The hiring process for developers is a nightmare. If you’re a CTO or hiring manager, you already know that. But here’s the rub: technical assessments are supposed to make it easier. Spoiler alert—they don’t. Most of the platforms out there focus on the same tired formula: basic coding challenges and automated tests. They’re fine for entry-level devs, but you’re not hiring someone to print Fibonacci sequences. You’re hiring engineers to solve real problems.
So, we tested 14+ technical assessment tools to separate the wheat from the chaff. After all that, we found the top 5, but here’s the truth—Kodiva is the standout if you’re hiring experienced developers. Why? It’s not just AI-driven; it brings human proctoring into the mix, slamming the door shut on cheaters using tools like ChatGPT.
Quick Overview of the Best Technical Assessments for 2024
Here’s a comparison of the top 5 technical assessment platforms:
• Automated ChatGPT detection does not work effectively, based on our tests. (See more on The Cheating Problem: Why Automated Detection Doesn’t Work below.)
Here’s what we found.
1. Kodiva.ai – The Best for Hiring Experienced Engineers
Let’s cut to the chase. Kodiva isn’t just another platform spitting out automated coding challenges. It’s the real deal for teams looking to hire senior engineers. Why?
Because Kodiva combines AI and human insight. You get real-world scenarios like PR reviews, system design, and debugging. And here’s the kicker—human proctoring means candidates can’t pull a fast one with ChatGPT. Most platforms claim to have automated cheating detection, but guess what? It doesn’t work. Even OpenAI couldn’t figure it out.
Kodiva’s blend of human evaluation ensures you get an honest assessment of your candidate’s skills. You’re not just hiring someone who can code—you’re hiring someone who can think.
The Catch: It’s not cheap. But if you’re hiring for roles where quality matters more than quantity, the ROI is undeniable.
2. Karat – The Best for Algorithmic Coding Interviews
Karat’s specialty is conducting live coding interviews, Big Tech-style. If you’re trying to replicate a FAANG interview process, this is your go-to. They’ve got experienced engineers handling the interviews, and it’s all standardized.
But, here’s the rub—live interviews slow down the process, and if your goal is speed, this could be a bottleneck. Plus, the reports can sometimes feel light, meaning you’ll spend extra time reviewing the replays.
If your team lives and breathes algorithms, Karat delivers. But for a broader, more holistic approach, you might be left wanting more.
3. CodeSignal – The Best for High-Volume, Entry-Level Hiring
Let’s say you’re drowning in resumes from junior devs or fresh college grads. Enter CodeSignal, your high-volume savior. Their coding editor is solid, and they’ve got a certification feature for Computer Science concepts. It’s like giving every candidate a pop quiz before they get in the door.
But remember, fully automated systems like this can kill the candidate experience for more senior hires. And the annual pricing model might be a buzzkill if you just want to test the waters.
CodeSignal shines for college hires, but don’t expect it to be a silver bullet for experienced roles.
4. HackerRank – The Budget-Friendly, Old-School Option
Remember when HackerRank was the cool new kid on the block? Well, it’s still hanging around, and it’s your go-to if you’re on a tight budget. Tons of coding challenges, real coding environments—solid for what it is.
But here’s the thing: it’s outdated. The coding environment hasn’t kept up with more modern platforms, and the fully automated experience? Not great for senior devs who’ve been around the block.
If you need a cheap, versatile option, it works. But if you’re aiming high, you’ll outgrow it fast.
5. TestGorilla – The Jack-of-All-Trades
TestGorilla is like the Swiss Army knife of assessment platforms. It’s not just for developers—it handles multiple roles. You need to hire a marketer and a dev? TestGorilla’s got you.
But that versatility comes at a cost. The test formats can feel unfamiliar, and the difficulty level can be all over the place. If you’re looking for consistency, this might not be it.
That said, for businesses that want a one-stop shop for pre-employment assessments, it’s hard to beat.
Brands That Missed the Cut
Look, not everything can be a winner. Here are some platforms that didn’t quite make it:
• Codility: Decent, but lacks cutting-edge tech.
• Qualified.io: Custom challenges are nice, but manual review drags down the experience.
• Glider.ai: Good for non-technical roles, but the tech side is weak.
• Byteboard: Real-world scenarios, sure, but slower and with fewer options than Kodiva.
The Cheating Problem: Why Automated Detection Doesn’t Work
Let’s talk about cheating. In 2024, at least 25% of candidates are going to use AI tools like ChatGPT to get ahead. Automated detection? Don’t even bother. It’s unreliable, period. Even OpenAI threw in the towel on trying to catch their own creation.
Kodiva’s human-powered proctoring is your only real defense. Their system reviews each assessment, watching for the signs that only an experienced human can catch. If you’re serious about hiring, this is the only way to ensure the results are legit.
How to Choose Your Assessment Tool
Bottom line: the right tool depends on your goals. If you’re hiring senior engineers, you need a platform that goes beyond basic coding tasks. The candidate experience matters—especially for experienced hires who won’t waste their time on pointless tests. Kodiva leads the pack by balancing automation with real-world insights and human validation. The others? Well, they’re fine for what they are.
