Master Your Next Interview: Top 40 Rest Assured Interview Questions and Expert Answers

Rupesh Garg

January 28, 2025

10 mins

Rest Assured has become a cornerstone in REST API automation testing due to its robust functionality and ease of use. Whether you're an experienced tester or just starting, preparing for a Rest Assured interview can be a difficult goal that sets you apart. This blog serves as a comprehensive guide, helping job seekers excel by mastering essential topics and addressing both behavioral questions and technical challenges.

We'll cover a list of questions with Expert Answers that tackle key interview questions, focusing on aspects of testing from API fundamentals to more advanced topics. The guide provides handy practice questions to help you prepare effectively for both Manual testing and automation testing scenarios. By understanding the job description and aligning your skills with the role, you'll confidently navigate your interview.  

From detailed guides to practical advice, this blog equips you with the tools needed to demonstrate your ability to ensure software quality and produce high-quality software. Whether you're advancing from manual testing or deepening your knowledge of automation, this resource will help you succeed in your Rest Assured interview.

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What you will gain from this Blog

📌 Master key Rest Assured interview questions, from beginner to advanced.
📌 Learn the STAR method to answer interview questions effectively.
📌 Discover strategies for excelling in virtual Rest Assured interviews.
📌 Gain insight into essential Rest Assured basics for beginners.
📌 Tackle advanced topics like OAuth, custom assertions, and file handling.
📌 Prepare for behavioral and technical questions with practical tips.
📌 Understand how to manage APIs and debugging strategies in Rest Assured.
📌 Master the integration of Rest Assured with CI tools like Jenkins.
📌 Use best practices to write maintainable and high-quality Rest Assured tests.

The STAR Method: Your Key to Answering Rest Assured Interview Questions Effectively

In any interview, especially for technical roles like Rest Assured API testing, it's crucial to answer questions clearly and methodically. The STAR method provides an effective framework for structuring responses to both behavioral and technical questions. It helps you communicate your experience and skills concisely, showcasing your qualifications and problem-solving abilities.

Virtual Rest Assured Interviews in 2025: Tips and Strategies for Success

Virtual interviews have become a cornerstone of the hiring process, and excelling in a virtual Rest Assured interview requires preparation, adaptability, and a solid understanding of key concepts. Here are some strategies to ensure your success:

Virtual Rest Assured Interview Preparation

  1. Prepare for Questions 📋
    • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions to highlight problem-solving skills.
    • For technical questions, discuss response times, parallel testing, and code readability.

  2. Highlight Your Role and Achievements 🚀
    • Share how your experience aligns with the job, including API testing, optimizing response times, and improving code readability.
  3. Master Content Delivery 👩💻
    • Speak clearly and confidently, explaining complex ideas like parallel testing’s benefits.

  4. Showcase Problem-Solving with Code 💻
    • Present clean, efficient code snippets that address real-world challenges like performance optimization.

  5. Align with the Role 🎯
    • Tailor responses to the job, showcasing adaptability and structured problem-solving.

  6. Focus on Results ⏱️
    • Emphasize minimizing response times and continuous improvement efforts in your current role.

By practicing these strategies, you can excel with clarity, confidence, and a results-driven mindset.

Essential Rest Assured Basics: Interview Questions for Beginners

This section is tailored to beginners and those looking to understand the key interview questions that frequently appear in a Rest Assured interview. Addressing the foundational concepts is a common goal for interviewers assessing job seekers.

1. What is Rest Assured, and why is it used?

Rest Assured is a Java library used for RESTful API testing by simplifying HTTP requests and response validations. It integrates with testing frameworks like JUnit and TestNG, supporting various authentication methods and content types. This versatility ensures efficient and reliable API testing. 

2. How do you add Rest Assured to your project?

To add Rest Assured to your project, include the dependency in your pom.xml file for Maven. This allows you to use Rest Assured for API testing in your project. Here’s the code snippet below:

3. Explain the main components of a Rest Assured test script.

A Rest Assured test script typically includes:

  1. Request Specification: Defines the setup for the HTTP request, including the base URL, headers, parameters, and authentication details.
  2. Response: Captures the response returned by the server after executing the HTTP request, allowing access to various aspects such as status codes, headers, and body content.
  3. Assertions: Validates the response to ensure it meets the expected criteria, such as correct status codes, response times, header values, and content within the response body.

