This complete guide to screening and testing software brings you a collection of the 25 top pre-employment assessment tools, together with their key features and pricing details.
Finding candidates with the right skill set and a good culture fit is a challenge for every company.
Hiring based on resumes doesn’t work anymore. Using creative techniques like portfolio-based hiring isn’t suitable for every position, and having face-to-face interviews with every candidate in order to figure out their skills isn’t sustainable either.
To make the recruitment process faster, sustainable and more objective, every employer should screen the candidate’s hard and soft skills as one part of the recruitment process. This is where the right pre-employment assessment tool comes in.
Tools discussed in this article are:
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PRE-EMPLOYMENT ASSESSMENT TOOL?
Before buying a pre-screening tool, you should think about 4 key things:
- The timing of screening skills. Before choosing the right tool, you should decide whether you want to screen candidates before or after conducting interviews. Testing candidates’ skills before the interviews help to easily weed out unqualified applicants and cut down the time spent on pre-screening, whereas running skills assessments after the first round of interviews help to make the last hiring decision from a few top candidates.
- The range of testing options. A lot of pre-employment testing tools are solely meant for hiring developers, however, there are a few options that are suitable for various positions. Make sure to check beforehand whether the tool you’re thinking of buying offers customized tests, what kind of skills you can screen (hard skills, soft skills, aptitude tests etc.) and if it is suitable also for non-technical roles.
- Integrations with Applicant Tracking Systems. If you’re already using an applicant tracking system, you might want to have an option to easily integrate your ATS with your pre-employment testing tool. However, if you’re not using an ATS, or you’re planning on using skills tests in the first part of the hiring process (for instance, instead of collecting resumes), a pre-employment testing tool with a standalone built-in applicant tracking system might be a good choice.
- Pricing options. Skills assessment tools have many different pricing models like monthly subscriptions, pricing per candidates, pricing per tests etc. If you’re using a skills test in the latter part of the recruitment process and you don’t need to hire very often, it might be wise to choose a ‘pay per candidate’ option. On the other hand, if you’re hiring regularly or you’ve decided to screen candidates’ basic job skills in the first part of your recruitment process, monthly subscriptions might be a cheaper option.
The challenge? There is a wide selection of pre-employment testing and screening tools on the market, from targeted testing of technical skills to more general tests to measure candidates’ skills on a wide range of categories. We have done our best to find great options on both sides.
TOP 25 PRE-EMPLOYMENT ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Here are our top 25 picks for pre-employment assessment tools that will help you screen candidates’ job-specific skills.
1. TOGGL HIRE
What does this tool offer? Toggl Hire goes beyond resumes and uses short skills challenges as the initial filter.
Candidates apply for a job by taking a short skills challenge. The system then automatically checks the answers and gives you a short list of the best performers based on their actual job-related skills and knowledge, not their resume keywords.
This skills-based pre-screening approach helps companies attract more candidates, evaluate everyone automatically, and find high-quality candidates faster.
Who can I hire with it? Developers, Marketing, Sales, Customer Support
How to source candidates: Via public share URL or via social sourcing
Key features:
- Pre-built skills challenges:
– A growing pool of pre-built skills test templates made by industry experts for various job positions.
– You can also create your own custom skills tests from scratch.
– All skills challenges have customizable time limits, various question types (single/multiple choice questions, file attachments, coding challenges etc.), and automatic score calculations. - ATS integrations:
– Greenhouse
– Workable - Analytics:
– Powerful Dashboard showing performance statistics for each job opening, such as: which channels candidates are coming from, how well your skills challenges are performing etc. - Extras:
– Public API, for custom integrations with your ATS of choice
– Chrome Extension for speedy Linkedin and GitHub candidate sourcing
Toggl Hire Pricing: Paid plans starting from $99/month
Does it offer a free plan? Yes. Find out more here.
2. QUODEIT
What does this tool offer? QuodeIT helps companies screen software developers faster and better in order to avoid taking interviews of people who look great only on their resumes.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: Via public share URL or by inviting candidates to take the test (need QuodeIT account for that)
Key features:
- Test templates: Free tests and questions available. Also a possibility to create or buy customized tests.
