Affordable and Effective: 10 Best Free Pre-Employment Assessment Tools

Hiring the best team is crucial to any growing business, but finding the right pre-employment testing instruments can be challenging, especially on a tight budget. There are numerous tests available, from skills tests to personality tests, but not all are accessible to small businesses and startups. These businesses need to hire new faces, but they cannot afford to hire resources or lose potential candidates.

That’s where free pre-employment testing tools come into play. On free trials or free plans, companies can use potent hiring tools without spending an arm and a leg. These tools allow companies to screen candidates well, sparing them from the cost and time lost in making poor hires. With proper free pre-employment testing, companies can make better decisions and not lose out on good talent.

In this article, we’ll put the spotlight on some of the best assessment tools that offer free trials or plans. These tools can automate recruitment for small businesses without costing a fortune. Whether you want to test technical skills or measure cultural fit, these tools will help you hire a better team, risk-free.

Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick look at some of the best assessment tools that offer solid value even on a free plan or trial, perfect for small teams who want results without overspending:

• Toggl Hire – Offers unlimited job postings and lets you assess up to 5 candidates per job, using 150+ skill-based tests for fast, focused hiring.
• TestGorilla – Allows 5 custom tests and up to 5 candidates each month, with access to 300+ tests and built-in anti-cheating tools.
• TestInvite – Works on a credit system with a free trial worth $100 (250 credits), offering secure testing with video proctoring for sensitive roles.
• TestDome – Gives limited free tests and charges $100 for 5 candidates, focusing on practical, real-world tasks to test actual job skills.
• Testlify – Full access during the free trial and affordable plans starting at $19/month, offering 1400+ multilingual assessments for broad needs.
• Hire Success® – A 14-day free trial includes 10 assessments, great for measuring personality traits and candidate reliability.
• Vervoe – Offers a 7-day trial and emphasizes AI-powered grading on real-world tasks, ideal for performance-driven hiring.
• Criteria – Provides a 21-day free trial with 20 tests, specializing in game-based and cognitive assessments for smarter evaluations.
• HR Avatar – A 14-day trial lets you explore job simulations and video interviews, creating a more immersive candidate experience.
• The Hire Talent – While not offering a typical free plan, it does provide limited trial access to tools focused on behavior, motivation, and emotional intelligence testing.

Overview of the best free pre-employment assessment tools

1. Toggl Hire

Toggl Hire is a streamlined, skills-based hiring platform designed to make recruitment faster and more efficient for businesses of all sizes. It emphasizes automation and user-friendliness, allowing hiring managers to quickly build assessments using a library of over 150 pre-built tests across various disciplines such as development, sales, marketing, and support. The platform focuses on cutting through resumes to highlight actual skill, helping employers make objective, data-driven hiring decisions while saving time. Toggl Hire also includes candidate ranking, automated screening, and seamless user navigation.

Key features of free plan:

• 1 Active job posting: You can hire for one job at a time.
• 1 Skills test: Access to one skills test from the Toggl Hire library.
• Unlimited candidates: You receive applications from an unlimited number of candidates.
• Unlimited users: Invite as many team members as needed to your hiring workspace.
• Candidate data retention: The complete candidate data is preserved for 30 days; after that, it is read-only.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface: Intuitive design makes it easy to navigate and use.
• Quick setup: Easy to set up and deploy assessments.
• Collaborative tools: Unlimited seats for users foster team collaboration.

Cons:

• Limited job postings: A single active job posting is allowed on the Free plan.
• Restricted assessment variety: Versatility of a single skills test limits variety of assessments.
• Advanced features locked: Automation, custom branding, and integrations need a paid account.

Best for:

Startups and small to medium-sized businesses seeking a straightforward, skills-focused assessment tool to expedite the hiring process.

2. TestGorilla

TestGorilla is a comprehensive pre-employment testing platform that promotes data-driven hiring through an extensive catalog of over 300 tests. These range from cognitive and technical skills to personality and language proficiency, enabling businesses to evaluate candidates across multiple dimensions. The platform is especially noted for its strong emphasis on test integrity, incorporating anti-cheating features like question randomization and webcam monitoring. TestGorilla helps reduce bias by focusing on performance metrics rather than resumes, supporting inclusive and efficient hiring practices.

Key features of free plan:

• 5 free tests access: Offers tests such as the Big 5 Personality Test, Motivation, Communication, Time Management, and Problem Solving.
• 5 custom questions per test: Allows you to add up to five custom questions with each test.
• no candidates and tests limit: You are allowed to test any number of candidates and set up as many tests as required.
• Anti-cheating options: Options such as time constraints and other approaches to maintaining test integrity.

Pros:

High test bank: Collection of tests for different skills and roles.

Robust analytics: Provides insights to apply when making a hiring decision.

