Cyber Security Test

When looking to fill a cyber security position, it's important to make sure that the candidate has the skills necessary to do the job. A cyber security skills test can help ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the position.

  • What is a cyber security skills test?

    Cyber security is the business of protecting a company from online threats, security breaches and viruses. It has become an increasingly vital role given most businesses' full migration into the online world.

    A cyber security skills test is used when recruiters or managers are looking to hire an individual to offer cyber security protection for a business.

    The test looks at an individual’s skills or knowledge in this area, taking into account how well they’re able to identify security breaches, recommend safety approaches, develop a robust safety strategy, communicate technical information to a wide range of stakeholders and implement security training.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a cyber security skills test?
  2. What are the benefits of using the cyber security skills test for pre-screening?
  3. How our test measures cyber security skills
  4. Cyber Security Test FAQs

Identify the best candidates and hire faster

Our pre-employment tests let you drill down to the best candidates at the click of a button.

  • Find those candidates who will excel in the role.

    Select the tests that match the skills or behaviours the role needs. You can test software or coding knowledge, situational judgement for skills like teamwork, and personality, then decide who to interview on the results.

  • Reduce costs and time.

    No more laborious sifting of resumes or cover letters. Pick your ideal assessment mix, invite your applicants to take them, see the results in your dashboard. Get to the interview stage fast.

  • Compare like with like.

    Every candidate takes the same tests under the same conditions, so you shortlist on the same evidence for everyone rather than on first impressions.

  • What are the benefits of using the cyber security skills test for pre-screening?

    Pre-screening is advisable when you’re putting together a recruitment process, and a skills test such as the cyber security skills test is one of the best ways you can make smarter decisions about who to interview and ultimately, who to hire.

    As well as saving you time and money by ensuring you only meet with people who have proven their skills on the test, it also demonstrates you’re committed to a fairer recruitment process by showing candidates their progression is dependent on proven skill and expertise.

    Candidates will have to work through the multiple choice questions on the test, showing their expertise and knowledge on a range of different cyber security areas including firewalls and antivirus software, identifying security weaknesses, collecting and analyzing data, communicating issues to colleagues, and suggesting improvements.

    As well as proving their technical know-how, the test also pulls out how good candidates are at problem solving, working under pressure and thinking logically, as well as evidence of soft skills like communication and managing multiple priorities.

    The cyber security skills test could be used to hire for a range of different roles in the sector including:

More Job Skills Tests

How our test measures cyber security skills

Test questions are designed to assess industry-specific technical skills, soft skills, aptitude and suitable personality dimensions. Our data-driven approach provides results that enable you to determine how suited is a candidate for the role.

Depending on the type of question, the format of the test may vary. Multiple-choice questions are used to measure aptitude, technical skills and soft skills, while agreement on a Likert scale assesses suitable personality dimensions. Skills tests ensure that candidates are being evaluated in a precise and impartial manner, their results demonstrating the true knowledge and potential of each test taker.

The characteristics required to work in cyber security were determined by looking at the skills and abilities listed in the US Department of Labor’s O*NET database, which collects data from professionals in various fields.

O*NET is the largest database of its kind, providing detailed information about occupations and the requirements for each role.

Our team of I/O psychologists and psychometrics worked closely with subject-matter experts to create an extensive question bank that can be used to test multiple candidates. We also conducted rigorous field testing with a representative sample of candidates to ensure that the questions were reliable and valid.

Test scores are averaged together to give an overall score. The average score is compared to other candidates' scores to ensure there is no bias toward certain candidates.

Our cyber security test is constantly updated and optimized to ensure the best experience and results.

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Recommended tests

A short battery for the role, which you can edit

For the roles on this site we suggest a set of short tests that cover what the job actually needs. Add or remove tests before you send the link. Every test is scored the same way for every candidate, and the report shows the platform average so a score can be read in context.

  • Assessments

    A full suite of assessments

    Our library covers aptitude, software and coding skills, situational judgement, language and personality tests. Combine up to six in one assessment to match the role.

  • Analytics

    An array of candidate metrics

    For each of your candidates, you’ll be given a comprehensive report. Included will be all the metrics you need to build a detailed picture of each candidate and ensure you’re making the right hiring decisions.

“The platform is so simple to use. I had used competitor providers for over six years and will never go back. Fast, efficient and friendly!”
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd

Cyber Security Test FAQs

What are the skills needed in cyber security?

First and foremost, to work in cyber security you must be a problem solver. You also need to have the required technical knowledge and understanding, feel confident working with computers, be able to communicate effectively and spot issues and problems before they happen.

What other tests can be used to assess cyber security skills?

You could use situational judgement tests or problem solving tests to ensure candidates have the right mindset to work in cyber security.

If you wanted a better understanding of the type of person they are you could assess soft skills like their communication style, interpersonal skills or ability to juggle multiple priorities.

Can I see what the test is like?

Yes, of course. You can try the test for free by signing up for a free trial.

Are these tests available in my plan?

We have a range of plans available. The difference between the plans is the number of test attempts permitted, not the type of tests. All our plans include our full test suite comprising all tests and all levels.

“An unbeatable service, impressive platform and fantastic value for money.”
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA

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