Exam Rank 02 is hard by design. It’s meant to break your illusions about “knowing C” and force you to confront every blind spot in your memory and logic. But thanks to the collective intelligence on GitHub, you don’t have to face it alone.
Used wisely, these repositories transform from a shortcut into a training simulator — one that preserves the exam’s integrity while giving you the reps you need to succeed.
So clone that repo. Run the randomizer. Start the timer. And remember: the code you write under pressure is the code you truly own.
Have your own Exam Rank 02 story or a favorite GitHub resource? The 42 community — and future students — would love to hear it.
The Exam Rank 02 is a pivotal assessment in the 42 School curriculum, designed to test a student's proficiency in basic C programming under timed, restricted conditions. It serves as the gateway from the "Piscine" level to more complex systems programming. Core Objectives
The exam focuses on fundamental algorithmic logic and manual memory management without the aid of standard library shortcuts. Key concepts tested include:
String Manipulation: Replicating functions like ft_split, ft_strrev, or ft_putstr.
Mathematical Algorithms: Implementing logic for prime numbers (is_prime), lowest common multiples (lcm), or base conversions.
Bitwise Operations: Understanding and manipulating bits (e.g., print_bits, reverse_bits, swap_bits).
Basic Logic: Handling loops, conditionals, and standard output using only the write system call. Exam Format and Rules
Environment: The exam is taken on a dedicated terminal. Students are provided a subject directory containing the task and a rendu directory for their code.
Restrictions: Use of standard functions is often limited to write, malloc, and free.
Grading: The "Grademe" system automatically compiles and tests the code against various edge cases. A single failure typically results in a score of 0 for that specific problem.
Progression: Problems are divided into levels (usually Level 1 to Level 4). You must pass one level to proceed to the next, more difficult task. Recommended Study Resources
To prepare effectively, many students utilize community-maintained GitHub repositories that simulate the exam environment: exam rank 02 github
Exam Simulators: Tools like the 42-exam-rank-02 trainer provide a local Streamlit or shell-based interface to practice under real-world constraints.
Reference Solutions: Repositories such as KingWick/Exam-2 and JCluzet/42_EXAM offer clean, verified solutions to common problems like inter, union, and ft_printf.
Practice Tool: The Grademe.fr platform is a popular third-party simulator used by students to test their solutions against the same scripts used in the actual exam.
Exam Rank 02 is a coding assessment at 42 School that requires you to solve 4 questions (one from each difficulty level) within a set time limit. You must pass every level sequentially to complete the paper; failing a level typically requires restarting from Level 1 in a future attempt. Common Level 1-4 Exercises
The following exercises are frequently featured in Exam Rank 02 repositories on GitHub:
Level 1 (Basics): Focuses on simple string manipulation and standard output. first_word: Print the first word of a string. fizzbuzz: Classic numbers/strings logic.
ft_strcpy / ft_strlen / ft_swap: Basic Libft-style recreations. repeat_alpha: Repeat characters based on their index. rev_print: Print a string in reverse.
Level 2 (Logic & Strings): Introduces slightly more complex conditions and mathematical logic. alpha_mirror: Replace 'a' with 'z', 'b' with 'y', etc.. ft_atoi: Convert a string to an integer.
inter: Print characters present in two strings without doubles. is_power_of_2: Check if a number is a power of 2.
union: Display characters appearing in either of two strings.
Level 3 (Algorithms): Focuses on loops, memory, and base conversions.
add_prime_sum: Sum of all prime numbers up to a given number. epur_str: Clear extra spaces in a string. ft_atoi_base: Convert string to int using a specific base.
ft_range / ft_rrange: Create an array of integers between two points. hidenp: Check if one string is hidden within another.
