Best Pre-Employment Testing Software in 2026: 8 Tools Compared
Ali Guliyev9 min read
Key takeaways
- There is no single "best" tool. The right choice depends on which roles you hire for, which languages candidates speak and how much cheating risk you face.
- For developer hiring, specialised coding platforms (HackerRank, Codility) are strongest. For hiring across many roles, broad libraries (TestGorilla, TheyTest, Testlify) fit better.
- If candidates take tests in Azerbaijani, Russian, Turkish, Uzbek, Kazakh or Georgian, check that the test content, not only the interface, is available in those languages.
- Pricing models differ a lot: per-candidate credits, annual plans, or flat monthly subscriptions with unlimited candidates.
Disclosure: TheyTest is our product. We've described every tool, including ours, as fairly as we can. Check vendors' sites for current prices and features before you decide.
What to compare before choosing a tool
- Role coverage: does the library cover the roles you actually hire for (sales, finance, support, operations, tech)?
- Test languages: can candidates take the tests in their working language?
- Anti-cheating: randomisation and time limits are standard. Look for tab-switch and copy-paste detection, screen recording and how results are reviewed.
- Question types: multiple choice, coding, essays, video answers, screening questions.
- Custom tests: can you add your own questions quickly?
- Pricing model: credits per candidate vs a flat subscription. High-volume hiring makes this decisive.
- Integrations: do you need ATS integration now, or is a shareable link enough?
The 8 tools at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Strength | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TestGorilla | Broad, English-first skills testing for SMBs and mid-market | Very large test library, well-known brand | Advanced features and integrations sit in higher plans |
| HackerRank | Developer hiring at scale | Deep coding assessments, live coding interviews | Focused on technical roles |
| Codility | Engineering hiring in larger companies | Coding tests, interview tools, enterprise process | Mostly technical roles; enterprise sales process |
| TestDome | Small teams buying a few tests | Simple, pay-as-you-go style | Smaller anti-cheating toolkit |
| Criteria | Psychometric and cognitive testing | Validated cognitive and personality tests | Less focus on practical job tasks |
| Vervoe | Job simulations | Realistic job-task assessments | Building simulations takes setup time |
| Testlify | Budget-conscious teams | Large library at a lower price | Check regional language support |
| TheyTest | Hiring in the Caucasus, Türkiye and Central Asia, multi-role hiring, strong anti-cheating | Tests in 9 languages (incl. AZ, RU, TR, UZ, KK, KA), full-session screen + webcam recording, unlimited candidates on monthly billing | Smaller library than the biggest global players; younger company |
Tool by tool
TestGorilla
A broad pre-employment testing platform with a large library of skills, cognitive and personality tests. Good for English-speaking teams that hire across many roles. Integrations with major ATSs (such as Workday) and advanced features are tied to higher plans. It's a solid default if your candidates work in English.
HackerRank
The reference platform for technical hiring: coding challenges, real-world projects and live coding interviews. Ideal when developers are most of your hiring. Less relevant for sales, finance or customer service roles.
Codility
Similar focus to HackerRank: coding assessments and technical interviews for engineering teams. Usually chosen by larger companies with structured engineering hiring.
TestDome
A practical, straightforward tool for teams that want to buy a handful of ready-made tests without a big platform. Good for occasional hiring.
Criteria
Known for cognitive aptitude and personality testing. A strong choice if psychometric measurement is your priority. Less focused on job-specific practical tasks.
Vervoe
Built around job simulations, where candidates perform realistic tasks. Very job-relevant, but designing simulations takes time.
Testlify
A budget-friendly alternative with a large library. Worth a look if price is the main driver. Check carefully which tests exist in your candidates' languages.
TheyTest
Built for teams hiring in Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Central Asia and the Caucasus, and anywhere candidates work in more than one language:
- Tests in 9 languages: English, Azerbaijani, Russian, Turkish, Uzbek, Kazakh, Georgian, Spanish and Romanian. The questions themselves are translated, not just the interface. 170+ library tests, including banking, 1C, accounting and AI skills.
- Anti-cheating built for the AI era: a full screen + webcam recording of the session (with the candidate's consent), plus detection of tab switches, copy-paste, screenshots, leaving full screen and stopping screen sharing. Each candidate gets a risk grade.
- Question types: multiple choice, coding (incl. SQL), essays, video answers, screening questions. Custom tests in minutes.
- Simple pricing: unlimited candidates and seats; monthly billing from $149 (Basic) and $209 (Pro), cheaper per month on 3-, 6- and 12-month terms.
Which one should you choose?
- You mostly hire developers: HackerRank or Codility.
- You hire across many roles, in English: TestGorilla or Testlify.
- You need psychometrics first: Criteria.
- You want realistic job simulations: Vervoe.
- Your candidates speak Azerbaijani, Russian, Turkish or Central Asian languages, or cheating risk is high: TheyTest.
The best way to decide is a short pilot. Run the same role through two tools with 10–20 candidates and compare completion rate, score spread and recruiter time.
FAQ
What is the best pre-employment testing software?
It depends on your roles and languages. HackerRank and Codility lead for developers. TestGorilla is a strong general option in English. TheyTest is the strongest option when candidates take tests in Azerbaijani, Russian, Turkish or Central Asian languages, and when you need full-session recording against cheating.
Is there pre-employment testing software that supports Azerbaijani and Russian?
Yes. TheyTest offers tests (not only the interface) in Azerbaijani, Russian, Turkish, Uzbek, Kazakh, Georgian, English, Spanish and Romanian.
How much does pre-employment testing software cost?
Pricing ranges from pay-per-test to subscriptions of a few hundred dollars per month. For example, TheyTest costs $119–$209 per month depending on plan and billing term, with unlimited candidates. See how much pre-employment tests cost.