By structuring your test scripts with these components, you can create clear, maintainable, and efficient API tests.

4. What are the various HTTP methods supported by Rest Assured?

Rest Assured supports GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH, HEAD, and OPTIONS methods. These methods are central to achieving project success when testing APIs.

5. How do you send a GET request using Rest Assured?

We can send a GET request using Rest Assured by specifying the base URI, sending the request, and validating the response, as shown in the code snippet below. 

6. Explain Rest Assured method chaining.

In Rest Assured, method chaining enables the linking of multiple methods in a single line, enhancing the readability and maintainability of test scripts. This approach allows for a more concise and expressive syntax, facilitating the construction of HTTP requests and the validation of responses in a fluent manner. By returning the current object from each method, Rest Assured supports this chaining, leading to cleaner and more efficient code. 

7. What is the difference between given(), when(), and then() in Rest Assured?

In Rest Assured:

  1. given(): Used to set up the request by defining preconditions like headers, parameters, cookies, body, or authentication.
  2. when(): Specifies the action, such as triggering the HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) on a specific endpoint.
  3. then(): Validates the response by performing assertions on the status code, headers, body, or other response attributes.

These methods follow a Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) syntax for writing readable and intuitive API tests.

8. How do you handle authentication in Rest Assured?

We can handle authentication in Rest Assured by using .auth().basic("username", "password") to provide basic authentication credentials in the request. Here’s the code snippet below:

9. What is the role of baseURI and basePath in Rest Assured?

In Rest Assured, baseURI specifies the base URL, while basePath defines the endpoint path to be appended to the base URL.

  • baseURI: Specifies the base URL.
  • basePath: Defines the endpoint path.

RestAssured.baseURI = "https://api.example.com";

RestAssured.basePath = "/v1/users";

10. How do you validate the response status code in Rest Assured?

We can validate the response status code in Rest Assured by using .then().statusCode(200) to check if the status code is 200.

11. How can you extract data from a JSON response using Rest Assured?

We can extract data from a JSON response in Rest Assured using .jsonPath().getString("email") to retrieve the value of the email field for the json response below: 

{
  "data": {
    "id": 101,
    "name": "John Doe",
    "email": "john.doe@example.com",
    "details": {
      "age": 30,
      "address": "123 Main Street"
    }
  }
}

Here’s the code snippet below on how to extract JSON using Rest Assured:

Image 8 [

Image Title: Code to Extract JSON Response Using Rest Assured
Image Content: 

Response response = given().get("/endpoint");
String name = response.jsonPath().getString("data.name");
System.out.println(name);

] Image 8

12. What is the purpose of the Response class in Rest Assured?

The Response class captures the HTTP response, providing methods to extract and validate data. Hands-on experience with this class is vital for understanding software quality metrics.

13. How do you set headers in a Rest Assured request?

We can set headers in a Rest Assured request using .header("HeaderName", "HeaderValue") to add custom headers.

Example: given().header("Authorization", "Bearer token");

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14. How do you send a POST request using Rest Assured?

We can send a POST request in Rest Assured by using .body(requestBody).post("/endpoint") to include the request body and send the request. Here’s the code snippet below:

15. What is the use of RequestSpecification in Rest Assured?

RequestSpecification in Rest Assured is used to define reusable request setups, such as base URI, headers, authentication, or query parameters, which can be applied across multiple tests. This reduces redundancy, improves maintainability, and enhances the efficiency of API testing projects.

Intermediate Rest Assured Interview Questions to Advance Your Career

In this section, we’ll explore advanced topics and potential questions that help you transition from basic to intermediate proficiency. This part of the hiring process often focuses on detailed guide-level understanding and hands-on experience.

16. How can you validate the response time of an API using Rest Assured?

You can validate the response time of an API in Rest Assured using the .time() method or by adding a .assertThat().time() assertion. This is useful for performance testing to ensure the API meets defined response time SLAs.

17. How can you manage cookies in Rest Assured?

  • A cookie is a small piece of data stored by the browser that is sent with HTTP requests to maintain session or user-specific information.
  • We can manage cookies in Rest Assured using .cookie("cookieName", "cookieValue") to include cookies in the request. Here’s the code snippet below:
Response response = given().cookie("session_id", "12345").get("/endpoint");

18. Explain how to perform a PUT request using Rest Assured.

We can perform a PUT request in Rest Assured by using .body(updatedBody).put("/endpoint") to send the updated data. Here’s the code snippet below:

19. How do you validate JSON schema in Rest Assured?

We can validate a JSON schema in Rest Assured by using .body(matchesJsonSchemaInClasspath("schema.json")) to match the response body against a schema file.

