Hiring software engineers is tough. Resumes and interviews often fail to reveal actual coding skills. That’s where technical assessment tools come in - they let you test candidates on real coding tasks, saving time and reducing bad hires. This article ranks six of the best platforms for evaluating software engineers, detailing their features, strengths, and costs.
Top Tools for Developer Assessments:
- HackerRank: Known for its large library of coding challenges, 40+ language support, and strong anti-cheating measures. Customizable tests for different roles.
- Codility: Offers clear coding problems, debugging exercises, and a unique code playback feature to see how candidates solve problems.
- TestGorilla: Combines coding tests with soft skills assessments. Great for creating role-specific evaluations.
- CodeSignal: Simulates full-stack projects and integrates GitHub libraries for hands-on testing.
- CodeSubmit: Focuses on take-home assignments that reflect job-specific tasks. Supports over 50 programming languages.
- Devskiller: Uses job-relevant scenarios with its RealLifeTesting™ methodology, ideal for evaluating practical skills.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Best For | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| HackerRank | Broad coding skill assessments | Large library, anti-cheating tools | Custom pricing |
| Codility | Problem-solving and debugging | Code playback, detailed performance reports | Starts at $1,200/year |
| TestGorilla | Role-specific evaluations | Combines coding and soft skill tests | Custom pricing |
| CodeSignal | Full-stack testing | IDE simulation, GitHub integration | Premium pricing |
| CodeSubmit | Job-specific tasks | Take-home assignments, manual reviews | Custom pricing |
| Devskiller | Real-world scenarios | RealLifeTesting™, framework support | Higher pricing |
Each tool has unique strengths. Choose based on your hiring needs, budget, and team size.
1. HackerRank
Let's dive into the details of HackerRank, a go-to platform for assessing software engineers.
HackerRank is a popular choice among recruiters, thanks to its extensive library of coding challenges and seamless integration with applicant tracking systems (ATS) . It excels at evaluating both theoretical knowledge and hands-on coding skills. With a global user base, the platform boasts a massive question bank and advanced evaluation tools, including real-time assessments.
Programming Language Support
HackerRank supports more than 40 programming languages and frameworks, making it highly versatile. Whether you're looking for expertise in Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, or other specialized technologies, the platform lets you create tests that align with your team's tech stack . Its real-time coding environment mimics real-world development tools, allowing you to see how candidates perform under realistic conditions.
Assessment Types
The platform offers a variety of assessment formats to suit different hiring needs. These include self-paced online tests, live coding sessions, take-home challenges, and role-specific certified exams . Whether you're hiring entry-level developers or senior engineers, HackerRank provides pre-built tests tailored to various roles, complete with an extensive library of challenges for in-demand technical positions .
Customization Options
HackerRank stands out with its ability to customize assessments for niche skills . Hiring teams can adapt tests to focus on specific algorithms, data structures, or frameworks relevant to their needs . You can either draw from the platform's vast library of challenges or design your own questions to reflect the real-world problems your team tackles daily.
The customization doesn’t stop there. You can mix different question formats, set time limits, and scale difficulty levels depending on the role's seniority. This flexibility ensures that you're not just evaluating generic coding ability but testing whether candidates can solve the unique challenges they'll encounter on your team.
Anti-Cheating Features
To maintain the integrity of assessments, HackerRank employs advanced anti-cheating measures. Features like Leakage Protected Skill Bundles and the No Recurrence system safeguard the process . Leakage Protected Skill Bundles automatically replace questions that have been leaked online, while the No Recurrence system uses a 10-step procedure to ensure a minuscule 1 in 1,000 chance of two candidates receiving the same question .
Pricing
HackerRank uses a tiered subscription model, with pricing dependent on factors like company size and the number of assessments. While specific costs aren’t publicly available, mid-sized and large tech companies often find the platform worth the investment.
2. Codility
Codility focuses on sharpening problem-solving skills, algorithmic thinking, and efficient coding techniques . While HackerRank offers a broad suite of tools, Codility stands out for its clear problem descriptions and a unique code playback feature. Its user-friendly design has earned it a strong reputation among recruiters and hiring managers.
A G2 reviewer praised this aspect, saying:
"What I like most about Codility is how easy it is to use. The coding challenges are clear, and the problem statements are super easy to understand. It helps me quickly assess candidates' skills, and the detailed reports with code playback make it simple to see how they solved each problem."
The code playback feature is particularly useful because it allows you to observe how a candidate worked through a problem step by step. This adds valuable context to their approach, going beyond just the final answer .
Programming Language Support
Codility supports assessments in a wide range of programming languages, making it suitable for various industries and technical needs .
Assessment Types
The platform offers a rich library of coding tasks, including:
- Algorithm challenges
- Debugging exercises
- Project-based tests
- Collaborative pair programming sessions
Customization Options
Codility allows you to customize assessments to fit specific job roles and team objectives. Whether you're hiring a front-end developer with expertise in a particular framework or a back-end engineer focused on system design, you can tailor the tests to match your requirements .
