TestGorilla alternative for teams that need proof of real skills
SkillsValidator is a TestGorilla alternative built for one problem: candidates who pass a test with help from AI and cannot do the work. Instead of scoring answers from a test library, it asks for a work sample for your role, then asks follow-up questions about the candidate's own submission. Your team gets a Skills Report with a score per skill and quoted evidence. Plans start at 99 USD per month, billed monthly, with no sales call.
Skills Validation Report
Senior customer support specialist
Choose between a test library and a work-sample validation
TestGorilla is a well-known pre-employment testing platform built around a large library of ready-made tests that you combine into an assessment. That model is fast to set up and works well when you want standardized scores across many candidates, for example cognitive ability, language, or situational judgment tests for high-volume hiring.
SkillsValidator takes a different route. You describe the role, the skills that matter, and the seniority. The builder drafts a rubric per skill and 3 to 6 tasks in minutes. Candidates do realistic work, then answer explain-back questions generated from what they actually submitted. The report shows what each person demonstrated, with the evidence next to the score.
The trade-off is honest. A library gives you breadth and benchmark-style scores. A work sample gives you depth on the skills you named, and it is harder to pass by pasting a question into a chatbot.
Compare SkillsValidator and TestGorilla side by side
Check TestGorilla's current plans and terms on its own site before you decide, since vendors change packaging often. The table below describes the approach each product takes, not a price quote for the other vendor.
| Question | SkillsValidator | TestGorilla |
|---|---|---|
| Core approach | Role-specific work samples with explain-back follow-ups | Library of pre-built tests combined into an assessment |
| Best for | Roles where proof of actual work matters, such as engineering, support, finance, and operations | High-volume screening with standardized test scores |
| How AI help is handled | Follow-up questions about the candidate's own submission, integrity signals sent to human review | Depends on the tests chosen and the settings you enable |
| What the report shows | Score per skill, quoted evidence, rubric lines, recommendation bands | Test scores and candidate comparison views |
| Setup | Describe the role, review the drafted tasks and rubric | Pick tests from the library and arrange them |
| Pricing model | Fixed monthly or yearly plans from 99 USD per month, candidate allowance listed per plan | Check the vendor pricing page for current plans and commitment terms |
| Who pays | The employer. Candidates never pay | The employer |
| Where it wins | Evidence you can inspect and question in an interview | Large ready-made library and wide test variety |
Reasons hiring teams look beyond a multiple-choice score
A score tells you a candidate picked the right options. It does not tell you whether they can write the reply, fix the code, or reconcile the spreadsheet. When answers can be generated in seconds, a clean score is weaker evidence than it was a few years ago.
Teams that look for an alternative usually mention three things.
SkillsValidator is designed around those three. Every integrity flag, such as paste events, typing rhythm, time-on-task anomalies, or similarity to known AI output, goes to human review and never to automatic rejection.
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They want the assessment tied to the actual job, not to a general topic.
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They want a way to tell understanding from copied output, without accusing anyone.
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They want a report a hiring manager can read in two minutes and use to plan interview questions.
Set up a validation for your next role in four steps
1. Describe the role, the skills that matter, and the seniority.
2. Review the drafted rubric and tasks, then edit what you want.
3. Invite candidates by link or email. They complete the work and answer explain-back questions.
4. Read the Skills Report, share it with the hiring manager, and export results to your recruiting workflow.
Try the one-time free demo on the home page without a card, then create your account to invite real candidates. See how skills validation works for the full workflow.
Match the tool to the way you hire
SkillsValidator tends to fit a hiring team with a defined set of roles, an HR generalist or talent lead who reviews evidence, and a hiring manager who wants proof before the final interview. Recruiting agencies use the branded reports to back up submissions to clients, as described in candidate validation for recruiting agencies.
A test library may suit you better if you screen thousands of applicants for entry-level roles and only need a quick standardized score. Many teams use both ideas at different stages: a broad filter early, then a work-sample validation for the finalists.
Engineering teams can read about the technical assessment platform and the coding assessment platform.
Pre-employment testing software with plans you can read
Starter is 99 USD per month (49 USD per month billed yearly) for 3 active roles and 50 candidates validated each month. Growth is 249 USD per month (124 USD per month billed yearly) for 15 active roles, 300 candidates, 5 seats, and branded reports. Scale is 599 USD per month (299 USD per month billed yearly) for unlimited roles, 1 500 candidates, and 20 seats. Enterprise is 1 499 USD per month for 5 000 candidates. See every inclusion on the pricing page.
What is the best TestGorilla alternative?
The best alternative depends on what you need to prove. If you need evidence that candidates can do the job and understand their own work, SkillsValidator uses work samples and explain-back questions. If you need a broad library of standardized tests for high-volume screening, a library-based platform may fit better. Compare against your actual roles.
Is SkillsValidator cheaper than TestGorilla?
Compare current prices directly, because both vendors change packaging. SkillsValidator publishes every plan: Starter at 99 USD per month, Growth at 249 USD, Scale at 599 USD, and Enterprise at 1 499 USD, with yearly billing at half price. Check the other vendor's pricing page for current terms and commitment length.
Does SkillsValidator replace pre-employment tests completely?
It replaces the part of screening where you need proof of skill for a specific role. Work samples and explain-back questions cover the skills you name. Teams that also use cognitive or situational tests can keep them, though employers remain responsible for job relevance and fair use of any test.
Can I try it before paying?
Yes. The home page has a one-time free demo that needs no card. It shows a sample Skills Report so you can judge the evidence before you create an account and invite candidates.
Keep comparing before you buy
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Pre employment testing companies
Read the guide to pre employment testing companies for a buyer checklist.
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Features of our skills assessment software
See the features of our skills assessment software.
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Pre employment testing software pricing
Review pre employment testing software pricing.
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Candidates use AI in assessments
Learn how candidates use AI in assessments.
Put real work in front of your hiring manager
Define one open role, review the drafted tasks, and invite your first candidates. You will see what each person produced, how they explained it, and where an interview should dig deeper.