Robust emphasis on test security: Acts to guard exam integrity.

Cons:

• Limited to 5 free tests and 5 custom questions: The free version limits the number of tests and custom questions that can be accessed.
• Advanced features are only available in paid plans: Advanced features like access to the full library of tests, company branding and bulk invitations are only available in paid plans.

Best for:

Organizations aiming for data-driven hiring decisions across various roles and departments.

3. TestInvite

TestInvite offers a highly secure and flexible online assessment environment ideal for organizations requiring proctored testing. The platform is centered around custom test creation and supports features like live video proctoring, screen recording, and advanced reporting. Using a credit-based system rather than a traditional subscription model, TestInvite provides scalable options for businesses with varied testing needs. With a focus on assessment security, it’s particularly well-suited for industries that require stringent hiring protocols or are filling sensitive roles.

Key features of free trial:

• 100 free testing credits: You are awarded 100 credits when you join to play with features on the site.
• Custom test creation: Create one custom test with all question types available, i.e., multiple-choice, matching, and essay types.
• Limited question storage: Store up to 25 test questions.
• Single teammate account: Invite one teammate to collaborate on test creation and administration.

Pros

• Comprehensive security features: Provides webcam and screen recording, lockdown browser, and AI-based cheating detection to protect test integrity.
• Flexible test development: Supports various question types and test configurations to address varied assessment needs.
• In-depth reporting: Provides rich analytics and reporting features to effectively measure candidate performance.

Cons

• Credit-based system: The free trial utilizes a credit-based system, which can limit extended testing without purchasing additional credits.
• Learning curve: Due to its high-end features, new users will take some time to adapt to the platform.

Best For:

Companies requiring secure, proctored testing environments for critical positions.

4. TestDome

TestDome is tailored to assess real-world job readiness through practical tasks and role-specific evaluations. It’s a favorite among hiring managers looking to assess candidates on job performance rather than theoretical knowledge. Whether testing for programming proficiency, accounting skills, or customer service aptitude, TestDome’s platform is designed for accuracy and speed. Automatic grading ensures objective scoring, while its minimalistic interface keeps the hiring process efficient and distraction-free. TestDome puts candidates’ actual problem-solving abilities front and center.

Key features of free trial:

TestDome provides a 14-day trial, enabling users to try out the capabilities of the platform.

• Pre-designed tests access: Users have access to a set of pre-designed tests for different skills.
• Simulation of real-world tasks: Tests are created to mimic real-world job tasks, offering realistic evaluations of candidates’ skills.
• Automated grading: Objective questions are automatically graded, allowing for rapid results assessment.
• Anti-cheating functionalities: Webcam and screen monitoring, copy/paste checking, and duplicate IP/browser checking guarantee test integrity.

Pros:

• Practical skill assessment: Emphasis on real tasks ensures candidates are assessed on work-related skills.
• Simple interface: The system is commended for its simple and clean user interface, making it accessible to both recruiters and candidates.
• Immediate feedback: Candidates receive immediate feedback on performance, guaranteeing transparency and efficiency.
• Detailed reporting: Detailed reporting provides insight into candidate performance, which aids in making informed decisions.

Cons:

• Limited Free trial: The free trial provides limited access to tests and features, which may be insufficient for comprehensive evaluation needs.
• Cost factor: Subscribed plans prove to be costly, especially while testing a large number of candidates. The cost starts at per candidate for the Starter pack, decreasing to per candidate for the Extra Large pack.

Best for:

Hiring managers seeking to assess candidates’ practical skills through real-world tasks.

5. Testlify

Testlify is a modern talent assessment platform known for its expansive library of over 1,400 tests across technical, cognitive, and personality domains. It’s built for scale and diversity, making it a top choice for companies hiring internationally or for niche roles. The platform supports multi-language assessments and offers a user-friendly experience for both candidates and recruiters. With AI-enhanced features and detailed analytics, Testlify facilitates fast and fair decision-making. Its accessible pricing and test variety make it suitable for teams looking to streamline hiring across different roles and regions.

Key features of free trial:

• Full access to premium features: You have full access to all premium features throughout the 7-day free trial, such as the entire test library, customizable assessments, AI-powered analytics, and ATS integration.
• Unlimited assessments: You can build unlimited assessments throughout the trial.
• Candidate invites: You can invite up to 50 candidates to complete assessments throughout the free trial.
• Team collaboration: Invite members of your team and create unlimited workplaces to collaborate on hiring processes.

Pros:

• Large test library: Over 3,000 technical skills, cognitive function, and personality tests accessible.
• Multilingual support: Accommodates various languages, suitable for international hiring.
• User-friendly interface: Intuitive design that is easy for recruiters and applicants to use.

