Hire a NetSuite Developer in 2026 with 7 Tests for Post Go Live Success

Hiring a NetSuite developer isn’t just another recruiting task. 

The wrong choice can leave you with tangled scripts, upgrade headaches, or an ERP that slows down when you need it most. 

The right developer keeps your system clean, efficient, and ready for every quarterly release or new business need.

Before you sign a contract, put candidates through a few smart “quality tests.” 

They’ll help you separate resume polish from real skill and protect your live environment from costly reworks later.
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Why Screening a NetSuite Developer Matters

NetSuite’s flexibility is both its strength and its trap. 

Anyone can learn to write SuiteScript, but not everyone knows how to keep code upgrade-safe, align it with business goals, or document it for the next person.

Hiring on hourly rate or certification alone often leads to problems:

• Slow approvals or order flows caused by over-engineered scripts
• Integrations that break after every update
• Technical debt that balloons support costs

A thoughtful evaluation process protects your budget and keeps projects moving smoothly.
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7 Quality Tests for Choosing the Right NetSuite Developer

Use these checkpoints as part of your interview or trial project. They reveal how someone really thinks, codes, and communicates.
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1. Portfolio check

Ask for examples of work they’ve delivered—scripts, Suitelets, integrations, or saved searches. Don’t settle for screenshots; request an explanation of why they built it that way.

Look for signs of maturity:

• Clean structure and naming conventions
• Awareness of governance limits and usage units
• Documentation that makes sense to someone new

A candidate who can walk you through a real project (even anonymized) is more likely to handle your environment responsibly.
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2. Live coding or problem-solving session

A short, practical exercise beats hours of theory. Give them a scenario like: “When a sales order is approved, send an email if the total is over $50,000.” 

Watch how they:

• Break down requirements
• Choose between a user event or scheduled script
• Comment their logic as they go

You’re not just testing syntax—you’re looking for clarity, efficiency, and an ability to explain decisions while under light pressure.
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3. Upgrade and performance awareness

Ask how they keep code compatible when Oracle releases a new version.

Do they write modular scripts, test in sandboxes, and track governance limits?

A good developer thinks ahead: they design with upgrades in mind and know how to spot inefficiencies before users feel them.

If a candidate shrugs off releases, that’s a warning sign for future stability.
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4. Understanding of business processes

A strong post-implementation developer doesn’t just “write code.” They connect NetSuite logic to how your team actually works.

Give them a workflow scenario. For example, speeding up approvals for vendor bills or refining revenue recognition for a new product line.

Listen for questions about policy, edge cases, and user experience.

The best solutions make life easier for the people using the system, not just the database.
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5. Communication clarity

Even brilliant code fails if no one understands it. During interviews, ask them to explain a technical idea in plain language, like how a Map/Reduce script handles large data sets.

If they can translate complex details for non-technical teammates, you’ll avoid confusion later and projects will move faster because everyone understands what’s happening.
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6. Documentation and handover habits

Code isn’t finished until it’s documented.

Request samples of inline comments or support notes. Are they detailed enough for another developer to pick up without guesswork?

Strong documentation habits save you from “mystery scripts” that only one person can maintain. They’re also a sign that the developer respects your long-term ownership of the system.
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7. References with context

Finally, speak to clients who worked with them for ongoing support or optimization. Go beyond “Were they good?” and ask:

• Did their estimates hold up once the work began?
• Were they responsive when urgent issues came up?
• Did their solutions survive upgrades without extra rework?

References that speak to reliability and post-go-live stability are worth more than generic praise.
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How to Structure a Trial Project for a Developer

Jumping straight into heavy customizations is risky. A short pilot lets you see how a candidate approaches real support work.

Pick something contained but meaningful, like:

• Streamlining purchase order approvals in the sandbox
• Cleaning up a report that times out
• Automating an email for high-value sales orders

Give clear parameters—scope, timeline, success criteria, and start in a sandbox. Watch how they plan, ask clarifying questions, and deliver the result.

A careful approach to a small support task predicts how they’ll treat your production environment.
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How to Build a Long-Term Relationship After You Hire

Finding a capable developer is only half the job. Keeping them engaged is what protects your NetSuite instance over the long haul.

A few habits make a big difference:

• Stay connected: A quick weekly sync helps surface small issues before they become real downtime.
• Loop them in early: When you’re planning upgrades, new dashboards, or workflow tweaks, invite their input so they can flag risks or suggest faster paths.
• Recognize quality: Give credit when they deliver upgrade-safe fixes or catch an issue before it hits production. Positive feedback reinforces the standards you want.
• Capture lessons learned: Keep a running log of scripts, configuration notes, and upgrade takeaways. It builds institutional memory and speeds up onboarding if you add extra support later.

A stable relationship means fewer surprises and a smoother ERP—exactly what you need once NetSuite is live.
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Build Confidence Before You Build Code

Choosing a NetSuite developer is about more than checking certifications. 

With the right tests, plus a short pilot and a plan for ongoing collaboration, you can see how a candidate thinks, codes, and communicates before they touch your production environment.

Taking the time to evaluate candidates thoroughly means fewer surprises and a support partner who can keep your ERP steady through upgrades, new reporting needs, and the inevitable curveballs every growing business faces.

Ready to make the search easier? 

Book a call with Atticus Solutions to meet vetted NetSuite developers who deliver clean code, clear communication, and upgrade-safe solutions that keep your ERP future-ready.