Automation testing continues to dominate the software testing industry in 2025. With companies shifting towards faster release cycles, Automation Testing Interview Questions are now integral to the hiring process for testers. Whether you're an experienced tester or a fresher, cracking an interview requires more than just theoretical knowledge—it demands a solid grip on practical coding, frameworks, and tools. This blog explores the top Automation Testing Interview Questions that will help you confidently face technical interviews.
Is Coding Required for Automation Testing?
Yes, coding is essential for automation testing. While low-code tools exist, most enterprise-level automation solutions still rely heavily on scripting and coding to build robust test cases. You need to write scripts for interacting with UI elements, handling test data, setting up environments, and integrating with CI/CD pipelines.
Basic knowledge of programming languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript is expected, especially for working with Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright. Even low-code platforms often require some level of scripting to customize workflows and handle edge cases. So, understanding core programming concepts such as loops, conditions, and OOP is crucial in automation roles.
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Basic Automation Testing Coding Interview Questions
Here, I have discussed the coding questions for automation testing
asked for a fresher.
1. What is automation testing, and how does it differ from manual testing?
Automation testing uses scripts or tools to execute test cases automatically, while manual testing involves human effort. Automation increases efficiency, repeatability, and accuracy, making it ideal for regression, load, and performance testing. Manual testing, however, is better suited for exploratory or usability testing where human judgment is critical.
2. What are the different types of automation testing?
Automation testing includes various types such as:
- Unit Testing
- Integration Testing
- Regression Testing
- Performance Testing
- Load Testing
- Smoke and Sanity Testing
- UI Testing
Each type targets a specific part of the application lifecycle, helping teams ensure stability and performance.
3. What is a test automation framework?
A test automation framework is a structured approach that combines coding standards, test data handling, object repositories, and reusable components. Popular frameworks include:
- Data-Driven Framework
- Keyword-Driven Framework
- Hybrid Framework
- Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) using tools like Cucumber
This question is often seen in Automation Testing Interview Questions as it tests understanding of structured test approaches.
4. Explain regression testing. Can you do regression testing manually?
Regression testing verifies that recent code changes haven't broken existing functionalities. While it can be done manually, it's time-consuming and error-prone. Automation testing is ideal for regression as it allows frequent and quick test execution across builds.
5. What are various types of test automation frameworks?
Test automation frameworks can be:
- Modular Testing Framework
- Library Architecture Framework
- Hybrid Testing Framework
- BDD Framework
These frameworks help organize code, reduce redundancy, and improve test coverage.
6. What role do CI/CD tools play in test automation?
CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, and Azure DevOps automate the build, test, and deployment pipeline. They integrate with testing tools to run automated test suites on every commit, ensuring rapid feedback and reducing the risk of faulty releases.
7. Is system testing a type of functional testing?
Yes, system testing is a type of functional testing that validates the complete and integrated software application. It ensures the end-to-end flow of the application meets the business requirements.
8. How is Assert and Verify used in test scripts?
Assert stops the test execution if a condition fails, while Verify logs the failure but continues test execution. Assert is used when the condition is critical to test continuation, whereas Verify is used for non-critical validations.
9. What is a page object model?
The Page Object Model (POM) is a design pattern in Selenium that enhances test maintenance and readability by creating object repositories for web UI elements. Each page is represented as a class, and UI interactions are defined as methods, making the code modular and reusable.
10. What is a StaleElementReferenceException?
A StaleElementReferenceException occurs when a previously located web element is no longer attached to the DOM. It usually happens after page reloads or dynamic changes. This question is commonly asked in Automation Testing Interview Questions to assess how you handle dynamic changes in a web application during automation. To resolve it, you must re-locate the element before performing any actions on it.
11. What is Jira and Jenkins? How do they help in test automation?
Jira is a project management tool used for tracking tasks, bugs, and test cases, while Jenkins is a CI/CD tool that automates the build and test processes. These tools are often referenced in Automation Testing Interview Questions as they help manage the entire automation testing workflow, ensuring smoother integration and deployment. Jira helps in managing test cases and bugs, while Jenkins automates the execution of test suites, providing rapid feedback and reducing manual testing efforts.
12. What is end-to-end testing?
End-to-end testing validates the entire application workflow from start to finish. It mimics real user scenarios, covering all integrated components like APIs, databases, and UIs to ensure system stability and data flow. You may encounter Automation Testing Questions related to how end-to-end testing ensures that all system components work together seamlessly. It’s a critical step to guarantee the application’s behavior matches user expectations across all workflows.
13. What is API testing?
API testing involves verifying application programming interfaces for functionality, reliability, and security. Tools like Postman and REST Assured are commonly used. API testing ensures that backend services perform as expected.
14. What is the difference between a bug and a defect?
A defect is identified internally by testers during development, while a bug is usually reported by end-users post-release. Both refer to deviations from expected behavior, but their discovery points differ.
