There are two types of exams: the CSPA Core Exam™, and CSPA Quizzes.
The CSPA Core Exam™ is a scheduled, proctored, and graded exam. The multiple choice and coding sections are autograded, while open-ended responses are human-graded. CSPA Quizzes are not proctored, and are autograded or potentially not graded. Quizzes are usually sent out by an employer to a potential job candidate.
The CSPA Core Exam™ is a general software test that covers broad-based knowledge of seven topic areas.
It is a career-readiness exam intended assess both foundational computer science knowledge, as well as practical skills and experience in modern computing technology.
Insight into the former gives us an understanding of how adaptable and quickly the candidate is able to learn, as well as their ability to solve problems. Assessing the latter ensures the candidate is able to contribute to specific work environments with limited ramp-up time.
View sample exam View sample score report
| Section | Format | Duration | Topics | Scaled Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Multiple Choice 50-70 questions | 85 minutes | FE, OPS, ARCH, DB, and SEC | 100 to 400 |
| B | Essay and Coding 2-5 questions | 1-2 hours | Various, including front-end and/or back-end web | 100 to 400 |
| C | Short Code Answer 3 questions | 3 hours | CORE | 200 to 800 |
| Total | 5-6 hours | 400 to 1600 |
CSPA Quizzes are not proctored, and are autograded or potentially not graded. Quizzes are usually sent out by an employer to a potential job candidate.
The Algorithms & Data Structures tests a candidate's ability to traverse and analyze complex data structures.
Candidates are asked to implement functions or classes that demonstrate their ability to process and manipulate data.
Skills tested:
Candidates have two hours to complete the two questions, with an optional 30 minute break in between. They can use any one of our supported languages, and are graded on the number of test cases they pass.
| Section | Format | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | Coding 1 question | 1 hour |
| Question 2 | Coding 1 question | 1 hour |
| Total Break Time | Breaks can be taken between sections | 30 mins |
| Total | 2 hrs |
This Front-End React JS quiz is suitable for junior and mid-level web front-end candidates. High scoring candidates:
| Section | Format | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| HTML and CSS | Multiple Choice 10 questions | 15 minutes |
| React Framework | Mixed 7 questions | 15 minutes |
| JavaScript Coding | Short Coding 3 questions | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Total Break Time | Breaks can be taken between sections | 30 mins |
| Total | 2 hrs |
The Generalist Web quiz is suitable for junior and mid-level candidates who plan to work in a linux-based web tech stack. It covers the web stack from back-end down to ops and single machine architecture. The multiple choice section is predominantly knowledge- and experience-based, while the final section tests their ability to code in a language they are comfortable with.
High scoring candidates:
| Section | Format | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Section A | Multiple Choice 30 questions | 45 minutes |
| Section B | Short Code Answer 2 questions | 2 hours |
| Total Break Time | Breaks can be taken between sections | 30 mins |
| Total | 2 hrs 45 mins |