PROGRAMMEERVAARDIGHEDEN

Entry-level coding algorithms test for hiring

See how candidates turn a clearly stated problem into a working function.

15 minuten
1 task
Entry level
Coding tasks
Questions in Engels
Desktop only

Use this test free See the question formats

Het korte antwoord

This entry-level coding algorithms test is one coding task for roles that write code. Candidates write a function for a small problem, such as searching or reshaping a list or text. It measures basic algorithms, including loops, conditions, simple data structures and edge-case handling.

Wat het meet

Turning a small problem into a working algorithm: loops, conditions, simple data structures and careful handling of edge cases.

Basic algorithms

Candidates turn small problems into working functions using loops, conditions and simple data structures, while handling empty or one-element inputs.

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 15 minutes.

Roles this test fits

Entry-level roles that write code: junior and graduate software engineers, backend and full-stack developers, apprentices and interns, and any role that needs a working grasp of basic programming.

See the code behind the resume

Review a working solution
Candidates write in a code editor and can run the examples, giving you code to review rather than a description of their approach.
Check edge-case handling
The function is run against hidden cases, including empty or one-element inputs, so you can review how the solution handles more than the examples.
Offer a fair task
The prompt uses plain English and needs no business-field knowledge. Candidates can choose among six languages, and each task is checked for solvability in each.

What you get for each candidate

Example report (fictional data)Coding: Algorithms, Entry Level

64%Percentile 31. Benchmark: HireValid candidates, n = 1.954

Basic algorithms64%

Integrity ScoreHoge betrouwbaarheid

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

Test integrity signals

Each candidate gets a different question set drawn from large pools. The browser receives one question at a time, and answer keys stay on HireValid’s servers. The 15-minute timer runs on the server; reloading returns the same question with only the time left. Candidates cannot go back. Question text cannot be copied or selected, and blocked copy attempts are recorded. Code runs against hidden test cases on HireValid’s servers, and pastes into the editor are recorded. HireValid summarizes signals in an Integrity Score and evidence timeline for employer review; it never decides on its own. With candidate consent, employers can add webcam photos at random moments. See how we build our tests.

Hoe we fraude met AI tegengaan · Integrity signals

Use the score as one signal

This score rests on a single task, so it is provisional evidence to review alongside a work sample and structured interview, never alone or as a cutoff. Reliability is reported once 200 candidates have completed the test. For a role that writes code, compare the result with the work the position requires, such as a Junior Developer role. For broader hiring context, see the pre-employment testing guide. If you need a higher level of algorithm task, consider Coding: Algorithms, Intermediate.

Ask about problem-solving at work

How would you break down a small list-processing problem before writing a function?
Listen for a clear plan, attention to inputs and a way to check the result.
Tell me about a time code behaved differently with an empty or one-item input. What did you do next?
Listen for how they traced the behavior, changed the function and checked the result.
How would you check a function that searches text when the provided examples pass?
Listen for additional cases they would try and how they would judge the output.

Understand scoring and benchmarks

Fairness and accommodations

Every task is stated in plain English with everything it needs, so no knowledge of a business field, a culture, a currency or a sport is required. Inputs arrive as function arguments and the result is returned, so no language gives an advantage in reading input. Candidates choose among six common languages, every task is checked to be solvable in each of them, and names in the tasks come from many backgrounds.

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 rests on a single task, so it is best read alongside other evidence. Reliability is reported once 200 candidates have completed it.

Lees hoe we met eerlijkheid omgaan

Test details

One short programming task in which the candidate writes a function that solves a small, clearly stated problem, such as counting, searching, comparing or reshaping a list or a piece of text. The candidate works in a code editor, can run the examples given, and the answer is scored by running it against hidden test cases, including edge cases such as empty or one-element inputs. The candidate may write the 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.

Veelgestelde vragen

What does the Coding: Algorithms, Entry Level test ask candidates to do?+

Candidates write one function for a small, clearly stated problem, such as counting, searching, comparing or reshaping a list or text. They can run the given examples, and the code is checked against hidden cases, including empty or one-element inputs.

How does the Coding: Algorithms, Entry Level test support fairness?+

Tasks are written in plain English and do not require knowledge of a business field, culture, currency or sport. Inputs come as function arguments and results are returned. Candidates choose among six common languages, and tasks are checked for solvability in each.

Can candidates use scratch paper on the Coding: Algorithms, Entry Level test?+

Yes. Scratch paper is allowed. The test is desktop-only, lasts 15 minutes and has one question; candidates cannot go back. The separate practice set has one question and lasts 10 minutes.

Why is the Coding: Algorithms, Entry Level score marked provisional?+

The score rests on a single task, so read it alongside other evidence, such as a code review conversation or a structured interview. Reliability is reported once 200 candidates have completed the test.

Which roles fit the Coding: Algorithms, Entry Level test?+

It is for entry-level roles that write code, including junior and graduate software engineers, backend and full-stack developers, apprentices and interns. It measures a working grasp of basic programming.