Coding assessments

Assess coding knowledge, not just code

Test how developers really think — reading, debugging and reasoning about code — with structured questions that mark objectively and instantly, plus syntax-highlighted code anywhere and free-text code answers.

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  • Instant objective marking
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Structured code questions
Coding question · Single Best Answer
Marked instantly

def average(values):

total = 0

for v in values:

total += v

return total / len(vals)

Which option best explains why this function raises an error?

  • A

    total is never initialised

  • B

    You cannot divide by len(...)

  • ✓

    vals is not defined — it should be values

  • D

    The loop variable v is out of scope

Trusted by professional organisations, awarding bodies, and universities worldwide

A better way to assess code

More than “write and run code”

Writing code from scratch is only one way to test a developer — and it’s slow to mark and hard to standardise. Reading, debugging and reasoning about code often reveals understanding more sharply, and it can be marked objectively and instantly.

Synap lets you build rigorous, structured coding questions around real code: spot the bug, predict the output, explain why it fails, complete the missing line. Fast for candidates, consistent to mark, and defensible at scale.

Explore standardised testing

  • Read & debug real code

    Show candidates real, syntax-highlighted code and ask what’s wrong.

  • Predict the output

    Test whether candidates can reason about what code actually does.

  • Explain why it fails

    Ask candidates to identify the cause, not just the symptom.

  • Instant, objective marking

    Structured questions are marked the moment they’re submitted.

The question toolkit

Coding questions, without a sandbox

Build coding assessments from the question types that mark objectively and instantly — no code execution required. Drop syntax-highlighted code into any question, then ask about it with single best answer, cloze and short-answer formats.

Syntax highlighting covers popular languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java and C++, so code reads exactly as it should.

  • Syntax-highlighted code anywhere

    Add code blocks or inline code to any question, option or feedback.

  • Single best answer on code

    “What is the output?”, “Why does this fail?” — marked instantly.

  • Cloze & drag-and-drop

    Drag the correct statement into the gap, or fill it in.

  • Short answer, auto-marked

    Accept typed answers matched against your accepted responses.

Coding question · Drag & drop
Auto-marked

Drag the correct statement to complete the swap:

for i in range(n - 1):

if arr[i] > arr[i + 1]:

arr[i], arr[i+1] = arr[i+1], arr[i]

Statements

arr[i], arr[i+1] = arr[i+1], arr[i]arr[i] = arr[i+1]swap = arr[i+1]

Writing code

Let candidates write code, too

When you do want candidates to write or fix code, Free Text answers let them type freely, with syntax-highlighted code blocks. Provide an answer template to pre-fill the box with starter code — ideal for “edit” or “fix this function” tasks.

For larger, real-world tasks, candidates can work in their own IDE and submit an entire project with a File Upload question — download a starter project, fix the bug, and re-upload it. Free-text and uploaded code are marked by your examiners, so you can apply rubrics and multiple marker roles.

Explore marking & grading

  • Free Text code answers

    Candidates write code, with syntax-highlighted code blocks.

  • Answer templates

    Pre-fill the answer with starter code to edit, fix or complete.

  • File upload for whole projects

    Download a starter project, fix it, and re-upload the whole thing.

  • Rubric & examiner marking

    Score written and uploaded code with rubrics and marker roles.

AI-resistant proctoring

Make sure it’s the candidate, not an AI

Coding assessments are a prime target for AI assistants. Synap’s proctored desktop app runs pre-flight checks before the exam starts — and if a prohibited application such as an AI coding assistant is running, the exam is blocked until it’s closed.

During the exam, whole-screen recording captures the candidate’s entire screen — their process, not just the final answer — alongside a locked-down environment and continuous monitoring. That’s also what lets you safely allow candidates to work in their own IDE for larger, project-based tasks.

  • Pre-flight application checks

    Detects the applications running on the candidate’s machine before they begin.

  • Blocks prohibited apps

    Stops AI assistants and remote-control tools from being open during the exam.

  • Whole-screen recording

    Records the candidate’s entire screen, so you see how they worked — not just the answer.

  • Full-screen lockdown

    A locked-down environment that limits switching away from the exam.

Explore proctoring
Synap Secure · System check
Blocked
  • Camera & microphoneReady
  • Network connectionStable
  • Screen recordingEnabled
  • Full-screen lockdownActive
  • Prohibited applicationsClaude.exe detected

Blocked — Claude.exe detected

Close the prohibited application to continue. Your exam can’t start while it’s running.

Re-checkStart exam

For modern engineering teams

Built to fit how software teams work

Teams that assess coding on Synap tend to reach for the rest of the platform, too.

See it in action

Assess coding knowledge, objectively and at scale

Book a tailored demo and we’ll show you how to build structured, instantly-marked coding questions on Synap.

Book a tailored demo

What our customers say

  • The platform structure (library items placed into collections) makes multiple course variations very easy, saving significant amounts of time. Easily the best learning platform I have worked with or interacted with as a student.

    Fergal T

    Data & Automation | Frasers

  • The features we like most about Synap are the spaced learning, mock exams, and the customer support we receive by the Synap team! When we want to make changes, they are always there to help us through the process.

    Jonathan D

    Driver Operations Executive | FreeNow

  • Synap came to our rescue when we needed a platform for computer-based testing, with a short turnaround time. Readily customizable, easy to use. We are very impressed with Synap and hope to continue working with them for our annual testing needs.

    Lauren N

    Chair | AAO

FAQs

Coding assessment questions, answered

Find quick answers or browse our academy .

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A rigorous, objective way to assess coding

See how software teams assess coding knowledge on Synap — structured, instantly-marked, and at scale.

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