Background
Coderspace is a leading tech talent platform that connects software developers and data scientists with top-tier companies. As part of their commitment to developing next-generation tech professionals, Coderspace runs intensive bootcamps for hundreds of learners.
At the end of one such bootcamp, they faced a critical challenge:
How do you evaluate the skills of over 700 participants in a meaningful, scalable, and practical way?
The Challenge
Traditional assessments—like multiple-choice tests or project submissions—fell short for several reasons:
● Limited engagement: Passive quizzes lacked interactivity and real-world context.
● Poor scalability: Manual grading for hundreds of participants would be time-consuming.
● Theoretical focus: These methods couldn’t effectively measure how well participants could apply what they had learned.
Coderspace needed an evaluation mechanism that was engaging, hands-on, and capable of delivering real-time insightsabout each participant’s capabilities.
The Solution: CyberExam’s Custom Capture The Flag (CTF)
To meet this challenge, CyberExam designed a customized Capture The Flag (CTF)experience tailored to the bootcamp’s learning objectives.
Rather than relying on passive assessments, CyberExam created a scenario-based cybersecurity lab where participants actively solved challenges that mirrored real-world threats.
Key Features of the Solution
● Custom-Built CTF: 6 multi-layered tasks, 19 questions, aligned with course content.
● Real-World Simulations: Participants investigated, exploited, and remediated realistic attack scenarios.
● Automated Scoring: Immediate and scalable performance measurement for all 700+ participants.
● Time-Efficient Setup: Digital environment required minimal logistics and setup time.
Why CTF Over Traditional Hands-On Exercises?
While most hands-on labs in cybersecurity focus on individual skills in isolated environments, CyberExam’s CTF approach adds critical layers of depth:
| Traditional Hands-On Labs | CyberExam CTF Experience | |
| Context | Task-based, isolated steps | Scenario-driven challenges |
| Engagement | Moderate | High (gamified & competitive) |
| Assessment | Manual or checklist-based | Real-time automated scoring |
| Scalability | Limited | Easily scalable to 1000+ users |
| Learning Depth | Skill-focused | Skill + application + strategy |
The CTF model doesn’t just test if learners know the material—it reveals whether they can use that knowledge in dynamic and ambiguous situations, just like they would in real job roles.
Results at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
| Participants | 700+ |
| Total Duration | 5+ Hours |
| Total Tasks | 6 |
| Evaluation Time | Instant |
Impact on Learning Experience
Applied Knowledge, Not Just Recall
Participants weren’t just answering questions—they were applying their knowledge to uncover hidden vulnerabilities, connect logs and behaviors, and think like attackers and defenders. This active approach drove deeper understanding and knowledge retention.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Many cybersecurity courses stop at theory or simple exercises. CyberExam’s CTF bridged that gap by turning learning into simulation, helping participants internalize concepts through action and experimentation.
Gamified mechanics—such as scoreboards, flags, and feedback—boosted motivation. Instead of passive consumption, learners were intrinsically motivated to explore, learn, and succeed.
Actionable Insights for Organizers
CyberExam provided detailed analytics, helping Coderspace:
● Identify top performers
● Pinpoint common weaknesses
● Provide individual feedback instantly
● Evaluate bootcamp effectiveness at scale
Conclusion
The collaboration between Coderspace and CyberExam demonstrated that scalable, hands-on learning is not only possible—but more effective than traditional models.
With a custom CTF environment:
● Participants practiced job-relevant skills
● The assessment process was rapid, automated, and insightful
● Learning outcomes were stronger and more engaging
This case proves that when learners are given the opportunity to learn by doing in a meaningful context, they don’t just pass—they excel.