The SQL - Advanced test is designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of job candidates and employees in writing, debugging, deploying, and maintaining advanced SQL scripts using standard SQL keywords, syntax, and design patterns. The assessment measures proficiency across six key areas: Joins, Set Operations, and Grouping; Subqueries, CTEs, and Correlated Queries; Window Functions; Transaction Control and Data Integrity; DDL covering Tables, Constraints, Indexes, and Views; and Query Performance and Execution Plans. The test presents a variety of question formats, including Multiple Choice, Multiple Correct Answer, and Essay Composition questions, with questions drawn from a large pool to minimize the risk of cheating, and select questions are subject to individual time limits to further deter dishonesty and enhance predictive accuracy. AI-assisted scoring is applied to one or more questions, ensuring a thorough and objective evaluation of each candidate's advanced SQL capabilities.

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 SQL - Advanced 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.