IBM FOCUS Test

The IBM FOCUS Test makes use of scenario-based questions to test for on-the-job skills as opposed to theoretical knowledge, ensuring that candidates who do well on this screening test have the relavant skills. The questions are designed to covered following on-the-job aspects:

• Implementing Database I/O operations
• Generating reports using IBM FOCUS
• Manipulating variables in IBM FOCUS
• Working with different data sources in IBM FOCUS
• Handling file input/output in IBM FOCUS
• Understanding the basic components of IBM FOCUS
• Analyzing and optimizing database performance
• Designing efficient reporting solutions
• Applying advanced variable manipulation techniques
• Integrating data from multiple sources

Once the test is sent to a candidate, the candidate receives a link in email to take the test. For each candidate, you will receive a detailed report with skills breakdown and benchmarks to shortlist the top candidates from your pool.

• Database I/O

  Database I/O refers to the input and output operations performed on a database. It involves tasks such as retrieving data from the database, updating or inserting new data, and deleting data. This skill is measured in the test to assess the candidate's ability to effectively interact with and manage databases, which is crucial in many software development and data analysis roles.

• Reporting

  Reporting involves generating and presenting data in a structured format, often using charts, graphs, or tables. It includes gathering relevant data, aggregating it into meaningful insights, and creating reports that communicate these insights to stakeholders. Measuring this skill in the test helps evaluate the candidate's proficiency in analyzing, organizing, and visualizing data, which is essential for making data-driven decisions.

• Variables

  Variables are used to store and manipulate data within a program. They can hold different types of values, such as numbers, strings, or Boolean values, and are used to store and track information needed for calculations, comparisons, or other operations. Assessing the candidate's knowledge of variables in the test allows for determining their ability to correctly declare, assign, and utilize variables in program logic and problem-solving scenarios.

• Data Sources

  Data sources refer to the various origins or repositories of data that can be accessed and used in an application or system. These can include databases, files, external APIs, web services, or other data storage systems. Measuring the candidate's understanding of data sources in the test helps assess their familiarity with different data retrieval methods and their ability to effectively extract, transform, and load data from multiple sources for use in software applications.

• File Handling

  File handling involves operations and manipulations performed on files, such as reading from or writing to files, creating or deleting files, or modifying file attributes. This skill is essential in various programming and system administration tasks that involve working with files, such as processing data from log files, generating reports, or managing file storage. Measuring file handling abilities in the test allows for evaluating the candidate's competency in file I/O operations and their understanding of file management concepts.

• Basic Components

  Basic components encompass the fundamental building blocks of a system, application, or programming language. These components can include user interfaces, data structures, control structures, functions, or libraries that are commonly used in software development. Evaluating the candidate's comprehension of basic components in the test helps assess their proficiency in utilizing these essential elements to design, develop, and maintain efficient and robust software solutions.

• Full list of covered topics

  The actual topics of the questions in the final test will depend on your job description and requirements. However, here's a list of topics you can expect the questions for IBM FOCUS Test to be based on.

  Database connection

  SQL queries

  Data retrieval

  Query optimization

  Report formatting

  Report generation

  Variables declaration

  Variable types

  Variable scope

  Data source integration

  File manipulation

  File input/output

  FOCUS language basics

  FOCUS code execution

  FOCUS functions

  FOCUS procedures

  Data modeling

  Data dictionaries

  Sorting and filtering

  Date and time manipulation

  Data validation

  Error handling

  User interface design

  Table creation

  Table modification

  Data aggregation

  Charting and graphing

  Cross-tabulation

  Data exports

  Dashboard creation

  Numeric operations

  String operations

  Conditional statements

  Looping structures

  Input/output handling

  User authentication

  Report scheduling

  Data backup and recovery

  Data import/export

  Data conversion

  File permissions

  Data encryption

  Automation scripting

  Debugging techniques

  Version control

  Error tracking

  Data integrity

  Performance optimization

  API integration

  Testing and debugging

  Security measures

  Documentation practices

  Code refactoring

  Data visualization

  System integration

• FOCUS Developer
• Business Analyst

For intermediate/ experienced candidates, we customize the assessment questions to include advanced topics and increase the difficulty level of the questions. This might include adding questions on topics like

• Managing large dataset handling and optimization
• Utilizing advanced file handling methods
• Implementing complex components in IBM FOCUS
• Implementing database security and access controls
• Creating advanced reports with complex requirements
• Optimizing variable usage and memory utilization
• Integrating IBM FOCUS with external systems
• Implementing advanced file validation and error handling
• Customizing and extending IBM FOCUS functionality
• Implementing advanced data transformation and cleansing