Online Testing FAQ
- What is the oDesk Readiness Test?
- Who is eligible to take the tests?
- How much do the tests cost?
- How many tests can I take?
- How do I prepare for the tests?
- How do I take a test?
- What do I do if I lose connection in the middle of the test?
- Can I retake a test?
- How do I decide which tests to take?
- How do I publish the test scores on my profile?
- Where can I see how well other test-takers have done?
- What is the format of oDesk online tests?
- What is the syllabus of each test?
- What are the rules of oDesk online tests?
- Can I see the answers to the questions after each test?
- What is the passing percentile for each test?
- What are the browser requirements for taking an oDesk online test?
- When I try to start a test, it jumps back to the previous screen. What should I do ?
- Is there a way for me to give some feedback?
What is the oDesk Readiness Test?
All oDesk providers must pass the oDesk Readiness Test. You cannot apply to job openings unless you are oDesk Ready. This open book test is designed as a tutorial to help familiarize users with oDesk policies and practices. (effective June 4, 2008)
Who is eligible to take the tests?
All active oDesk providers including freelancers and affiliated contractors are eligible to take the tests.
How much do the tests cost?
It's completely free of charge to take oDesk tests.
How many tests can I take?
You can take as many oDesk tests as you'd like. However, for each test, there is a time period that you have to wait before you can retake it. This time limit information can be found on the "Days to Retake" field for each test.
How do I prepare for the tests?
To prepare for the tests, you may want to refresh your technical knowledge related to the particular test that you plan to take. Each test consists of both theoretical and practical questions. Each test has a syllabus that you can review, before deciding to take it. Make sure that you have enough time with you to be able to complete the test.
How do I take a test?
Providers can take tests by going to Find Providers -> Qualification Tests. Please visit this help article for step by step instructions.
What do I do if I lose connection in the middle of the test?
The procedure for re-starting from where you left off is very simple. Log in to your oDesk account and go the test that you left incomplete. Hit the "Take Test" button and it will take you to the page where you can resume the test where you left off.
Be sure to return to the test immediately after restoring your connection. Each test has an expiration time after which you cannot resume the test. The expiration time is typically = "Duration of the test +15 minutes". So you have a 15 minute "grace period" to be able to complete the test in addition to the usual duration of the test. If you are not able to complete the test before it expires, the test will be marked incomplete, and you will have wait for the "Days to Retake" time period before you can retake the test.
Can I retake a test?
Yes, you're welcome to retake each test as many times as you want. However, please note that there is a waiting period for each test before you can retake it again. The length of the "waiting period" can be found on the "Days to Retake" field in each test.
How do I decide which tests to take?
In general, you should feel free to take all the tests that are suitable to you. If you think you have a skill, take the test and prove it! To help you with choosing the right tests to take given your job role, there is a list of recommended tests. Please refer to that information before deciding to take the tests.
oDesk adds new tests regularly, so check the Qualification Tests page for the most up-to-date list.
How do I publish the test scores on my profile?
Once you have taken the test, you go to My oDesk -> Get Hired -> My Tests to see all the tests that you have taken. Please visit this help article for more about the My Tests page and how to decide which tests to make public.
By default, for any given test, the test score will be public if you have passed the test, and private otherwise. If you prefer to make your test scores private, please click on the "Make Private" button. When you make a test score private, the test score will be hidden from your profile under the "oDesk Tests" section.
Where can I see how well other test-takers have done?
If you look at the detail page for any test, you can see the "Test Statistics" section where you can see information about the test usage, including the # of providers who have taken the test, the hours they have logged and their hourly rates.
What is the format of oDesk online tests?
The general format of the tests is given below:
- Nature of Tests : Multiple choice questions. Each question is worth 1 point. Questions may have more than 1 correct answer, in which case you need to select all the right answers to get it right. You do not get partial points for partially answered questions
- Duration : 30 to 50 minutes
- Number of questions: 30 to 40
- Negative marking : No negative marking for wrong answers
- Question weighting : All questions carry equal marks
- Navigation : You CANNOT go back and answer unanswered questions or change your answer to previous questions
- Pictures : Some tests may require you to answer a question based upon a graphic image
- At the end of test you get an overall test score, a pass/fail status and a percentile score
- Your Percentile value denotes the percentage of candidates who have scored less than you in this test, NOT the percentage of correct answers. Note that your Percentile value is likely to change in the future as more candidates appear.
Some tests may follow a completely different format from this, make sure you read the test details carefully by clicking on the test name from the list of tests.
What is the syllabus of each test?
You can view the topics covered in the test by clicking on the test name from the list of tests. You will be guided to the test details page which contains the syllabus.
What are the rules of the tests?
The tests are all closed book tests. No study material should be used while taking a test, neither should you accept the help of a friend. You can refer to online testing policies to read the regulations for taking the tests.
Can I see the answers to the questions after completing each test?
No, the answers to the questions are not displayed at the end of the test.
What is the passing grade for each test?
In general, you are required to pass the 50% mark to "pass" an oDesk online test. However, some tests have a different passing criteria, hence make sure you read the test details carefully by clicking on the test name from the list of tests.
What are the browser requirements for taking an oDesk online?
You can take a test on Internet Explorer 5 or above/Netscape 6 or above. Recent versions of most modern browsers are also supported. You must have cookies, javascript, pictures and popup windows enabled on your browser.
When I try to start a test, it jumps back to the previous screen. What should I do?
Most tests will work with the normal computer settings. However if this problem occurs, you should ensure that popup windows, javascript, and cookies are enabled in your browser. Some of the tests require pop-up windows to work, so you must ensure that you turn off any popup blocker. To enable javascript on the Windows Internet Explorer browser go to:
Tools -->Internet Options-->Click on the Security Tab-->In the security settings enable Active scripting and also enable Scripting of Java Applets if you are taking the typing test.
Is there a way for me to give some feedback?
1. Anytime you take an online test you will see a link to the oDesk ticket form on every question page. If you find an error or have a suggestion on a question, please click the link to submit a ticket. Your feedback will be sent to oDesk and ExpertRating and we'll review every suggestion to see if it can be implemented.
2. Upon completion of any test, you will have the option to leave feedback on the quality of the test so that oDesk and ExpertRating can determine how to prioritize improvement efforts on all of the available tests.
3. If you'd like to leave feedback on a particular test, on the testing system in general, or suggest a new test, you can file a help ticket with oDesk.
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