HackerRank's Commitment to Assessment Integrity - HackerRank Blog

At HackerRank, our mission is to change the world to value skills over pedigree. We believe every developer, regardless of background or location, deserves a fair, equal opportunity to showcase their abilities. Our commitment to maintaining the integrity of the entire hiring process ensures that every candidate is evaluated solely on their true skills. Nothing more, nothing less.

What does “Fair” mean at HackerRank?

For us, ‘Fair’ means ensuring that every candidate gets an unbiased chance to showcase their skills. Whether you’re coding live or solving complex algorithms, fairness is at the heart of every assessment. At HackerRank we embrace AI and encourage using it appropriately. In our assessments, AI tools are flagged if their use goes beyond what’s allowed, ensuring that the evaluation reflects genuine skills.

Preserving integrity and protecting fairness

The online nature of hiring assessments brings with it potential challenges, such as impersonation and unauthorized aid. But with HackerRank, we mitigate these risks through advanced tools and processes. Here’s how.

Monitoring suspicious environments

Physical surroundings are a common way candidates might try to gain an unfair edge, whether by using another device or having someone nearby offer help. HackerRank’s tools like Multiple monitor detection and Image proctoring keep an eye on the surroundings to ensure the integrity of the test.

• Multiple monitor detection: This feature spots if an external monitor is connected, helping us ensure the candidate stays focused on their work.
• Image proctoring: We capture images of the candidate and their environment during the test, giving hiring teams the context they need to flag suspicious activity.
• Image analysis: Through facial recognition and environmental checks, our algorithms detect any anomalies, like extra people or devices, and flag them for review.

Impersonation prevention

No one wants to hire the wrong person because someone else took the test for them. HackerRank ensures that the right person is taking the test by using Photo Identification and Facial Recognition throughout the assessment.

• Photo Identification: Before the test, we capture a photo of the candidate to establish their identity. This is checked periodically during the test to prevent impersonation.
• Image Proctoring: Capturing images at regular intervals helps detect any changes in appearance or unauthorized help during the assessment.

Fairness in the face of AI: Detecting AI usage

The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has added a new dimension to assessment integrity. While AI can assist in coding, it can also undermine the fairness of tests if misused. HackerRank’s latest Plagiarism Detection ensures that candidates are evaluated on their true abilities without undue AI interference.

• AI-Powered plagiarism detection: Analyzes patterns in code submissions to detect unauthorized AI usage or copying. This keeps the playing field fair for everyone.
• Copy-Paste tracking: Detects when code is pasted from an external source, helping hiring teams assess if candidates are relying too heavily on pre-written solutions.
• Tab switch proctoring: Monitoring when candidates switch tabs helps us identify if they’re seeking external help or using unauthorized resources during the assessment.

Preventing test content leaks

Content leaks can give candidates an unfair advantage by exposing questions or solutions beforehand. HackerRank uses a variety of tools to combat this:

• Shuffled sections & questions: We randomize the order of questions for each test-taker, reducing the risk of content being shared.
• Watermarking: Each question carries a watermark tied to the candidate’s email, deterring them from sharing the test content.
• Hiding question labels: We hide the titles of questions to prevent candidates from easily searching for answers online.
• AI solvable question labels: Our library questions are labeled according to their potential solvability by AI assistants. Armed with this information, hiring teams can filter out questions that may be susceptible to AI-generated solutions.

A balanced approach to AI in Assessments

HackerRank doesn’t reject AI; instead, we embrace it with balance. If AI usage isn’t intended, our system flags it ensuring that assessments are genuine and reflective of a candidate’s real abilities. This approach is designed to ensure that the hiring process remains transparent, fair, and focused on actual skills.

Leveling the playing field for everyone

Fairness isn’t just about preventing shortcuts. It’s about making sure every candidate, regardless of where they’re from or what tools they have, gets the same opportunity to shine. By upholding the highest standards of integrity, we help companies find the right talent based on skill, not external advantages.

If you’re ready to see how HackerRank can help your team uphold the highest standards of fairness and integrity, reach out to us for a demo. Let’s build a more equitable future for technical hiring, together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can your plagiarism detection system detect AI-generated code?
Yes, our system is designed to flag suspicious use of AI tools, ensuring that assessments remain genuine and reflective of the candidate’s skills.

Does your plagiarism detection automatically disqualify candidates?
No. Our system flags potential cases of plagiarism, but the final decision lies with the hiring team, who can review the flagged incidents in detail.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?
For more information on how we maintain integrity in assessments, feel free to reach out to your customer success manager or contact us at support@hackerrank.com.