C Coding Tests

Looking to hire C programmers? Make sure they can write clean, efficient code and build powerful applications using C's core features and solid programming practices.

TestGorilla's range of 12 universal coding tests can help you quickly and accurately assess applicants' programming skills in up to 20 languages – C included. Our targeted assessments will help you hire C developers who are proficient in designing efficient algorithms, managing resources effectively, and creating reliable solutions for your complex projects.

C Coding Tests

What is a C skills test?

C is a powerful general-purpose programming language known for its speed and efficiency. Created at Bell Labs, this fundamental language gives developers direct control over computer memory and hardware, making it perfect for system programming and performance-critical applications.

When you're hiring C developers, resumes and cover letters simply don't show you how strong their C skills are. It's crucial to assess their real-world coding abilities and how well they work with C's core features. The best way to do this is with C programming assessments.

Created by software development and engineering experts, C online tests check candidates' skills with pointers, memory management, data structures, stacks and queues, and other C-specific features. These C assessments also look at how candidates write efficient code, debug problems, handle errors, and work with the standard library.

Why use C coding tests?

  • Assess technical know-how and problem-solving skills to select developers who thrive on complex challenges.

  • Let candidates show their programming strengths in C by solving real coding challenges designed to assess their skills in this language.

  • Ensure accurate results with reliable, validated tests featuring anti-cheating measures.

  • See how developers think by reviewing their approach to memory management, code optimization, and problem-solving.

  • Build a stronger team that lasts – 88% of employers report better retention with skills-based hiring.

  • Create a fairer hiring process – 84% of employees say skills-based testing helps reduce hiring bias.

What roles can you hire for with a C coding test?

C systems programmer

These developers are experts at building low-level software that interacts directly with hardware. Good C systems programmers understand memory management and process control and can write efficient code for operating systems, device drivers, and embedded systems.

C embedded developer

In this role, developers use C to program microcontrollers and embedded systems. They work with limited resources, write optimized code, and understand hardware interfaces. They're skilled at creating firmware and real-time applications.

C application developer

These developers build standalone applications using C. The role involves creating efficient algorithms, managing system resources, developing command-line tools, and building cross-platform applications while maintaining high performance.

C game developer

These developers use C to create game engines and high-performance gaming applications. They specialize in optimizing code for speed, managing memory efficiently, and handling real-time graphics and physics calculations. They often work closely with hardware acceleration and need strong math skills.

12 programming skills tested in C and 19 other coding languages

Evaluate 12 essential programming skills with coding challenges and simulated tasks. Let candidates solve problems using C or any of 19 additional programming languages based on their expertise and experience.

Coding: Data Structures - Stacks and Queues

This intermediate-level coding challenge assesses candidates' proficiency in manipulating stacks and queues. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates.
35 min

Coding: Debugging

This intermediate-level coding challenge focuses on candidates’ ability to interpret and debug code, based on a set of requirements, in the programming language of their choice. You can configure which programming languages will be available.
35 min

Coding: Entry-Level Algorithms

This coding test assesses candidates' ability to program a basic algorithm, in the programming language of their choice. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates to choose from.
15 min

Coding: Intermediate-Level Algorithms

This coding test assesses candidates' intermediate-level programming skills, in the programming language of their choice. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates to choose from.
35 min

Coding: Data Structures - Heaps

This intermediate-level coding challenge assesses candidates' proficiency in working with heaps, in the programming language of their choice. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates.
35 min

Coding: Data Structures - Graphs

This intermediate-level coding challenge assesses candidates' proficiency in graph data structures. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates.
35 min

Coding: Data Structures - Binary Search Trees

This intermediate-level coding challenge assesses candidates' proficiency in working with binary search trees, in the programming language of their choice. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates.
35 min

Coding: Data Structures – Binary Trees

This intermediate-level, language-agnostic coding challenge assesses candidates' proficiency in manipulating binary trees, enabling candidates to choose their preferred programming language. Employers can configure supported languages as needed.
35 min

Coding: Data Structures – Linked Lists

This intermediate-level coding test evaluates candidates' ability to manipulate linked lists, in the programming language of their choice. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates.
35 min

Coding: Data Structures - Arrays

This intermediate-level coding test evaluates candidates' ability to manipulate arrays, crucial for code optimization, in the programming language of their choice. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates.
35 min

Coding: Data Structures – Strings

This intermediate-level coding challenge assesses candidates' proficiency in manipulating strings. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates.
35 min

Coding: Data Structures - Hash Tables

This intermediate-level coding challenge assesses candidates' proficiency in working with hash tables, in the programming language of their choice. You can configure which programming languages will be available for your candidates.
35 min

Built-in features to support your C assessment

Want to maximize your chances of hiring the C developer for the role? We recommend multi-measure testing.

By pairing your coding test with other relevant tests that evaluate your candidates' soft skills, cognitive abilities, knowledge, and preferences you can ensure you shortlist talent that's ready to contribute from day one.

Pair coding tests with other tests

See what it looks like in action

All tasks and scenarios are solved in this integrated development environment (IDE). Once the candidate assesses the problem, they can choose C as their preferred language from the drop-down menu and solve the question.

Get started with your C coding test

Ready to start testing for C skills? Screen developers in three easy steps.

1. Create your assessment

Choose an existing universal coding test or create your own custom challenge. Select from up to 20 languages to include in your test including C, Swift, and Kotlin.

2. Invite candidates your way.

Connect with candidates by sending email invites directly from TestGorilla, straight from your ATS, or by sharing a direct link.

Illustration representing employees liking skills-based hiring

3. Analyze and shortlist top coders

Evaluate candidates’ C and coding skills, plus soft skills. Use our dashboard and reports to identify top performers.

C coding test FAQs