Provyn Prep · Data Structures and Algorithms competency
Complexity analysis in the Data Structures and Algorithms assessment
Complexity analysis is one of the areas a Provyn Data Structures and Algorithms credential scores separately, so a recruiter can see it on its own rather than averaged into one number. This guide explains what it covers, how it is tested and what to practice.
What it covers
Big-O time and space analysis, and the cost of common sorting and selection approaches.
Topics in the practice set for this area
- complexity
- sorting
- selection
How it is tested
In the timed assessment, questions in this area use these formats: multiple choice, put the steps in order, short answer. Each attempt draws its own set of questions, and this area gets its own sub-score on the credential when the attempt includes enough questions from it. The assessment questions themselves are never published; the practice set below is written separately for study.
What to practice
- State the time and space complexity of every function you write during practice before you test it.
- Compare the best, average and worst cases of three sorting algorithms.
- Spot the hidden quadratic cost in loops that call linear operations.
Try a practice question
From the free practice set (6 questions in this area). Answers and explanations are in the practice set.
- Big-O of binary search on a sorted array:
- Worst-case Big-O of quicksort:
- Stable sort preserves:
Practice before the real thing
Both are free and use practice questions only, never questions from the real assessment.
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Last reviewed 2026-10-06.