Cons:

• Short free trial period: The free trial lasts only 7 days.
• Candidate invitation limit: A maximum of 50 candidate invites are allowed during the free trial.

Best for:

Teams hiring internationally or across diverse skill sets seeking a comprehensive assessment platform.

6. Hire Success®

Hire Success® specializes in pre-employment testing that emphasizes personality, integrity, and cognitive aptitude — core elements for identifying candidates who align with your company’s culture and values. Its platform is designed to simplify the hiring process with detailed yet easy-to-digest reports that guide HR professionals and hiring managers in making informed decisions. The tests are fully customizable, allowing organizations to tailor assessments based on job roles, responsibilities, and ideal personality traits. With a focus on reducing turnover and increasing reliability, Hire Success® serves as a practical tool for companies that prioritize long-term employee fit.

Key features of free trial:

• Diversity in assessment: Having access to a range of tests like personality, integrity, aptitude, and skill tests.
• Personal test creator: Developing personalized tests from a comprehensive question bank on subjects like mathematics, grammar, logic, and more.
• Reporting features: Summary, Detail, and Audit reports can be seen in detail to aid in decision-making.
• Support: Support is provided through hands-on aid by email, phone, and live chat in the trial period.

Pros: 

• Emphasis on personality and integrity: The system focuses on assessing qualities critical to cultural fit and reliability.
• Customized tests: Tests can be made specific to match specific job roles so that they are applicable and beneficial.
• Detailed reporting: Clear and concise reports ensure well-informed hiring decisions.

Cons:

• Restriction of assessment: The trial version allows only up to 10 assessments, which may be limiting for larger hiring needs.
• User interface: Certain users may feel the interface is less contemporary than on newer sites, although this is a matter of opinion.

Best for:

Organizations prioritizing cultural fit and employee reliability in their hiring process.

7. Vervoe

Vervoe stands out for its use of artificial intelligence to automate grading and assess practical, job-specific skills. Instead of relying solely on traditional testing formats, Vervoe replicates real-world work scenarios through interactive simulations, giving employers a clearer picture of how candidates will perform on the job. It supports diverse question types including video, audio, and written responses, making it versatile for different roles and industries. The platform is designed to reduce unconscious bias and improve hiring efficiency by letting the results speak for themselves. With its AI-driven evaluations, Vervoe is ideal for fast-paced teams that need skill-first hiring processes.

Key features of free trial:

• Assessments: Create or preview as many assessments as you want, but you can only activate and send one assessment to candidates for the trial.
• Candidate limit: You can invite unlimited candidates, but you can only see and rate the first 5 candidate responses.
• AI grading: Included for the activated assessment.
• Question types: Get access to multiple question types such as text, multiple choice, audio, video, file uploads, and more from the public assessment library.
• Team collaboration: Unlimited team seats are available during the trial.

Pros

• AI-powered grading: Automates grading, saves time, and reduces potential biases.
• Variety of question types: Multimedia questions, including video and audio, are also supported, allowing for a more interactive assessment process.
• Collaborative hiring: Unlimited team seats allow for collaborative hiring decisions during the trial.

Cons

• Limited assessment activation: Only one assessment can be activated and shared with candidates during the trial.
• Candidate response limit: It only permits viewing and evaluation of the first 5 candidate responses, which may not be sufficient for effective evaluation.
• Brief trial duration: The 7-day trial may be restrictive to some organizations to adequately ascertain the platform’s functionality.

Best for:

Businesses seeking to evaluate candidates’ practical skills through realistic job simulations.

8. Criteria

Criteria offers a broad suite of scientifically validated assessments that cover cognitive aptitude, personality traits, emotional intelligence, and more. What sets Criteria apart is its engaging game-based testing, which transforms traditional evaluations into fun, interactive experiences while still delivering reliable data. These assessments help employers measure skills that go beyond technical ability — such as decision-making, learning agility, and teamwork. With a strong foundation in psychometric science and an intuitive user interface, Criteria makes it easy to identify well-rounded candidates who will thrive in your workplace.

Key features of free trial:

• Assessments: Access a wide range of assessments, including cognitive aptitude, personality, emotional intelligence, and game-based tests.
• Candidate limit: No strict limit is publicly stated, but usage is typically limited to evaluation purposes during the 14-day trial.
• Game-based assessments: Includes engaging tools like Cognify, Emotify, and GAME for more immersive evaluations.
• Score reports: View detailed, science-backed score reports for available assessments.
• Team collaboration: Invite team members to participate in assessment creation and candidate review during the trial.

Pros

• Engaging candidate experience: Game-based assessments provide a more interactive, less stressful process for candidates.
• Scientific validity: Assessments are research-backed and proven to predict job performance accurately.
• All-in-one testing platform: Covers a broad spectrum of cognitive and personality traits in a single trial environment.

