Deadlines are tight
  • Bugs appear close to release
  • User experience matters a lot

Manual testers play a critical role in:

  • Catching usability issues
  • Finding business logic defects
  • Validating real-world scenarios

That’s why interviews focus on scenario-based questions and real-time manual testing questions, not just theory.

Top QA Manual Testing Interview Questions with Sample Answers

Below are the most commonly asked QA manual testing interview questions, explained in simple and clear language.

1. What is Software Testing?

Answer:
 Software testing is the process of finding defects and ensuring the software meets user and business requirements.

2. What is Manual Testing?

Manual testing is testing software manually without using automation tools.

3. Why is Manual Testing Important?

  • Helps find usability issues
  • Validates business logic
  • Ensures better user experience
  • Required before automation

4. What is a Bug or Defect?

A defect is a difference between expected result and actual result.

5. What is a Test Case?

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

Example:
 Test Case: Verify login with valid credentials
Expected Result: User logs in successfully

6. What is the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC)?

Answer:
 STLC includes:

  1. Requirement Analysis
  2. Test Planning
  3. Test Case Design
  4. Test Execution
  5. Defect Reporting
  6. Test Closure

7. What is Verification and Validation?

  • Verification: Checking documents and requirements
  • Validation: Checking the actual application

8. What is Smoke Testing?

Smoke testing checks basic critical functionality of a build.

9. What is Regression Testing?

Regression testing ensures existing functionality works after changes or bug fixes.

10. What is Sanity Testing?

Sanity testing checks specific functionality after a small change.

11. Difference Between Severity and Priority

  • Severity: Impact of the defect on the system
  • Priority: Urgency to fix the defect

12. What is Black Box Testing?

Testing software without knowing internal code structure.

13. What is White Box Testing?

Testing software with knowledge of internal code.

14. What is Retesting?

Retesting is testing a specific defect fix again to confirm it is resolved.

15. What is a Test Scenario?

A test scenario is a high-level idea of what to test, covering multiple test cases.

Real-Time QA Manual Testing Interview Questions

These real-time manual testing questions are asked to check practical thinking.

16. How will you test a login page?

  • Valid login
  • Invalid login
  • Empty fields
  • Password masking
  • Forgot password functionality

17. How do you report a bug?

  • Write steps to reproduce
  • Mention expected and actual results
  • Attach screenshots or logs

18. What will you do if requirements are unclear?

  • Ask questions
  • Discuss with BA or senior tester
  • Refer to similar features

19. How do you prioritize test cases?

  • Business-critical features
  • High-risk areas
  • Frequently used functionality

20. What testing documents do you know?

  • Test Plan
  • Test Cases
  • Bug Report
  • Test Summary Report

Scenario-Based QA Manual Testing Interview Questions (15 Examples)

Scenario-based questions are very important in QA manual testing interview questions.

1. Login button is not working

Check:

  • Button click
  • Browser console
  • Network connectivity

2. Application crashes after clicking Submit

Actions:

  • Reproduce steps
  • Check input data
  • Log defect

3. Password field shows plain text

This is a security defect.

4. Page loads very slowly

Check:

  • Internet speed
  • Page size
  • Server response

5. Data not saved after page refresh

Verify:

  • Save button
  • Database update

6. Mobile number field accepts alphabets

This is a validation defect.

7. Forgot password email not received

Check:

  • Email trigger
  • Spam folder

8. Logout not working

Check:

  • Session handling

9. Application works in Chrome but not Firefox

This is a browser compatibility issue.

10. Dropdown values are incorrect

Check:

  • Requirement
  • Backend data source

11–15. More Scenario-Based Questions

  • Broken links
  • UI alignment issues
  • Duplicate data submission
  • Incorrect error message
  • Session timeout issues

Real Company Interview Round Format + Preparation Tips

Typical QA Interview Rounds

  1. HR Round
  2. QA manual testing interview questions
  3. Scenario-based questions
  4. Communication and attitude round

Preparation Tips

  • Revise basics daily
  • Practice scenarios aloud
  • Use simple explanations
  • Be honest if you don’t know something

How to Answer QA Manual Testing Interview Questions Like a Pro

Simple Answer Framework

  1. Definition
  2. Example
  3. Practical usage

Example:
 “Regression testing means testing existing features after changes. For example, after fixing a login bug, I test signup and dashboard.”

Common Mistakes Candidates Make in QA Interviews

  • Memorizing answers without understanding
  • Not giving examples
  • Using overly technical language
  • Overconfidence
  • Poor communication

Final Revision Sheet – Quick Preparation

Must-Revise Topics

  • Manual testing basics
  • STLC
  • Test cases and defects
  • Smoke vs regression testing
  • Scenario-based questions

One Day Before Interview

  • Revise definitions
  • Practice scenarios
  • Stay calm and confident

FAQs – QA Manual Testing Interview Questions

Q1. Are QA manual testing interview questions asked for freshers?

Yes, almost all fresher QA interviews focus on manual testing basics.

Q2. Do I need coding for manual testing?

No, coding is not mandatory for manual testing roles.

Q3. How many questions are usually asked?

Typically 20–40 QA manual testing interview questions.

Q4. What is the best way to prepare?

Understand concepts and practice scenario-based questions.

Q5. Can I get a QA job with only manual testing skills?

Yes, many companies hire QA testers with strong manual testing knowledge.

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