Top 45 Cognizant Automation Testing Interview Questions (with Tips)

During the interview process, Cognizant assesses automation testing candidates based on their proficiency in automation frameworks, scripting languages, and various testing tools. The hiring process includes technical rounds assessing Selenium, TestNG, API testing, CI/CD, and performance testing. Landing a role at Cognizant as an Automation Tester requires thorough preparation and a solid understanding of key concepts in automation testing tools, frameworks, and best practices. Knowing the frequently asked interview questions can significantly improve your chances of success, whether you are a fresher, mid-level candidate, or an experienced professional. This guide provides Cognizant automation testing interview questions tailored for different experience levels and expert tips to help you confidently navigate the interview process.

Cognizant Automation Testing Interview Questions

This section includes a curated list of the top Cognizant Automation interview questions, commonly asked across different roles and experience levels. The questions focus on essential topics like Selenium, TestNG, API testing, CI/CD, performance testing, and automation frameworks. Below are 40+ common interview questions organized based on experience level to help you approach your interviews with confidence.

I. Cognizant Automation Testing Interview Questions for Freshers

Starting your career in automation testing at Cognizant requires foundational knowledge in testing principles, programming languages, and automation frameworks like Selenium and TestNG. Freshers should be able to answer questions on manual vs. automation testing, basic Java concepts, and test automation tools. Here is the list of 15 frequently asked Cognizant automation interview questions for freshers:

Q1. What is the difference between manual testing and automation testing?

Answer: Manual testing involves human effort to execute test cases without the use of automation tools, while automation testing uses scripts and tools like Selenium to run tests automatically. Manual testing is best for exploratory, usability, and ad-hoc testing, whereas automation is ideal for regression, load, and performance testing due to its speed and repeatability.

Q2. What are the advantages of automation testing?

Answer: Automation testing offers several benefits, including:

• Improved Efficiency: Speeds up test execution by automating repetitive tasks.
• Reduced Human Error: Ensures accuracy and consistency across test cycles.
• Increased Test Coverage: Allows testing of complex scenarios across multiple configurations.
• Frequent Execution: Enables continuous testing, helping identify issues early in development.
• Supports CI/CD: Integrates seamlessly with continuous integration and deployment pipelines.
• Scalability: Easily expands to test across different browsers, devices, and environments.
• Resource Optimization: Frees up testers to focus on complex and exploratory testing.

Q3. What is Selenium, and why is it widely used?

Answer: Selenium is an open-source automation tool for testing web applications across different browsers and platforms. It supports multiple programming languages like Java, Python, and C#. It’s widely used due to its flexibility, community support, and ease of integration with other tools like TestNG and Maven.

Q4. Explain the different components of Selenium.

Answer: Selenium has four main components, which include:

• Selenium IDE: A record-and-playback tool for simple test cases.
• Selenium RC (deprecated): Older tool allowing test scripts in multiple languages.
• Selenium WebDriver: A powerful tool that interacts directly with the browser.
• Selenium Grid: Enables parallel test execution across different environments.
  

Q5. What is TestNG, and why is it used in automation testing?

Answer: TestNG is a testing framework inspired by JUnit. It provides annotations, grouping, parallel execution, and flexible test configuration. It integrates seamlessly with Selenium and allows for better test management and reporting.

Q6. What are locators in Selenium?

Answer: Locators in Selenium are used to identify web elements on a web page. Common types include:

• ID: Uses the unique ID attribute of an element for precise identification.
• Name: Locates elements based on their “name” attribute, useful when IDs are not available.
• Class Name: Targets elements using their class attribute, which is useful for styling-based selections.
• Tag Name: Identifies elements by their HTML tag, such as ‘<input>’ or ‘<button>’.
• XPath: A powerful way to navigate the DOM structure and locate elements based on their hierarchy.
• CSS Selector: Uses CSS patterns to locate elements efficiently and is often faster than XPath.

Using accurate locators is critical for stable and reliable test scripts.