- Integration: API
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Live rankings and analytical reports on candidates that can be filtered on different parameters.
QuodeIT pricing: $5 per candidate
Does it offer a free plan? No
3. CODILITY
What does this tool offer?
Codility is a platform which streamlines and accelerates tech recruiting so our customers can make better hiring decisions. It helps with remote and high scale hiring, as well as enables building diverse teams.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: By organizing coding challenges with Codility’s help of sponsoring one on Programmer’s Home – a community of more than 250k developers.
Key features:
- Test templates and a vast library of technologies available: CodeCheck, which enables you to create tests evaluating skills across all popular technical domains
- Remote pair programming: CodeLive enables you to interview, interact and engage with candidates in real-time.
- Easy to use integrations: Oracle’s Taleo, Recruitee, Lever ATS, Greenhouse, Workable, SmartRecruiters, Jobvite, iCIMS, Slack, API
- Analytics: Advanced info about candidates skills as well as benchmarks and thresholds analyzed by Codility’s research team.
Codility pricing: Pricing dependent on requirements.
Does it offer a free plan? No
4. HACKER RANK
What does this tool offer? HackerRank offers multiple programming tests to help companies hire the right engineers faster.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: By inviting candidates to take the test (limited number)
Key features:
- Test templates: Free and custom tests and questions available
- Integrations: Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS, Jobvite, Smart Recruiters, API
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: CodePair assesses candidates skills in 35 programming languages. Key insights in the downloadable report
Hackerrank pricing: Pricing dependent on requirements.
Does it offer a free plan? 14-day free trial period available.
5. CLASS MARKER
What does this tool offer? Classmarker is an online testing and quiz maker for business and education purposes.
Who can I hire with it: Non-technical staff
How to source candidates: Via public share URL or by inviting candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Test templates: No free tests available. Custom tests/questions can be created.
- Integrations: API
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Advanced analytics for a better understanding of results. Results automatically graded and viewable in real time
Classmarker pricing: $39.95 or $79.95 a month.
Does it offer a free plan? 30-day free trial period available.
6. INTERVIEW MOCHA
What does this tool offer? Interview Mocha is an online skills assessment platform with 100+ IT job roles, 700+ IT skills, 100+ next-gen digital transformation skills, 20+ coding languages, 20+ domain skills, 50+ aptitude, and cognitive skills.
Who can I hire with it? Various job roles for entry-level, experienced, and lateral hiring.
How to source candidates: Via public share URL or by inviting candidates to take the test.
Key features:
- Test templates: 1000s of quality questions available, plus options to create custom tests.
- Integrations: 1-Click integration with Greenhouse, Workable, Bullhorn, Workable, Bullhorn, iCIMS, Smart Recruiters, Zapier.
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Customized Performance Report, Comparative report, Advanced filtration and search, Weekly email analytics, Shareable report, etc.
Interview Mocha ricing: Starter plan @ $150 per month, Business plan @ $500 per month, and a Custom plan.
Does it offer a free plan? No, however customers can request for a demo and evaluate the software themselves.
7. PYMETRICS
What does this tool offer? Pymetrics applies AI to identify talent bias-free and predict job performance based on complex neuroscience data.
Who can I hire with it? Mostly suitable for enterprise roles
How to source candidates: Public share URL or by inviting candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Test templates: Pre-designed neuroscience and AI tests available to buy
- Integration: Integration with your existing ATS
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Advanced reports generated including diversity analysis of candidates
Pricing: Dependent on company size and requirements
Does it offer a free plan? No
8. ESKILL
What does this tool offer? Eskill offers custom-made skills assessments to screen candidates faster and more accurately.
Who can I hire with it? Various positions
How to source candidates: Via public share URL or by inviting candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Test templates: Free sample tests/questions available, options to buy, customize or create your own tests/questions
- Integration: API, Oracle Taleo, iCIMS
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Advanced detailed reports allowing analysis of the smallest details of a candidate’s results
Pricing: $300, $350 or $729 per month.
Does it offer a free plan? Free trial period available.
9. VERVOE
What does this tool offer? Vervoe helps companies hire faster using automated interviews, assessments and online simulations based on interview scripts.
