Microsoft Codility Test (OA)- Practice Questions & Guide [2023] (2024)

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What isa Microsoft Codility Test?

Codility is a coding platform that Microsoft uses for its Online Assessment. The Microsoft Codility Test is an online programming examlater reviewed by a Microsoft (MS) reviewer. On this test, you will typically receive a combination of 3 coding questions to be solved in 60-90 mins.

The Microsoft Online Assessment, also called the Online Technical Screen (OTS), is one of the first stages of the hiring processfor software engineer roles. It will mostly involve a Codility exam, a phone interview, or both.

What isthe passingscore forMicrosoft’sCodility Test?

Your code will be graded automatically depending onitsefficiency with all possible inputs:

• 100%=AutomaticPass
• 60%and below=AutomaticReject
• 60%-100%=Code goesthrough a review by a MSreviewer.

When reviewed, your code will be assessed based on your understanding of the solution and on how optimal it is.

What questionswill you be askedon the Microsoft Codility test?

Microsoft online test questions will generally assessbasic algorithm and datastructure knowledge. On the Codility test, question typesmay be:

• DebuggingQuestions
• Codingquestionsthat require implementing datastructuresand algorithms(Strings, Binary Trees, etc.)
• MCQ (multiple choicequestions)
  For Ex.How many comparisonsdo you need to find the minimum value on a5-elementarray?
  Answer: (n-1)(4)

Microsoft’smost common question topics:

1. Arrays/ Strings (most frequent)
2. Linked lists
3. Binary trees
4. Search/Sort
5. Dynamic programming
6. Bit manipulation

You will also be expected to answer questions related tocomputersubjects

• Operatingsystems
• DBMS
• Computer Networks

Practicing all these topicsmayseem like a lot,but once you practicethe most common Microsoft coding questions you will be able to save tonsof time and effort.

Here is what a Microsoft Coding question looks like on our Codility Test Prep:

What programming language will you be usingon Codility?

You’ll be given the option tochooseyour preferred programming language before youbegin thetest. Therefore, when practicing for the Microsoft Codility Assessment, we recommend choosing the language you prefer to codewith.

IsMicrosoft’sCodility test hard?

Microsoft’s coding interview questions are easy-medium on the first round Codility test or phonescreen. Theirdifficulty also depends on your experience level and thespecific role you’re applying for.

The main challengeshere are:

• Working under time pressure.
• Not being able totell the interviewer your thought processdirectly.

Because of this, some people finish thistest with blank answersand fail to passMicrosoft's code review.

Do you still have questions about Microsoft's Codility test? Check these Codility test FAQs

Microsoft Codility Test Questions

Try solving some of the most popular Microsoft online assessment questions available on our prep course:

1. Bubble Sort

Given an Integer N and a list arr. Sort the array using bubble sort algorithm.

Example:

Input:

N = 5

arr[] = {4, 1, 3, 9, 7}

Output:

1 3 4 7 9

2. Search an Element in Sorted and Rotated Array

Given a sorted and rotated array A of N distinct elements which is rotated at some point, and given an element K, find the index of the given element K in the array A.

Example:

Input:

N = 9

A[] = {5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1, 2, 3}

K = 10

Output: 5

Explanation: 10 is found at index 5.

3. Longest Consecutive Subsequence

Given an array A of integers, find the length of the longest sub-sequence so that elements in the sub-sequence are consecutive integers. The consecutive numbers can be in any order.

Example:

Input: N = 7, A[ ] = {1, 9, 3, 10, 4, 20, 2}

Output: 4

Explanation: The subsequent 1, 3, 4, 2 is the longest subsequence of consecutive elements.

4. Kadane's Algorithm

Given an array arr of N integers, find the contiguous sub-array with the maximum sum.

Example:

Input:

N = 5

Arr[ ] = {1, 2, 3, -2, 5}

Output:

9

How to Prepare and PassMicrosoft’sCodility Test?

Learn how not to leave any blank questions because of time constraints

It may be difficult and sometimes unrealistic to come up with the optimal solution for all coding questions given to you under time limits. To ensure you provide the best possible solution on time:

• Track yourspeed and work onsolving questionsmore quickly.
• Learn yourspeed limitsso you could manage your time and divide it between questionson the actual Microsoft Codility test.

Practice datastructuresand algorithmsthoroughly

Practice all types of coding questions asked on online assessments, especially strings and lists questions that arfrequently asked in Microsoft'sCodility test and coding interviews. The more programming questions you solve, the better be better prepared.

Focus on the how as opposed to the what

Practicing thevast numberof coding questionsavailable on the web may take a lot of time and energy. To get the most out of your practice time, use practice resources that provide examples of optimal solutions to receive feedback regarding your answer and learn how to improve it. It willsharpen your ability to:

• Ask important clarification questions.
• Consider different and alternativesolutionsfor thesame problem.
• Approach new problemsmoresmoothly and with more confidence.

Other Microsoft Codility Practice Resources

There are MANY different practice resources when it comes to coding interviews. Here is a list of the best practice resources for your upcoming Microsoft coding test. The idea is to get familiar with the program, learn solving strategies, and improve your coding skills:

The Codility platform

Take the (free)Codility sample test to boost familiarity with the coding platform and reduce stress on the Microsoft Codility test. Note that Codility test questions are usually quite different (mostly easier) than the questions asked by Microsoft. Yet, exploring the platform is recommended to ensure you know how to use it before the exam.

Leetcode Questions

The free practice questions in this MicrosoftLeetcode Thread are great for checking that you are familiar with the type of questions people recently received on their Microsoft Codility Test. However, the solutions are written by users and can often be inaccurate. In addition, it lacks more in-depth explanations that are vital for learning how you can improve.

Top 3 Tips for Microsoft's OA & Coding Interviews

1. Communicate your thought process
It is important to Communicate your rationale and write comments during the OA when possible. This is especially important for Microsoft’s First Round OA since it may not involve personal interaction with the reviewer. Here are a few tips for that:

• Speak about what you're doing out loud as you solve each coding problem.
• Use clear and formal coding concept names when making comments.
• Use logical sequences to build your explanations.

2. Ask clarification questions
If possible, the first step when approaching a problem should be asking important (but not excessive) clarification questions. What if you can’t ask any questions? No problem. Write your questions in a comment, along with the appropriate adjustments that are needed for each case scenario.

3. Describe the efficiency of your code
Show the reviewer you fully understand your solution by commenting on your code’s time and space complexity and its benefits and drawbacks.

Microsoft Codility Test FAQs

Applying for Other FAANG Companies?

Make sure you visit your thorough prep guides for theGoogle Software Engineer InterviewandAmazon Online Coding Assessment.