10 Best Pre-Employment Testing Software List
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Finding the right candidates can be tough. You want to be sure you're hiring the best fit for your team. That's where pre-employment testing software comes in. It helps you assess skills and fit before making that crucial decision.
In my experience, these tools save time and reduce the guesswork. I've reviewed and tested various options to bring you the best on the market. You can trust that I've done the homework so you don't have to.
In this article, I'll share my top picks for pre-employment testing software. You'll get insights into features, ease of use, and who they're best suited for. Let's make your hiring process a bit easier.
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Best Pre-Employment Testing Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top pre-employment testing software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for auto-scored skill tests with real job simulations | Free demo available | From $45/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for industry and role-specific assessments | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for its candidate interview portals and ease of interview submission | 15-day free trial | From $75/month | Website | |
| 4 | Customizable assessment software with AI grading | Free trial and free demo available | From $109 USD/month | Website | |
| 5 | Comprehensive, AI-powered skills assessment software with digital proctoring capabilities | Free trial and free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Well-rounded online assessment tool with advanced security and digital proctoring features | Request a free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | AI-powered online programming assessment test for recruiters hiring for technical positions | 10 tests free | From $99/month | Website | |
| 8 | Affordable testing software with deep test library, including language proficiency tests | Free plan available | From $142/month for 2 premium seats (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Well-rounded psychometric testing platform including game-based assessments | 21 days free trial (max. 20 tests) | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Advanced talent and coding assessment platform with hackathon hosting feature, well-suited for campus recruiting | Request a free demo or free trial | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Checkr
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
Kudoboard
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Native Teams
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9
Best Pre-Employment Testing Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best pre-employment testing software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Canditech is a pre-employment assessment platform that supports objective hiring decisions through job-simulation assessments. It evaluates technical and soft skills alongside AI fluency, including ChatGPT integration and an AI skills library applicable across roles. The platform provides a structured view of each candidate’s abilities, treating AI proficiency as a core workforce skill.
Canditech stands out as a pre-employment testing software with customizable assessment tools. It supports multiple question types, including open-text, video, multiple choice, Google Sheets, Excel, coding, ChatGPT, and SQL. AI auto-scoring and an AI Assessment Builder allow hiring teams to generate role-specific assessments from a job description or a link. Cheating-prevention features include ChatGPT detection, alongside one-way video interviews and WhatsApp and SMS recruitment chatbots.
Integrations span over various ATS platforms, including Workday, SAP, iCIMS, ADP, SmartRecruiters, Greenhouse, Lever, Oracle, Jobvite, and JazzHR.
Pricing begins from $45 per month, billed annually, with a free demo available.
eSkill is a pre-employment testing platform that helps organizations assess candidates' skills and suitability for various roles. By offering a range of customizable assessments, eSkill enables employers to make informed hiring decisions.
I chose eSkill for its extensive test library, which includes over 800 job- and subject-based assessments. This variety allows your team to select tests that align closely with specific job requirements across various industries, ensuring candidates are evaluated on relevant skills. Additionally, eSkill offers advanced simulations, such as MS Office, chat, and multitasking exercises, enabling you to observe how applicants perform tasks they would encounter in their roles.
I also like that you have the ability to create customized assessments by selecting questions from multiple tests and adding your own content. This flexibility ensures that evaluations are tailored to your organization's unique needs, providing a more accurate measure of a candidate's capabilities. Furthermore, eSkill's platform includes behavioral assessments to help identify candidates who not only have the right skills but also fit well with your company culture.
Some integrations include Paylocity, iCIMS, Workday, UKG Pro, Bullhorn, Avionte BOLD, Jobvite, SAP SuccessFactors, ApplicantPro, Greenhouse, and Taleo.
Willo
Best for its candidate interview portals and ease of interview submission
Willo is a user-friendly and flexible video interview software that enables businesses to conduct pre-employment testing and evaluate potential staff remotely. Recruiting teams can remotely capture candidate interviews, share their video responses, and collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to assess genuine responses from interested participants through engagements and asynchronous video communications.
