The code assessment tool that uses real GitHub repos.
Kit is the only applicant tracking system with native GitHub code assessments. Replace CoderPad and HackerRank with automated private repos, deadline enforcement, and reviewer access — included in every plan.
Create private repos from your templates. Invite candidates automatically. Enforce deadlines with auto-submit. All from your ATS.
Replace CoderPad ($5,400/yr), HackerRank, and manual repo coordination.
Take-home assignments shouldn't require a project manager.
You're hiring engineers, not managing a logistics operation.
Create repo. Set permissions. Email the link. Chase the deadline. Repeat.
Every candidate means a new repo, new collaborator invite, a deadline email, a reminder email, and manual reviewer setup. Multiply by 20 candidates. That's your week.
Your best candidates drop off before writing a line of code.
Which repo? Which branch? What format? Where do I submit? Unclear instructions and clunky handoffs kill candidate experience. Top engineers pick the company that respects their time.
Sandbox puzzles test memorization, not engineering.
Algorithm tests in proprietary IDEs tell you who practiced LeetCode. Real repos with real build systems tell you who can ship code.
Kit vs. the tools you're paying too much for.
Every engineering team uses one of these approaches. Only one is built into your ATS.
| Capability | Kit | CoderPad | HackerRank | Manual / ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coding environment | Real GitHub repos | Proprietary sandbox | Proprietary sandbox | Manual repo or ZIP |
| Candidate experience | Their own IDE + GitHub | Unfamiliar web editor | Unfamiliar web editor | Confusing email chains |
| Deadline enforcement | Auto-submit + grace period | Time-boxed sessions | Time-boxed sessions | Honor system |
| ATS integration | Native — built in | Third-party plugin | Third-party plugin | Copy-paste |
| Reviewer access | Auto-added on submission | Manual sharing | Manual sharing | Forward the ZIP |
| Repo cleanup | Auto-archived on completion | N/A | N/A | You'll forget |
| Cost | Included in Kit | $449/mo | $300-500/mo | Free (+ hours of your time) |
All of this is included in every Kit plan. No add-on fees.
Start free trialFrom template to review. Fully automated.
Every code assignment follows the same 6-stage lifecycle. Kit handles every transition.
Pick a template and set the deadline
Select a template repo from your GitHub org. Set the duration (1-30 days), estimated hours, and toggle auto-submit. Add markdown instructions.
Candidate receives the invitation
Kit emails the candidate with instructions and a link to connect their GitHub account. The clock doesn't start until they accept.
Private repo from your template
Kit creates a private repo in your org, cloned from the template. The candidate is added as a collaborator with push access.
Candidate codes in their own IDE
The deadline timer runs. Kit sends a 24-hour reminder automatically. Candidate can request a one-time 72-hour extension if enabled.
Assignment submitted — repo locked
Candidate submits manually or the hard deadline triggers auto-submit. The repo is locked. Reviewers are notified.
Reviewers access the code
Kit adds your reviewers as read-only collaborators. They review in GitHub with the tools they know. Feedback goes back to Kit.
Connect your GitHub
One-click GitHub OAuth. No coordination with your team.
Connect GitHubA candidate portal that answers every question.
Candidates see exactly where they stand — deadline, instructions, submission status — without emailing your recruiter.
- Real-time updates via Turbo — no page refreshes
- GitHub OAuth in one click from the portal
- Live deadline countdown with time remaining
- Self-serve 72-hour extension (if enabled)
- Clear submission confirmation with timestamp
Try code assignments free — connect your GitHub org in 2 minutes.
Included in every Kit plan. No add-on fees.
Configure once. Run for every candidate.
Each job posting's code assignment stage has its own template, deadline, and settings. Change them anytime without affecting in-progress assignments.
- Different templates for each role — frontend, backend, fullstack, DevOps
- Configurable deadline from 1 to 30 days
- Grace period (0-72 hours) before auto-submit
- Toggle candidate extensions on or off
- Markdown instructions with full formatting
- Paid assignment tracking with amount and currency
Everything code assessments need. Nothing they don't.
Six features that replace your CoderPad subscription and your spreadsheet of repo links.