15. What is user acceptance testing?
User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is performed by end-users or stakeholders to validate whether the software meets business requirements. It typically happens in a staging environment before the product goes live.
16. What scenarios need visual testing?
Visual testing ensures that the UI renders correctly across browsers and devices. It is used in scenarios involving dynamic styling, responsive layouts, charts, or canvas elements. Tools like Percy and Applitools help automate visual validation.
17. What are edge cases in testing?
Edge cases are unexpected input or scenarios at the extreme ends of input ranges. For example, testing an input field with 0 characters or 1,000 characters. These cases ensure the system handles boundary conditions gracefully.
18. What is low-code software testing?
Low-code testing platforms like TestProject or Katalon Studio allow testers to build automation scripts with minimal coding. While useful for beginners or small projects, they still require scripting for complex logic and integrations.
19. How can you handle dynamic elements in test automation?
Handling dynamic elements involves strategies like:
- Using XPath with contains or starts-with functions
- Waiting explicitly for elements to appear
- Avoiding hard-coded locators
- Using unique attributes like data-id or CSS classes
Also Read: Software Testing Strategy
Intermediate-Based Automation Testing Coding Interview Questions
Now, I will take you through the coding questions for automation testing
asked for the senior position.
1. Explain behaviour-driven development (BDD) testing.
BDD is a development approach that allows collaboration between developers, testers, and business stakeholders by writing test cases in natural language using tools like Cucumber or SpecFlow. These test cases follow a Given-When-Then structure and promote a shared understanding of application behavior. It helps bridge the communication gap and aligns test automation scripts with business requirements.
2. How can you handle test data in automation?
Test data can be handled through:
- External files (Excel, CSV, JSON)
- Databases or mock APIs
- Random data generators like Faker
- Environment-specific variables
Data-driven testing frameworks allow the same test script to run with multiple datasets, improving coverage and reducing duplication.
3. What are a few best practices for writing reusable scripts?
- Follow DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principles
- Use modular functions and utilities
- Implement Page Object Model for UI automation
- Add proper documentation and comments
- Parameterize test data
- Use assertions meaningfully
Reusable scripts save time and increase maintainability in long-term projects.
4. What is the importance of AI/ML in test automation?
AI and ML enhance automation by:
- Identifying patterns in flaky test cases
- Auto-healing locators when UI changes
- Predicting high-risk areas
- Reducing maintenance overhead
Many modern automation testing tools now incorporate AI/ML to improve script reliability and reduce false positives.
5. Explain autonomous testing.
Autonomous testing refers to self-configuring, self-healing test systems that can:
- Learn from previous test runs
- Adjust test cases based on application changes
- Make decisions with minimal human intervention
This futuristic testing model leverages AI to automate not just test execution, but also test generation and maintenance.
6. How can you optimize test suite execution?
- Parallel test execution using TestNG or JUnit
- Grouping tests based on criticality (Smoke, Sanity, Regression)
- Skipping redundant tests using tags
- Running API tests before UI tests for faster feedback
- Implementing CI pipelines to manage execution flow
Optimization ensures fast feedback and better CI/CD integration.
7. What is a failing automation script? How can you debug them?
A failing automation script is one that throws errors or does not produce expected results. Debugging steps include:
- Re-running the test in debug mode
- Capturing screenshots or logs
- Checking for broken locators
- Verifying wait conditions
- Isolating the test to rule out data or environment issues
Understanding root causes is essential for robust test automation.
8. What is cross-browser testing?
Cross-browser testing ensures that your web application works consistently across different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and their versions. Tools like BrowserStack, Sauce Labs, or Selenium Grid are commonly used. It is an integral part of automation testing interview questions as it assesses knowledge of browser compatibility.
9. Where do you use test design techniques?
Test design techniques like boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, and decision tables are used to:
- Write effective test cases
- Maximize coverage with minimal scripts
- Avoid redundant checks
These techniques are applied both in manual and automation testing.
10. UI vs API automation—when should you use them?
Use UI automation to test user workflows and end-to-end scenarios. Use API automation to validate backend logic, integration, and performance. API testing is faster and more stable, making it ideal for early-stage validations. Combining both ensures full coverage.
11. What is the approach to testing unstable features?
- Use feature toggles to isolate unstable features
- Mark them as flaky and exclude them from critical pipelines
- Collaborate with developers to improve testability
- Add retry logic or run tests in quarantine environments
This demonstrates maturity in handling real-world projects during automation testing coding interview questions.
12. What are codeless automation tools?
Codeless tools like TestCraft, Katalon Studio, and Tosca allow testers to automate without writing complex code. These tools use drag-and-drop interfaces and are ideal for non-programmers or for rapid prototyping. However, for scalability and flexibility, scripting skills are still important.
13. What role can Kubernetes play in automation testing?
Kubernetes helps:
- Run parallel test containers in a scalable environment
- Manage test environments dynamically
- Reduce test execution time
- Integrate with CI/CD for test deployment pipelines
It's especially useful in microservices and DevOps-driven setups.