Businesses and recruitment agencies can leverage the software for finding and remotely meeting candidates at scale, as well as for hiring top graduate talent. They can also use the software for training new hires, online learning, user-generated video content creation, as well as for employee and customer communications.
Willo enables you to take advantage of video interviews to discover potential talent and evaluate candidates faster and more conveniently. Candidates can answer interview questions through a link that is provided by the interviewer, which will take them to the interview landing page. Candidates can participate in video interviews through their web browser, without the need to install plug-ins or additional applications.
The software is equipped with a variety of collaboration features, including tools for editing and sharing video interviews and messages. It also supports the editing and sharing of user-generated video content and training videos, all from a centralized dashboard. Additionally, the video interview solution implements enterprise-grade data encryption, GDPR-compliant security protocols, and multi-factor authentication to ensure the protection of all sensitive data.
Vervoe’s system comes pre-loaded with 300 pre-employment assessment test templates designed by leading industrial and organizational (I/O) psychologists. These can be used as is, or easily customized with your own questions, or additional items from their bank of 300,000 questions. For technical positions, their platform includes challenges in 8 common coding languages. They also boast strong assessment capabilities for other industries such as marketing and advertising, customer service, retail, healthcare, and call-center recruiting. To ensure candidates are the right fit, hiring teams can use their Customer Service Simulator to develop simulations of what each role is actually like, to see how applicants cope.
System admins have the ability to customize the candidate experience through Vervoe by including a video introduction that welcomes candidates, introduces their company and provides instructions prior to the actual skill testing. As skill tests are completed, Vervoe uses AI to score and rank candidate results in real-time. Top performers are automatically moved to the top of the results dashboard and identified with trophies and badges highlighting their top skills. Hiring managers can use the platform to compare top applicants side-by-side to support decision-making. Once users mark a candidate as ‘hired’ this further enhances the machine learning algorithm for assessing future candidates.
Vervoe integrates with other popular recruiting and workflow tools such as Greenhouse, PageUp, SmartRecruiters, Zapier, and others. Their API also allows for additional integrations customizations.
Pricing for Vervoe starts at $109 USD/month. A free demo and free trial can also be requested through their website.
iMocha
Comprehensive, AI-powered skills assessment software with digital proctoring capabilities
With over 2,500 skill tests in their library, iMocha is a comprehensive pre-employment testing option for a wide range of industries with technical needs. Beyond all the classic programming languages, users can also initiate tests for other programs like the full Adobe suite, Amazon-specific portals, cybersecurity risk management, specific enterprise-level software systems (like SAP, Salesforce and the full Microsoft suite) and many other applications.
To ensure diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) among candidates, their bias-free assessment report focuses exclusively on skill-based analyses, while anonymizing other candidate details for more objective comparisons. Their AI-powered system also proctors assessments through real-time images, audio, and video, ensuring that answers are 100% authentic. This type of digital automation makes it a natural fit for virtual campus hiring drives or assessing other remote candidates. To further support university recruitment, iMocha also assesses the job-readiness of graduates with tips for skill gaps they need to address.
iMocha integrates with popular ATS software including Greenhouse, Jobvite, iCIMS, SmartRecruiters, Level, and Taleo.
Pricing details for iMocha are only available upon request, but a free trial and free demo can be requested through their website.
Talview
Well-rounded online assessment tool with advanced security and digital proctoring features
Talview’s online assessment platform covers four main styles of testing: an essay test, typing test, online coding tests, and advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) tests. Their programming/coding assessments are available in 52 programming languages including Java, Ruby, Python and many others. They’re a useful tool for pre-screening large volumes of technical applicants—such as university students—ensuring you only spend time interviewing the top talent in the group.
Their security features are noteworthy, and stand out against other testing providers in this list. Tests are completed within their Talview Secure Browser which locks down access to other system resources like applications, other web tabs, or offline information when an assessment is underway. Remote cognitive proctoring automatically monitors for fraudulent activity via video, flags any suspicious activities, and warns or blocks candidates who appear to be cheating. They also have a 360° Test Environment Check feature that prompts candidates to visually verify elements of their exam room before initiating the test, including their table/desk, ceiling, floor, and the absence of earphones, plus a 360 degree video capture of the entire room.
