Hackerrank Practice Test

Hackerrank Exam at a Glance

What changed for Hackerrank in 2026

• Oct 29, 2026: Number of questions (Python (Basic)) changed to 2 questions (previously 2 coding questions).^[1]

• Topics: Exception types, handling
• Questions: Robustness checks

Free HackerRank Python Certification Study Tools

Interactive HackerRank Python Certification resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• HackerRank Python Certification flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• HackerRank Python Certification study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• HackerRank Python Certification cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

According to HackerRank, “Choose your preferred coding environment: Online IDE : Code directly within the HackerRank platform.”^[3]

Worked examples: how to reason through Hackerrank questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which of the following statements about the `collections.deque` object in Python is true?

1. It provides O(n) performance for appends and pops from both ends.
2. It is immutable and cannot be changed after creation.
3. It is optimized for fast random access to elements in the middle of the sequence.
4. It provides O(1) time complexity for append and pop operations from both ends.

Answer: D. It provides O(1) time complexity for append and pop operations from both ends.

Explanation:

The correct answer is that collections.deque gives O(1) time for append and pop operations at both ends. It is a double-ended queue built so that adding or removing at either end does not require shifting other elements.

The O(n) option is wrong because that cost is what a plain list pays when you insert or pop at the left end, since every other element has to move. The immutable option is wrong because a deque is mutable and you change it all the time with append, pop and extend. The random access option is wrong because a deque is built for its ends; reaching into the middle is slower than indexing a list.

Rule to remember: use a deque when you add or remove at both ends, such as queues and sliding windows, and use a list when you mostly index by position.

Example 2

Question: Which Python feature would most likely be tested in the OOP section of a HackerRank Python (Intermediate) certification?

1. Defining variables with type hints
2. Implementing inheritance and method overriding
3. Using f-strings for string formatting
4. Importing the math module

Answer: B. Implementing inheritance and method overriding

Explanation:

The correct answer is implementing inheritance and method overriding. These are central object-oriented ideas: a child class reuses behaviour from a parent class and replaces a method with its own version when needed.

Type hints are wrong because they are an annotation feature, useful but not specific to object-oriented design. F-strings are wrong because they are a string formatting feature and belong with text handling. Importing the math module is wrong because it is about using a library, not about structuring code with classes.

Rule to remember: when a question mentions the object-oriented section, think about classes, constructors, inheritance, overriding, and how methods are looked up on an object. Features that do not involve classes are usually distractors.

Example 3

Question: What does `enumerate(['a', 'b', 'c'], start=1)` produce?

1. (1,'a'), (2,'b'), (3,'c')
2. (0,'a'), (1,'b'), (2,'c')
3. ['a','b','c']
4. (1,2,3)

Answer: A. (1,'a'), (2,'b'), (3,'c')

Explanation:

The correct answer is (1,'a'), (2,'b'), (3,'c'). The enumerate function pairs each item with a counter, and the start argument sets where that counter begins. With start=1 the counter begins at 1.

The option beginning at 0 is wrong because it shows the default behaviour, which applies only when you do not pass start. The plain list of letters is wrong because enumerate adds the counter and does not return the items alone. The option with only numbers is wrong because it drops the original items.

Rule to remember: enumerate yields pairs of counter and item, the counter defaults to 0, and start changes only the counter, never the items. Also remember it returns an iterator, so wrap it in list() to see all pairs at once.

How to use these practice tests

Begin with the official HackerRank skills verification page for Python (Basic) so you know the format: 2 questions, solved in the online IDE. Then check your starting point with the Hackerrank Python Basics set and note which topics feel slow.

Work through the topic sets in turn. Cover scalar types and operators, control flow and looping, functions, and string methods. Then move to collections and data structures and data structures and algorithms.

After each set, read the explanation for every question you missed and write a short note on the rule behind it. Then open an editor and write a small program that uses that rule, because the real test asks you to code, not to select an answer.

Near test day, use Hackerrank Preparation Tips, redo the sets you found hardest, and practise solving a problem start to finish in a browser editor. If you need to retake, remember the 30 day wait and use it to target weak topics.

Earning a HackerRank certificate requires only your time and effort. It is a high-value credential with no financial cost for developers. Practice with the free HackerRank Python Certification practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).

Candidates preparing for codesignal can build exam confidence with our CodeSignal coding assessment 2026, which covers all key topics and question formats used in the real assessment.

Ready to Get Certified?

Join millions of developers improving their skills. Take the first step by practicing with our free HackerRank test simulations today.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sample HackerRank Python Certification Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free HackerRank Python Certification practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. A software engineer with a HackerRank Python certification is negotiating a salary increase. What is the MOST effective way to leverage the certification?

   • A. Mention it only if the manager asks
   • B. Use it as evidence of validated, measurable Python proficiency to justify a higher pay band
   • C. Argue that the certification alone guarantees a raise
   • D. Submit the certificate to HR without discussing it

Answer: B. Use it as evidence of validated, measurable Python proficiency to justify a higher pay band

Presenting a certification as documented proof of skill level strengthens salary negotiation by providing an objective benchmark.

Answer: B. Implementing inheritance and method overriding

Inheritance and method overriding are core OOP concepts tested in intermediate-level Python certifications.

Answer: D. Embedded systems firmware engineer using C

Embedded firmware roles primarily require C/C++ and hardware knowledge, making Python certification largely irrelevant to that career path.

Answer: B. 3–4 challenges

The Python Basic certification typically contains 3–4 coding challenges to be completed within the time limit.

Take the full HackerRank Python Certification practice test

For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our hackerrank python resource.

Sources & last verified

1. HackerRank — number of questions (official source). “Solve 2 questions” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
2. HackerRank — retake policy, score release (official source). “You can retake the certification test 30 days after your previous attempt.” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
3. HackerRank — delivery (official source). “Choose your preferred coding environment: Online IDE : Code directly within the HackerRank platform.” Verified Oct 29, 2026 · source checked Oct 29, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.