Choose the Right Custom Question Type in Testlify

Testlify offers custom question types across five categories, giving you full control to design targeted assessments for any role. Use this guide to choose the right format for each evaluation goal.

Before you begin

To add a custom question to an assessment, open the assessment in Testlify, go to the Questions tab, and click Add Question > Custom Question. You can then select any of the question types listed below.

Choice-Based Questions

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

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

   

2. Single Select – Candidates choose one correct answer from multiple options. Ideal for knowledge checks, skill assessments, or preference questions with a single best response.

   

3. Multiple Select – Candidates select all correct answers from a list. Use this when more than one answer is valid, requiring a deeper understanding of the subject.

   

4. Yes / No – Simple binary questions answered with "Yes" or "No." Best for quick eligibility checks, basic requirements, or preference screening.

   

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

   

6. Dropdown – Presents multiple choices in a compact dropdown menu. Useful when you have many answer options and want to conserve space in your assessment layout.

   

7. Ranking – Candidates order a set of options by priority, preference, or relevance. Reveals decision-making and prioritization 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 a candidate's problem-solving approach, analytical thinking, and written communication.

   

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

   

3. Number – Candidates enter a numeric value. Use for calculations, statistics, pricing, measurements, or any question that requires a quantitative answer.

   

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

   

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

   

Hands-On Questions

Evaluate practical skills with real tasks. Use these when you need to see a candidate's ability in action, not just their knowledge of a topic.

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 a candidate's 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 job role — such as case studies, problem-solving exercises, or situational analysis tasks.

   

Media Questions

Assess candidates through audio, video, or file submissions. Best for roles where communication style, presentation, 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 of speech — especially useful for customer-facing or communication-heavy 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. Lets recruiters evaluate communication skills, confidence, body language, and presentation ability.

   

5. Video AI – An AI avatar conducts a simulated video interview. 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 these 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 use of core word processing features 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 techniques.

   

Combining Question Types

You can mix and match 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 can be created from scratch directly in the Custom Question builder to match your exact hiring criteria.

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