Template Library
Create template repos for frontend, backend, fullstack, DevOps — whatever you hire for. Each job posting picks its template. Unlimited templates, no extra cost.
Candidate GitHub OAuth
Candidates connect GitHub from the candidate portal. One click. No coordination with your team. No emailing usernames back and forth.
Auto-Submit on Deadline
Soft deadline passes. Grace period starts. Hard deadline hits. Repo auto-locked and marked submitted. No more ghosted take-home coding tests.
Automated Reviewer Access
The moment a candidate submits, Kit adds your reviewers as read-only collaborators. They see the code in GitHub. Feedback goes back to Kit.
Deadline Reminders
Automated email at 24 hours before deadline. No more 'just checking in' emails from your recruiter.
Archive on Complete
When the stage completes, Kit archives the repo automatically. No repo clutter. No cleanup sprints.
Live in 4 steps. Under 5 minutes.
If you have a GitHub org, you're 5 minutes from automated code assessments.
Install the GitHub App
One-click install from Kit. Authorize your GitHub org. No API keys, no webhook configuration.
Create template repos
Set up starter repos in your GitHub org for each role type — frontend challenge, backend API task, system design scaffold.
Configure the stage
In any job posting, add a Code Assignment stage. Pick your template, set the deadline, toggle auto-submit.
Candidates auto-assigned
When a candidate reaches that stage, Kit creates their private repo, sends the invitation, and handles everything through submission and review.
Code assessment FAQ.
How does Kit compare to CoderPad and HackerRank for take-home coding tests?
Kit replaces both tools entirely. CoderPad ($449/mo) and HackerRank ($300-500/mo) use proprietary sandboxes with unfamiliar editors. Kit creates real private GitHub repos from your templates — candidates code in their own IDE with full git history. Kit also handles deadline enforcement, auto-submission, reviewer access, and repo cleanup automatically. And it's included in every Kit plan at no extra cost.
Is Kit free for code assessments?
Yes. GitHub code assessments are included in every Kit plan at no additional charge. There are no per-candidate fees, no per-assessment fees, and no usage limits. You save $5,400/year compared to CoderPad or $3,600-6,000/year compared to HackerRank.
Does the candidate need a GitHub account?
Yes. Candidates connect their GitHub account via OAuth from the candidate portal — one click, no coordination with your team. Since you're hiring developers, virtually every candidate already has a GitHub account.
Are assignment repos private?
Yes. Every assignment repo is created as a private repository in your GitHub organization. Only the candidate (push access) and your reviewers (read-only, added after submission) can see the code. Repos are automatically archived when the stage completes.
Can I use different templates for different roles?
Yes. Each job posting's code assignment stage selects its own template repo. You can have a React frontend challenge, a Rails API task, a DevOps scaffold, and a system design starter — each as a template in your GitHub org. Unlimited templates, no extra cost.
What happens when the deadline passes?
Kit uses a two-phase deadline system. First, the soft deadline passes and the candidate enters a configurable grace period (0-72 hours, default 24). When the hard deadline hits, Kit auto-submits the assignment, locks the repo, and notifies your reviewers. No more ghosted take-home tests.
Can candidates request extensions?
Yes, if you enable it. Candidates can request a one-time 72-hour extension directly from the portal — no emails, no awkward asks. Extensions are self-serve and auto-approved. You can disable this per stage if you prefer strict deadlines.
How do reviewers access the code?
Automatically. When a candidate submits, Kit adds your configured reviewers as read-only collaborators on the repo. They review code in GitHub using the tools they already know — PRs, inline comments, code navigation. Feedback is recorded in Kit.
Can I compensate candidates for their time?
Yes. Kit tracks payment amount and currency per code assignment stage. You configure compensation when setting up the stage, and the details are visible to the candidate in their portal.
Set up your first code assessment in under 10 minutes.
Start free trialCode assignments are just one stage.
The same GitHub integration works alongside Kit's AI-powered screening, Slack candidate channels, and outreach automation. One ATS for the entire pipeline.
Real repos. Real skills. Real simple.
Replace your CoderPad subscription and your spreadsheet of repo links. Start free. Connect your GitHub org in under 2 minutes.