Choose the Right Custom Question Type in Testlify

Testlify offers 27 custom question types across five categories. Use this guide to pick the right format for each part of your assessment — and get the most signal from every question you ask.

Before you begin

You need an active assessment to add custom questions. Open your assessment in Testlify, go to the Questions tab, and click Add Question > Custom Question. Select any question type listed below.

Choice-Based Questions

Use when candidates must select from predefined options. Best for screening eligibility, testing knowledge, or gauging preferences quickly.

1. Qualifier — Pre-screening questions that automatically disqualify candidates who do not meet your criteria, blocking them from proceeding to the assessment.

   

2. Single Select — Candidates choose one correct answer from multiple options. Ideal for knowledge checks or questions with a single best response.

   

3. Multiple Select — Candidates select all correct answers from a list. Use when more than one answer is valid and you need deeper subject-matter understanding.

   

4. Yes / No — Binary questions answered with Yes or No. Best for quick eligibility checks or basic requirement screening.

   

5. Rating — Candidates rate a statement on a numeric scale (e.g., 1–5 or 1–10). Useful for self-assessed proficiency or role preference.

   

6. Dropdown — Presents many choices in a compact dropdown menu. Use when you have a large number of answer options and want to keep the layout clean.

   

7. Ranking — Candidates order a set of options by priority or relevance. Reveals prioritization and decision-making skills at a glance.

   

Text-Based Answer Questions

Candidates type their responses. Use these to assess written communication, factual recall, and domain knowledge.

1. Long Answer — Open-ended questions requiring detailed written responses. Best for evaluating problem-solving approach, analytical thinking, and written communication.

   

2. Short Answer — Candidates provide a concise response, typically one or two sentences. Use when you need a precise answer without a lengthy explanation.

   

3. Number — Candidates enter a numeric value. Use for calculations, measurements, pricing, or any question requiring a quantitative answer.

   

4. Fill in the Blank — A sentence with a missing word or phrase that candidates must complete. Use to test vocabulary, terminology, or key concepts. The blank accepts a typed answer or a dropdown selection.

   

5. Date — Candidates enter a date-based answer. Useful for questions about availability, project timelines, historical knowledge, or scheduling preferences.

   

Hands-On Questions

Evaluate practical skills with real tasks. Use these when you need demonstrated ability, not just stated knowledge.

Tip: For technical roles, pair a Coding question with a Chat AI question — one tests what candidates can build, the other tests how they communicate under pressure.

1. Coding — Candidates write code to solve a given problem. Evaluates programming skills, logical reasoning, and problem-solving across multiple languages.

   

2. Typing Test — Measures typing speed and accuracy. Ideal for data entry, transcription, or support roles. Important: enter the instruction in the Question field and the passage to be typed in the Paragraph field so the test renders correctly for candidates.

   

3. Chat AI — Simulates a real-time chat scenario to assess communication skills, response handling, and problem-solving in customer service or support contexts.

   

4. Practical — Task-based questions where candidates complete real-world assignments relevant to the role, such as case studies or situational analysis exercises.

   

Media Questions

Assess candidates through audio, video, or file submissions. Best for roles where communication style, presentation quality, or portfolio evidence matters.

1. File Upload — Candidates submit documents, images, spreadsheets, or other files. Use this to review portfolios, project samples, or supporting materials.

   

2. Voice — Candidates record and submit an audio response. Assesses verbal communication, pronunciation, and clarity — especially useful for customer-facing roles.

   

3. Voice AI — Simulates a real-time AI conversation. The AI engages the candidate in dialogue, records the interaction, and automatically scores responses for clarity, fluency, confidence, and relevance.

   

4. Video — Candidates record and upload a video response. Use to evaluate communication skills, confidence, body language, and presentation ability.

   

5. Video AI — An AI avatar conducts a simulated video interview. The AI analyzes facial expressions, speech clarity, engagement, and presentation, then delivers an automated evaluation score.

   

Office App Questions

Test real proficiency in common productivity tools. Use for roles that require hands-on document, spreadsheet, or presentation work.

1. Google Sheets — Assesses spreadsheet skills including formulas, data organization, and analysis in Google Sheets.

   

2. Google Docs — Tests document formatting, editing, content structuring, and word processing in Google Docs.

   

3. Google Slides — Evaluates the ability to create, format, and design presentations in Google Slides. Essential for roles requiring strong presentation skills.

   

4. Microsoft Excel — Assesses knowledge of Excel functions, formulas, pivot tables, data visualization, and advanced spreadsheet work.

   

5. Microsoft Word — Tests proficiency in document creation, formatting, editing, and content structuring in Microsoft Word.

   

6. Microsoft PowerPoint — Evaluates the ability to design professional presentations with effective slide layouts, animations, and visual storytelling.

   

Combining Question Types

Mix and match question types within a single assessment to cover multiple evaluation dimensions. For example, use a Qualifier to screen eligibility upfront, a Coding question to test technical skills, and a Video question to assess communication — all in one assessment flow. All question types are available in the Custom Question builder.

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