Skills required for Drupal Developer and how to assess them

8 fundamental Drupal Developer skills and traits

The best skills for Drupal Developers include PHP Programming, Drupal Theming, Module Development, Front-end Technologies, Database Management, Version Control Systems, Security Best Practices and Drupal Site Building.

Let’s dive into the details by examining the 8 essential skills of a Drupal Developer.

PHP Programming

PHP is the backbone of Drupal, as its core is written in this language. A Drupal developer needs to craft custom modules and themes using PHP. With proficient PHP skills, you can modify existing features or create new ones, tailoring the CMS to fit specific project requirements.

For more insights, check out our guide to writing a PHP developer Job Description.

Drupal Theming

Drupal theming involves defining the presentation layer of a website. It is about styling the site to make it visually appealing and user-friendly. A good handle on Drupal theming allows a developer to customize templates and improve the user interface effectively.

Module Development

In Drupal, modules are plugins that extend the platform’s functionality. Drupal developers need the capability to create or customize modules to fit the unique needs of a project. This skill involves understanding the hook system and the API provided by Drupal.

Check out our guide for a comprehensive list of interview questions.

Front-end Technologies

A Drupal developer should be well-versed in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to effectively manage the look and feel of websites. These front-end skills are crucial for implementing responsive designs and ensuring a seamless user experience across different devices.

Database Management

Drupal uses databases to store data content. Knowing SQL and database management allows a developer to optimize performance, manage user permissions, and ensure data integrity across the platform. It's fundamental for querying and manipulating data as required.

For more insights, check out our guide to writing a Database Administrator (DBA) Job Description.

Version Control Systems

Using version control systems like Git is important for tracking changes, maintaining code consistency, and collaborating with teams. A Drupal developer must be able to manage code repositories to ensure smooth project progress and efficient teamwork.

Security Best Practices

Security is essential when developing with Drupal, as it often handles sensitive data. Understanding security best practices helps a developer protect the site against vulnerabilities, manage permissions wisely, and ensure regular security updates.

Check out our guide for a comprehensive list of interview questions.

Drupal Site Building

Site building in Drupal involves setting up different content types, menus, views, and more without writing custom code. It requires a good understanding of Drupal’s core capabilities and how to leverage them to build functional sites efficiently.

7 secondary Drupal Developer skills and traits

The best skills for Drupal Developers include Content Strategy, Performance Optimization, SEO Optimization, Command Line Tools, Migration Processes, RESTful Web Services and Cloud Hosting Platforms.

Let’s dive into the details by examining the 7 secondary skills of a Drupal Developer.

Content Strategy

Developing a coherent content strategy involves planning out the organization and delivery of content across the website. It’s a valuable skill for a Drupal developer to help structure content logically and ensure its accessibility to users.

Performance Optimization

Optimizing the website’s performance involves practices to reduce loading times and managing the performance of various assets. This skill is beneficial to a Drupal developer aiming to create a faster and more resilient platform.

SEO Optimization

Understanding SEO is important to improve the visibility of websites created using Drupal. This skill helps in configuring modules that enhance SEO and applying best practices to content and site architecture to improve search rankings.

Command Line Tools

Mastering command line tools like Drush allows a Drupal developer to automate and streamline numerous tasks. It helps with managing site updates, clearing caches, and executing updates, making development processes more efficient.

Migration Processes

Drupal developers may need to transfer content and settings from legacy systems to new installations. Understanding migration processes involves using modules like Migrate to transition content effectively without losing integrity.

RESTful Web Services

Creating custom APIs and integrating third-party services through RESTful web services expands Drupal's functionality. A developer with this knowledge can allow Drupal to communicate effectively with other systems or applications.

Cloud Hosting Platforms

Understanding cloud hosting platforms like AWS or Azure can benefit a Drupal developer in managing scalable and maintainable hosting environments. It supports deployment and ensures the site is accessible under various load conditions.

How to assess Drupal Developer skills and traits

Evaluating the skills and traits of a Drupal Developer requires a clear understanding of the various technical abilities specific to this role. From PHP programming to Drupal theming, each skill offers unique contributions to successful project outcomes. However, uncovering the true proficiency of a candidate goes beyond mere credentials listed on a resume. As such, gaining insights into their on-the-job competencies is crucial.

Traditional hiring methods may fall short when trying to assess the varied attributes needed in a Drupal Developer, spanning module development, front-end technologies, and security best practices. By leveraging skills-based assessments, you can objectively measure a candidate's capabilities. Platforms like Adaface offer tailored tests that reduce screening time by 85%, ensuring you focus on the most qualified leads and make informed hiring decisions.

Whether you're interested in database management or version control systems, a hands-on assessment helps identify candidates who have the practical skills to build and maintain robust Drupal sites. This approach to hiring not only enhances the quality of hires twofold but also aligns the skills needed with the tasks at hand.

