Morgan Stanley's technology analyst applicants commonly report a HackerRank test of one to three coding problems plus computer science multiple-choice questions, while other divisions use reasoning tests. Most campus applications also need a HireVue video before they count as complete. This page covers what the Morgan Stanley online assessment is, its format and timings, how it is scored, the rules to know before you start, how to prepare and a practice plan.
What the Morgan Stanley online assessment is
Morgan Stanley's campus pages say most applications require a supplemental HireVue video component. Beyond that, the firm publishes no test specification, so this page reflects candidate reports from 2023 to 2026. Technology candidates describe HackerRank with coding problems and CS multiple-choice questions; front-office and other candidates describe numerical reasoning tests, which prep sites attribute to SHL or Aon, and one guide describes a HireVue cognitive assessment.
For problem types, see Morgan Stanley coding interview questions; for the video, see the HireVue interview guide.
Format and timings
| Part | What it involves | Time and questions |
|---|---|---|
| Technology: HackerRank coding | One to three easy to medium problems, auto-graded on hidden test cases | Commonly reported: 60 to 90 minutes |
| Technology: CS multiple choice | About 10 questions on fundamentals; one 2025 report also had two SQL questions | Within the same test |
| Other divisions: reasoning tests | Numerical and verbal or logical reasoning, provider varies by year | Varies |
| HireVue video | Recorded behavioural and motivation questions | Required for most campus applications |
Total: commonly reported as 60 to 90 minutes for the technology test, plus the HireVue video.
How it is scored
- HackerRank scores come from hidden test cases, so efficient, correct code matters more than style.
- Morgan Stanley team members review the HireVue alongside your résumé and application, one guide reports.
- No cut-off is published.
Rules to know before you start
- Your application may not be complete until the HireVue is submitted, so do it promptly.
- Front-office tracks fill early, one guide notes, so a late test can cost a place.
- Outside help is not allowed in the test or the video.
How to prepare
- Practice two easy to medium problems a day on HackerRank, especially arrays, strings and hash maps.
- Revise CS fundamentals for the multiple-choice part: complexity, object-oriented ideas, databases and basic SQL.
- Prepare HireVue answers on why Morgan Stanley, why your division and a teamwork example.
- Apply and test early in the cycle rather than near the deadline.
A practice plan
- Day 1: confirm from the invitation whether your track gets reasoning tests, a coding test or both, and note the deadline.
- Days 2 and 3: timed numerical and verbal sets, or two coding problems a day if you are on a technology track.
- Day 4: one full timed run of the exact mix your invitation lists.
- Day 5: record yourself answering three motivation and teamwork questions in two minutes each.
- Day 6: rest and check your device, browser and camera.
- Day 7: take the assessment in one sitting, early in the window.
Related guides: what an online assessment is, the HackerRank assessment guide, Morgan Stanley coding interview questions.
On the day, and the mistakes to avoid
- Read which parts are timed and which are only time-recorded; both kinds note how long you take.
- Use a laptop with a webcam and microphone, because many of these assessments end with recorded answers.
- Keep a calculator, paper and pen nearby for numerical items if the instructions allow them.
- For a coding part, pick the language you are fastest in and test edge cases before submitting.
- Dress as you would for an interview and sit facing a light source in case video is requested.
- Finish in one sitting and save the confirmation email.
Mistakes that cost candidates:
- Preparing for the wrong format because a forum post described a different track or year.
- Ranking situational options by what sounds impressive rather than by what the employer's values describe.
- Skipping the multiple-choice computer science questions that sit beside the coding problems.
- Reading a script in the recorded answers instead of speaking to the camera.
- Applying to several programmes at an employer that counts only one application a year.
What happens after the Morgan Stanley online assessment
Passing usually leads to a recorded or live interview and then an assessment centre or final round with several conversations in one day. Technology candidates should expect at least one live coding interview; everyone should expect motivation and values questions, so prepare specific stories now. For the next stage, see what a one-way video interview is.
Where CoPilot Interview fits
Online assessments are tests you take on your own: outside help is not allowed, and proctoring settings can flag other apps, tab switches or a second voice. Practice beforehand instead. CoPilot Interview is an AI interview assistant; its free AI mock interview prepares you for the interviews that follow the assessment, with questions built from your résumé and the job description and each spoken answer scored out of ten. The free plan gives 15 minutes a day of live help in sessions of up to 15 minutes, with AI mock interviews included. Read the invitation carefully and follow your employer's rules.
Disclosure: CoPilot Interview is our product, so weigh what we say about it accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Does Morgan Stanley use HackerRank?
Yes for technology roles, according to candidate reports from 2023 to 2026.
How many questions are on the Morgan Stanley OA?
Commonly one to three coding problems plus about 10 CS multiple-choice questions; one 2025 report added two SQL questions.
Is there a HireVue at Morgan Stanley?
Yes. Morgan Stanley says most campus applications need a HireVue video before they are complete.
What comes after the Morgan Stanley OA?
Usually one or two interviews, then a superday of several back-to-back conversations, as candidates commonly report.
Can I use AI tools during the Morgan Stanley online assessment?
No, unless the instructions explicitly allow it. Assessments are meant to be taken on your own, and proctoring settings can flag other apps, tab switches or pasted code. Use AI tools to practice beforehand, and follow your employer's rules.
Practice this interview before the real one
The AI mock interview builds questions from your resume and the job description, reads them aloud and scores each spoken answer out of 10. Included on the free plan.
Start a mock interview