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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.

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.

Best for auto-scored skill tests with real job simulations

  • Free trial available
  • From $75/month
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Rating: 5/5

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.

Best for cheat-proof online assessments

  • 7-day free trial + free demo available
  • From $35/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

TestTrick is a pre-employment testing platform that offers a 500+ test library, AI-powered proctoring, coding assessments, psychometric evaluations, and one-way video interviews to help you screen and assess candidates before hiring.

Who Is TestTrick Best For?

TestTrick is a good fit for recruiters and HR teams at growing companies that need a scalable, structured way to assess candidates across technical, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions.

Why I Picked TestTrick

I've included TestTrick in my top picks because its anti-cheating toolset goes well beyond a basic browser lockdown. What I find most useful is the combination of AI-based face detection and dual screen detection: the system flags impersonation in real time and catches candidates who try to pull answers from a second monitor. For coding assessments specifically, code paste detection logs any attempt to import pre-written solutions, so you're evaluating what a candidate can actually write, not what they found online.

TestTrick Key Features

  • 500+ test library: Pre-built assessments covering cognitive ability, psychometrics, language skills, and role-specific technical topics.
  • Custom test builder: Build assessments using MCQ, coding, essay, video response, and file upload question types.
  • One-way video interviews: Send async video questions to candidates and score responses manually or with AI assistance.
  • Automated scoring: AI-ranked scorecards are generated for each candidate immediately after test completion.

TestTrick Integrations

TestTrick offers native ATS integrations with Greenhouse, Lever, Manatal, Workday, Jobvite, and more, syncing scores, reports, and candidate data directly into your hiring workflow. An API is also available for custom integrations.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Async video interviews replace live scheduling
  • 500+ pre-built role-specific test library
  • AI proctoring catches cheating without invigilators

Cons:

  • Dated interface could use a refresh
  • Limited to English and Spanish only

Best for SMB hiring needs

  • Free demo available
  • From $199
Visit Website
Rating: 4.7/5

EmployTest is a pre employment testing platform that offers job-specific skills assessments, cognitive aptitude tests, and interactive simulations for evaluating candidates across a wide range of roles.

Who Is EmployTest Best For?

EmployTest suits HR teams and hiring managers in SMBs who need job-specific skills and aptitude testing for candidates.

Why I Picked EmployTest

I’ve included EmployTest in my top picks because its interactive Microsoft Office skills simulations let me see exactly how candidates perform real tasks in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. My team uses these simulations to assess practical skills like formatting documents, creating formulas, and building presentations. I like that the simulations mirror the actual Office environment, so we get a clear sense of each candidate’s proficiency.

EmployTest Key Features

  • Job-specific test library: Access hundreds of pre-built assessments for roles in administration, IT, healthcare, and more.
  • Microsoft Office skills simulations: Use interactive simulations to evaluate real-world proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Behavioral and personality assessments: Screen candidates with validated tools for workplace fit and soft skills.
  • Custom test creation: Build your own assessments by combining questions from the library or adding your own content.

EmployTest Integrations

Native integrations are not clearly documented. EmployTest offers an API for custom integrations.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Behavioral and personality assessments included
  • Wide range of job-specific test libraries
  • Live US-based phone support for users

Cons:

  • No mobile app for candidate testing
  • Reporting lacks advanced analytics features

Best for predictive behavioral assessments

  • Free demo available
  • From $335/month (billed annually)

SparkHire combines predictive behavioral assessments with one-way video interviewing, giving HR teams a structured way to evaluate candidate fit and communication skills before live interviews take place. The platform uses behavioral competency mapping and role-fit scoring to help hiring teams assess candidates consistently throughout the hiring process.

Who is SparkHire Best For?

SparkHire is a good fit for HR teams and recruiters that need a structured way to evaluate behavioral fit for customer-facing, sales, service, or management roles.

Why I Picked SparkHire

I picked SparkHire because it evaluates candidates against role-specific behavioral competencies while also allowing recruiters to review one-way video responses in the same workflow. The platform provides role-fit, motivation, and competency scoring in a format that is easy for hiring teams to interpret without specialist training.

SparkHire Key Features

Some other features that make SparkHire useful for pre employment testing software include:

  • Predictive behavioral assessments: Candidates complete assessments mapped to behavioral competencies defined for the role.
  • Role-fit and competency scoring: Recruiters receive scoring for overall fit, motivation, and individual competencies in a single report.
  • One-way video interviewing: Candidates can complete structured video responses asynchronously for consistent early-stage evaluation.
  • Automated candidate reminders: Email and SMS reminders help improve assessment completion rates.

SparkHire Integrations

Integrations include Greenhouse, Lever, Workable, JazzHR, JobAdder, ApplicantStack, AkkenCloud, BambooHR, iCIMS, and SmartRecruiters.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Candidate self-scheduling reduces recruiter workload.
  • Automatic time zone syncing for global candidates.
  • Supports one-way and live video interviews.

Cons:

  • Requires separate tools for written assessments.
  • Limited reporting customization for interview analytics.