Pro Tip: As a fresher looking to join Cognizant, getting an internship might be a great starting point. Networking with current employees and participating in campus drives significantly boosts your chances. Check out how to get an internship at Cognizant.

Q7. What is XPath in Selenium?

Answer:  XPath in Selenium is a powerful query language used to navigate and locate elements within XML and HTML documents. In Selenium WebDriver, XPath helps in identifying web elements, especially those with dynamic attributes, complex structures, or inconsistent locators. It enables testers to select elements using hierarchical relationships, attributes, and text content, making it highly versatile.

Q8. What are locators in Selenium?

Answer:  Locators in Selenium are used to identify and interact with elements on a web page. They act as unique identifiers, enabling automation scripts to interact with UI components like buttons, input fields, links, and tables. Common locators include ID, Name, Class Name, Tag Name, Link Text, Partial Link Text, CSS Selector, and XPath. Each locator has its advantages, depending on the structure and attributes of the web elements.

Q9. What is the difference between ‘findElement()’ and ‘findElements()’ in Selenium?

Answer: ‘findElement()’ returns the first matching WebElement, while ‘findElements()’ returns a list of all matching elements. If no element is found, ‘findElement()’ throws an exception, but ‘findElements()’ returns an empty list.

Example usage:

WebElement singleElement = driver.findElement(By.xpath("//button[@id='submit']")); // Finds first matching element
List<WebElement> multipleElements = driver.findElements(By.tagName("input")); // Finds all input elements

Q10. What is the purpose of waits in Selenium?

Answer:  Waits in Selenium handle synchronization issues by allowing the script to pause execution until certain conditions are met. They prevent failures due to loading delays or dynamically generated elements.

Selenium offers three types of waits, which include: 

• Implicit Wait – Sets a default timeout for all element searches. 
• Explicit Wait – Waits until a specific condition is met. 
• Fluent Wait – Similar to Explicit Wait, but allows custom polling intervals.

Q11. How does automation testing improve software quality?

Answer: Automation testing improves test efficiency, increases coverage, reduces manual effort, speeds up execution, supports continuous integration, and ensures consistent and reliable results for repetitive test scenarios.

Q12. What is the role of a test script in automation?

Answer: A test script is a set of programmed instructions used to automate software testing. It simulates real user interactions such as clicking buttons, entering text, and navigating pages to validate functionality. Effective test scripts:

• Improve test accuracy: Reduce human errors and ensure consistent execution across multiple test runs.
• Enable repeatable execution: Allow the same tests to be performed reliably, making regression testing more efficient.
• Speed up debugging and reporting: Quickly identify defects, generate detailed reports, and streamline issue resolution.
• Enhance test coverage: Automate complex scenarios that may be difficult to test manually, improving overall software reliability.
• Support continuous integration: Integrate seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines, ensuring rapid validation of code changes.

Q13. What is the difference between smoke testing and regression testing?

Answer: Smoke testing is a preliminary test conducted after a new build to verify basic functionality and ensure stability before deeper testing. Regression testing, on the other hand, is performed after code changes to confirm that existing features remain intact and no unintended side effects have occurred.

Q14. How can you handle dropdowns in Selenium?

Answer:  Selenium provides the ‘Select’ class to interact with dropdown menus. You can select options by visible text, index, or value. Here is how you can use the ‘Select’ class provided by Selenium to handle dropdowns:

Select dropdown = new Select(driver.findElement(By.id("dropdownId")));
dropdown.selectByVisibleText("Option1"); // Selects by text
dropdown.selectByIndex(2); // Selects by index
dropdown.selectByValue("option3"); // Selects by value

Q15. How do you handle dynamic web elements in Selenium?

Answer: To interact with dynamic elements reliably, use XPath or CSS selectors that adapt to changes, and apply explicit waits to confirm the element has loaded beforehand. Using patterns and partial matches in locators helps in identifying such elements.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to land a job at Cognizant, ensure your resume is ATS-friendly and reflects relevant experience. Follow the steps on how to apply for a job at Cognizant to avoid common mistakes in the application process.

