SQL Skills Test to hire the top SQL developers

The SQL Developer Skills Test assesses a range of skills in one comprehensive assessment. The test helps to bring to the fore the domain expertise, knowledge and job-ready skills of candidates and remove non-essential stages from the hiring process. This SQL Technical Test enables recruiters and employers to objectively assess the candidate's skills in SQL. It allows them to make well-informed decisions around applicant scoring with data-driven insights that provide benchmarks to compare top performers. The test comprises questions based on the database query and Oracle SQL skills.

What is SQL Test?

The SQL Test evaluates developers in writing programs, functions, and queries to manipulate the data and structure of a database using SQL. The SQL developer is tested on the ability to write custom queries to generate reports.  

SQL is a standard language used in programming and developed for managing a database and performing related functions, such as INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE. Leading Relational Databases (RDBMS) such as MySQL and Oracle use SQL as their standard language. An SQL developer is adept at using Structured Query Language.

Roles and responsibilities of SQL developer 

An SQL developer's primary responsibility is overseeing the development and management of SQL databases. It involves planning, developing, and maintaining the databases to ensure smooth operation. SQL developers utilize structured query language (SQL) to create and modify database tables using CRUD (create, read, update, and delete) SQL commands.  

SQL developers analyze queries, develop security protocols, and troubleshoot any issues that arise, ensuring the security and integrity of the data. They also write complex queries for applications and business intelligence reporting, enabling the extraction of valuable insights from the data. The role of an SQL developer encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from database development and management to performance optimization, security, and data analysis. By effectively carrying out these tasks, SQL developers play a crucial role in ensuring SQL databases' smooth operation and effectiveness.

Application of SQL Test in workplace

SQL developers should know the newest version of SQL and database management systems to create queries and subqueries for database management. Knowledge of multiple SQL language extensions is beneficial for developers. Most data-centric roles, such as data scientist, database developer, or data analyst, consider SQL a vital part of database management.  

SQL developers are highly sought-after tech professionals as businesses rely excessively on data and information. While such professionals are highly coveted by organizations keen on utilizing this indispensable data-oriented language, identifying the top and the brightest minds well-aligned with the employer's exact requirements takes work. Including SQL Technical Assessment in the hiring process is a secure way to determine if the potential candidates have the skills and knowledge for the role. This screening test helps recruiters understand if the candidate's knowledge and proficiency match the role's requirements. As applicants are screened and vetted through the SQL Assessment process, it becomes clear that the qualified candidates possess the required technical skills, knowledge, and abilities. The test result reports provide an insightful and holistic overview of the test-taker's competencies.

What is inside this SQL Skills Test?

Validated and designed by subject matter experts, the test helps hire SQL, database, and software developers. Hiring managers can use this SQL Technical Assessment to focus their time and energy on potential SQL developers by determining their employability skills and job readiness. The test comprises a blend of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and coding challenges that help to assess candidates' proficiency and ability to understand the nuances of SQL development. The test composition includes twenty MCQs and two coding problems and is an hour long. This screening method helps potential employers determine applicants' suitability for employment.

What skills does this SQL test cover?

• Oracle SQL basics  

This section analyzes the basic skills of candidates in using Oracle. It includes many basics, including UPDATE query, functions, TCL, DML, LIKE clause, Group By, and numerous other subqueries. 

• Query writing  

This part of the assessment measures the skills and proficiency of candidates in creating database query questions in Oracle.  

•  Advanced topics  

Candidates are evaluated for their knowledge of advanced concepts of SQL. The questions include the insert query, alter query, views, joins, and functions.

What roles can you assess for using the online SQL Skills Test? 

• Junior software developers- Junior software developers are beginner-level software development professionals who support the development team in various software design and coding aspects. Their primary responsibility is to familiarize themselves with the existing codebase, participate in design meetings, write basic code, address minor bugs, and assist the Development Manager in tasks related to software design.  
• Database analyst- Database analysts are responsible for arranging and comprehending data sets to create functional database systems. Their tasks include assessing, designing, examining, and implementing databases to improve business operations. They also maintain and update databases to meet evolving business requirements.  
• Oracle SQL developer- Oracle developer provides SQL and PL/SQL coding expertise, including writing functions, procedures, and packages; reviewing, analyzing, and testing code written by others for database performance reasons; etc.

Sample questions for SQL Coding Test

1. What is an SQL statement? Give some examples.  

An SQL command/ SQL statement is a string of characters interpreted by the SQL engine as a legal command and executed accordingly. Some common examples of SQL statements are SELECT, CREATE, DELETE, DROP, REVOKE, etc. 

2. What is a join?  

A join is a clause used to combine and retrieve records from two or multiple tables. SQL tables can be joined depending on the relationship between the columns of those tables.  

3. How would you retrieve all the records from a " customers " table in SQL?  

To retrieve all the records from a table called "customers" in SQL, you would use the following query: SELECT * FROM customers;  

4. What is the distinction between a stored procedure and a function in SQL?  

In SQL, a function returns a value, while a stored procedure does not necessarily return a value and may execute a series of operations or tasks. Functions can be used as part of a SQL statement or expression to return a value. In contrast, stored procedures can be used to encapsulate a series of SQL statements; they can be executed as a single unit. Additionally, functions can be used within stored procedures, but stored procedures cannot be used within functions.  

5. What is the purpose of an index in SQL, and how does it work?  

An index is used to develop the performance of queries by allowing for faster data retrieval. It makes a separate data structure that stores the values of one or more columns and allows more rapid access to the data based on those values.  

6. What is a foreign key?  

It is a field in one table referencing the primary key in another. It establishes a relationship between the two tables, ensuring data consistency and enabling data retrieval across tables.  

7. What do you mean by a NULL value in SQL?  

A NULL value in SQL represents the absence of data in a column. It is not the same as an empty string or zero; it signifies that the data is missing or unknown. NULL values can be used in columns with optional data or when the data is unavailable.  

8. What is a stored procedure?  

A SQL stored procedure comprises precompiled SQL statements that can be executed together as a unified entity. These procedures are commonly used to encapsulate business logic, improve performance, and ensure consistent data manipulation practices.  

9. Explain the use of full-text search in SQL.  

Full-text search in SQL allows users to search for text-based data within large text fields or documents. It uses advanced indexing and search algorithms to provide efficient and accurate text-searching capabilities.  

10. What is a spatial database?  

A spatial database stores and queries geometric and geographic data, such as maps, GPS coordinates, and spatial objects. It provides specialized functions and indexing methods to support spatial queries and analysis.