Best for its candidate interview portals and ease of interview submission

  • 15-day free trial
  • From $75/month
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Rating: 4.8/5

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.

Customizable assessment software with AI grading

  • Free trial and free demo available
  • From $109 USD/month
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Rating: 4.6/5

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.

Best for industry and role-specific assessments

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.5/5

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.

Comprehensive, AI-powered skills assessment software with digital proctoring capabilities

  • Free trial and free demo
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

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.

Well-rounded online assessment tool with advanced security and digital proctoring features

  • Request a free demo
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

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

  • 10 tests free
  • From $99/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

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.

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:

  1. Unnanu Hire

    For creating custom tests

  2. TestGorilla

    Affordable testing software with deep test library, including language proficiency tests

  3. Criteria

    Well-rounded psychometric testing platform including game-based assessments

  4. Mercer Mettl Assessments

    Advanced talent and coding assessment platform with hackathon hosting feature, well-suited for campus recruiting

  5. Qualified

    Technical coding assessment platform with revealing code playback feature for deeper programmer insights

  6. The Hire Talent

    Easy-to-use pre-employment testing tool with detailed candidate performance reports

  7. Woven

    Sophisticated engineering assessment platform focused on architecture, systems design, and debugging

  8. HR Avatar

    User-friendly pre-employment testing software with 2D job simulations to maximize candidate engagement

  9. Resource Associates

    Straightforward pre-employment testing provider with a comprehensive test library and “on demand” pricing

  10. Zoho Recruit

    With customizable assessment questionnaires for candidates

How I Evaluate Pre-Employment Testing Software

Pre-employment testing tools let a recruiter send a skills assessment to 300 applicants and get back a ranked shortlist before the first interview. I evaluate every platform on two levels: what it has to do to make the cut, and what actually sets it apart.

Core Functionality (Table Stakes for This List)

For pre-employment testing software, the core functionality I test and evaluate is:

  • Assessment library: I look for a broad, ready-to-use collection of tests spanning cognitive aptitude, personality, situational judgment, and job-specific skills. A platform that only covers one domain, like coding or personality alone, doesn't qualify as a full pre-employment testing solution.
  • Custom test creation: I check whether admins can build assessments from scratch, add proprietary questions, and adjust parameters like time limits and passing scores. A retail chain hiring cashiers needs very different questions than a consulting firm screening analysts, and the platform should handle both.
  • Scoring and reporting: Every tool must auto-score completed assessments and generate candidate comparison reports broken down by competency. I want to see a recruiter open a dashboard after 200 applicants finish and immediately know who the top 15 are, without touching a spreadsheet.
  • Anti-cheating controls: I evaluate what safeguards exist to protect test integrity during remote, unsupervised sessions. At minimum, I expect tab-switching detection, copy-paste blocking, and some form of proctoring or identity verification, plus increasingly important AI-generated answer detection.
  • ATS integration: The platform must plug into popular applicant tracking systems like Greenhouse or Workday so test invitations trigger automatically and results flow back into candidate profiles. A tool that forces recruiters to manually export CSVs and re-upload scores creates more work than it saves.

If a tool can't do these things reliably, it didn't make the cut regardless of what else it offers.

Standout Features (What Separates the Picks)

To separate the best from the rest, I dig into things like scientific validity and adverse impact monitoring, industry-specific assessments, AI-driven proctoring, advanced reporting for compliance, flexible pricing, support for high-volume or global programs, and features like AI-powered auto-scoring or quick-build custom tests from a job description. These extras can move a tool from “meets expectations” to game-changing for growing teams or those concerned about legal risk.

What I Weigh Beyond Features

I also consider which buyer each tool actually serves best. A staffing agency processing thousands of candidates monthly needs volume pricing and white-labeling, while a 50-person startup needs fast setup and a free or low-cost tier. I look at compliance support, ADA accommodation options, onboarding speed, and whether the vendor provides dedicated customer success for enterprise accounts versus self-serve documentation only.

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:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityWill the software grow with your team? Check if it can handle increased candidate volumes and expanding test requirements without performance issues.
IntegrationsDoes 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.
CustomizabilityCan 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 useIs 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 onboardingHow 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.
CostIs it within your budget? Compare pricing structures and consider long-term costs, including potential add-ons or upgrades. Look for transparency in pricing.
Security safeguardsHow 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 TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Limited test customization, basic reporting, and standard support.
Personal Plan$10-$30/user/monthCustomizable tests, integration with ATS, and basic analytics.
Business Plan$30-$60/user/monthAdvanced analytics, multi-language support, and enhanced customer support.
Enterprise Plan$60-$100/user/monthAI-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.

Josh Barker
By Josh Barker

I'm the People Operations Manager at Black & White Zebra in Vancouver, where I oversee the full employee lifecycle, spanning talent acquisition through performance management. I built BWZ's recruitment framework from the ground up and use data to drive performance-focused improvements. Prior to this role, I led full-cycle hiring at GitLab and drove 60% headcount growth at Aequilibrium. I hold a Black Belt in Internet Recruitment and a B.S. in Human Geography.