II. Cognizant Automation Testing Interview Questions for Mid-Level Candidates

Mid-level Cognizant automation interview questions often focus on automation testing principles, proficiency in languages such as Java or Python, and hands-on experience with tools like Selenium and Cucumber. Candidates may also be asked about test frameworks, data-driven testing strategies, and techniques for interacting with various web elements. Here is the list of 15 frequently asked Cognizant automation interview questions for mid-level candidates: 

Q16. What is automation testing?

Answer: Automation testing is a critical approach in software testing that leverages specialized tools to execute tests, eliminating the need for manual intervention. It accelerates testing cycles, improves accuracy, and ensures quality in software applications. Automation testing uses pre-scripted tests to evaluate software functionality, performance, and reliability without manual effort. It helps in reducing human errors, speeding up test execution, and facilitating continuous integration (CI/CD). Automated tests are particularly useful for regression testing, repetitive tasks, and complex scenarios, ensuring that every aspect of the application is verified efficiently.

Q17. What are the different types of automation testing?

Answer:  Automation testing can be categorized into different types based on its purpose and testing level. These classifications help testers design and implement strategies suited to specific testing needs. Here are several types of automation testing:

• Functional Testing: Ensures the software meets business requirements.
• Regression Testing: Verifies that new changes don’t break existing features.
• Performance Testing: Evaluates system response under load conditions.
• API Testing: Ensures seamless communication between software components.
• Security Testing: Identifies vulnerabilities and potential threats.

Q18. What is the test automation pyramid?

Answer: The test automation pyramid is a widely recognized concept in software testing that illustrates an ideal balance between different test levels. It helps organizations optimize their testing efforts by prioritizing efficiency and scalability. The test automation pyramid consists of three key layers:

• Unit Tests (Base) – Fast, low-level tests that check individual functions or components.
• Service/API Tests (Middle) – Backend validation of data flows and services.
• UI Tests (Top) – End-to-end validations through user interface interactions.

This structure minimizes UI testing overhead while focusing on deeper levels of validation that are more stable and efficient.

Q19. What are some best practices in test automation?

Answer: For automation testing to be successful, testers must follow industry best practices that enhance maintainability, efficiency, and accuracy. Implementing these practices ensures a robust testing strategy that adapts to evolving requirements. Here is a list of the best practices: 

• Use modular and reusable test scripts to avoid redundancy.
• Implement data-driven testing for scalability and coverage. 
• Adopt the Page Object Model (POM) to structure locators efficiently. 
• Optimize test execution using parallel testing to save time. 
• Regularly update and refactor scripts to maintain relevance.

By following these practices, organizations can create scalable and effective automation frameworks.

Q20. What are the differences between String and StringBuffer?

Answer: Here are the key differences between String and StringBuffer: 

• String: Immutable (cannot be changed), stored in the string pool, and creates new objects when modified.
• StringBuffer: Mutable (can be changed), stored in heap memory, and allows efficient string modifications.

Q21. Write a Python program to reverse a string.

Answer: Reversing a string is a common programming problem that demonstrates string manipulation techniques. Here is a simple way to achieve this in Python.

def reverse_string(s):
    return s[::-1]

print(reverse_string("Automation"))

Q22. How do you locate elements on a web page using Selenium?

Answer: Locators are essential in Selenium automation, allowing testers to interact with web elements dynamically. Choosing the right locator improves test reliability and execution speed. Selenium provides several locator strategies, including: 

• ID – ‘driver.findElement(By.id(“username”))’ (fastest approach)
• XPath – ‘driver.findElement(By.xpath(“//input[@name=’email’]”))’ (used for complex elements) 
• CSS Selector – ‘driver.findElement(By.cssSelector(“#login-btn”))’ (efficient for styling-based elements)

Using optimal locators ensures robust test automation scripts.

Q23. How can you reduce execution time in Selenium?

Answer: Reducing test execution time improves efficiency and enables faster feedback loops in automation testing. Optimized scripts prevent unnecessary delays and enhance performance. Here is how we can reduce execution time in Selenium: 

• Use implicit and explicit waits wisely.
• Optimize XPath expressions for faster element identification. 
• Execute tests in parallel using Selenium Grid. 
• Minimize browser interactions where possible.

