Python coding tests

Looking to hire Python developers? Make sure your candidates possess the skills to fully unlock the code’s potential – along with strong general coding abilities, from problem-solving to debugging.

TestGorilla’s 12 universal coding tests can assess your applicants’ coding abilities in up to 20 languages, including Python. This helps you spot and hire developers who can solve complex problems, create reliable code, keep up with your project timelines, and more.

Learn more

What is a Python skills test?

Python is an interpreted language that’s been around since 1991. It's widely used, flexible, and celebrated for its straightforward syntax and versatility. It has various uses, including creating web applications, handling big data, performing mathematical operations, and developing software. When you’re screening Python developer candidates, their resumes might tell you if they’ve used Python and other programming languages – but resumes can’t give you a reliable understanding of how strong their practical skills are.

Python skills tests can help. These are developed by experts who know exactly which skills are needed for success in developer roles. They assess proficiency in key areas like algorithms, hash tables, and debugging.

Why use Python skills tests?

Identify the strongest Python coding applicants with easy-to-rank data on their tech and soft skills.
Streamline the hiring process (and save money!) with automatic candidate scoring – 84% of tech employers reduced cost-to-hire by switching to skills-based hiring.
Base decisions on reliable data-driven insights that show candidates’ actual coding abilities and processes – rather than inflated (or understated) claims from their resumes or portfolios.
Improve retention by better matching candidates to your roles – 91% of tech employers reported improved retention from skills-based assessments.

Have the option of assessing skills across various programming languages – not just Python – to see candidates’ versatility and suitability for your tech stack.

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

Web developer

Talented web developers are proficient in back-end technologies like Python for building, testing, and maintaining websites and web applications. They typically work closely with project stakeholders to design and implement tailored solutions that meet user needs and business objectives.

Full-stack developer

Full-stack developers are highly versatile programmers who use various coding languages to manage the entire architecture of projects. For example, they frequently use server-side technologies like Python and front-end technologies like JavaScript to build both the server-side and client-side of web applications.

Machine learning engineer

These technical engineers write code that enables computers to learn from data and make decisions. Python is the go-to language for this role, which demands advanced programming skills, innovative critical thinking, and strong problem-solving.

Data scientist

Data scientists have a diverse range of technological skills, including skills in programming languages like Python – which they use to analyze complex data sets and extract insights. Their work often involves optimizing processes and building predictive models to guide business operations.

12 programming skills tested in Python and 19 other coding languages

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

TestGorilla’s Python tests are created by a team of experienced IP development specialists and subject matter experts who are trained in the science of test development. These tests are put through rigorous testing and review processes to ensure they’re relevant and reliable. They’re also regularly updated.

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 over six years of hands-on coding experience in large tech companies, Kiera is a full-stack developer proficient in JavaScript and TypeScript. Kiera’s tech stack covers frameworks like React, Angular, and Ionic and continues to expand over time.

With a bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in computer science, Gary has achieved expert skills and knowledge in data science. He has a strong interest in machine learning and AI, which he believes will revolutionize industries and shape the world in the near future.

Although Dominic is a self-professed Rubyist, what he enjoys most is using his programming skills in creative new ways to devise innovative solutions, like integrating multiple languages to leverage the benefits of each one. He also enjoys expanding on the skills he learned while obtaining his computer science degree and during his eight-plus years of professional experience.

Built-in features to support your Python assessment

Want to maximize your chances of hiring the best Python 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 Python coding report offers insights into 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 Python as their preferred language from the drop-down menu and solve the question.

Get started with your Python coding test

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

Python coding test FAQs

Universal coding tests – which enable candidates to choose from a selection of programming languages, like Python – help you assess candidates’ coding skills without limiting them to one specific programming language. This improves the candidate experience, helps you see which languages they’re most comfortable using, and provides you more opportunity to assess their understanding of underlying programming logic and problem-solving strategies.

And if you need a developer fluent in multiple languages, these tests can help you gauge how well they can integrate different code.

To create a Python assessment from your TestGorilla account, click “Create assessment” and enter the necessary info. Then, choose up to five individual tests – such as our Entry-Level Algorithms Test – to make a comprehensive, tailored assessment. Consider including non-tech tests, such as our Culture Add test. Then, follow the steps for finalizing your assessment.

You will also want align your assessments with the tasks and responsibilities laid out in your job description as well as the type of questions you expect to ask during a Python developer interview.

All of TestGorilla’s coding tests, including our Python tests, are backed by science and highly reliable. They use various anti-cheating measures and give applicants an equal opportunity to showcase their skills. Designed by experts, test questions cover everything from data structures and debugging to automation. Automated scoring removes bias and ensures objective results so you can make fair hiring decisions based on ability.

Some of our customers create assessments in fewer than two minutes! How long this process will take you will depend on how many custom elements you add to your Python assessment. You can simply pick two to five tests to add to your assessment, which won’t take much time. Adding custom questions will take a bit longer. And creating your own custom coding tests to include in the assessment will add more time to this process.

All of TestGorilla’s coding tests, including our Python tests, are backed by science and highly reliable. They use various anti-cheating measures and give applicants an equal opportunity to showcase their skills. Designed by experts, test questions cover everything from data structures and debugging to automation. Automated scoring removes bias and ensures objective results so you can make fair hiring decisions based on ability.

Universal coding tests – which enable candidates to choose from a selection of programming languages, like Python – help you assess candidates’ coding skills without limiting them to one specific programming language. This improves the candidate experience, helps you see which languages they’re most comfortable using, and provides you more opportunity to assess their understanding of underlying programming logic and problem-solving strategies.

And if you need a developer fluent in multiple languages, these tests can help you gauge how well they can integrate different code.

To create a Python assessment from your TestGorilla account, click “Create assessment” and enter the necessary info. Then, choose up to five individual tests – such as our Entry-Level Algorithms Test – to make a comprehensive, tailored assessment. Consider including non-tech tests, such as our Culture Add test. Then, follow the steps for finalizing your assessment.

You will also want align your assessments with the tasks and responsibilities laid out in your job description as well as the type of questions you expect to ask during a Python developer interview.

Some of our customers create assessments in fewer than two minutes! How long this process will take you will depend on how many custom elements you add to your Python assessment. You can simply pick two to five tests to add to your assessment, which won’t take much time. Adding custom questions will take a bit longer. And creating your own custom coding tests to include in the assessment will add more time to this process.