Set Up and Use Coding Tests on Testlify

Testlify provides 200+ coding tests across 40+ programming languages and 3 databases, letting you assess technical candidates quickly and confidently. Use a pre-built test from the library or build a custom question from scratch.

Before you begin

Make sure you have an active Testlify workspace. Review 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 — tests proficiency in a single programming language (e.g., Python).
   • Multiple files (project) — tests candidates on real-world projects requiring multi-file code management, dependency handling, and file organization.

Configure a Single file question

1. Fill in the question fields:
   • Completion time and Difficulty level
   • Question and Language
   • Test cases and Scoring
   
   
   
2. Select a Scoring method:
   • Question level — full marks only if all test cases pass; one failure results in a score of 0.
   • Test case level — each passing test case earns partial credit. See the test case level scoring guide for details.
   
3. The coding window includes starter code by default. Delete it to require candidates to write from scratch, or click Reset to restore the default structure.
   
   
4. Click Add to save the question to your assessment cart.
   
   

Configure a Database question

Select Database as the language type to create a SQL-style question. Database questions use Question level scoring only.

1. Set the Completion time, Difficulty level, and Question.
   
2. Click Preview to review how the question appears to candidates before adding it.
   

Configure a Multiple files (project) question

Tip: Coding projects typically take 45–60 minutes. Allow adequate time 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 review the candidate view.
   

Proctoring and settings

Before saving, enable the proctoring options you need 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.

Candidate experience

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

1. The candidate opens the link, reviews the instructions, and can click Try sample test to practice before starting.
   
   
2. After the practice session, clicking End sample test returns them to the instructions page. They click Start to begin the actual test.
   
3. During the test, the candidate enters Input and clicks Run code to check their solution, or clicks Run test cases to validate against all test cases.
   
   
4. Clicking Submit before the timer ends shows a confirmation prompt to prevent accidental submission.
   
5. After submission, a thank-you screen confirms the test is complete.

Need help? Contact support.