20. What is the significance of pathParam() and queryParam() methods in Rest Assured?

pathParam(): Used to dynamically replace placeholders in the URL path.

Example:

 given()
    .pathParam("id", 123) // Replaces {id} in the URL
    .when()
    .get("https://api.example.com/users/{id}")
    .then()
    .statusCode(200);

queryParam(): Adds key-value pairs as query parameters to the URL for filtering or modifying requests.

Example:

given()
    .queryParam("q", "testing") // Adds ?q=testing to the URL
    .queryParam("limit", 5)     // Adds &limit=5
    .when()
    .get("https://api.example.com/search")
    .then()
    .statusCode(200);

These methods allow dynamic and flexible API request construction, making it easy to handle endpoints with variable paths or query filters.

21. How do you handle XML responses in Rest Assured?

Use xmlPath() to parse XML and extract values with XPath expressions. Here’s the code snippet below:

Response response = get("/xml-endpoint");
String value = response.xmlPath().getString("root.element");

22. What is the role of Filters in Rest Assured, and how are they used?

Filters in Rest Assured act as interceptors for requests and responses, enabling tasks like logging, request/response modification, or adding custom logic. They enhance debugging, monitoring, and test customization, playing a vital role in ensuring high-quality software.

23. How do you perform data-driven testing with Rest Assured?

To perform data-driven testing with Rest Assured, integrate it with libraries like TestNG (for parameterized tests) or Apache POI (for reading Excel files). This allows tests to run with external datasets, enhancing test coverage and aligning with advanced testing practices.

24. How can you integrate Rest Assured with TestNG or JUnit?

We can integrate Rest Assured with TestNG or JUnit by annotating test methods (e.g., @Test in TestNG or JUnit) and writing Rest Assured API test logic within them, as shown in the example. Here’s the code snippet below:

25. Explain how to log request and response details in Rest Assured.

We can log request and response details in Rest Assured using log().all() before the request and after the response in the test chain. Here’s the code snippet below:

Example: 

given().log().all().get("/endpoint").then().log().all();

Advanced Rest Assured Interview Questions and Strategies for Success

Advanced topics demand hands-on experience and a focus on the nuances of API testing. This section addresses key interview questions for expert-level understanding.

26. How do you handle file uploads and downloads using Rest Assured?

We can handle file uploads in Rest Assured using multiPart() to attach the file and post() to send the request, and handle downloads by making a GET request and saving the response. Here’s the code snippet below:

27. What is the purpose of RestAssuredMockMvc in Spring integration?

RestAssuredMockMvc is used for testing Spring controllers directly by simulating HTTP requests without deploying the application. It simplifies unit testing of APIs in Spring-based projects, making it essential for effective collaboration between API testers and project managers.

28. How do you implement custom assertions in Rest Assured?

We can implement custom assertions in Rest Assured by extracting response data using response.path("key") and applying custom logic or assertions, such as comparing it to an expected value. Here’s the code snippet below:

29. Explain how to handle dynamic content in responses using Rest Assured.

To handle dynamic content in responses using Rest Assured, utilize JSONPath or XMLPath with dynamic queries to extract or validate response elements based on runtime values. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and adaptability during behavioral assessments.

30. How can you manage different environments (e.g., dev, prod) in Rest Assured tests?

To manage different environments (e.g., dev, prod) in Rest Assured tests, use configuration files or environment variables to define environment-specific details like base URLs and credentials. This ensures flexibility and adaptability across testing scenarios.

31. What are some common challenges faced while testing APIs with Rest Assured, and how do you address them?

We can address common challenges in API testing with Rest Assured by using parameterization for dynamic data, employing token-based or other authentication mechanisms for secure access, and utilizing JSONPath queries to handle and validate complex JSON structures efficiently.

