The LinkedIn Python assessment is a coding test that allows you to showcase your Python skills to potential employers on the LinkedIn platform. As Python continues to grow in popularity, more companies are looking for developers proficient in the language. Passing the LinkedIn Python assessment can help display your Python abilities to recruiters and hiring managers. But is the time and effort required to pass the assessment really worth it in the end? There are pros and cons to consider when determining if the LinkedIn Python assessment is worthwhile for your career goals.
What is the LinkedIn Python Assessment?
The LinkedIn Python assessment is a multiple choice coding test created by LinkedIn to evaluate a candidate’s Python skills and knowledge. It focuses on testing core Python concepts like data types, control flow, object-oriented programming, and more. The assessment currently consists of 25 multiple choice questions which must be completed within 30 minutes.
Candidates are presented with short Python code snippets and are asked to evaluate and select the correct output or interpretation of the code. The questions cover a range of difficulty from basic to intermediate Python concepts. Some examples of question topics include:
- Variable assignment and data types
- List and dictionary manipulation
- Conditional logic and loops
- Functions and object-oriented programming
- Built-in modules and error handling
The assessment allows recruiters on LinkedIn to filter and identify candidates with demonstrated Python skills. It aims to provide an efficient barometer of Python competency.
Pros of Taking the LinkedIn Python Assessment
There are several potential advantages to taking the LinkedIn Python coding assessment:
Verification of Python Skills
First and foremost, the LinkedIn Python assessment provides standardized verification of your Python programming abilities. Passing the test helps substantiate your working knowledge of Python in a way that a resume or work experience alone cannot. Recruiters can feel confident that by passing the assessment, you possess the foundational Python skills required for the job.
Exposure to Python Job Opportunities
Taking the LinkedIn Python assessment also boosts the visibility of your profile in LinkedIn’s talent pool. LinkedIn uses the assessment results to match candidates to open job opportunities requiring Python. By having the assessment on your profile, you may get greater exposure to Python job listings and inquires through LinkedIn.
Practice for Technical Interviews
The questions and format of the LinkedIn Python assessment resemble many common technical interview screening assessments. Preparing for and taking the LinkedIn exam can serve as good practice for technical interviews that often include concepts like coding debugging, logical evaluations, and problem solving.
Low Risk Opportunity
The LinkedIn Python assessment is relatively low risk and easy to complete. It only takes 30 minutes can be taken online at any time. This allows you to highlight your Python skills without major preparation or time commitment. There is little downside to taking the test beyond the 30 minutes of time.
Cons of Taking the LinkedIn Python Assessment
However, there are also some potential drawbacks and limitations to completing the LinkedIn Python exam:
Time Commitment
While only 30 minutes long, proper preparation for the LinkedIn Python assessment still requires dedicating some study time. You must set aside hours to review Python concepts, practice sample coding challenges, and take mock tests. This requires an investment of your time.
Assessment Questions May Be Restrictive
Since the LinkedIn Python assessment only utilizes multiple choice and short code snippet questions, it may not adequately demonstrate the full breadth and depth of your skills. The simplistic nature of multiple choice questions does not capture real-world coding ability.
Not a Replacement for Work Experience
While the LinkedIn Python exam can validate foundational knowledge, it does not replace the value of real-world Python coding experience. Most hiring managers will still look for work history building Python apps and programs.
Changes to the Assessment
LinkedIn occasionally makes changes to the content and format of the Python assessment. This means any preparation you do may become outdated as the questions evolve. You have to be ready to adapt your studying and keep up with changes.
No Proof of Concepts
Because the LinkedIn assessment only uses multiple choice questions, you cannot demonstrate applied Python coding skills and proficiency. Being able to answer multiple choice questions correctly does not prove you can build functioning programs.
Costs Money
Access to the LinkedIn Python assessment requires a Premium Career LinkedIn account. This ranges from $29.99 to $59.99 per month for the subscription. So it is not free to take the assessment.
Scoring and Passing the LinkedIn Python Assessment
The LinkedIn Python coding assessment consists of 25 multiple choice questions.
Candidates are given 1 point for each correct answer, with no points deducted for wrong answers.
This means scores range from 0 to 25 points total.
Based on discussions with other test takers, the minimum passing score for the LinkedIn Python assessment appears to be around 17/25 or 68% correct answers.
However, LinkedIn does not publish the exact passing score threshold.
The assessment has a 30 minute time limit. This equates to just over 1 minute available per question on average.
LinkedIn does allow you to retake the Python assessment. However, after a failed attempt, you must wait at least 3 months before retaking the test.
Example Questions
To provide a sense of the Python coding concepts covered in the LinkedIn assessment, below are a few example multiple choice questions:
Question 1
What will be printed by the following code snippet?
for num in range(5): print(num)
A. 0 1 2 3 4
B. 1 2 3 4
C. 0 1 2 3
D. 4 3 2 1 0
The correct answer is A. This loops through and prints the numbers 0 to 4 using Python’s range() function.
