OC&C coding assessment

Start by turning an ambiguous “coding assessment” label into a concrete checklist rather than guessing what OC&C will test.

First, reread the invitation for the platform, allowed language, duration, permitted resources, and whether there are practice questions. If any of those logistics are unclear, ask the recruiter one narrow question about the format; do not ask for test content.

Then use a simple preparation loop:

1. Do two short timed coding exercises in the language you would use on the day. Aim first for a correct, readable solution before trying to optimise it.

2. After each exercise, test ordinary and edge cases: empty inputs, boundary values, duplicate values, and unexpected ordering where relevant.

3. Write down the error that cost you the most time — understanding the prompt, choosing an approach, syntax, testing, or time management — and make that the focus of the next exercise.

On the day, spend the first few minutes reading all instructions and allocating time. If you get stuck, leave a working partial solution, add any useful comments, and move on rather than spending the whole assessment on one problem. The goal is to demonstrate clear problem solving under the actual instructions, not to predict the company’s question bank.