Cons

• Limited trial duration: The 14-day trial may be too short for teams with slower hiring cycles.
• Assessment scope: While cognitive and personality traits are covered, technical skills or job-specific tests may be limited.
• No formal pricing visibility: Full pricing information isn’t publicly listed and may require sales contact post-trial.

Best for:

Companies focused on cognitive ability, cultural fit, and soft skills in their hiring process.

9. HR Avatar

HR Avatar provides a dynamic hiring platform that combines behavioral assessments, video interviews, and immersive job simulations into one streamlined experience. It enables employers to evaluate not just what a candidate knows, but how they would behave in real-world scenarios specific to the job. With comprehensive reports that include personality insights, emotional intelligence metrics, and even automated reference checks, HR Avatar supports data-driven hiring from start to finish. Its simulations are crafted to mimic workplace environments, making it an excellent solution for roles where on-the-job behavior and decision-making are critical.

Key features of free trial:

• Assessments: Over 300 job-based tests, e.g., cognitive ability, personality, emotional intelligence, behavioral history, and skills/knowledge based on the job tests.
• Candidate limit: 2 Candidate Credits as part of the free trial, to try and interview a maximum of two candidates.
• Video interviews: Virtual (recorded) and live video interviews, including AI-powered voice and personality analysis.
• Automated reference checks: Use automated reference checks by sending surveys to former supervisors and co-workers, collecting responses into in-depth reports.
• Remote test proctoring: Features include image capture, ID verification, suspicious activity monitoring, and optional live video monitoring.
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• Custom test builder: Create custom tests with many different question types, including multiple choice, essays, video response, and more.

Pros:

• Holistic assessment suite: Offers a wide variety of assessments for cognitive ability, personality, emotional intelligence, and work-related skills.
• AI-driven analysis: Makes use of AI for automated marking, voice recognition, and personality analysis, enhancing objectivity and test efficiency.
• User-friendly interface: The platform is intuitive and easy to use, facilitating rapid test creation and candidate assessment.

Cons

• Limited candidate testing: The trial allows testing of a mere two candidates, which might be too little for organizations that have more than two
• No official price transparency: Complete price information is not publicly available and could involve phoning sales after the trial.

Best for:

Firms looking for immersive and realistic hiring simulations to assess candidates thoroughly.

10. The Hire Talent

The Hire Talent offers straightforward, affordable hiring assessments with a primary focus on behavioral traits and aptitude testing. Designed especially for small and growing businesses, its tools help identify candidates with the right mindset and work ethic for roles in sales, leadership, and team collaboration. Employers can customize assessments to align with their unique job requirements, helping them predict performance, reduce turnover, and build stronger teams. While the platform is simpler than some of its high-tech competitors, it’s a strong choice for companies that value practical insights and budget-friendly pricing.

Key features of free plan:

• Assessments: 4 free Essential tests and 4 free Advanced tests, such as integrity, personality, cognitive abilities, and work skills.
• Candidate limit: No definite limit on the number of candidates; however, the usage is restricted to the 8 free tests provided.
• AI-powered tools: Utilize Kingsley AI recruitment assistant for better candidate evaluation and decision-making.
• Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Unlimited use of an ATS for candidate pipeline and recruitment workflow management.
• Interview tools: Unlimited use of interview guides and candidate scorecards to streamline interviewing.
• Team collaboration: Unlimited number of user seats, allowing numerous team members to collaborate through the hiring process.

Pros:

• Wide range of validated assessments.
• AI assistant supports hiring decisions.
• No credit card required; generous free offering.
• Intuitive and user-friendly platform

Cons:

• Restrictions on testing: The free plan allows only a maximum of 8 tests (4 Essential and 4 Advanced), which may be inadequate for bulk hiring.
• Restrictions on features: Certain advanced features such as unlimited tests, video interviews, and hiring coaches are offered only in paid plans.
• Restrictions on personalization: Even though offering multiple tests, the free plan may have limited choices for personalization in comparison to paid plans.

Best for:

Small to medium-sized businesses focusing on behavioral alignment and soft skill assessments.

Final roundup of the best free assessment tools

Conclusion

A bad hire can be costly. It impacts not just the budget, but team morale, time, and long-term performance. Free pre-employment assessment tools offer a smart way to reduce those risks without stretching resources.

With free pre-employment testing, it’s easier to move beyond resumes and gain real insight into candidates’ skills, thinking, and potential fit. These tools bring structure and clarity to the hiring process while keeping it efficient and accessible.

The best assessment tools do more than filter applicants. They help build stronger teams by supporting informed, confident decisions. A free trial or free plan can be a safer way to test what works before making a bigger investment.

Trying out these tools is a practical step toward a smoother, more successful recruitment process. With the right assessments, hiring becomes not only quicker, but far more reliable.