Cisco QA Interview Questions
Cisco builds the networking infrastructure that powers the internet -- routers, switches, firewalls, and collaboration tools like Webex. QA engineers at Cisco test hardware-software integrations, validate network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF), and ensure enterprise-grade security. Testing at Cisco means understanding networking fundamentals and validating systems where a single bug can take down an entire corporate network.
Free to start · 7-day trial on paid plans
The Interview Process
Cisco's interview process includes a recruiter screen, a technical phone screen, and an on-site loop of 3-4 interviews. The process emphasizes networking domain knowledge, practical testing skills, and cultural fit. Some roles include a lab-based practical test where you configure and test network equipment.
Recruiter Screen
A 30-minute call covering your background, networking experience, and interest in Cisco. The recruiter will explain the product group and team structure.
Technical Phone Screen
A 45-60 minute interview covering networking fundamentals, testing methodology, and coding. Expect questions about protocol testing, network topologies, and automation.
On-Site: Technical Deep-Dive
A hands-on technical interview covering network testing scenarios, protocol validation, and automation for network infrastructure. May include a lab exercise.
On-Site: Coding & Automation
Write test automation for network scenarios -- scripting config changes, validating routing tables, or building test harnesses for hardware-in-the-loop testing.
On-Site: Behavioral
Evaluate teamwork, communication, and how you handle complex troubleshooting scenarios. Cisco values collaborative engineers who can work across hardware and software teams.
What Cisco Focuses On
Key areas Cisco interviewers evaluate in QA and SDET candidates.
Network protocol testing -- validating TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and other networking protocols
Hardware-software integration testing -- validating firmware, drivers, and software on physical network devices
Security testing -- firewall rules, VPN validation, intrusion detection, and zero-trust architecture testing
Network simulation and emulation -- using tools like GNS3, VIRL, or CML to create test topologies
Performance testing -- throughput, latency, packet loss, and jitter measurement under load
Automation for network testing -- Python/pyATS, Ansible, and network-specific automation frameworks
Sample Interview Questions
Questions based on real Cisco QA interview patterns. Practice answering these with AssertHired’s AI interviewer.
- 01
How would you test a new firmware update for a Cisco Catalyst switch to ensure it doesn't break existing VLAN configurations?
- 02
Design a test strategy for validating BGP route convergence across a 500-router network topology.
- 03
How would you automate testing of firewall rules across multiple Cisco ASA devices?
- 04
Tell me about a time you debugged a complex networking issue. Walk me through your troubleshooting process.
- 05
Write a Python script using pyATS to validate that all interfaces on a router are in the expected state.
- 06
How would you test a Webex video conferencing feature for quality under varying network conditions?
- 07
Design a performance test for a network switch that must handle 100Gbps throughput with less than 1ms latency.
Tips for Your Cisco Interview
Networking fundamentals are essential. Refresh your knowledge of the OSI model, TCP/IP, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching (VLANs, STP), and basic security concepts.
Python scripting for network automation (pyATS, Netmiko, Paramiko) is highly valued. If you have network automation experience, highlight it.
Hardware-software testing experience is a differentiator. If you have worked with embedded systems, firmware testing, or hardware-in-the-loop testing, emphasize it.
Cisco values practical troubleshooting skills. Be prepared to walk through how you would diagnose a network issue using logs, packet captures, and systematic elimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CCNA or CCNP for Cisco QA roles?
Certifications are not required but are helpful. A CCNA demonstrates foundational networking knowledge. For senior roles, CCNP-level expertise is expected even without the certificate.
What is pyATS?
pyATS (Python Automated Test System) is Cisco's internal test framework that was open-sourced. It is used for network testing, device validation, and infrastructure automation. Familiarity with pyATS is a significant advantage for Cisco QA roles.
Does Cisco test physical hardware?
Yes. Many Cisco QA roles involve testing physical routers, switches, and firewalls in lab environments. This includes hardware-in-the-loop testing, environmental testing, and integration testing with real network equipment.
What about Cisco's software products like Webex?
Cisco also has large software-focused teams for Webex, Meraki dashboard, SecureX, and other cloud-managed products. QA roles on these teams focus more on traditional web/mobile testing while still requiring networking awareness.
Explore More Interview Prep Resources
Dive deeper into related QA interview topics.
Prepare for Cisco QA Interviews
Practice networking fundamentals, protocol testing, and hardware-software QA questions.
Join 1,200+ QA engineers already practicing with AssertHired.
Start Your Free QA InterviewFree to start · 7-day trial on paid plans