Level 4 (Advanced): High-level memory management and recursion. flood_fill: Recursive area-filling algorithm. fprime: Display prime factors of a number. ft_itoa: Convert integer to string. ft_split: Split a string into an array of words. Exam Rank 02 is hard by design
sort_list: Sort a linked list based on a comparison function. Recommended GitHub Practice Repositories
SaraFreitas-dev/42_Exam_Rank02: A complete practice set covering Levels 1–4.
pedromessetti/exam_rank02: Detailed solutions for a wide range of questions.
alexhiguera/Exam_Rank_02_42_School: Grouped exercises intended for self-testing before checking solutions. Exam Workflow & Tips exam-rank-02 · GitHub Topics
Decoding "exam_rank_02": Your Guide to the 42 School Success
If you are scouring GitHub for exam_rank_02, you are likely a student at 42 School (or one of its global campuses like 1337, Hive, or Codam) currently staring down the first major coding hurdle of the "Common Core."
This exam is a rite of passage. It moves you past the basics of Shell and C Piscine and into the real meat of algorithmic thinking and string manipulation in C. Here is everything you need to know about the exam and how to use GitHub resources effectively to pass it. What is Exam Rank 02?
Exam Rank 02 is the first proctored C programming test after the Piscine. It tests your ability to write standard library functions from scratch without using any "forbidden" functions. You are usually given a series of small projects (levels) that increase in difficulty. Key Topics Covered: Level 1: Basics like ft_putchar, ft_putstr, or first_word.
Level 2: String manipulation and loops: ft_strlen, last_word, max, or inter.
Level 3: Mathematics and Hexadecimal: ft_atoi, pgcd, print_hex, or lcm.
Level 4: Pointers and Linked Lists (The Boss Level): ft_split, sort_list, or rostring. Why Search GitHub for "Exam Rank 02"?
Searching GitHub for this keyword is the most common way students prepare. Most repositories containing this name fall into three categories:
Solution Repos: Scripts or .c files that contain the exact solutions for every possible problem in the exam pool.
Grading Simulators: Tools like the "Exam Trainer" or "Grademe" clones that mimic the school’s Moulinette (the automated grading system). Have your own Exam Rank 02 story or
Cheatsheets: Compiled lists of logic patterns (like how to handle a while loop with two strings) that help you memorize the "logic flow" rather than just the code. How to Practice Effectively
Don't just copy-paste from GitHub. The exam is held in a "black hole" environment—no internet, no notes. If you haven't internalized the logic, you will fail.
Clone a Simulator: Look for repositories that offer an interactive environment. Search GitHub for "42 exam rank 02 simulator." These tools give you a random subject and a timer.
Master ft_split: If there is one function that stops students in their tracks, it’s ft_split. Practice writing it until you can do it from memory in under 10 minutes.
Understand the Bitwise/Math logic: Functions like print_hex or reverse_bits require a solid understanding of how data is stored. Don't just memorize the code; understand the division and modulo operators. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Memory Leaks: While the exam grader is often more lenient on leaks than the standard projects, get into the habit of writing clean code.
Forbidden Functions: The most common reason for a "0" is using a function like printf or string.h when the subject strictly forbids it. Always use your write function.
Edge Cases: Does your code handle an empty string? Does it handle a NULL pointer? The GitHub solutions usually cover these, so study how they handle "null-terminators." Recommended GitHub Search Terms
To find the best study materials, try these specific queries: exam_rank_02_42 42_exam_trainer libft_exam_02
Final Tip: Use GitHub to see multiple ways to solve the same problem. Some students write complex, "clever" code, while others write simple, readable code. In an exam, simple and readable always wins. Good luck, and may your Moulinette always be green!
Why it stands out: As of 2024 and 2025, the exam has undergone small changes (new string functions have been added, some old ones removed). Ruv1nce’s repository is frequently updated to reflect the current curriculum.
Key features:
There is a training tool on GitHub:
👉 42-Extrem/42_exam
This simulates the exam environment and includes Rank 02 subjects and corrections.
If you are a student at École 42, 42 Silicon Valley, or any campus in the 42 Network, Exam Rank 02 is your first major hurdle. It is the gateway from the Piscine (or the initial pool) into the main curriculum.
Many students fear this exam, but the reality is that it is highly repetitive. If you prepare correctly, you can pass it on your first try.
In this post, I’ll break down the structure of Exam Rank 02, the projects you need to master, and where to find the best GitHub resources to practice.