The tests we offer, how to use them, and what’s in development.
In this article, we will help you understand exactly what a test is, the types of tests we offer, and how to use them in your assessments. This article is relevant to all TestGorilla account users.
Approx. reading time 4 minutes
In this article
Understanding tests
A test is an individual exam used to assess the skills of the test taker in a particular subject, while an assessment is a collection of individual tests and questions. The tests from our library are anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes in length, depending on the type of test selected. Each multiple-choice test has a bank of a minimum of 100 questions, but only 12–20 questions are used each time the test is given.
The questions in tests are randomly delivered on a per-assessment basis. This means that if a candidate takes the same test in different assessments, they will face fresh questions each time.
Types of questions
Our tests feature 5 different types of questions. The 5 types are:
- Multiple-choice. The candidate is asked to choose a single answer from a list of options.
- Multiple response. The candidate is asked to choose multiple answers from a list of options.
- True / False. The candidate is asked to choose true or false, yes or no, this or that.
- Short text. The candidate is required to type an answer. The entered text must exactly match the answer in the answer bank.
- Coding. The candidate is asked to program a simulated real-world exercise to show their skills. Coding questions within a test will use a single programming language.
Multiple-choice tests will typically include a mixture of the first four question types. Programming questions are only featured in specific programming tests.
How question banks are created
TestGorilla works with Subject Matter Experts to create a large bank of questions for each individual test. Our experts break subjects down into skill areas, then develop questions designed to test each specific area.
Question banks often contain hundreds of questions, ensuring that we can cycle through questions each time a test is used in an assessment. This makes sure that candidates who have taken our tests before are very unlikely to face the same questions again.
How questions are selected
We have designed a complex algorithm that selects the questions that will be presented in each test. Some of the things it takes into account are:
- The skill area of each test. This ensures that each skill area is tested equally.
- If you have used the same test before. The algorithm makes sure different questions are presented each time you select the test.
- Maximum exposure count. Each question has a limited lifetime. Once it has been presented a certain number of times we retire it. This reduces the risk of questions leaking online, further protecting test validity and integrity.
Types of tests
TestGorilla offers hundreds of tests, broken down into 7 different categories, discussed in this video. Not in a position to watch or just prefer to read? Scroll down for a written explanation. 😊
Tests in our test library are broken down into 7 categories:
- Personality & culture. Personality and culture tests provide insight into your candidate’s character, motivation, and whether they would be a good addition to your company.
- Cognitive ability. Cognitive ability tests assess abilities involved in thinking. They are designed to estimate a candidate’s potential to use mental processes to solve work-related problems or to acquire new job knowledge. They test reasoning, perception, and memory, among other things.
- Role specific skills. Tests designed to gauge a candidate’s abilities in tasks specific to a particular job role, from accounting to warehouse skills. Each test is broken into four skills related to the specific job role.
- Situational judgment. Situational judgment tests assess a candidate’s decision-making abilities. They are presented with real-world scenarios they may encounter on the job, allowing you to see how the candidate would handle themselves.
- Language. Language tests are designed specifically to assess a candidate's proficiency in different languages. They test vocabulary & grammar, reading comprehension, sentence composition, and listening comprehension.
- Programming skills. Coding tests allow you to challenge your candidates across multiple programming languages and frameworks, allowing them to showcase their skills and expertise. They test a candidate’s ability to write and troubleshoot specific programming languages.
- Software skills. Software skills tests are designed to test a candidate’s aptitude for specific apps and tools they may use on the job. From Microsoft apps to CRM platforms, you can ascertain their current skill level on each.
Test library
The test library is our curated collection of tests, created by our Subject Matter Experts. We have hundreds of tests in our library and add new tests every month.
Using the test library
You can search and filter the library to make finding the perfect tests that much easier:
| Search by keyword to find particular tests, like Python, Outlook, etc. | |
| Filter by test type. Select from one of the seven test types detailed above to see the tests from each category. | |
| Click the Details button to see an in-depth description of a test, including its difficulty level, the skill areas it covers, and practice questions. You can learn about the test’s development and the expert who created it, and see tribunals from customers who have used the test in their own assessments. |
Common questions
How do I see the question bank?
It isn’t possible to view the questions and answers to the tests. We do this to ensure the test content doesn’t leak online. It also stops candidates from attempting to sign up for an account and see the test content ahead of time. To view sample questions for a test, view the Details page for any test in the library, and click the Preview questions button at the top of the page.
How can I change the time limit of tests?
The time limit of each test is fixed and cannot be changed. However, you can allow additional time for all of the tests in your assessment. This guide explains how to do this.
What can I do if you don’t have a test that I need?
Our Test Development team is continuously working on new tests to add to our library. If a test you need is not on the list of tests coming soon, you are welcome to reach out to our success team. We are happy to take suggestions for tests, but cannot guarantee a specific time frame for them.