مهارات البرمجة

Intermediate coding algorithms test for hiring

See how candidates turn a described problem into working code, including how their solution handles hidden edge cases.

35 دقيقة
1 task
Intermediate
Coding tasks
Questions in الإنجليزية
Desktop only

Use this test free See the question formats

الإجابة المختصرة

The Coding: Algorithms, Intermediate test is a single programming task for mid-level software engineers, backend developers, full-stack developers and other roles that write production code. Candidates read a short problem with worked examples and solve it in a code editor. It measures how well they turn the problem into correct code using common data structures and algorithms.

ما الذي يقيسه

Turning a described problem into correct code using common data structures and algorithms.

Algorithms and Problem Solving

It covers turning a described problem into correct code using common data structures and algorithms.

Question formats

Coding tasks

The candidate: Writes or fixes code in an editor and runs it against examples.

You see: Working code, checked against hidden test cases, not just knowledge of syntax.

1 task in 35 minutes.

Roles this test fits

Mid-level software engineers, backend developers, full-stack developers and other roles that write production code and need a solid working grasp of algorithms.

See how candidates approach a coding task

Observe problem-to-code thinking
Candidates read a short problem with worked examples, then write a working solution in the editor. The result shows how they translate a described problem into code.
See which tools the candidate reaches for
The task names a problem, not a data structure, so the candidate has to choose the common data structures and algorithms that solve it. That makes it a broader check than a test built around one structure.
Review edge cases and tie-breaks
The solution is scored on how many hidden test cases it passes, including edge cases and tie-breaks, so a solution that only fits the worked examples shows up in the score.

What you get for each candidate

Example report (fictional data)Coding: Algorithms, Intermediate

74‎%‎Percentile 53. Benchmark: HireValid candidates, n = 846

Algorithms and Problem Solving74‎%‎

Integrity Scoreثقة عالية

Stayed on the test tab throughout
No pasted answers
Answered at a steady pace

Scores, profiles and integrity signals are evidence for you to review alongside an interview, never an automatic decision.

Use this test free

Review the attempt with context

Each candidate receives a different question set from large pools. The browser shows one question at a time, and answer keys stay on HireValid’s servers. This test has one coding task, a 35-minute server-timed limit, and no back navigation. Reloading restores the same question with only the time that was left. Hidden code cases and solutions stay on the server, and pastes into the editor are recorded. HireValid records signals such as time away from the test tab and summarizes them in an Integrity Score with an evidence timeline for you to review. It never decides on its own. With the candidate’s consent, you can add webcam photos at random moments.

كيف نمنع الغش باستخدام الذكاء الاصطناعي · Integrity signals

Use the score as one piece of evidence

Review the task result alongside a separate work sample and a structured interview. This test is based on one task, so its score can vary more from attempt to attempt than a longer test. Treat it as evidence for your review, not a decision on its own. For related coverage, compare the Algorithms for Software Engineering test, Software Engineer test, and Clean Code test.

Ask how candidates work through real coding problems

How would you break down an unfamiliar production coding problem before writing a solution?
Listen for a clear sequence of steps, attention to inputs and outputs, and a plan for checking edge cases.
Tell me about a coding task where your first approach needed to change. What did you do next?
Look for a specific account of how they identified the issue, revised their approach, and checked the result.
How would you check that a solution handles tie-breaks and unusual inputs?
Listen for concrete examples of cases they would test and how they would reason about expected outputs.

Understand scoring and benchmarks

Fairness and accommodations

Tasks are written in plain US English with neutral scenarios, no money, sports or local references, and names from many backgrounds. Inputs and outputs are plain numbers, strings and lists, so the task works the same in each of the six languages, and no task depends on a library function that only some of them offer. The candidate picks the language they know best, and the test asks for a computer so the editor is comfortable to use.

You can give any candidate extra time as an accommodation. Results are evidence for a person to review, never an automatic decision.

Provisional: the score comes from one task, so it varies more from attempt to attempt than a longer test would. Reliability is reported once 200 candidates have completed it.

اقرأ نهجنا في الإنصاف

Test details

A single programming task at an intermediate level, solved in a code editor within 35 minutes. The candidate reads a short problem with worked examples, writes a working solution, and is scored on how many hidden test cases it passes, including edge cases and tie-breaks. Candidates choose to write their solution in Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, C++ or Go.

Questions are in English.
Aids allowed: Scratch paper.
1 practice task, 10 minutes, before the timed test.
Taken on a desktop or laptop computer.

Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, C++, Go are trademarks of their owners. HireValid is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.

الأسئلة الشائعة

Which roles suit the Coding: Algorithms, Intermediate test?+

It is intended for mid-level software engineers, backend developers, full-stack developers and other roles that write production code and need a solid working grasp of algorithms. The intermediate level suits developers who already write code on their own, rather than entry-level hires.

How does the Coding: Algorithms, Intermediate test keep the choice of language fair?+

The task uses plain US English, neutral scenarios and names from many backgrounds. Inputs and outputs are plain numbers, strings and lists, so the task works the same in each of the six languages on offer, and no task depends on a library function that only some of them provide.

Can candidates use scratch paper for the Coding: Algorithms, Intermediate test?+

Yes, scratch paper is allowed. The test needs a computer so the code editor is comfortable to use. A practice set with one question and a 10-minute limit lets candidates get used to the editor before the 35-minute task.

How is the Coding: Algorithms, Intermediate test scored?+

The score is the number of hidden test cases the solution passes, including edge cases and tie-breaks. Because it comes from one task, it varies more from attempt to attempt than a longer test would, and reliability is reported once 200 candidates have completed it. You can also browse the [test library](/tests) for other hiring assessments.