Question 2
Which statement imports the statistics module into a Python program?
A. import statistics
B. from statistics statistics
C. import statistics as stats
D. import * from statistics
The statement to import the statistics module is A. This allows usage of statistics functions by prefixing them with statistics.
Question 3
What is printed by this code?
languages = ["Python", "JavaScript", "C++"] print(languages[-1])
A. Python
B. C++
C. JavaScript
D. [-1]
The code prints “C++”. Python lists are zero-indexed, so languages[-1] accesses the last index value.
Preparing for the LinkedIn Python Assessment
Proper preparation is key to passing the LinkedIn Python assessment. Here are some tips:
Study Python Concepts
First, brush up on your knowledge of core Python programming concepts like variables, data structures, functions, classes/objects, and modules. Review Python basics thoroughly before diving into practice questions.
Practice Short Coding Exercises
Many online resources provide short Python coding challenges perfect for simulating the LinkedIn exam experience. Spend time completing many little code snippets to get comfortable evaluating and debugging Python.
Take Mock Assessments
Taking practice tests or mocks that imitate the real LinkedIn Python assessment is hugely beneficial preparation. Time yourself while answering questions to get used to performing under the 30 minute limit.
Focus on Your Weak Areas
Analyze practice tests to identify weak points in your Python knowledge. Zero in on those topics and spend more time studying concepts that need improvement.
Explain Code Out Loud
Practice explaining Python code snippets out loud in plain English. This develops skills to interpret and communicate code logic clearly.
Check Solutions Thoroughly
Don’t just glance at a problem’s solution; take time to fully understand why each correct answer is the right one. This builds intuition for evaluating Python code.
Take Care of Yourself
Make sure to take study breaks, get proper sleep, eat well, and reduce stress leading up to your exam date. Being in optimal mental and physical condition will maximize focus and performance.
Example Practice Resources
Here are some excellent online resources with Python practice content ideal for prepping for the LinkedIn assessment:
LinkedIn Skill Assessments Learning Center
LinkedIn’s own assessment preparation center provides study guides and sample questions for the Python exam. This is a great official resource to bookmark.
LeetCode
LeetCode has an extensive database of short coding challenges perfect for mimicking the LinkedIn test format. Sort problems by difficulty and track your progress.
HackerRank
Similar to LeetCode, HackerRank boasts a huge selection of Python code snippet challenges. Take skills certification tests for bonus prep.
Codecademy
Work through Codecademy’s interactive Python courses and exercises for foundational review before assessment practicing. Retake older lessons as a refresher.
edX Python Courses
edX offers thorough online Python courses created by top institutions like MIT, Microsoft, and Columbia University. Audit for free or pay to earn a certificate.
Udemy Practice Tests
Udemy has affordable paid practice test courses specifically designed to mimic the actual LinkedIn Python assessment experience.
YouTube Tutorials
There are many free Python tutorial videos on YouTube perfect for visual learners. Channels like Corey Schafer’s are quite popular.
Online Documentation
Review official Python documentation for detailed references on language concepts. The docs contain guides and sample code.
Python SubReddit
Reddit’s Python community often posts practice questions and test prep advice. Participate and ask your own questions.
Study Groups
Form an online or in-person study group to practice for the assessment together. Teaching others is an effective retention technique.
Tips for Taking the LinkedIn Python Assessment
Here are some key tips to follow when taking the actual LinkedIn Python coding assessment:
Take Your Time
Read each question thoroughly and make sure you fully understand what the code is doing before answering. Don’t feel rushed to answer quickly.
Watch for Tricky Phrasing
Pay close attention to words like “all” vs “any” as they can completely change a question’s meaning. Identify what each question is truly asking.
Break Down Complex Code
Deconstruct longer code snippets step-by-step. Use comments to explain what each line does in plain English.
Choose Carefully
If uncertain between two choices, think through each one methodically to determine the correct option. Don’t just blindly guess.
Skip Difficult Questions
It’s OK to skip questions you are stuck on and come back later. This saves time instead of getting bogged down.
Avoid Overthinking
The questions are designed to have clear, logical answers. Don’t make assumptions beyond what the code shows.
Check Your Work
Leave time to review your choices and verify you did not misread any questions before submitting. This catches simple mistakes.
Stay Calm
Don’t panic or stress if you struggle on a few questions. Take deep breaths and move forward calmly and methodically.
Use Scratch Paper
Write down notes and draw diagrams on scratch paper to visualize concepts and organize your thinking.
Conclusion
In summary, while the LinkedIn Python assessment requires an investment of study time, it offers nice benefits in return through skills verification, exposure to jobs, and interview practice. Passing the test serves as proof of core Python competency, though work experience still matters more. With proper preparation using online practice resources, most motivated learners can pass the exam successfully. Just stay calm, take your time, double check your work, and demonstrate those Python abilities! What’s your experience with programming assessment exams? Let me know in the comments.
