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Hard Skills Assessments

V
Written by Veronika Bougioukli
Updated this week

Hard skills are the role-specific, measurable capabilities individuals need to perform concrete tasks — from using business software to writing code, analyzing data, or managing cloud infrastructure. These skills are often learned through formal training or on-the-job experience and are critical to job performance across technical, administrative, creative, and operational roles.

Bryq’s Hard Skills Assessments are designed to help organizations verify whether a candidate or employee has the practical knowledge and functional expertise required to succeed — no matter the field.

Why Hard Skills Matter

Hard skills form the backbone of execution in many roles. Whether it’s a sales coordinator using Excel, a designer formatting presentations in PowerPoint, or a developer writing Python code, hard skills translate directly into output and efficiency.

Assessing them helps you:

  • Ensure role-readiness, not just résumé claims

  • Spot learning or training needs early

  • Objectively compare candidates or team members

  • Build more effective hiring, onboarding, and development plans

In a rapidly digitizing workplace, practical skill fluency is essential for both individual productivity and team success.

When to Assess Hard Skills

Hard skills assessments are appropriate not only for technical roles but also for any position that requires specific tools, systems, or process knowledge.

Use them when:

  • Hiring for roles that rely on digital tools (e.g., Excel, Salesforce, Power BI)

  • Promoting to jobs that demand greater technical independence

  • Supporting upskilling or reskilling across job families

  • Verifying tool proficiency in customer support, operations, finance, or design

They're especially relevant in positions that involve:

  • Business analytics and reporting

  • Technical writing or system documentation

  • Workflow automation or data handling

  • Coding or web development

Assessment Specs

  • Format: 10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

  • Completion time: Under 10 minutes

  • Structure: One correct answer per question

  • Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

  • Randomization: Content and answer shuffling for each test session

Ready to build a custom assessment plan?

💡 Visit our Step-by-Step Selection Guide to design the best-fit journey for your needs.

Still unsure which assessment to use?

Contact support@bryq.com— we're happy to help you make the right choice.

Hard Skills Catalog

Explore our extensive library of Hard Skills Assessments, featuring over 25 role-relevant skill areas. Each assessment is designed to evaluate practical, on-the-job proficiency and is available at three distinct levels — Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced — so you can match the difficulty to the demands of the role.

English (Basic User)

Assesses basic English proficiency (CEFR A1/A2) by evaluating grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and listening skills in everyday social and workplace situations.

English (Independent User)

Measures intermediate English proficiency (CEFR B1/B2) with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and listening to support clear communication in more complex work and social contexts.

English (Advanced User)

Evaluates advanced English proficiency (CEFR C1/C2) by assessing grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening skills to ensure fluency and clarity in professional and academic communication.

Microsoft Office

Assesses proficiency in the core Microsoft Office suite, including document creation, data management, presentations, and communication tools.

Microsoft Excel

Evaluates proficiency in organizing, analyzing, and manipulating data using Microsoft Excel.

Microsoft PowerPoint

Evaluates skills in creating, formatting, and delivering effective presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Microsoft Word

Assesses proficiency in document creation, formatting, and editing using Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Power BI

Assesses knowledge of Microsoft Power BI for data visualization and business intelligence, covering data modeling, reporting, dashboard creation, and analysis techniques.

Microsoft Azure

Evaluates understanding of Microsoft Azure’s cloud services, infrastructure, and administration. Covers core cloud concepts, security, networking, and resource management.

Microsoft Outlook

Evaluates competency in using Microsoft Outlook for email communication, calendar management, and task organization.

Deep Learning

Evaluates understanding of neural networks, architectures, and frameworks used in deep learning for tasks such as image recognition and natural language processing.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Evaluates proficiency in NLP techniques, including text processing, sentiment analysis, language modeling, and machine learning applications.

AI in Practice

Assesses the ability to apply artificial intelligence solutions in real-world scenarios, covering model deployment, integration, and optimization strategies.

Salesforce

Assesses proficiency in using Salesforce for customer relationship management, including data management, workflow automation, and sales pipeline tracking.

SQL

Evaluates proficiency in database management using SQL, including querying, data manipulation, and optimization techniques.

Python

Assesses knowledge of Python programming, covering syntax, data structures, algorithms, and application development.

CSS

Evaluates expertise in styling and formatting web pages using CSS, including layout techniques, responsiveness, and design principles.

C#

Assesses proficiency in C# programming, focused on syntax, object-oriented principles, and application development.

JavaScript

Evaluates skills in JavaScript programming, including scripting, event handling, and dynamic web development.

React

Assesses React skills across core concepts, development practices, and real-world application.

Tableau

Evaluates proficiency in data visualization and analysis using Tableau, including dashboard creation, data connectivity, and interactive reporting.

AutoCAD

Assesses skills in 2D and 3D design using AutoCAD, focusing on drafting, modeling, and technical drawing accuracy.

CI/CD

Assesses understanding of Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) principles, including automation workflows, version control, and deployment processes.

Kubernetes

Assesses proficiency in container orchestration using Kubernetes, including deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Evaluates expertise in AWS cloud services, covering computing, storage, networking, security, and deployment best practices.

Machine Learning

Assesses knowledge of machine learning concepts, algorithms, and model development, including data preprocessing, training, and evaluation.

HTML

Assesses proficiency in structuring and developing web pages using HTML, including elements, attributes, and semantic markup.

Computer Literacy

Assesses proficiency in using computers and digital tools, including operating systems, software applications, and basic troubleshooting.

Typing

Assesses typing speed and accuracy, focusing on efficiency, proper technique, and error minimization.

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