14. What is the testing pyramid?
The testing pyramid visualizes test distribution:
- Unit Tests (base): Fast, focused, and numerous
- Service/API Tests (middle): Validate business logic
- UI Tests (top): Few in number, used for end-to-end checks
Following this model improves stability and reduces maintenance.
15. What is monkey testing?
Monkey testing involves random inputs to test system stability. It's used to:
- Identify unpredictable bugs
- Stress test inputs and interfaces
- Simulate chaotic user behavior
It’s often automated with bots that mimic user actions randomly.
16. What are the key skills that can help you become a successful test automation engineer?
- Strong programming foundation
- Familiarity with automation frameworks
- Understanding of CI/CD pipelines
- API testing knowledge
- Debugging and reporting skills
- Adaptability to new tools and tech
- Communication and collaboration
These are frequently cited in Automation Testing Questions and Answers during interviews.
17. How important is it to implement CI/CD pipelines in test automation?
CI/CD pipelines automate test execution on every code change, offering faster feedback, reduced manual errors, and smoother deployment. Integration of automated testing into CI/CD is a best practice in modern DevOps environments.
18. What is Robot Framework testing?
Robot Framework is a keyword-driven open-source automation framework used for acceptance testing. It supports libraries like SeleniumLibrary, RESTinstance, and AppiumLibrary. Its syntax is readable, making it ideal for teams with mixed technical backgrounds.
19. What is shift-left testing?
Shift-left testing involves moving testing activities earlier in the development lifecycle. By identifying bugs early, it reduces cost, shortens time-to-market, and improves quality. Automation enables this by running fast feedback loops.
Also Read: Latest Trends in Automation Testing
Test Scenario-Based Automation Testing Coding Interview Questions
From my knowledge, experienced candidates have to face complex questions. However, they will have the expertise and can answer the questions easily. Here are the questions that can be asked to an individual with 10+ years of experience in Automation testing-
1. What will be your testing approach to check if a confirmation email is sent after user registration?
- Use mock email services (like Mailtrap) or access the test inbox
- Register a new user
- Assert the arrival, subject, and body content of the email
- Validate timestamps and clickable links
This showcases both UI and backend validation strategy.
2. What could be your next steps if a test case fails?
- Review logs and screenshots
- Identify whether it’s a test script issue, environment issue, or application bug
- Re-run the test with debug info
- Isolate test data issues
- Raise a defect if needed, or update the script
Knowing how to handle failures is vital in automation testing coding interview questions.
3. An application has a CAPTCHA, however, automating the test case will lead to failure. What can be done in this scenario?
- Bypass CAPTCHA using test hooks or test-specific flags
- Ask the dev team to disable CAPTCHA in the test environment
- Use mock data or request a static CAPTCHA code for automation purposes
Automation teams typically work with development to create test-friendly environments.
4. How can pop-up windows or alert boxes be handled in test case scripts?
In Selenium:
Alert alert = driver.switchTo().alert();
System.out.println(alert.getText());
alert.accept();
This handles alerts and confirms actions. Dismiss or accept methods can be used based on context.
5. What is Cucumber?
Cucumber is a BDD testing framework that allows writing test cases in natural language (Gherkin). It improves collaboration across technical and non-technical team members and supports multiple languages including Java and JavaScript.
6. What is Selenium?
Selenium is one of the most widely used open-source automation testing tools for web applications. It supports multiple browsers and programming languages. Selenium WebDriver, Grid, and IDE form its core components.
7. What is smoke testing?
Smoke testing is a quick check to ensure that the major functionalities of an application are working as expected. It’s often automated and run as the first test suite in CI/CD pipelines.
Conclusion
To ace automation testing interview in 2025, you need a perfect blend of coding proficiency, real-world scenario handling, and tool knowledge. From basic concepts to advanced frameworks, the questions are designed to test how well you can automate intelligently—not just write scripts. Whether you're preparing for your first job or aiming to level up, these automation testing interview questions and answers are your guide to success.
Also Read: Automation Tester Roles and Responsibilities
FAQs
1. What are the tips for automation coding interviews?
Here is what I recommend you to do-
[a] Start by learning at least one programming language like Python or Java.
[b] After that, start learning about automation frameworks like Selenium.
[c] Practise multiple coding problems on online platforms.
[d] Understand the automation scenarios and design patterns.
[e] Learn CI/CD tools like Git.
[f] Lastly, practice explaining your thought process.
2. What is a test automation framework?
This framework is a structured approach for automation testing. It has guidelines and best practices for creating the test scripts. These frameworks aid in enhancing the test efficiency and reusability. They also help manage the test data by organizing test scripts.
3. What is the role of the test automation engineer?
A test automation engineer develops and maintains the automated test scripts. They collaborate with the team to create plans and execute automated tests. They play a key role in analyzing the test results and ensuring the reliability of the tests. Apart from these, they also learn and adapt to new technologies.