Implementing these techniques improves test speed without compromising reliability.

Q24. What is the Page Object Model (POM)?

Answer: The Page Object Model (POM) is a design pattern used in Selenium to improve maintainability, readability, and scalability of test scripts. POM promotes the separation of concerns by keeping UI locators and test logic in different classes.

Example:

public class LoginPage {
    WebDriver driver;
    By username = By.id("user");
    By password = By.id("pass");

    public void login(String user, String pass) {
        driver.findElement(username).sendKeys(user);
        driver.findElement(password).sendKeys(pass);
    }
}

POM reduces code duplication, making test scripts easier to maintain.

Pro Tip: Always tailor your answers to reflect Cognizant’s core values and the specific job role. Review these common Cognizant Interview questions to help you prepare better.

Q25. What are the different types of Selenium frameworks?

Answer: A well-defined test framework improves test automation structure, ensures scalability, and simplifies execution. Different Selenium frameworks cater to different testing requirements.

• Data-Driven Framework – Uses external data sources like Excel or databases.
• Keyword-Driven Framework – Uses predefined action keywords instead of direct coding.
• Hybrid Framework – Combines multiple strategies for flexibility.

Choosing the right framework enhances automation testing efficiency.

Q26. What is database testing, and why is it important?

Answer: Database testing is the process of validating the accuracy, integrity, and consistency of data stored in a database. It ensures that data is correctly inserted, updated, retrieved, and deleted according to business rules. This type of testing includes checking tables, schemas, triggers, stored procedures, and data flow.

Here is a list highlighting the importance of database testing:

• Ensures data accuracy and integrity across front-end and back-end.
• Verifies data consistency after CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations.
• Validates proper implementation of business logic at the database level.
• Helps identify performance issues such as slow queries or unindexed columns.
• Detects data corruption or loss during transactions.

For example, in an e-commerce application, database testing ensures that when a user places an order, the data is correctly stored in the ‘orders’ table and accurately in the user account and inventory.

Q27. What is a Data-Driven Framework?

Answer: A data-driven framework is a type of test automation framework that separates test scripts from test data. It allows testers to run the same test with multiple sets of data stored in external sources like Excel files, CSV files, XML, JSON, or databases. Some of the key benefits include:

• Enhances reusability by allowing one script to handle multiple input variations.
• Simplifies test maintenance by modifying test data without altering code.
• Supports test scalability and comprehensive coverage of test cases.

Example: Using Selenium with Apache POI to read login credentials from an Excel sheet and run the test for multiple user accounts.

Q28. What is a Keyword-Driven Framework?

Answer: A keyword-driven framework is an advanced testing framework where test actions are represented as keywords. These keywords are mapped to specific methods or functions, and test cases are built by combining these keywords in an external data source like an Excel file. Some of the key features of the keyword-driven framework include:

• High-level abstraction test cases are readable even by non-programmers.
• Reduces code duplication and improves test clarity.
• Makes test case creation faster and more maintainable.

Q29. Explain Cucumber and its Usage.

Answer: Cucumber is a behavior-driven development (BDD) testing tool that bridges the communication gap between business stakeholders and developers. It allows writing test scenarios in plain English using Gherkin syntax, which enhances collaboration and understanding.

Here is the usage of Cucumber in automation:

• It is used with Selenium, Appium, or REST Assured for automation.
• Promotes test reusability and traceability.
• Supports writing features/scenarios using ‘Given’, ‘When’, ‘Then’ structure.
• Integrates easily with Java, Maven, and Jenkins for CI/CD pipelines.

Q30. What Are Some Popular Test Reporting Tools?

Answer: Test reporting tools help in generating and visualizing test execution results to track progress, detect failures, and analyze trends.

