Cylindrical lenses have been widely used in moder optics, but there is still no satisfactory technique for their testing. The methods available at present all have some drawbacks more or less. In this paper we present a new method for testing a cylindrical lens by using holographic interferometry. The principle of the method is discussed and the experimental results are given, also discussed is a method for adjusting the relative position between the slit and cylindrical lens. This method has several advantages, such as simple structure, easy operation and decrease in the requirement on optical elements. Therefore, this method can. be used in routine test of cylindrical lenses.