The SQL - Advanced (Short) test is designed to evaluate the depth of knowledge and practical 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 covers a broad range of advanced topics including 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 measures skill-based competencies through 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 assessment integrity and improve predictive performance, questions are drawn from a large pool to prevent cheating, and one or more questions are subject to individual time limits.

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 (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.