Connect HackerRank to Kula

Last updated: August 14, 2026

Connecting HackerRank lets you send coding tests to candidates from inside Kula and get the results back on the candidate's profile. You connect it once with an API key, then add HackerRank as an activity on any job stage.

Who can do this: Super Admin, Admin 

Where to find it: Settings → Organization → Organization integrations → Assessments

Connect HackerRank

  1. Go to Settings → Organization → Organization integrations.

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  2. Find the HackerRank card under Assessments.

  3. Turn the toggle on. The HackerRank Settings panel opens.

  4. Paste your key into Recruiter-type User API Key.

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  5. Click Verify API key.

  6. Once the status shows as Active / Connected, you're ready to go! If it fails, click Reauthorize to retry.

You need a HackerRank API key generated by a recruiter-type user account with company admin permissions on your HackerRank plan. Kula cannot generate this key for you.

Kula checks the key against HackerRank before saving it. If the key is wrong you will see "Incorrect API key. Double-check the key and try again." and nothing is saved.

Use HackerRank on a job

Once connected, HackerRank becomes an activity you can add to a interview stage, so candidates who reach that stage get the test automatically. You can also send a test ad hoc from a candidate's profile. For the full flow, see Add an assessment to a interview stage.

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Using HackerRank as a Location in a Normal Interview

Recruiters can also set HackerRank as the location when scheduling a regular interview — both ad-hoc and via Activity Email. This is useful when you want to conduct a standard interview but host it within the HackerRank environment. See --- to set this up.

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Assessment Status in Kula

The following statuses will be shown in the candidate’s profile:

  • Sent – Assessment sent but not yet started.

  • In Progress – Candidate has started the test.

  • Completed – Test submitted; score and summary available.

  • Expired – Test link expired without completion.

You can click View Report to see the detailed scorecard from HackerRank directly.

Good to know

  • The same HackerRank assessment cannot be added twice to one activity plan.

  • Connecting HackerRank requires an API key from a recruiter-type HackerRank user with company admin permissions — a standard user key will fail verification.

  • Turning the toggle off disconnects the integration. In-flight assessments already sent to candidates are not withdrawn from HackerRank.

FAQ

Where do I get the API key Kula is asking for? It comes from HackerRank, not Kula — generate it from a recruiter-type HackerRank user account that has company admin permissions. Paste it into the HackerRank Settings panel and click Verify API key. For more, see [Add an assessment to a job stage]([link to be added]).

Can I change who reviews an assessment without re-sending it to the candidate? Reviewer changes and the candidate's assessment invite are handled separately, so updating reviewers does not re-trigger the candidate email.

Need help? If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to us at support@kula.ai or use the in-app chat.