A pre-employment skills test is an assessment used by employers to evaluate the qualifications, skills, and suitability of a candidate for a specific job role. The test is typically administered after the initial resume screening but before a formal interview or final hiring decision. The primary aim of these tests is to ensure that the potential employee possesses the necessary skills and competencies to perform effectively in the target role.

Types of Pre-Employment Skills Tests:

Job Knowledge Tests: These tests evaluate the technical or professional knowledge required for specific roles. For instance, a programming test for a software developer or a financial analysis test for an accountant.

Skill-Based Tests: These are hands-on tests designed to evaluate specific skill sets, such as typing speed, software proficiency, or equipment operation.

Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs): SJTs present hypothetical, job-related situations, where the candidate’s responses provide insight into their judgment, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Language Proficiency Tests: For roles that require fluency in a particular language, these tests evaluate the candidate’s ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend the language.

Physical Ability Tests: For jobs that require physical fitness or specific physical capabilities (e.g., firefighting, construction, or law enforcement), these tests assess a candidate’s physical strengths and endurance.

Benefits of Pre-Employment Skills Tests:

Objective Evaluation: Skills tests offer a more objective measure of a candidate’s abilities compared to resumes or interviews alone.

Efficient Screening: Employers can quickly identify and filter out candidates who don’t meet the required skill level, saving time in the hiring process.

Performance Prediction: These tests can often predict a candidate’s future job performance and likelihood of success in the role.

Reduced Training Costs: By hiring candidates who already possess the necessary skills, companies can reduce the time and money spent on training.

In this guide, we will explore the seven best pre-employment skills assessment software that can revolutionize your hiring strategy, ensuring that you attract, assess, and retain top-tier talent.

• 1. OnlineExamMaker
• 2. Criteria Corp
• 3. Codility
• 4. Berke
• 5. WonScore
• 6. HackerRank
• 7. HireVue

1. OnlineExamMaker

OnlineExamMaker revolutionizes the hiring paradigm by placing skills and potential at the forefront, rather than traditional resumes. This AI-driven platform swiftly evaluates candidates through real-world simulations, ensuring that hires are based on genuine capability. With OnlineExamMaker, employers can customize assessments, thus aligning hiring processes more closely with unique company needs and ensuring a better fit for both parties.

Save time and effort with automated grading, instantly generating scores and results for each respondent. OnlineExamMaker grades your quizzes automatically, and provides valuable insights for performance evaluation and online assessments.

Supports up to 10 different types of questions, including multiple choice, true-false, fill in the blanks, subjective, match matrix and more. Exam organizers are able to make an online test easily to assess the skill of candidates.

Key Features:
✔ AI-driven grading for efficiency.
✔ Customizable assessment templates.
✔ Real-world job preview simulations.
✔ Seamless integration with HR software.
✔ Candidate ranking system.
✔ Feedback tools for candidates.
✔ Simplicity, stability, flexibility, and ease of use.
✔ Maintain your brand integrity.
✔ SSL certificate: 100% date privacy & security

2. Criteria Corp

Criteria Corp’s cloud-based assessment platform stands out for its scientifically-backed tests, encompassing a range of aptitudes and personalities. Dedicated to helping employers make data-driven hiring decisions, Criteria Corp offers a diverse suite of tests tailored for various job roles, ensuring candidates possess the necessary skills and temperament.

Key Features:
✔ Wide range of test categories.
✔ Scientifically validated assessments.
✔ User-friendly test builder.
✔ Detailed score reporting.
✔ Integration with multiple ATS systems.
✔ Mobile-friendly testing experience.

3. Codility

For businesses seeking top-tier tech talent, Codility provides an optimal solution. This platform challenges candidates with real-life coding tasks, gauging their expertise in various programming languages. Beyond just assessing skill, Codility offers insights into a candidate’s problem-solving approach, making it a precious tool for tech-driven organizations.

Key Features:
✔ Real-life coding challenges.
✔ Multiple programming languages supported.
✔ Plagiarism detection.
✔ In-depth performance insights.
✔ Benchmarking against global developer standards.
✔ Integration with popular tech hiring platforms.

4. Berke

Berke dives deep into the nuances of job fit through its unique blend of cognitive ability and personality tests. The platform’s strength lies in pinpointing the traits and skills that correlate directly with job success, providing employers with a clear blueprint of a candidate’s potential for specific roles.

Key Features:
✔ Customizable job profiles.
✔ Predictive analytics for job success.
✔ Comprehensive candidate reports.
✔ Integration with leading ATS platforms.
✔ Role-specific benchmarking.
✔ Tailored interview guides.

5. WonScore

Merging motivation, cognitive ability, and personality, WonScore offers a three-dimensional perspective on candidates. Developed by the renowned Wonderlic, this platform provides comprehensive insights that go beyond traditional skills assessment, ensuring hires are not only skilled but also harmonious with company culture.

Key Features:
✔ Three-dimensional candidate assessment.
✔ Cloud-based platform.
✔ Data-driven hiring recommendations.
✔ User-friendly dashboard and reporting.
✔ EEOC and OFCCP compliant.
✔ Role-specific benchmark data.

6. HackerRank

HackerRank is a beacon for tech recruiters worldwide, offering a space where software developers can showcase their prowess through challenges and competitions. Companies benefit from an in-depth perspective on a developer’s coding skill and logic, ensuring the tech talent they hire is truly top-notch.

Key Features:
✔ Real-world coding challenges.
✔ Company-branded coding competitions.
✔ Developer skills directory.
✔ Role-specific test recommendations.
✔ Automated code assessments.
✔ Integration with ATS platforms.

7. HireVue

HireVue pioneers a holistic recruitment approach by combining the power of video interviews with predictive analytics. Employers gain a more rounded view of candidates, from their communication skills to their aptitude, making the selection process more informed and nuanced.

Key Features:
✔ AI-driven talent assessments.
✔ Video interviewing capabilities.
✔ Customizable assessment templates.
✔ Mobile-first candidate experience.
✔ Integration with leading HR platforms.
✔ Role-specific test creation.

The value of pre-employment skills tests in today’s hiring ecosystem cannot be overstated. They not only streamline the recruitment process but also elevate its efficacy, ensuring that each hire is a strategic addition to your team. By utilizing the best skill test makers, you fortify your organization with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of talent acquisition. Remember, in the modern job market, it’s not just about filling vacancies but about building synergies and fostering growth. With the right testing platforms by your side, you’re poised to achieve just that. Choose wisely, and may your hires always be exceptional!