[SAGE] Tests for Systems Administrator interviews.

[Gregg Phillips <Gregory.M.Phillips@noaa.gov>]

We are considering the idea of testing prospective Systems Administrator 
candidates for future positions at our site. I would like to get some 
experiences that the group has had putting together and administering 
tests. Below are a few questions I have for those who have done testing 
or just have an opinion:

1. Written test vs hands-on test.

  a. What questions would you put on a written test?

  b. What kind of hands-on scenarios have you presented (build a box vs 
   what's wrong with this box)?

2. Windows and Unix tests.
  a. What major areas would you test for either OS (Active Directory, 
DNS, Exchange, sendmail)?

  b. What kind of hands-on scenarios would you present for each OS?

3. What positive or negative experiences have you had with giving the 
above tests?

4. What positive or negative experiences have you had taking the above 
tests?

5. Any other comments?


TIA, I will summarize and post the information I receive.


Gregg Phillips
Lead Systems Administrator
Forecast Systems Laboratory
DOC/NOAA/OAR/FSL/ITS