Let’s look at how to assess Drupal Developer skills with these 6 talent assessments.

PHP Online Test

Our PHP Online Test evaluates a developer’s proficiency in PHP, focusing on a variety of skills crucial for backend development.

The test assesses their grasp of PHP Fundamentals, Object-oriented programming practices, Error and Exception Handling, and their ability to manage Database Handling. It challenges candidates with scenario-based questions to evaluate real-world problem-solving capabilities.

Candidates who score well in this test show proficiency in organizing and managing server-side code using PHP. They also demonstrate skills in handling databases and sessions.

Drupal Online Test

The Drupal Online Test is designed to evaluate a developer’s ability to work with Drupal, assessing their knowledge of various facets including Drupal CMS and module development.

This test requires an understanding of Drupal modules, theming, site configuration, and performance optimization. In addition to Drupal, it evaluates on PHP Syntax and PHP OOP, ensuring the candidate can manage backend operations effectively.

Candidates that excel in this test often show an ability to develop scalable Drupal sites. Their skills in performance optimization also indicate well-rounded expertise in launching responsive and efficient applications.

PHP, Drupal & SQL Online Test

The PHP, Drupal & SQL Online Test explores a candidate's ability to integrate PHP programming, Drupal CMS, and SQL database handling.

This test evaluates on topics such as Drupal module development, PHP Data Structures, and SQL Joins and Indexes. It comprehensively tests their expertise in connecting and manipulating database-backed applications.

High-performing candidates in this test often have a strong grasp of the relationship between data storage and CMS functionality, aiding in the development of efficient and effective applications.

Front End Developer Online Test

Our Front End Developer Online Test examines essential skills in creating and implementing user interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

The test challenges candidates on responsive design, UI/UX, JavaScript frameworks, and web performance optimization. It provides valuable insights into their ability to create seamless, interactive user experiences.

Successful candidates demonstrate competence in JavaScript, client-side scripting, and ensuring cross-browser compatibility, underlying a strong capability to design intuitive and visually appealing web applications.

MySQL Online Test

Our MySQL Online Test gauges a developer's proficiency in using MySQL for database management and manipulation.

The test covers SQL Queries, Normalization, and Indexing. Candidates are challenged with scenarios that assess their ability to work with Transactions, Stored Procedures, and Views.

A good performance on this test reveals an ability for efficient data retrieval and manipulation, showing a solid foundation in leveraging MySQL for dynamic data-driven applications.

Git Online Test

The Git Online Test examines a candidate's expertise in using Git, a fundamental version control system for developers.

This test explores Git basics, Branching and Merging, and Conflict Resolution. It evaluates understanding of Remote Repositories, Rebasing, and practical application of Git Workflows.

Candidates who perform well demonstrate proficiency in managing code changes and leveraging Git's powerful features to maintain code integrity across multiple versions and collaborators.

Summary: The 8 key Drupal Developer skills and how to test for them

Drupal Developer skills FAQs

What are the core skills to look for in a Drupal developer?

Key skills include PHP programming, Drupal theming, module development, and proficiency in front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Understanding database management and version control systems is also important.

How do you assess PHP programming skills for a Drupal developer?

Assess through code reviews, technical tests, or asking candidates to solve real-world Drupal-related problems that demonstrate their PHP knowledge and ability to work with Drupal's architecture.

What is involved in Drupal theming, and how can it be evaluated?

Drupal theming involves customizing the look and feel of a website. Evaluate by reviewing a candidate's portfolio for design consistency, responsiveness, and adherence to design specifications.

Why is database management important for Drupal developers?

Drupal sites rely on databases for content storage and retrieval. Database management skills ensure optimal performance and data integrity, which can be assessed through practical tests involving database queries and optimization.

How can you evaluate a Drupal developer's knowledge of security best practices?

Ask candidates about common security vulnerabilities in Drupal, such as XSS and SQL injection, and how they mitigate these risks. Practical tests can help assess safeguards implemented in code.

What should recruiters look for in a candidate's experience with Drupal site building?

Experience in content strategy, module configuration, and implementation of Views, Blocks, and Taxonomies is key. Reviewing past projects and practical exercises can effectively gauge these skills.

How do you assess a candidate's SEO optimization skills in a Drupal context?

Look for knowledge of SEO best practices specific to Drupal, such as URL aliasing and meta tag configuration, and assess their experience with SEO modules like Yoast or Metatag.

What makes experience with cloud hosting platforms valuable for a Drupal developer?

Cloud hosting knowledge aids in deploying and scaling Drupal sites. Evaluate by discussing candidates' experience with platforms like AWS or Acquia, and any specific projects where they've leveraged these resources.