An automatic multi-cable continuity tester. The multi-conductor electrical continuity tester includes a controller that is configured to generate a first serial stream of input test signals. The first serial stream of input test signals includes a plurality of signals equal in number to a plurality of conductors in a cable. A data input module is configured to convert the first serial stream of input test signals into a first parallel stream of test signals. A data output module is configured to receive and convert the first parallel stream of test signals to a first serial stream of output test signals. The controller is further configured to receive the first serial stream of output signals, store the first serial stream of output signals to a memory, generate subsequent serial streams of input test signals corresponding to each possible combination and permutation of conductors, determine whether each possible combination and permutation of conductors includes an open circuit condition and/or a short circuit condition, and determine whether at least one predefined relationship between input and output test signals includes an open circuit condition and/or a short circuit condition, wherein the predefined relationship defines a stream of output test signals that are different than a stream of input test signals.