JCL Online Test

The JCL 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:

• Knowledge and understanding of JCL commands
• Proficiency in writing JCL statements
• Ability to utilize JCL utilities
• Familiarity with JCL parameters
• Expertise in JCL job control
• Understanding of job scheduling in JCL
• Knowledge of job dependency management
• Ability to execute jobs using JCL
• Experience in handling exceptions and errors in JCL
• Proficiency in debugging and troubleshooting JCL code

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.

• JCL commands

  JCL commands refer to the instructions given in JCL (Job Control Language) that define and control various tasks within a job, such as creating datasets, allocating files, executing programs, and managing system resources. This skill is measured in the test to evaluate a candidate's knowledge and proficiency in using JCL commands effectively to perform job-related tasks.

• JCL statements

  JCL statements are instructions written in JCL (Job Control Language) that specify the steps and parameters needed to execute a job. These statements define the job, job steps, input/output files, and other necessary details. Measuring this skill in the test helps determine a candidate's familiarity with JCL statement syntax and their ability to create error-free and efficient job control procedures.

• JCL utilities

  JCL utilities are predefined programs that perform specific tasks in the mainframe environment, such as copying, sorting, merging, and manipulating datasets. Evaluating a candidate's knowledge of JCL utilities in the test assesses their ability to utilize these tools effectively for data management and processing tasks, contributing to the overall efficiency of job execution.

• JCL parameters

  JCL parameters are values provided in the job control language that affect the behavior and execution of a job. These parameters define job-related attributes, such as dataset names, program options, system settings, and resource allocation. Assessing a candidate's understanding of JCL parameters in the test helps measure their capability to define and control job characteristics, ensuring successful job execution.

• JCL job control

  JCL job control refers to the skill of efficiently managing job execution in the mainframe environment. It involves organizing job steps, defining dependencies, specifying execution order, and monitoring resources to ensure optimal performance. Measuring this skill in the test helps identify candidates who can effectively handle job control tasks, ensuring timely and error-free execution of critical job workflows.

• Job scheduling

  Job scheduling entails creating a schedule for the execution of various jobs within a computing system. Scheduling involves determining the appropriate timing and sequencing of jobs to optimize system resources and meet organizational requirements. Evaluating a candidate's proficiency in job scheduling in this test enables recruiters to identify individuals who can effectively manage job schedules, ensuring the smooth operation of business processes.

• Job dependency

  Job dependency refers to the relationship between jobs, where the completion of one job is dependent on the successful execution of another job. Understanding and managing job dependencies is crucial for maintaining the proper order of job execution, avoiding conflicts, and ensuring job workflows are carried out accurately and efficiently. Assessing a candidate's knowledge of job dependency in the test helps determine their ability to manage interdependent jobs effectively, minimizing errors and delays.

• Job execution

  Job execution refers to the process of running jobs or tasks within a computing system, following the defined instructions and schedules. This skill encompasses managing resources, ensuring job completion within specified time frames, monitoring job statuses, and resolving any issues or errors that may occur during execution. Measuring a candidate's competence in job execution in this test helps gauge their ability to carry out job-related tasks efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and meeting organizational goals.

• 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 JCL Test to be based on.

  JCL Basics

  JCL Syntax

  JCL Job Control Statements

  JCL Job Utilities

  JCL Parameters

  JCL Job Scheduling

  JCL Job Dependency

  JCL Job Execution

• Mainframe Developer
• Mainframe Operator

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

• Understanding of JCL file handling and file organization
• Ability to analyze and optimize JCL performance
• Knowledge of JCL code version control techniques
• Familiarity with JCL job restart and recovery procedures
• Proficiency in implementing job security measures in JCL
• Understanding of JCL job documentation and annotation techniques
• Knowledge of JCL program interfacing and external subsystems
• Ability to design and implement complex JCL workflows
• Experience in job scheduling automation using JCL
• Proficiency in performance tuning and optimization of JCL processes