Who can I hire with it? Various positions
How to source candidates: Via public share URL or social sourcing
Key features:
- Test templates: Select questions, scripts or simulations from testing library or create your own
- Integration: Zapier
- Built-in applicant tracking system: Customized hiring flows with three automated interview stages
- Analytics: Self-grading and ranking of candidates based on performance
Pricing: $99, $399 or $999 a month
Does it offer a free plan? Free trial period available.
10. EXPERT RATING
What does this tool offer? Expert Rating offers over 800 tests to help companies hire the right people affordably and efficiently.
Who can I hire with it? Various positions, specializing in large multinational companies
How to source candidates: By inviting candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Test templates: Templates in multiple industries plus options to customize and create tests/questions
- Integrations: API
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Report offering deep analytics identifying candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, and suitability
Pricing: Pricing per test. Base price $10 per test, down to less than $4 per test for purchases over 1000.
Does it offer a free plan? No
11. METTL
What does this tool offer? Mettl is an online assessment software for recruitment, training, certification, and exams.
Who can I hire with it? Various industries covered, with a focus on finance and IT
How to source candidates: By inviting candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Test templates: Library of tests available to choose from
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Uses psy-fi to combine psychometrics, technology and data analytics
Pricing: Based on individual requirements
Does it offer a free plan? No
12. CRITERIA CORP
What does this tool offer? Criteria Corp helps companies make informed hiring decisions using different pre-employment tests, including aptitude, personality, and skills tests.
Who can I hire with it? Various positions
How to source candidates: Public share URL or by inviting candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Test templates: Portfolio of tests/questions available which can be customized. You can also create your own tests/questions.
- Integrations: Various including iCIMS, Hyrell, Hirebridge, Smart Recruiters, Workable, ADP, My Staffing Pro, Jobvite, ApplicantStack, and BambooHR
- Built-in applicant tracking system: HireSelect
- Analytics: Interactive candidate comparison feature to help manage large applicant pools
Pricing: Annual subscription costs based on company size and needs
Does it offer a free plan? No
13. QUIZ CV
What does this tool offer? QuizCV is a platform and marketplace for online pre-employment testing. Test publishers can prepare tests and sell to companies so that companies can make better hiring decisions.
Who can I hire with it? Various positions
How to source candidates: By inviting the candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Testing: Offers readymade tests and can create your own quizzes
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Offers a report on candidate’s test results
Pricing: $199, $399 or $999 per year
Does it offer a free plan? Yes
14. LYTMUS
What is this tool for? Lytmus helps companies hire developers for Web, Ops, QA, and Data roles using real-world tasks, not brainteasers.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: By inviting the candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Testing: Take-home readymade tests or Live Interviews
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Automatic scoring and candidate playback available
Pricing: $250 or $500 per month. Also offers custom plans.
Does it offer a free plan? Yes
15. CODEFIGHTS RECRUITER
What does this tool offer? CodeFights applies core game mechanics to transform practicing programming skills into a fun and addictive game while helping talented candidates to find new job opportunities.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: Can choose candidates from Codefight talent pool and get personalized candidate recommendations
Key features:
- Testing: Offers readymade tests and can create your own tests/questions
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Integrations: Greenhouse and Lever
- Analytics: Advanced machine learning model that analyses tests and provides you with actionable recommendations
Pricing: Custom pricing
Does it offer a free plan? No
16. WEIRDLY
What does this tool offer? Weirdly offers pre-employment quizzes to build diverse teams who are aligned with company values.
Who can I hire with it? Various positions
How to source candidates: Via public share link
Key features:
- Testing: Can create your own customized quizzes
- Built-in application tracking system: Dashboard that can act as standalone ATS or be integrated into your current process
- Analytics: Analytics reports available with paid plans
Pricing: Custom pricing
Does it offer a free plan? Yes
17. QUALIFIED
What does this tool offer? Qualified offers automated coding assessments and pair-programming to help companies hire the best talent.
Who can I hire with it: Technical staff
How to source candidates: By inviting the candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Testing: Offers readymade tests and can create your own tests
- Integrations: Greenhouse
- Built-in applicant tracking system: No
- Analytics: Detailed results including code playback to reveal thought processes and problem-solving approach
Pricing: $19 per each assessment or $199 per month or a customized plan
Does it offer a free plan? No
18. ATHENA QUOTIENT
What does this tool offer? Athena Quotient offers pre-employment tests that measure judgment.