Talview integrates with several other software providers including Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, and TalentLMS.
Pricing details for Talview are only available upon request, though you can request a free demo through their website.
AI-powered online programming assessment test for recruiters hiring for technical positions
Wild Noodle is an online platform that enables employers to assess candidates before hiring them. It offers a suite of tests to help employers make data-driven decisions regarding staffing their teams. It has an extensive assessment library with various assessments, including soft skills such as communication and problem-solving and hard skills such as coding and web design.
Employers can select whichever assessments are most relevant to their situation to get a comprehensive picture of each candidate's abilities and aptitudes before deciding whether they should be hired. This level of insight helps reduce turnover rates by ensuring employees are better suited to their position before they even begin work. Wild Noodle makes test administration straightforward with its user-friendly dashboard interface. Its reporting feature also enables employers to compare candidates against each other and make informed decisions about which candidate is best suited for a given position.
Wild Noodle helps employers create custom tests tailored to their needs. This makes it easier to evaluate potential hires based on the skills they need most. Additionally, the software provides automated scoring and reporting options so employers can quickly compare applicants’ test results without having to do it manually. Wild Noodle saves time by automating many tasks associated with evaluating prospective employees. Users no longer have to score individual tests or compare multiple applicants manually. This allows recruiters to focus more on other aspects of the hiring process, such as interviews or background checks.
Wild Noodle helps ensure that all job candidates receive consistent evaluations regardless of who is doing the assessment. This increases fairness during the hiring process since everyone is evaluated according to the same criteria and standards an organization sets. This software eliminates human bias since it uses objective data rather than subjective opinions when deciding which applicants should move forward in the hiring process.
Affordable testing software with deep test library, including language proficiency tests
TestGorilla allows hiring teams to create high-quality assessments with tight turnaround times. Based on the name of each job role you’re looking to assess, TestGorilla automatically suggests the best pre-loaded testing template to use for each position (and you can add your own questions if you want too). They also allow users to combine multiple types of assessments into one packaged test for your candidates. This is helpful as it provides a better candidate experience rather than sending out multiple testing links for skill tests and behavioral assessments, for example. Their system also includes the ability to collect video interview responses to further assess candidate personalities too.
Their testing library is deep and includes tests for both hard skills (Python, JavaScript, PHP, etc.), software skills (PowerPoint, Hubspot, Zendesk, AutoCAD, etc.), and soft skills (communication, business ethics, negotiation, time management, etc.). As well, their system also supports role-based assessments for positions like accounts payable, social media management, technical SEO, B2B sales and many others. TestGorilla is also a great choice for businesses with international or multilingual workforces as they can test the language proficiency of candidates in many languages and levels, including: English, French, Dutch, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.
TestGorilla integrates with major applicant tracking systems such as Greenhouse, JazzHR, Lever, SmartRecruiters and others. Their mobile app also supports assessments on Android or iOS devices too.
Pricing for TestGorilla starts at $25 USD/month, though they do have a free forever plan with limited features that would work for focused recruiting (unlimited candidates, but only 5 tests). A free demo can also be requested through their website.
Criteria
Well-rounded psychometric testing platform including game-based assessments
Criteria’s well-rounded testing platform is scalable, making it suitable for small & medium-sized businesses all the way up to enterprise-level clients. Their skill assessments are focused on softer psychometric skills like cognitive aptitude, personality, emotional intelligence, risk, and job readiness through basic computer skill tests.
One standout feature in their assessment roster is their game-based assessments, developed by their in-house team of industrial and organizational (I/O) psychologists. While still rigorous and data-rich, game-based assessments provide candidates with a fun and immersive experience where they are more engaged in the material than with traditional assessments. This improves the candidate experience, making them more likely to pursue their application further.
Criteria integrates with common ATS or HRIS platforms, including BambooHR, Greenhouse, iCIMS, Jobvite, Lever, Talent Hub, Oracle Taleo, PageUp, SAP SuccessFactors, SmartRecruiters, and many others.