Anti-Cheating Features
To maintain test integrity, Codility employs measures like plagiarism detection, proctoring, and behavioral monitoring. For flagged assessments, manual reviews are recommended to ensure fairness .
Pricing
Codility offers flexible pricing plans to suit different business needs:
- Starter Plan: $1,200 annually
- Scale Plan: $600 per month
- Custom Pricing: Available for larger organizations with specific requirements
These options make it accessible for companies of varying sizes and hiring volumes.
3. TestGorilla
TestGorilla provides a platform designed to evaluate a software engineer's coding abilities and problem-solving skills. With a library of over 300 pre-built tests, it allows you to combine multiple assessments to reflect the specific demands of the role. This extensive selection makes it easy to create evaluations tailored to the technical skills that matter most.
Assessment Types
The platform offers a wide variety of coding and problem-solving tests to measure essential technical skills. This range ensures you can craft assessments that align closely with the expertise required for the job.
Customization Options
TestGorilla also gives you the flexibility to customize assessments to fit your hiring needs. You can mix and match ready-made tests from its library with your own questions, ensuring the evaluation focuses on the skills that are most relevant to the role.
4. CodeSignal
CodeSignal has made its mark as a top-tier developer assessment platform, allowing candidates to create full-stack applications and integrate GitHub libraries during evaluations . This hands-on approach goes beyond testing theoretical knowledge, offering a more accurate glimpse into how engineers perform in real-world scenarios. It’s a practical way to connect theoretical skills with the demands of actual development work.
Programming Language Support
With support for multiple programming languages, CodeSignal is equipped to evaluate candidates across a wide range of technical stacks . Whether you're hiring for full-stack roles, mobile development, or specialized backend positions, the platform ensures your team’s language requirements are covered.
Assessment Types
CodeSignal's integrated development environment (IDE) simulations are designed to replicate real engineering tasks, offering an authentic measure of candidates’ practical skills . These role-specific coding challenges are tailored to align with the responsibilities of the position you’re looking to fill.
Customization Options
The platform goes a step further by offering customizable assessments . These challenges can be fine-tuned to reflect your team’s tech stack and address the unique challenges your engineers face. This includes creating scenarios that mimic real-world projects, giving candidates a preview of the work environment they’d be stepping into .
"Platforms like Dobr.AI, iMocha and CodeSignal use AI to generate role-specific coding challenges and provide AI scoring and insight summaries." – Intervue.io
One G2 reviewer praised the platform for its ease of use and responsiveness:
"The CodeSignal platform and features are intuitive, making for easy integration for all of our users. I personally appreciate CodeSignal's team approach to feedback – they consistently incorporate the feedback we provide as users and are constantly making enhancements or rolling out new features to address. I enjoy working with this team and highly recommend it."
Recognized as a leading technical assessment platform , CodeSignal provides a robust set of features, making it a reliable choice for companies of all sizes aiming to evaluate developer talent effectively .
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5. CodeSubmit
CodeSubmit takes a hands-on approach to evaluating candidates by using coding assignments that reflect actual engineering tasks. Instead of focusing on algorithm puzzles or timed challenges, the platform emphasizes job-specific assignments that align closely with real-world responsibilities. This method provides a clearer picture of how candidates might perform in the role.
Programming Language Support
With support for over 50 programming languages, frameworks, and technologies, CodeSubmit offers recruiters the flexibility to evaluate candidates across a broad range of technical stacks. Whether you're hiring for JavaScript frameworks, Python applications, Go microservices, or other specialized skills, the platform has you covered.
Assessment Types
CodeSubmit's assessments are built around coding tasks that mirror the kind of work engineers tackle daily. These assignments focus on practical, job-relevant skills rather than theoretical knowledge or how fast someone can solve a puzzle. This approach allows recruiters to see how candidates apply their skills in realistic scenarios.
Customization Options
One of CodeSubmit's standout features is its ability to tailor assessments to specific roles. Recruiters can design assignments that align with the exact requirements of the position.
Aimee, Engineering Mentoring Program Lead at Babbel, shared her experience with the platform's adaptability:
"It took a lot of research before deciding on a platform to use for administering the Neos code challenges. We obviously had a bit of a unique scenario, thus the main criteria was flexibility, specifically on the below points: Deciding on our own coding challenges, The languages the challenges will be available in, The number of applicants, The number of reviewers from Babbel, Pricing. Flexible subscription CodeSubmit stood out in all of the above."
This level of customization ensures that assessments are not only relevant but also aligned with the company's unique needs.
Anti-Cheating Features
To uphold the integrity of its assessments, CodeSubmit incorporates robust anti-cheating measures. These features help detect plagiarism and prevent misuse, ensuring that candidates are evaluated fairly and accurately. By combining realistic coding tasks with these safeguards, CodeSubmit offers a reliable and practical evaluation tool for recruiters.
6. Devskiller
Devskiller TalentScore uses its RealLifeTesting™ methodology to evaluate candidates in environments that closely resemble their actual work settings . Instead of relying on abstract puzzles, it tests engineers on tasks they’d encounter in real-world scenarios . This hands-on approach allows for in-depth assessments across programming languages, test types, and customization options.
