Java coding tests

Looking to hire Java experts? Make sure they can craft high-quality code and build robust, efficient applications using knowledge of Java's powerful features and object-oriented programming principles.

TestGorilla's range of 12 universal coding tests can help you quickly and accurately assess applicants' programming skills in up to 20 languages – Java included. This way, you can hire Java developers who can adapt, innovate, and contribute to enterprise-level projects.

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What is a Java skills test?

Java is a versatile, platform-independent programming language. Developed by Sun Microsystems (now owned by Oracle), this programming language emphasizes object-oriented principles and is perfect for building enterprise-scale applications, Android apps, and web services.

When you're hiring Java developers, resumes and cover letters simply don't show you how strong their Java skills are. It's crucial to thoroughly assess their real-life coding abilities and proficiency with Java's extensive features. The best way to do this is with Java assessments.

Created by software development and engineering experts, Java online tests dive into candidates' proficiency with object-oriented programming, exception handling, multithreading, data structures, debugging, collections framework, and other Java-specific features. These assessments also look at how Java candidates build, debug, troubleshoot, test, and maintain code.

Why use Java coding tests?

Screen for versatile skills by hiring developers who excel in coding and problem-solving, ensuring they bring well-rounded abilities to your team.
Assess real-world problem-solving by letting candidates solve practical Java problems to demonstrate their skills and strategic thinking.
Use reliable and secure tests with built-in anti-cheating measures to ensure accurate and fair evaluations.
Get insightful analytics by reviewing detailed timelines and strategies to understand each candidate’s coding approach.
Adopt modern hiring practices – 81% of employers now use skills-based hiring to improve their recruitment processes.

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

Java full-stack developer

These developers are skilled in using Java across the entire software stack – in both back-end and front-end contexts. Good Java developers are also proficient in working with databases, RESTful APIs, and frameworks such as Spring Boot. They can leverage powerful technologies like Hibernate and Maven while maintaining clean, maintainable code.

Java back-end developer

Back-end developers must be proficient in using Java to build robust and scalable server-side applications. The role covers creating microservices, managing databases, handling concurrent operations, implementing security measures, and optimizing application performance.

Java Android developer

These developers specialize in building native Android applications using Java. They work with Android SDK, handle app lifecycle management, implement UI/UX designs, and ensure smooth integration with back-end services while following Android development best practices.

Java web developer

These developers build enterprise-grade web applications. They specialize in using Java EE (Enterprise Edition) to create scalable solutions, work with servlets and JSP, integrate with various frameworks like Spring MVC, and develop RESTful web services while ensuring security and performance optimization.

12 programming skills tested in Java and 19 other coding languages

Evaluate 12 essential programming skills with coding challenges and simulated tasks. Let candidates solve problems using Java 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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

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

Details

Designed by Java experts

TestGorilla’s Java coding tests are created by vetted Java specialists. They’re also peer-reviewed and calibrated with real-world input. Continuous updates and advanced algorithms ensure our tests stay relevant and reliable. Here are some of the distinguished Java experts who contribute to our assessments:

Victoria is a Senior/Technical Lead Java Developer with 10+ years of experience in software development. Known for her creative problem-solving skills, she has extensive experience in requirement analysis, project design, team management, code refactoring, and optimization.

Alfred W. Subject Matter Expert - Javascript

Alfred, a certified AWS Solutions Architect and DevOps Professional, is a seasoned software engineer whose expertise in Python, data engineering, and cloud architecture powered the creation of a cloud-native data platform for a $16B hedge fund.

With a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and over five years of hands-on Java and Android application development, Ashleigh brings a holistic approach to crafting our Java assessments. Her tests are designed to measure not just technical skills but also the problem-solving approach and psychological insights that influence developer performance.

With over four years of experience, Mohamed specializes in building high-quality web applications using React, Node.js, and Spring, focusing on performance and security. He also contributes to open-source projects and develops his own React and JavaScript libraries.

Built-in features to support your Java assessment

Want to maximize your chances of hiring the Java 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.

Our in-depth Java coding report offers insights into how each candidate the approach each candidate took to arrive at their answers. The report includes:

🔹 Percentile-based scoring of candidates based on overall correctness (whether given inputs produce the correct output)

🔹 A timeline showing how candidates arrived at their answer, with specific actions such as copy/pastes highlighted for easy reference

🔹 A dynamic solution window, showing the candidates' final code coming together over time

🔹 Candidates' responses and results for each test case as well as the final validation use case

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 Java as their preferred language from the drop-down menu and solve the question.

Get started with your Java coding test

Ready to start testing for Java 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 Java, JavaScript, 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’ Java and coding skills, plus soft skills. Use our dashboard and reports to identify top performers.

Java coding test FAQs

Most of TestGorilla's coding tests take between 15 and 35 minutes. This timeframe ensures candidates can demonstrate their skills without feeling overwhelmed or fatigued. If needed, assessments can combine up to five tests from our test library.

We recommend a mix of technical tests that cover skills such as debugging and data structures, soft skills such as communication, and general cognitive ability.

As part of a skills-based hiring process, we recommend conducting a structured interview for your shortlisted candidates. This means preparing a predefined set of questions to assess both their technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities, as well as their behavioral skills.

For entry-level Java developers, focus on core concepts, such as:

What is the difference between ArrayList and LinkedList in Java?
How does exception handling work in Java?

For advanced Java developers, include more complex topics, such as:

Can you explain the lifecycle of a Spring Bean?
How would you optimize a Java application for performance?

Using a mix of technical and behavioral questions ensures you get a clear understanding of each candidate’s skills and mindset. For more ideas, explore our guide on Java developer interview questions.

Use a reliable, science-backed testing platform like TestGorilla. Our Java coding tests are designed to assess the exact skills required for the specific role you're hiring for. They’re created by experienced Java experts and regularly updated to reflect real-world coding challenges.

We also implement robust anti-cheating measures, such as IP tracking, copy-paste monitoring, and detailed coding timelines, to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the assessment process.

Most of TestGorilla's coding tests take between 15 and 35 minutes. This timeframe ensures candidates can demonstrate their skills without feeling overwhelmed or fatigued. If needed, assessments can combine up to five tests from our test library.

We recommend a mix of technical tests that cover skills such as debugging and data structures, soft skills such as communication, and general cognitive ability.

As part of a skills-based hiring process, we recommend conducting a structured interview for your shortlisted candidates. This means preparing a predefined set of questions to assess both their technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities, as well as their behavioral skills.

For entry-level Java developers, focus on core concepts, such as:

What is the difference between ArrayList and LinkedList in Java?
How does exception handling work in Java?

For advanced Java developers, include more complex topics, such as:

Can you explain the lifecycle of a Spring Bean?
How would you optimize a Java application for performance?

Using a mix of technical and behavioral questions ensures you get a clear understanding of each candidate’s skills and mindset. For more ideas, explore our guide on Java developer interview questions.

Use a reliable, science-backed testing platform like TestGorilla. Our Java coding tests are designed to assess the exact skills required for the specific role you're hiring for. They’re created by experienced Java experts and regularly updated to reflect real-world coding challenges.

We also implement robust anti-cheating measures, such as IP tracking, copy-paste monitoring, and detailed coding timelines, to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the assessment process.