Tips & Strategies
Expert advice to help you perform your best on the skills assessment
Before the Test
Proper preparation of your environment can significantly impact your performance.
Test Your Internet Connection
Ensure you have a stable connection with at least 5 Mbps download speed. Consider using a wired connection for reliability.
Check Your Camera & Microphone
The assessment requires webcam and microphone access for proctoring. Test them beforehand and ensure good lighting.
Use a Supported Browser
Chrome, Firefox, or Edge are recommended. Make sure your browser is up to date and disable unnecessary extensions.
Find a Quiet Environment
Choose a private, well-lit space free from distractions. Inform others not to disturb you during the assessment.
Schedule Wisely
Pick a time when you're alert and focused. Avoid starting late at night or when you have other commitments nearby.
Have Your ID Ready
You may need to verify your identity. Keep a valid photo ID handy for the verification process.
During the Test
Strategic approaches to maximize your score within the time limit.
Watch the Timer
Keep an eye on the time remaining. Budget approximately 1 minute per question for technical skills, and more for coding challenges.
Read Questions Carefully
Don't rush. Understand exactly what's being asked before answering. Look for keywords like 'NOT', 'ALWAYS', 'BEST'.
Use the Skip Function
If stuck on a question, mark it and move on. Return to difficult questions after completing easier ones.
Show Your Thought Process
For coding and system design questions, explain your reasoning. Partial credit is given for sound approaches even if incomplete.
Use Documentation Wisely
Looking up syntax is allowed. Know where to find information quickly rather than memorizing everything.
Stay in Frame
Keep your face visible in the webcam throughout. Avoid looking away from the screen for extended periods.
Proctoring Guidelines
The assessment uses AI-powered proctoring. Understanding what's allowed helps you focus on the test.
Allowed
- Looking up documentation and syntax references
- Using a single external monitor (same content as primary)
- Taking brief breaks to stretch (face visible)
- Talking through your thought process quietly
- Using scratch paper for calculations
Not Allowed
- Having another person in the room
- Using a phone or secondary device
- Copying code from external sources
- Using AI assistants like ChatGPT
- Taking screenshots or recording the screen
- Having multiple browser tabs with code solutions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes to improve your performance.
Not reading the full question
Solution: Take 10-15 seconds to read each question completely, including all options for multiple choice.
Spending too long on one question
Solution: If stuck for more than 2-3 minutes, skip and return later. Don't let one question derail your timing.
Not testing code before submitting
Solution: Always run your code with the provided test cases. Check edge cases if time permits.
Over-engineering solutions
Solution: Start with the simplest working solution. Optimize only if you have extra time.
Ignoring system design constraints
Solution: Pay attention to scale requirements, latency needs, and consistency requirements mentioned in the problem.
Poor time management in system design
Solution: Spend 2 min understanding requirements, 5 min on high-level design, 5 min on deep dives, 3 min on trade-offs.
How Scoring Works
Understanding the scoring system helps you prioritize your efforts.
| Section | Weight | Scoring Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Skills | 40% | Accuracy of answers, depth of knowledge across topics |
| Practical Coding | 35% | Correctness, code quality, efficiency, edge case handling |
| System Design | 25% | Completeness, trade-off analysis, scalability considerations |
Tier Ratings
What Happens After
Here's what to expect once you complete the assessment.
Results Available
Your score and tier will be available immediately after completion.
Profile Update
Your skills score card will be added to your profile for employers to see.
Exclusive Access
Passing candidates (70%+) unlock access to exclusive job postings.
Retake Policy
You can retake the assessment after 30 days to improve your score.
You've Got This!
You're well-prepared. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and show what you know.