The PHP Programming (Short) test is designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level to mid-level programmers to write, debug, deploy, and maintain scripts for business-oriented web applications using the standard distribution of PHP. The assessment measures a broad range of competencies including PHP Syntax and Core Language Constructs, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in PHP, Array Manipulation and String Processing, Form Handling, Sessions, and Cookies, Database Operations with PDO, and Error Handling, Exceptions, and Debugging. It assesses skills such as implementing application logic using object-oriented principles, processing form submissions, managing user sessions, handling HTTP cookies, executing database operations using data objects, and isolating errors using exception handlers. The test also gauges the ability to render output formats like JSON or HTML, track application behavior through logging configurations, organize code dependencies, and analyze script execution to resolve performance bottlenecks. To ensure assessment integrity and reduce the risk of cheating, questions are drawn from a large pool and one or more questions are subject to individual time limits. The test includes a variety of question formats, including Multiple Choice, Multiple Correct Answer, and Essay Composition questions, with one or more questions scored using artificial intelligence to ensure accurate and consistent evaluation of candidate responses.

The specific attributes measured include:

Following completion, the test produces a Candidate Selection Report that includes an overall score and detailed scores for each attribute.

The Candidate Selection Report also provides expert interview questions that help you probe critical or low-scoring areas, along with a guide for noting your evaluation of the candidate's responses. Consistent use of an interview guide is an important part of gaining better candidate insights and making better hiring decisions.

Note that while the PHP Programming (Short) assessment is a useful and efficient instrument for confirming a base level of skill or knowledge about this important topic, it is not intended to pinpoint the exact level of candidate or skill. We recommend that skills tests, like this one, be used in parallel with other measurements, such as cognitive ability, job fit, and behavioral history. Each different type of test provides a valuable piece of information you can use when evaluating potential job performance.