Quant Coding Round
The Python coding round for quant research and quant dev returns, risk, microstructure and Black-Scholes, run and graded in the browser.
The scenario
The technical coding round. A CoderPad or HackerRank screen drops you into an editor and asks for small, exact numerical functions a risk metric, a microstructure primitive, an option price from first principles. They're watching for correctness and clean numerical code, not cleverness.
Where this shows up
Returns/risk statistics (Optiver's log-return screen), the buy/sell max-profit problem (a verbatim Citadel phone question) and a Black-Scholes price from the erf CDF are staple objective coding rounds for quant research and quant-dev roles.
Firms such as Citadel Securities, Optiver, Two Sigma.
DeskPrep is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any named firm. Firm names are used for illustrative, educational purposes only and do not imply that these materials are official assessments of, or are connected with, those firms.
The drill
Complete each function and Run it against the fixed inputs (Python via Pyodide, in your browser). Submit to grade your outputs against the expected values; floats are compared to a tolerance. Pin the conventions stated in each docstring.
Sample question
Implement log_returns(prices): return the list of log returns r[i] = ln(prices[i] / prices[i-1]). One fewer element than the input.
Included with the Quant pack
The full graded drill is part of the Quant Research & Quant Trading pack a one-time purchase unlocks every concept, coding guide, interview playbook and take-home in this track.
already purchased? sign in →