Here is a list of some of the popular reporting tools:

• ExtentReports: A customizable HTML reporting tool commonly used with Selenium and TestNG.
• Allure Report: Generates detailed, interactive reports with support for attachments and test steps.
• TestNG Reports: Built-in reporting for the TestNG framework that summarizes test outcomes.
• Cucumber Reports: Provides readable reports for BDD-style test scenarios.
• ReportPortal: Real-time reporting and dashboarding tool for enterprise-level test tracking.

Pro Tip: If you’re preparing for your first QA or automation testing role, it’s essential to understand why Selenium is used, how it interacts with browsers, and the common challenges. Check out Selenium interview questions for freshers to help you build confidence before the interview.

III. Cognizant Automation Testing Interview Questions for Experienced Candidates 

Cognizant’s automation testing interviews for experienced professionals focus on your expertise with automation frameworks, tools like Selenium, and scripting languages such as Java or Python. Experienced candidates may also be assessed on API testing, debugging skills, and their understanding of Agile testing practices. Here is the list of 15 frequently asked Cognizant automation interview questions for experienced candidates: 

Q31. How do you design a scalable test automation framework?

Answer: I focus on creating a modular, reusable, and maintainable framework. I use design patterns like the Page Object Model and follow principles such as the separation of concerns. I keep test data, configurations, and reusable utilities in separate folders. and also ensure my framework supports cross-browser and parallel execution using TestNG and Selenium Grid or cloud services. This way, the framework remains scalable as the application grows.

Q32. How do you implement logging in automation scripts?

Answer:  In my Java-based frameworks, I use Log4j or SLF4J to capture execution logs. I log key events such as test steps, input data, system responses, and exceptions. Logging at different levels (INFO, DEBUG, ERROR) helps me trace issues quickly during execution and speeds up debugging.

Q33. What’s the difference between hard assert and soft assert in TestNG?

Answer: A hard assert (‘Assert’) halts test execution immediately when a check fails, while a soft assert (‘SoftAssert’) allows the test to continue and collects all failures, reporting them at the end. Soft assertions are ideal when validating multiple conditions in a single test.

Q34. How do you write parameterized tests in TestNG?

Answer: I use the ‘@Parameters’ annotation for simple value injection from the XML file, and ‘@DataProvider’ for more complex data sets. DataProviders help me run the same test with multiple inputs, enabling data-driven testing while keeping the code DRY and scalable.

Q35. What is parallel testing, and how is it achieved in TestNG?

Answer: Parallel testing involves executing multiple tests at the same time to reduce execution time. In TestNG, it’s configured via the XML suite file using the ‘parallel’ and ‘thread-count’ attributes. I commonly use it to run tests across different classes, methods, or browsers concurrently.

Q36. How do you handle file uploads and downloads in Selenium?

Answer:  For uploads, I use ‘sendKeys()’ on ‘<input type=”file”>’ elements to simulate file selection. For downloads, I configure browser preferences using ‘ChromeOptions’ or ‘FirefoxProfile’ to set the default download directory and suppress popups. For validation, I use file-handling code to check the file’s presence after download.

Q37. How do you manage browser compatibility testing?

Answer:  I use Selenium Grid or platforms like BrowserStack and Sauce Labs to test across various browser-OS combinations. I configure my framework to run test suites in parallel across different environments, ensuring consistent functionality regardless of the user’s browser.

Q38. How do you integrate Selenium with Jenkins?

Answer:  I create a Jenkins job that pulls the latest code from Git, builds the project using Maven or Gradle, and executes the test suite. I integrate reporting tools like Allure or ExtentReports to publish results and configure email notifications for test status updates. This helps maintain CI/CD pipelines effectively.

Q39. How do you handle CAPTCHA in automation testing?

Answer:  CAPTCHAs are designed to prevent automation, so I avoid automating them. In test environments, I usually work with the development team to disable or bypass CAPTCHA using test flags. In rare cases, I’ve used third-party CAPTCHA solvers—but only in non-production setups.

Q40. What is the role of Git in automation testing?

Answer:  Git helps maintain version control over automation scripts. I use it to collaborate with team members, manage branches for features or bugs, and maintain clean commit histories. Integration with CI/CD tools like Jenkins ensures automated test execution on code commits.

