What is Amazon's technical assessment?
There are a variety of technical assessments that you might have to pass depending on the role you've applied for at Amazon.
Here are just a few:
- Amazon SDE Online Assessment
- Amazon's AWS Assessment
- Maintenance Technician Test
These assessments cover a wide range of topics, including algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and software engineering. To pass any of the assessments, candidates must demonstrate their ability to solve complex technical problems.
There are a few tips that can help you prepare for and pass the assessment which we've put together in this guide.
Format of the assessment
Amazon's technical assessments vary but are typically multiple-choice tests and conducted virtually unless administered as part of a hiring event or on-site interview day.
The multiple-choice section consists of 30 questions that must be answered within 60 minutes (timings and questions can vary depending on the test).
The questions are role dependent but typically based on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform and cover topics such as programming, networking, storage, security, and computers.
Before you start your assessment, make sure you read any information provided carefully, since timings and deadlines can vary depending on the type of role you've applied for and the technical assessment you will be sitting.
Why Do You Need To Take The Amazon Technical Assessment?
It is important to take this assessment seriously and prepare for it accordingly as it will help hiring managers determine if you are a good fit for the job. Taking the assessment shows that you are interested in the job and willing to put in the effort required to pass.
Tips on how to pass
Whilst the technical assessment can be challenging, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of success.
Here are some tips on how to pass Amazon's Technical Assessment:
1. Understand the assessment criteria
Before you start the assessment, make sure you understand what Amazon is looking for and prepare accordingly.
Knowing what skills and knowledge Amazon will be testing can help you dedicate time and energy to refresh your memory on such topics. Having an idea of the score needed to pass as well can be useful.
2. Review Amazon's Software Development Topics
If you've applied for any software development or engineering roles we strongly encourage you to review Amazon's Software Development Topics to help you prepare.
Understanding these topics can give you an advantage when sitting your tests.
3. Some questions may ask about your work style
During your technical assessment, you may be asked a few questions about your work style.
Try not to invest too much time on any one question. Amazon wants you to answer these questions as honestly as possible, since there are lots of types of successful people at Amazon all with different ways of working.
4. Identify the questions you might expect
Knowing the type of questions you'll be asked ahead of time will help you focus your study and preparation efforts.
Amazon's Glassdoor profile is an excellent source of information regarding recent interview and assessment experiences. There are also several video resources that show examples of technical assessments you might encounter such as coding tests.
5. Study relevant materials
Once you know what topics will be covered in the assessment, take some time to brush up on those subjects. There are a number of great resources available online. Make use of them!
You should also study the job description and requirements carefully. The skill requirements should give you an indication of the types of tests you can expect.
Take some time to brush up on your skills. If there are areas you're not as strong in, make sure to focus on those.
6. Appropriate setup
Whenever you participate in any technical assessment you should ensure you have an appropriate setup to maximize your chances of success.
This means having a computer with a reliable connection and a quiet place to carry out the test.
7. Practice tests and questions
It can be difficult to know where to start when studying for a technical test. However, one of the best ways to prepare is by taking practice tests online and answering questions.
This will not only help you learn the material but also give you a better understanding of how the test is structured and what you might expect to score on the test.
Make sure you take some time to review the answers afterward. This will allow you to see where you made mistakes and improve for next time. With a little bit of effort, you will be ready to ace your upcoming test!
8. Know Amazon's leadership principles
To be a successful leader at Amazon, it's important to understand Amazon's leadership principles.
These principles are what guide managers and employees alike in making decisions that impact the customer experience.
There are 10 total principles, which are as follows: customer obsession, ownership, bias for action, frugality, a high bar for talent, invent and simplify, learn and be curious, earn trust of others, dive deep, have backbone; disagree and commit.
By adhering to these simple guidelines, Amazon has been able to create a customer-centric culture that is the envy of many other companies.
9. Problem-solve under pressure
When it comes to problem-solving, practice makes perfect. But what happens when you're put under pressure?
Most assessments are timed, which requires you to solve problems quickly. One way to become okay with the pressure is to practice tests under timed conditions. This makes the challenge of solving problems harder but can help you adapt to the test criteria quickly.
10. Don't be afraid to fail
Failure is a natural part of problem-solving.
These tests are designed to be challenging and so you shouldn't be afraid to fail - especially when practicing and preparing for the tests. This is a learning process and most test-takers are unlikely to have encountered such assessments before hiring.
Don't be discouraged by failure, embrace it as part of the journey to success.