Pricing details for Criteria are only available upon request, but a 21-day free trial (max. 20 tests) can be requested through their website.
Advanced talent and coding assessment platform with hackathon hosting feature, well-suited for campus recruiting
Mercer Mettl’s cloud-based assessment platform offers talent assessment solutions as well as coding assessment tools and other unique hiring solutions. Within their talent assessment module users can choose from psychometric tests, behavioral tests, aptitude tests, coding tests, domain tests, and spoken English tests. Their system includes robust digital proctoring features that ensure candidates cannot cheat, as well as 24x7 instant customer support and mobile friendly access. Their tests are currently used in 80 countries and administered in 26 languages.
Their coding platform for technical assessments is extensive, including 100,000+ questions and advanced role-based simulations for front end + back end + full stack development, plus database development, devops, quality assurance and data science. Another really neat feature is their Mettl Xathon module which is an end-to-end hackathon solution that organizes the whole process in 4 easy steps. Hackathons are a useful campus hiring tool as they can generate innovation and enthusiasm for your company amongst new talent, while also screening potential candidates for future roles.
Mettl integrates with many applicant tracking systems including Darwinbox, Freshteam, Greenhouse, Naukri RMS, NoPaperForms, Optevus, Peoplise, Skillate, TurboHire and Zoho Recruit. As well, they also integrate with Canvas and D2L—two popular learning management systems.
Pricing details for Mettl are only available upon request, though you can request a free demo or free trial through their website.
Other Pre-Employment Testing Software
Here are some additional pre-employment testing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Qualified
Technical coding assessment platform with revealing code playback feature for deeper programmer insights
- Unnanu Hire
For creating custom tests
- The Hire Talent
Easy-to-use pre-employment testing tool with detailed candidate performance reports
- Woven
Sophisticated engineering assessment platform focused on architecture, systems design, and debugging
- HR Avatar
User-friendly pre-employment testing software with 2D job simulations to maximize candidate engagement
- Resource Associates
Straightforward pre-employment testing provider with a comprehensive test library and “on demand” pricing
- Zoho Recruit
With customizable assessment questionnaires for candidates
- Coderbyte
Advanced coding assessment platform suitable for screening new graduates up to senior engineers, including a module to compensate applicants for the time spent on their assessment - also available as a free trial.
- Wizehire
Candidate assessment and pre-screening software with predictive skills tests and DISC+ (decisive, interactive, stable and cautious + motivators) personality assessments.
- HireVue
Enterprise-level candidate management software with coding assessments, game-based assessments, and other useful interviewing and hiring tools.
Pre-Employment Testing Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best pre-employment testing software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like the accuracy of candidate assessments and ease of integration with existing HR systems. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Assess candidate skills
- Provide customizable tests
- Offer reporting and analytics
- Integrate with ATS
- Support multiple languages
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-driven test customization
- Video interview capabilities
- Real-time feedback for candidates
- Gamified assessments
- Advanced fraud detection
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
- Accessibility options
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to templates
- Interactive product tours
- Supportive chatbots
- Regular webinars
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support channels
- Knowledge base access
- Response time
- Personalized assistance
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible pricing plans
- Feature-to-price ratio
- Free trial availability
- Discount options
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Ease of use feedback
- Feature satisfaction
- Support experience
- Pricing feedback
- Overall satisfaction rating
How to Choose Pre-Employment Testing Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your team? Check if it can handle increased candidate volumes and expanding test requirements without performance issues. |
| Integrations | Does it work with your current tools? Ensure it integrates seamlessly with your ATS, HRIS, or other systems to avoid data silos and extra manual work. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor tests to your needs? Look for options to customize assessments to match specific job roles and company culture, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions. |
| Ease of use | Is it user-friendly for everyone? Consider the learning curve for both your team and candidates. A simple interface can reduce training time and increase adoption. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How quickly can you get started? Evaluate the time and resources required for setup and training. Look for providers offering support materials like tutorials and customer service. |
| Cost | Is it within your budget? Compare pricing structures and consider long-term costs, including potential add-ons or upgrades. Look for transparency in pricing. |
| Security safeguards | How secure is your data? Assess the software’s security measures, including data encryption and compliance with relevant regulations to protect sensitive candidate information. |
What Is Pre-Employment Testing Software?