Q41. How do you approach flaky test cases in automation?

Answer:  I identify flaky tests by monitoring failures across runs. Once identified, I analyze the root cause—be it unstable locators, timing issues, or external dependencies. I then fix these by adding proper waits, using robust locators, or mocking unstable components. I also maintain a list of flaky tests and prioritize their stabilization.

Q42. What are hooks in Cucumber, and how are they used?

Answer:  Hooks are special blocks that run before (‘@Before’) or after (‘@After’) each scenario in Cucumber. They are used to perform setup tasks like initializing the browser and loading configurations, or cleanup actions like closing the browser and capturing screenshots on failure.

Q43. How do you handle exceptions and errors in automation scripts?

Answer:  I wrap risky code blocks with try-catch statements. Depending on the type of exception, I either retry, log the issue, or perform cleanup. I also create custom exception handlers for specific scenarios, like element not found, timeouts, or broken API responses, to maintain test stability.

Q44. Explain the concept of headless browser testing.

Answer:  Headless browser testing is the execution of tests using browsers without a GUI. Tools like Headless Chrome or Headless Firefox simulate browser behavior without displaying the UI, which makes them faster and suitable for CI pipelines. It’s configured using ‘headless’ flags in browser options.

Q45. How do you handle API response validation in automation?

Answer:  I use RestAssured in Java to send API requests and validate the response. I check status codes, headers, and response body fields using assertions. I also validate JSON or XML structures and create reusable response validators to keep the tests clean and maintainable.

Tips to Prepare for Cognizant Automation Testing Interview Questions

To succeed in a Cognizant automation testing interview, showcase your technical expertise with widely used tools such as Selenium, Appium, and TestNG, along with solid programming knowledge in Java or Python. Be ready to discuss your experience with automation frameworks, test case design, and CI/CD integration. Emphasize your ability to debug efficiently, write reusable scripts, and handle test data management effectively. Here are a few tips to ace your cognizant automation testing interview questions: 

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrate your expertise with widely used automation tools like Selenium and Appium for web and mobile testing, and show strong programming skills in Java, Python, or other relevant languages. Be well-versed in test frameworks such as TestNG, JUnit, Cucumber, and design patterns like the Page Object Model (POM). Explain your approach to test case design, including types like smoke, regression, and integration testing, and how you manage test data. Familiarity with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, Git, and Docker is also essential.
• Practical Experience: Be ready to discuss real-world projects where you implemented automation, structured using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Highlight your problem-solving skills in debugging automation scripts, resolving flaky tests, or handling synchronization issues. Emphasize how you create reusable components to increase efficiency and manage test data using Excel, properties files, or databases.
• Soft Skills: Highlighting soft skills like communication, analytical thinking, adaptability, problem solving, teamwork work and continuous learning helps in demonstrating technical expertise and workplace effectiveness. Communicate technical concepts clearly and concisely, showcasing your analytical mindset and adaptability to evolving technologies. Also, share examples of how you work collaboratively in a team, resolve challenges, and stay open to continuous learning and feedback.
• Interview Preparation: Before appearing for the interview, practice solving common automation problems and writing code using tools like Selenium. Research Cognizant’s values, work culture, and recent initiatives to align your responses. Lastly, prepare insightful questions for your interviewer to demonstrate genuine interest and engagement.

Conclusion

Preparing for Cognizant automation testing interview questions requires a solid understanding of automation frameworks, scripting languages, and testing tools. Whether you’re a fresher, mid-level, or experienced candidate, mastering concepts like Selenium, TestNG, API testing, CI/CD, and performance testing is essential. Cognizant evaluates candidates based on their ability to design and optimize automation strategies. By understanding common interview questions and best practices, you can confidently showcase problem-solving skills and technical expertise. Thorough preparation and hands-on experience will help you navigate the interview process and secure your role in automation testing.

To secure a similar role, explore our comprehensive guide on TCS automation testing interview questions for detailed preparation and to boost your chances of success in the interview process

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