Who can I hire with it? Various categories
How to source candidates: By inviting candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Testing: Readymade tests
- Built-in application tracking system: No
- Analytics: Various reports about the candidate, like first impressions and even stress.
Pricing: $125 per assessment or from $350/month
Does it offer a free plan? No
19. PREVUE HR
What does this tool offer? Prevue HR offers aptitude, personality and motivation assessments.
Who can I hire with it? Various positions
How to source candidates: By inviting candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Testing: Readymade assessments
- Integrations: Oracle Taleo
- Built-in application tracking system: Offers a standalone ATS
- Analytics: Various reports about candidate’s results and job-fit
Pricing: Dependent on company size and requirements
Does it offer a free plan? No
20. DEVSKILLER
What does this tool offer? Devskiller offers programming tasks and coding skills tests to help companies screen developers.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: By inviting the candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Testing: A range of sample tests available or you can build your own
- Integrations: API
- Built-in application tracking system: No
- Analytics: A detailed candidate report with automatic scoring and screening of results
Pricing: $109 or $399/month. Custom plans also available. Free trial available for 15 candidates.
Does it offer a free plan? No
21. TESTS4GEEKS
What does this tool offer? Tests4Geeks offers programming skill tests to help companies hire better developers.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: By inviting the candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Testing: Range of coding tests available
- Built-in application tracking system: No
- Analytics: A PDF report produced detailing aptitude of the candidate
Pricing: $29.95 for 3 tests, $59.95 for 10 tests or $99.95 per month.
Does it offer a free plan? First two tests are free.
22. TESTDOME
What does this tool offer? TestDome offers automated testing of programming skills.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: By inviting the candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Testing: Range of test templates available or you can create your own
- Built-in application tracking system: No
- Analytics: Results generated on code correctness, memory consumption and execution speed
Pricing: $100, $400, $1000 or $2400 per month.
Does it offer a free plan? No
23. TALVIEW
What does this tool offer? Talview is an AI-enabled recruitment platform with video interviewing, online assessments, behavioral insights, chatbot, simulations, and gamification.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: Via Talview’s candidate search tools
Key features:
- Testing: Range of skills tests and cognitive hiring tools available
- Built-in application tracking system: Plug-ins include Query Management Tool, Talview Notify, and a Broadcast feature
- Analytics: Range of tools offered including job competency report and Talview talent quadrant tool
Pricing: Based on company specifics and requirements
Does it offer a free plan? No
24. CODEASSESS
What does this tool offer? Codeassess offers programming tests & competitions to screen and shortlist software developers faster.
Who can I hire with it? Technical staff
How to source candidates: By inviting the candidates to take the test
Key features:
- Testing: Coding and programming test templates available. Customization options offered
- Built-in application tracking system: No
- Analytics: Comprehensive assessment report produced for each candidate
Pricing: $49, $79, $199 or $399 a month. Custom plans also available.
Does it offer a free plan? No
25. SKILLMETER
What does this tool offer? Skillmeter helps companies create custom skills tests to measure candidates’ skills and enhance the hiring success.
Who can I hire with it? Various positions
How to source candidates: By inviting the candidates to take the test or via public URL link
Key features:
- Testing: Create or customize tests and select from 12 different question types
- Integrations: API
- Analytics: Detailed test report produced in PDF analyzing candidate results
Pricing: $49, $99 or $199 per month
Does it offer a free plan? 14-day free trial available
Time to choose
Now it’s up to you to choose the tool that works the best for you!
Other good reads on the subject
- 100 Soft Skills Assessment Questions for Hiring Top Talent
- Top 10 Diversity Recruiting Tools for 2018
- 18 Recruiting Metrics to Track (+ FREE METRIC CALCULATION TEMPLATE)
- 10 Methods for Screening Candidates – Which Is The Most Efficient
Developers fear her for a good reason: she’s tough and demanding. Though she’s worked as a project manager for the best part of her life, Marit is also crazy about good design and modern art.