Pre-employment testing software is a tool used to evaluate candidates' skills, abilities, and fit for a role before hiring. HR professionals, recruiters, and hiring managers typically use these tools to make informed hiring decisions and reduce bias. Customizable tests, integration with ATS, and reporting capabilities help with candidate assessment accuracy and efficiency. Overall, these tools save time and help ensure you hire the right person for the job.
Features
When selecting pre-employment testing software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Customizable tests: Allows you to tailor assessments to match specific job roles and company needs, ensuring relevance and accuracy.
- Integration with ATS: Ensures smooth data flow between systems, reducing manual entry and potential errors.
- Reporting and analytics: Provides insights into candidate performance and helps in making data-driven hiring decisions.
- Multi-language support: Enables you to assess candidates from diverse linguistic backgrounds, broadening your talent pool.
- AI-driven test customization: Uses artificial intelligence to create more relevant and challenging assessments based on specific criteria.
- Video interview capabilities: Offers a platform for remote interviews, saving time and resources during the hiring process.
- Fraud detection: Identifies inconsistencies or dishonest practices in test-taking, improving the integrity of the hiring process.
- Mobile functionality: Allows candidates to complete assessments on various devices, offering flexibility and convenience.
- Real-time feedback: Provides immediate responses to candidates, enhancing their experience and engagement.
- Accessibility options: Ensures the platform is usable by individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and compliance.
Benefits
Implementing pre-employment testing software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved hiring accuracy: Customizable tests and reporting help ensure you select candidates who truly fit the role.
- Time savings: Integration with ATS and automated processes reduce time spent on manual tasks and speed up the hiring process.
- Bias reduction: Standardized assessments and AI-driven customization minimize personal biases in candidate evaluation.
- Enhanced candidate experience: Features like real-time feedback and mobile functionality make the process more engaging and accessible.
- Cost efficiency: By improving hiring accuracy and reducing turnover, these tools help save money in the long run.
- Diverse talent pool: Multi-language support and accessibility options open up opportunities to a wider range of candidates.
- Data-driven decisions: Analytics and reporting features provide insights that support informed decision-making.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting pre-employment testing software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in pre-employment testing software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Pre-Employment Testing Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Limited test customization, basic reporting, and standard support. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Customizable tests, integration with ATS, and basic analytics. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Advanced analytics, multi-language support, and enhanced customer support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $60-$100/user/month | AI-driven customization, dedicated account manager, and comprehensive security. |
Pre-Employment Testing Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about pre-employment testing software:
What types of tests can you create with pre-employment testing software?
You can create various types of tests, including cognitive ability, personality, technical skills, and language proficiency tests. These tools often offer templates and customizable options, allowing you to tailor tests to specific job roles. This flexibility helps you assess candidates’ capabilities and fit for your company’s unique needs.
Can pre-employment testing software predict job performance?
You can use testing software to get some indication of how well a candidate might perform, but it’s not a guaranteed predictor. Validity — whether the test measures what it intends to and correlates with actual job outcomes — is the measure here. So while the software gives you useful data, you should still treat it as one element of the hiring decision, not the sole decision-maker.
What are the risks of bias in pre-employment testing software?
Bias can creep in if the tests are not designed or administered fairly, or if they disadvantage specific groups of candidates. It’s important that the software uses assessments that are inclusive and that you review whether certain groups consistently score lower. Addressing bias means monitoring outcomes and making sure the tool aligns with your organisation’s diversity and fairness standards.
Are there common time-frames for tests produced by pre-employment testing software?
Yes — most assessments via these tools are designed to be compact and efficient. While durations vary depending on the role, many run in under an hour, sometimes considerably less. Longer tests are possible for senior roles, but for many roles the aim is to minimise candidate fatigue and drop-out.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching pre-employment testing software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