32. How do you handle timeouts and retries in Rest Assured?

We can handle timeouts and retries in Rest Assured by configuring the HTTP client settings, such as setting connection timeouts using HttpClientConfig, and implementing retry logic externally if needed. Here’s the code snippet below:

Example:

RestAssured.config = RestAssured.config().httpClient(HttpClientConfig.httpClientConfig().setParam("CONNECTION_TIMEOUT", 5000));

33. Explain how to perform parallel test execution with Rest Assured.

To perform parallel test execution with Rest Assured, use TestNG's parallel attribute or JUnit's parallel runner to run multiple tests simultaneously, improving efficiency and reducing execution time.

34. How can you integrate Rest Assured with continuous integration tools like Jenkins?

To integrate Rest Assured with CI tools like Jenkins , configure Maven or Gradle tasks in the Jenkins pipeline to run API tests automatically, ensuring consistent validation and deployment of high-quality software.

35. What are the best practices for writing maintainable Rest Assured tests?

Best practices for writing maintainable Rest Assured tests include using constants for URLs and endpoints, modularizing code with helper methods, and avoiding hardcoding by using external configurations.

  1. Use Constants🔗: For URLs and endpoints.
  2. Modularize Code🔧: Use helper methods.
  3. Avoid Hardcoding🚫: Use external configurations.

36. How do you mock APIs for testing purposes in Rest Assured?

To mock APIs for testing in Rest Assured, use tools like WireMock to simulate realistic API responses without hitting actual endpoints, helping ensure controlled and efficient testing while aligning with software quality goals.

37. Explain the use of Matchers in Rest Assured assertions.

Matchers in Rest Assured are used to define conditions for validating response content, such as using equalTo() to assert that a response body matches an expected value. Here’s the code snippet below:

Examples:

then().body("key", equalTo("value"));

38. How do you handle rate limiting in API testing with Rest Assured?

To handle rate limiting in API testing with Rest Assured, implement retries with delays or exponential backoff strategies to respect the rate limit and ensure stable, efficient test execution without exceeding the allowed request threshold.

39. What strategies do you use for debugging failed Rest Assured tests?

For debugging failed Rest Assured tests, we enable request/response logging to capture details and isolate failing tests to run them separately for better analysis.

  1. Enable Logs: Request/response logging.
  2. Isolate Tests: Run failing tests separately.

40. How do you ensure the idempotency of API requests in Rest Assured?

Idempotency ensures consistent outcomes for repeated requests.

Conclusion: Master Rest Assured and Ace Your Interview

Preparing for a Rest Assured interview/job role requires more than memorizing answers; it involves a deep understanding of API testing, exploratory testing, and the ability to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. This comprehensive guide covers both behavioral and technical questions, offering expert answers and strategies to help you excel.Additionally by mastering data-driven testing, continuous testing, and parallel testing, you can effectively assess response times, improve code readability, and confidently handle different types of questions. Incorporating these skills not only helps you ace your interview but also enhances your current job role by demonstrating your proficiency in programming languages and your commitment to improving client applications.Utilize the STAR method, practice hands-on with realistic code snippets, and follow best practices to shine in interviews. With key practice questions and detailed expert insights, you'll be prepared for any scenario and ready to impress in your desired job role.Whether you're starting in API testing or advancing your career, Rest Assured can be the key to success. Use this guide to refine your skills, master exploratory testing techniques, and enter your interview prepared to make an impact.Good luck mastering API testing and landing your dream job!

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People Also Ask

👉 How many types of authentication are in Postman and Rest Assured? 

Common types include Basic Auth, OAuth, Bearer Token, Digest, and API Key.

👉 What is the difference between chaining and backward chaining? 

Chaining links requests for reuse; backward chaining starts from the desired outcome.

👉 What is the builder pattern in Rest Assured? 

It simplifies request creation. Here’s the code snippet below:

RequestSpecification req = given().header("Content-Type", "application/json").body("{\"key\": \"value\"}");
Response res = req.post("/endpoint");

👉 What is the default port of Rest Assured? 

The default port is 8080, configurable via: RestAssured.port = 8081;

👉 What are the 3 procedures used in chaining? 

Passing data, validating intermediate responses, and handling dynamic scenarios.

Rupesh Garg

✨ Founder and principal architect at Frugal Testing, a SaaS startup in the field of performance testing and scalability

Possess almost 2 decades of diverse technical and management experience with top Consulting Companies (in the US, UK, and India) in Test Tools implementation, Advisory services, and Delivery.

I have end-to-end experience in owning and building a business, from setting up an office to hiring the best talent and ensuring the growth of employees and business.

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