Hard Skills Exam: How to Create the Perfect Match Between IT Beginners and Employers — A Year in Review
IT ClusterHard Skills Exam is a certification-based online testing platform built on Skills Matrix competency frameworks. These frameworks align with real-world IT market requirements for Junior-level specialists, assessing the key skills essential for launching a successful career in IT.
The past year has been incredibly productive for the Hard Skills Exam project. Thanks to the efforts and support of the IT community, we’ve helped hundreds of IT beginners get closer to their dream jobs and enabled companies to find their ideal candidates.
From QA to a Multifaceted Testing Lineup
In January, we launched our first test for QA specialists. Over the year, the Hard Skills Exam expanded to cover five areas: Python, QA, JavaScript, Java, and Project Management. This allowed participants to assess their knowledge and measure how well they meet modern market demands.
In total, we conducted over 20 tests throughout the year, with participation from more than 400 IT beginners. The top-performing candidates have already been added to the FutureTech Talents database — a resource providing IT companies access to a pool of vetted candidates and offering young professionals a pathway to begin their careers in IT.
Hard Skills Exam: Achievements That Shape the Future
The year concluded with certification tests held on December 23, 26, and 27.
During this final session, 62 IT beginners participated, 84% of whom met the passing threshold, confirming their foundational knowledge at the Trainee or Junior levels. Among them, 20 participants demonstrated intermediate to advanced knowledge, signalling their readiness to embark on IT careers.
These results affirm that participants of Kharkiv IT Cluster projects are becoming competitive in the job market.
Testing That Reflects Real IT Company Needs
Hard Skills Exam is built on the latest IT market requirements for Junior-level specialists’ skills and knowledge.
This initiative is part of the “Portal for Lifelong Learning ‘SuHaRi’” project. The testing system was developed by Raccoon Gang, with test questions approved by leading IT companies, including Artjoker, Quantum, SoftServe, Akvelon, Avenga, and Global Logic.
What Does Hard Skills Exam Offer Junior Specialists?
- An objective evaluation of knowledge and its alignment with market demands.
- A verified certification of qualification level.
- The opportunity to join the FutureTech Talents database and start a career in leading IT companies.
What Does Hard Skills Exam Offer Employers?
- Access to a database of potential candidates with verified competencies.
- The ability to set custom requirements for vacancies by contributing to test creation.
- The chance to shape a robust IT workforce and elevate the professional standards of the industry.
If you want to find well-prepared candidates who meet your expectations, join the creation of Hard Skills Exam tests tailored to your needs. After testing, you’ll gain access to the contact information of promising specialists who match your criteria.
Check out how the Hard Skills Exam works on our Youtube channel.
Building the Future of IT Together
We are grateful to the IT beginners striving for professional growth and to the companies that trust us to identify top talents for their teams. Together, we’re connecting talented candidates with outstanding employers and strengthening the IT sector.
Join the Hard Skills Exam as a student or employer and find your perfect match in the world of IT!
