Set Up and Use Coding Tests on Testlify

Testlify offers 200+ coding tests across 40+ programming languages and 3 databases, so you can evaluate technical candidates quickly. This guide walks you through setting up a coding assessment and explains what candidates experience during the test.

Before you begin

Make sure you have an active Testlify workspace. Check the full list of supported programming languages and databases before building your assessment.

Watch this quick demo to see the full flow:

Option 1: Add a pre-built coding test from the library

1. Log in to your Testlify workspace and click Create Assessment.
   
2. Enter the Job role and click Next.
   
3. On the Tests tab, type coding in the search box. Use the Test Type and Difficulty level filters to narrow results, then click Add on the test you want.
   
   
   
4. Confirm the test appears in your assessment cart.
   
5. Click Next through to the Questions tab, then Next again to reach Settings. Configure proctoring options and click Save.

Option 2: Create a custom coding question

1. From the Questions tab, select Coding from the custom question types.
   
2. Choose a Coding type:
   • Single file — evaluates proficiency in one programming language (e.g., Python).
   • Multiple files (project) — evaluates candidates on comprehensive projects that mirror real-world scenarios, testing skills such as managing complex codebases, dependencies, and file organization.

Configuring a Single file question

After selecting Single file, the employer setup looks like this:

1. Set the Completion time, Difficulty level, Question, Language, Test cases, and Scoring.
   
   
   
2. Select a Scoring method:
   • Question level — the candidate scores full marks only if all test cases pass; a single failure gives a score of 0.
   • Test case level — each correct test case earns partial credit. See the test case level scoring guide for details.
   
3. The coding window shows a starter code structure by default. Remove it to have candidates write from scratch, or click Reset to restore the default structure.
   
   
4. Click Add to add the question to the assessment cart.
   
   

Configuring a Database question

Select Database instead of a programming language to create a SQL-style question.

1. Set the Completion time, Difficulty level, Question, and Scoring. Database questions use Question level scoring only.
   
2. Click Preview to see how the question appears to candidates.
   

Configuring a Multiple files (project) question

Tip: Coding projects typically take 45–60 minutes. Set an adequate time limit so candidates can fully demonstrate their skills.

1. Select the Difficulty level, enter your Question, and choose a language template from the drop-down. Multiple files (project) uses Question level scoring only.
   
2. Click Preview to see the candidate view.
   

Proctoring and settings

Before saving, configure Configuration and Proctoring settings to maintain assessment integrity.

• Snapshot Proctoring
• Tab Proctoring
• Screen Sharing Proctoring
• Identity Verification and Image Analysis
• Force Full-screen Mode
• Copy/Paste Tracking

Click Save. Your coding assessment is ready to send to candidates.

Candidate experience

Candidates receive an email with the assessment link and coding test details.

1. The candidate opens the link and reads the assessment instructions. They can click Try sample test to practice before starting.
   
   
2. After the practice session, clicking End sample test returns the candidate to the instructions page. They click Start to begin the actual test.
   
3. During the test, candidates enter Input and click Run code to verify their solution, or click Run test cases to validate accuracy.
   
   
4. When the candidate clicks Submit with time remaining, a confirmation prompt appears to prevent accidental submission.
   
5. After submission, a thank-you page is displayed and the candidate closes the assessment window.

Need help? Contact support.