Programming Language Support
Devskiller supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, making it easier for recruiters to assess candidates with different technical specializations. From coding challenges to SQL queries and system tasks, its extensive library covers essential skills needed for roles like backend development, database management, and systems engineering .
Assessment Types
Staying true to its real-world testing philosophy, Devskiller offers coding challenges that use professional tools, frameworks, and databases - mirroring the tasks engineers handle daily. These practical assessments, job simulations, and automated tests give recruiters a clear understanding of a candidate's technical abilities .
Customization Options
Devskiller's robust library allows recruiters to create tailored assessments that directly align with the technical requirements of a role. This ensures the skills being tested are relevant and applicable to the job .
Strengths and Weaknesses
When it comes to choosing the right tool for your hiring process, understanding each platform's strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Here's a breakdown to help you decide based on your hiring needs, budget, and technical requirements:
| Tool | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| HackerRank | Offers a vast library of coding challenges, strong anti-cheating features, and a well-established developer community for benchmarking. | May feel overly academic for certain roles; premium features can be pricey; some users find the interface less intuitive. |
| Codility | Excels in plagiarism detection and performance analytics; supports many programming languages with automatic evaluation. | Limited customization for non-coding assessments; pricing may not suit smaller teams; task descriptions might be overly technical for junior candidates. |
| TestGorilla | Covers a wide range of skills beyond coding, including soft skills and cognitive abilities; features a user-friendly interface and quick setup. | Smaller library of coding challenges compared to specialized platforms; lacks depth in advanced algorithm testing; anti-cheating measures are basic. |
| CodeSignal | Simulates real development environments with an IDE, supports framework testing, and provides detailed candidate scoring. | Premium pricing could be a hurdle for startups; advanced customization takes time to learn; assessments may require more time to complete. |
| CodeSubmit | Focuses on take-home assignments, allowing candidates to use their preferred development tools; supports full-stack project evaluations with Git integration. | Turnaround time for evaluations can be longer; nuanced assessments require manual review; automated anti-cheating features are limited. |
| Devskiller | Uses RealLifeTesting™ to create job-relevant scenarios; offers extensive testing across frameworks and databases; allows robust customization with company-specific environments. | Higher pricing and longer setup times make it better suited for enterprises; not ideal for screening junior developers. |
This table highlights the core strengths and limitations of each tool. Beyond these, factors like language support, assessment strategies, and pricing play a significant role in determining the best fit for your team.
For smaller teams or high-volume entry-level hiring, affordability and speed might take priority. On the other hand, hiring senior engineers or niche specialists may call for tools that offer deeper technical evaluations and realistic job simulations. Each tool brings something different to the table, so aligning your choice with your hiring goals and budget is key.
Conclusion
Select an assessment tool that aligns with your organization’s size and hiring goals. Consider factors like cost, ease of setup, and dependable features. For smaller teams, simple and budget-friendly options work best. Mid-sized teams often prioritize tools with strong anti-cheating features and a variety of challenges. Larger enterprises typically benefit from platforms that replicate real-world scenarios and offer detailed analytics.
FAQs
What should I look for when selecting an assessment tool to hire software engineers?
When choosing an assessment tool, it’s important to focus on the factors that support your hiring objectives. Start by considering the assessment types available. For example, if you're evaluating technical roles, does the tool offer coding challenges or problem-solving exercises that align with the skills you need?
Next, check the tool’s integration capabilities. Can it seamlessly connect with your current hiring platforms or Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? This can save time and simplify your recruitment process.
Customization is another key aspect. Tools with flexible customization options allow you to design assessments that reflect the specific requirements of your open roles. Additionally, look for tools that provide detailed reporting - clear, actionable data can help you make better hiring decisions.
Lastly, don’t overlook the candidate experience. A smooth, user-friendly process not only makes it easier for candidates to complete assessments but also leaves a positive impression, which can impact their perception of your company.
How do assessment tools ensure fair and accurate coding evaluations?
Assessment tools incorporate advanced anti-cheating measures to uphold the credibility of coding evaluations. One key feature is plagiarism detection, which scans submitted code for overlaps with other candidates' work or existing code repositories. On top of that, many platforms use proctoring tools like webcam monitoring, screen activity tracking, and detailed activity logs to discourage dishonest behavior during assessments.
These safeguards ensure candidates are judged purely on their skills and problem-solving capabilities, providing recruiters with reliable and trustworthy results.
What are the benefits of using take-home assignments to evaluate software engineers?
Take-home assignments offer a practical way to evaluate a candidate's technical skills and problem-solving abilities in a setting that closely resembles their day-to-day work. By letting candidates complete tasks at their own pace and in a comfortable environment, these assignments highlight how they tackle challenges, write efficient code, and develop solutions.
This approach also eases the stress often associated with live coding sessions, providing a more balanced and thorough assessment of their abilities. For recruiters, it’s a reliable way to pinpoint candidates who are well-suited for the role while creating a more positive and less intimidating experience for applicants.
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