Whether you’re preparing for a role as a WordPress developer, website administrator, or even a content manager, understanding WordPress deeply is critical. This CMS powers over 40% of websites on the internet, making it a hot skill in both freelance and enterprise roles.
In this post, we’ll explore a wide range of WordPress interview questions and answers, from basic to advanced, to help you prepare confidently.
📘 What is WordPress?
WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) based on PHP and MySQL. It allows users to build and manage websites without extensive coding knowledge.
🔰 Basic WordPress Interview Questions (With Answers)
1. What is WordPress?
Answer:
WordPress is an open-source CMS written in PHP. It uses MySQL or MariaDB as its database and features a plugin architecture and template system known as Themes.
2. What are the key features of WordPress?
- Open-source and free
- SEO-friendly
- Easy customization with themes and plugins
- Mobile responsive
- Large community and support
- Supports media management
- REST API integration
3. What is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
| Feature | WordPress.com | WordPress.org |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Managed by WordPress | Self-hosted |
| Customization | Limited | Full control |
| Plugins | Restricted | Full access |
| Cost | Freemium | Requires hosting/domain |
4. What is a theme in WordPress?
Answer:
A theme is a collection of templates and stylesheets that define the appearance and layout of a WordPress site.
5. What is a plugin?
Answer:
A plugin is a PHP-based extension that adds custom functionality to a WordPress site, like contact forms, SEO tools, or eCommerce support.
6. What is the difference between pages and posts?
- Posts are dynamic and used for blogs or news content.
- Pages are static and used for content like “About Us” or “Contact”.
7. What are custom post types?
Answer:
Custom post types allow you to create content beyond posts and pages, like portfolios, testimonials, or products in WooCommerce.
8. What are taxonomies in WordPress?
Answer:
Taxonomies group content. WordPress has two built-in taxonomies:
- Categories
- Tags
You can also create custom taxonomies.
9. What are widgets?
Answer:
Widgets are small blocks that perform specific functions and can be added to sidebars or footers.
10. What are shortcodes in WordPress?
Answer:
Shortcodes are small snippets written inside square brackets, used to execute code within posts or pages.
Example:
⚙️ WordPress Developer Interview Questions
11. What are WordPress hooks?
Answer:
Hooks are functions that allow developers to modify or add code to the core WordPress files without editing them directly.
There are two types:
- Actions: Trigger custom functions at specific points.
- Filters: Modify data before displaying it.
12. What is the WordPress Loop?
Answer:
The Loop is the PHP code used by WordPress to display posts. It checks for content and then displays it.
phpCopyEditif (have_posts()) :
while (have_posts()) : the_post();
the_content();
endwhile;
endif;
13. How do you create a custom plugin?
Answer:
- Create a folder in
wp-content/plugins - Add a PHP file with plugin header comment
- Write the required PHP logic
- Activate the plugin from the dashboard
14. What is WP_Query?
Answer:WP_Query is a class used to create custom queries in WordPress.
phpCopyEdit$args = array('post_type' => 'portfolio');
$query = new WP_Query($args);
15. What is a child theme?
Answer:
A child theme inherits the functionality and styling of another theme, called the parent theme. It allows safe customization.
16. How can you improve WordPress performance?
- Use caching plugins (e.g., WP Super Cache)
- Optimize images
- Minify CSS and JS
- Use a CDN
- Choose a fast, secure hosting provider
- Limit post revisions
- Use lazy loading
17. What is the difference between get_template_part() and include()?
Answer:get_template_part() is WordPress-aware and reusable. It allows you to include partial templates without breaking the theme if the file is missing.
18. What is the use of functions.php file?
Answer:
This file acts like a plugin and lets you add custom PHP functions for your theme.
19. What is WP-Cron?
Answer:
WP-Cron handles scheduled tasks like publishing posts, sending emails, or checking for updates.
20. How can you secure a WordPress site?
- Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Limit login attempts
- Use SSL
- Install security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri
- Disable file editing in the dashboard
✅ Benefits of Preparing for WordPress Interviews
- ✅ Increase chances of landing freelance or full-time roles
- ✅ Confidence in answering both basic and technical questions
- ✅ Shows employers your commitment and professionalism
- ✅ Deepens your practical understanding of WordPress
- ✅ Helpful for roles beyond development (SEO, content, marketing)
- ✅ Makes you more versatile in cross-functional teams
🛠 Common Tools WordPress Developers Should Know
- Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)
- Elementor / WPBakery
- WooCommerce
- Yoast SEO
- Git and GitHub
- Composer / NPM for build tools
- LocalWP for local development
- WP-CLI for command-line operations
🤝 Bonus: WordPress Questions for Experienced Candidates
- How do you implement a headless WordPress setup?
- How do you optimize WordPress for Core Web Vitals?
- How do you debug plugin conflicts?
- What are transients in WordPress?
- How do you perform database operations securely?
🙋 FAQ: WordPress Interviews
Q1. Do I need to know PHP for a WordPress interview?
A: Yes, especially for development roles. WordPress is built in PHP, so knowing it helps with theme and plugin customization.
Q2. Is JavaScript required for WordPress development?
A: For front-end customization and Gutenberg block development, JavaScript (and React) is increasingly important.
Q3. How do I practice WordPress interview questions?
A: Set up a local environment using tools like LocalWP or XAMPP and try building or customizing themes/plugins based on common use cases.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Mastering WordPress interview questions can help you secure roles across industries, from blogging and eCommerce to enterprise CMS solutions. Whether you’re a fresher, freelancer, or senior developer, WordPress expertise is a versatile and valuable skill.
By understanding the technical and functional aspects of the platform—such as themes, plugins, hooks, and custom post types—you’re already ahead of the competition.