Software Engineer Test

When looking to fill a software engineer position, it's important to make sure that the candidate has the skills necessary to do the job. A software engineer skills test can help ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the position.

  • What is a software engineer skills test?

    Recruitment teams looking to hire experienced, knowledgeable and skilled software engineers know that finding qualified candidates is not easy - and that is where using a software engineer job skills test can help.

    The software engineer test can be used at any point in the recruitment process to establish which candidates have what it takes to be successful in the role, with focus on the specific skills and application of knowledge that can make all the difference in choosing the right person.

    Most businesses use these types of tests early in the recruitment process to filter through a large candidate pool and ensure that only the most relevant candidates are taken further.

    The test is structured to ask questions that allow the candidate to demonstrate their knowledge by applying it to problems that are workplace-related, so they can show that they not only have the knowledge of things like programming concepts and best practices, but they can actually use them in the right context.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a software engineer skills test?
  2. What are the benefits of using the software engineer skills test for pre-screening?
  3. How our test measures software engineer skills
  4. Software Engineer Test FAQs

Identify the best candidates and hire faster

Our pre-employment tests let you drill down to the best candidates at the click of a button.

  • Find those candidates who will excel in the role.

    Select the assessments that match the skills or behaviours for the position. You can test for software or coding competency, soft skills like teamwork, or personality traits, to be sure those who pass have high potential.

  • Reduce costs and time.

    No more laborious sifting of resumes or cover letters. Pick your ideal assessment mix, invite your applicants to take them, see the results in your dashboard. Get to the interview stage fast.

  • Eliminate bias.

    All your candidates take the assessments on a level playing field. Only their results determine whether they get shortlisted.

  • What are the benefits of using the software engineer skills test for pre-screening?

    As part of the job requirements for a software engineer, qualifications such as a degree in information technology or systems engineering as well as post-graduate certification in certain programming languages are easy to see in a CV - but some of the other skills needed for success are not easy to glean from a paper sift.

    Successful software engineers need to be fluent in coding, whether that is in Python, C++, or Java - and they need to be able to write and repair code, identify and deal with bugs and syntax issues. They need to have a great technical understanding of operating systems, platforms, frontend web design and technology, or video game development - depending on the type of work that they will be doing.

    Software engineers are often on the frontline of ensuring that user requirements are being met and suggesting developments, upgrades or changes that can improve user experience and deliver better efficiency.

    With the software engineer test and software screening test, candidates are able to demonstrate that they have the technical knowledge as well as the soft skills to be successful by applying what they have learned through education and through experience in solving problems and answering questions - and the results are there for the recruitment teams to use in choosing the right candidates to take further into the application process, based on objective and unbiased data.

    The software engineer test is suitable for use when hiring for both junior and senior roles, and can be administered to a large number of candidates at the same time to make it simple for employers and recruiters to use.

    The software engineer skills test could be used for a range of jobs including:

More Job Skills Tests

How our test measures software engineer skills

Test questions are designed to assess industry-specific technical skills, soft skills, aptitude and suitable personality dimensions. Our data-driven approach provides results that enable you to determine how suited is a candidate for the role.

Depending on the type of question, the format of the test may vary. Multiple-choice questions are used to measure aptitude, technical skills and soft skills, while agreement on a Likert scale assesses suitable personality dimensions. Skills tests ensure that candidates are being evaluated in a precise and impartial manner, their results demonstrating the true knowledge and potential of each test taker.

The characteristics required to be a software engineer were determined by looking at the skills and abilities listed in the US Department of Labor’s O*NET database, which collects data from professionals in various fields.

O*NET is the largest database of its kind, providing detailed information about occupations and the requirements for each role.

Our team of I/O psychologists and psychometrics worked closely with subject-matter experts to create an extensive question bank that can be used to test multiple candidates. We also conducted rigorous field testing with a representative sample of candidates to ensure that the questions were reliable and valid.

Test scores are averaged together to give an overall score. The average score is compared to other candidates' scores to ensure there is no bias toward certain candidates.

Our software engineer test is constantly updated and optimized to ensure the best experience and results.

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Validated

Predictor of job success

Picked provides evidence-based recommendations for tests to use for over 750 jobs. Our recommendation engine leverages data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

  • Assessments

    A full suite of assessments

    Our platform comes with 12 tests across both foundation and advanced levels so they’re suitable for everyone. Including aptitude, behavioural and personality tests, you’ll have a full range of tests to help you find the candidates you’re seeking.

  • Analytics

    An array of candidate metrics

    For each of your candidates, you’ll be given a comprehensive report. Included will be all the metrics you need to build a detailed picture of each candidate and ensure you’re making the right hiring decisions.

“The platform is so simple to use. I had used competitor providers for over six years and will never go back. Fast, efficient and friendly!”
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd

Software Engineer Test FAQs

What are the key skills of a software engineer?

A software engineer needs to be skilled in programming languages - and which ones depend on the needs of the business and what coding is used. Other skills include verbal and numerical ability, logical thinking and problem solving, and great communication and teamwork. Software engineers need an excellent eye for detail and patience and commitment to testing and quality checking to ensure that the software they create or maintain is fit for purpose and provides an excellent user experience.

What programming languages should a software engineer be familiar with?

There are many programming languages in use for different purposes - but software engineers should be aware of, if not proficient in, the top five languages: Python, Java, C++, Ruby, and JavaScript. Many software engineers work specifically with one language, getting to expert level to offer the best service and have the top level of knowledge.

Can I see what the test is like?

Yes, of course. You can try the test for free by signing up for a free trial.

Are these tests available in my plan?

We have a range of plans available. The difference between the plans is the number of test attempts permitted, not the type of tests. All our plans include our full test suite comprising all tests and all levels.

“An unbeatable service, impressive platform and fantastic value for money.”
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA

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