C++ language-specific concepts test: Pre-employment screening assessment to hire the best candidates
Summary of the C++ (coding): language-specific concepts test
This C++ coding test evaluates candidates’ programming skills, and specifically their ability to use C++ to solve common (software) development problems. This test will help you identify and hire mid-level C++ developers.
Covered skills
Language-specific concepts
Use the C++ (coding): language-specific concepts test to hire
C++ developers and other roles expected to have practical experience with C++
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Time
Languages
Level
About the C++ (coding): language-specific concepts test
C++ is a general-purpose programming language created as an extension of the C programming language. The language has expanded significantly over time, and modern C++ offers object-oriented, generic, and functional features in addition to low-level memory manipulation.
This programming test assesses candidates' C++ skills and their familiarity with its unique features, including the most common data types. These include different types of numbers, vectors, and the "auto" data type. Additionally, the test gives insight into your candidate's ability to define their own data types and to perform string manipulations and type casts.
Once candidates submit their answers, the test score is calculated by running the code against a set of test cases, only some of which are available to candidates during the test so they can check their progress. The score represents the percentage of test cases that are passed correctly. In your assessment dashboard, you can inspect the code of each candidate and play it back to see how the candidate produced it.
We recommend using this coding test in combination with cognitive ability tests.
The test is made by a subject-matter expert
Kamil M.
Freelance programmer Kamil can’t be put in a box: from software development to systems administration to translations, he’s happiest doing a little bit of everything—particularly if it involves cybersecurity or data science.
A perfectionist at heart, Kamil credits his professional achievements to a belief that life-long learning and discovery are the key to reaching new levels.
Crafted with expert knowledge
TestGorilla’s tests are created by subject matter experts. We assess potential subject-matter experts based on their knowledge, ability, and reputation. Before being published, each test is peer-reviewed by another expert, then calibrated using hundreds of test takers with relevant experience in the subject. Our feedback mechanisms and unique algorithms allow our subject-matter experts to constantly improve their tests.
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C++ skills tests can help you hire candidates with C++ skills
C++ is a programming language created by the computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup more than 40 years ago. Since then, it has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Many consider it to be the best language for creating large-scale applications. It can be used for the following:
• Software engineering• Game programming• Coding data structures• Developing browsers• Developing operating systems• Building applications
However, C++ is also among the most difficult languages to learn because of its advanced syntax and multi-paradigm nature. It has a steeper learning curve than other popular languages like Java and Python.
Even so, C++ skills are in high demand because of the language’s reliability and efficiency. If you need a mid-level developer who is proficient in C++, C++ skills tests can help you hire top candidates.
How to use the C++ (Coding): Language-Specific Concepts test
You shouldn’t use the C++ (Coding): Language-Specific Concepts test in isolation to evaluate your candidates. Instead, we suggest that you use the test in combination with other relevant skills tests to build a complete pre-employment assessment.
This way, you can get a well-rounded view of your candidates’ skill sets. This is important because it takes more than one skill to be a great developer. If you hire for C++ skills alone, you might end up with a C++ expert who has few communication skills and poor attention to detail.
We specifically recommend using this coding test in combination with one or more of our cognitive ability tests. Some relevant cognitive ability tests include:
• Intermediate Math test• Numerical Reasoning test• Attention to Detail (Textual) test• Critical Thinking test• Problem Solving test
When to use the test
You should use the test as part of a complete employment assessment right at the start of the hiring process after you’ve posted a job ad and applications are rolling in. This way, you can quickly rule out candidates who don’t have the necessary skills for the role.
Since CVs can’t tell you which skills your candidates actually have, you should use an assessment to replace them altogether.
How does the test work?
TestGorilla’s C++ tests are created by subject-matter experts. Before we publish them, they are peer reviewed by another expert and then calibrated by hundreds of test-takers with relevant skills and knowledge of C++ concepts.
Your candidates will have 30 minutes to complete the C++ test, during which they’ll be presented with a coding task.
The task will assess the candidate’s familiarity with C++’s unique features and data types, as well as their ability to define their own data types and perform type casts and string manipulation. They can run their code against a few different test cases to check their progress during the test.
Basic C++ concepts covered in the test include:
• C++ type system: C++ is a strongly typed and statically typed language; every object has a type that never changes.• Scope: Once a class, function, or variable is declared, it has a set scope. C++ has six kinds of scope that your candidates should know about.• Alignment: A low-level feature of C++ is the ability to define precise object alignments in memory. This can help developers improve the performance of applications.• Translation units and linkage: A program can consist of one or more translation units that, once compiled, need to be merged to form that single program. This is done via external or internal linkage.• Program termination: Your developer candidates should know how to exit a program in C++ and destroy threads and static objects.• Main function and command-line arguments: You can’t compile a C++ program without a main function. Identify candidates who understand the principles of this function and can parse command-line arguments.• Lvalues and rvalues: C++ value categories are the basis for the rules a program’s compilers must follow. Each value has its own properties and a specific relationship to other values.• Temporary objects: Competent C++ developers can create temporary objects to store temporary values.• Trivial, standard-layout, and POD (Plain Old Data) types: Types in C++ belong to these three categories of simple classes and structs.
Interpreting the results
Once your candidates submit their answers, their test scores are calculated by running the code against a selection of test cases, only some of which will have been available to them during the test to enable them to check their progress.
Their final score represents the percentage of test cases that passed correctly. In addition, you’ll be able to view each candidate’s code and play it back to see how they produced it. This way, you’ll get more insight into their thought process.
Candidates who do well on the tests have a strong grasp of these basic concepts and the skills required to write C++ effectively as a mid-level developer.
The benefits of C++ tests and skills-based hiring
Skills-based hiring is on the rise, so businesses are placing more emphasis on applicants’ skills than the education and experience they list on their CVs.
Due to this shift, skills assessments have become a vital tool for recruiters: They give candidates the chance to show rather than tell their skills, and they have the added bonus of combatting the unconscious bias that comes with CV-based hiring.
This is especially important for software developer recruitment since many developers have taken non-traditional paths to gain their skills. In other words, your hiring process should reflect the fact that candidates don’t need computer science degrees from top universities to be great C++ programmers.
With TestGorilla, you can access a wider and more diverse range of talent and cut down the time and cost of hiring. Make data-driven hiring decisions with TestGorilla’s C++ tests.
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