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How to verify your identity before starting an assessment

Ensure your assessment results are secure and validated with a fast, fair identity check.

Some employers require identity verification before you can begin an assessment. This crucial, quick step confirms that the person taking the assessment is the same person who was invited, ensuring integrity for everyone.

Approx. read time: 5 minutes


In this article

  1. Why you are asked to verify your identity

  2. What you need before you start

  3. When identity verification happens

  4. Step-by-step: How to verify your identity

  5. What happens after verification

  6. Privacy and data handling

  7. Common issues and how to fix them

  8. Frequently asked questions


1. Why you are asked to verify your identity

Identity verification is an essential part of maintaining a fair and reliable hiring process. It is used to ensure that:

  • Assessment results reflect the skills of the correct, invited person.

  • All candidates go through the same fair, objective process.

  • Employers can fully trust the validity of the results they receive.

If identity verification is enabled for your assessment, you must complete it before starting. You cannot skip this step.


2. What you need before you start

Before beginning identity verification, gather the following to ensure a smooth, quick process:

  • A valid, physical government-issued ID, such as:

    • Passport

    • National identity card

    • Driver’s license

⚠️ Important ID rules:

  • You must use a real, physical ID document.

  • Photos of an ID displayed on a screen, screenshots, scans, printouts, or photocopies will not work and will cause verification to fail.

  • A reliable device with:

    • A working camera (front-facing or webcam)

    • A modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge recommended)

    • A stable internet connection

    • Good lighting so your face and ID are clearly visible

You can complete identity verification on a desktop computer or mobile device.


3. When identity verification happens

Identity verification is performed before the assessment officially starts.

  1. After clicking your assessment invitation link, you will see an introduction screen explaining that identity verification is required.

    Assessment introduction screen requiring identity verification before proceeding.
  2. You must complete identity verification before accessing any test questions.

  3. Once verification is complete and successful, the assessment will begin automatically.


4. Step-by-step: How to verify your identity

The identity verification process usually takes less than 30 seconds to complete.

Step 1: Upload your ID

You will be prompted to use your device’s camera to take a photo of your physical ID document.

  • Make sure:

    • The entire ID is visible

    • The photo is clear and not blurry

    • All text and your photo on the ID are readable

ID upload screen with instructions for photographing a physical government-issued ID.

 

🚫 Important: Do not upload any of the following**:

  • Screenshots

  • Photos of an ID shown on another screen

  • Scans or photocopies

  • Printed images of an ID

  • Expired documents

Uploading anything other than a physical ID document will result in verification failure.

Step 2: Take a live selfie

After successfully uploading your ID, you will be asked to take a live selfie.

  • Position your face inside the frame on the screen.

  • Remove obstructions such as hats, sunglasses, and face coverings.

  • Follow any on-screen instructions (such as turning your head slightly).

Note: The selfie must be taken live. Photos, screenshots, or pre-recorded images will not work.

Step 3: Identity matching

The system automatically compares the photo on your physical ID document with the live selfie you just took. This process happens instantly.

  • You will see a confirmation once verification is complete.

  • If verification succeeds, you will be taken directly into the assessment.

Verification successful screen, indicating the candidate will now start the assessment.

5. What happens after verification

If verification is successful

  • You will immediately proceed to the assessment.

  • Your results will be marked as ID verified for the employer.

  • You can complete the assessment as normal.

If verification is not completed

If you exit the process before completing the steps, you cannot start the assessment.

  • You may be able to return later using the same invitation link to resume.

  • Verification sessions can usually be resumed for up to 7 days, depending on your employer's settings.

If verification fails

Verification may fail if:

  • Your face does not match the photo on the ID.

  • The ID image is unclear or invalid.

  • A physical ID document was not used (e.g., a screenshot or printout was uploaded).

If verification fails:

  • You will not be able to continue with the assessment.

  • Your assessment attempt will be stopped.

  • Your employer will be notified that identity verification was not successful.

Note: In most cases, you cannot retry verification unless the employer sends you a new invitation.


6. Privacy and data handling

TestGorilla is committed to protecting your privacy throughout the hiring process.

  • Identity verification is handled securely by TestGorilla’s verification partner.

  • TestGorilla does not store your ID images or selfie.

  • Only the verification result (pass or fail) is shared with the employer.

  • The employer does not have access to your ID.

  • The entire process complies with applicable data protection laws, including GDPR and CCPA.


7. Common issues and how to fix them

Issue

How to Fix

My ID keeps getting rejected

Confirm you are using a physical ID, not a screen or printout. Improve lighting, avoid glare or reflections. Make sure all edges of the ID are visible.

My selfie does not match

Remove glasses, hats, or masks. Face the camera directly and ensure your face is fully visible.

The page froze or closed

Reopen your invitation link to resume. Use a supported browser. Check your internet connection.


8. Frequently asked questions

Can I use a photo or screenshot of my ID?

No. Only a physical ID document is accepted. Photos or screenshots will cause the verification to fail.

Can I use a printed copy of my ID?

No. Printed copies will cause verification to fail.

Does identity verification affect my score?

No. It is a separate step that only confirms your identity before you begin the scored assessment.

Can I use my phone?

Yes. Mobile devices are supported for the verification process.

What if I do not want to verify my identity?

If identity verification is a required setting for your assessment, you will not be able to proceed with the assessment without completing it.


🚀 Next steps

 

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