Pre-Employment Tests For IT Support Specialists
Top Skills and Abilities:
- Critical Thinking
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Reading Comprehension
- Interacting with Computers
Top 3 Tasks:
- Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations
- Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary
Overview
Information technology (IT) support specialists provide people and organizations with assistance regarding their computers, software, and networks. They may evaluate existing networks, maintain networks to ensure they are operating correctly, and troubleshoot and repair problems with computers and systems. They may also oversee daily performance of computer systems and set up or install new computers, operating systems, and software. They generally have full-time schedules, but can potentially work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, or be on call for emergencies outside of their normal schedule.
Requirements
IT specialists work in a variety of industries and can either work in an office or from home depending on the nature of their work. Some IT specialists work directly with customers, as well. This means they must be comfortable working with people as well as diagnosing and solving computer problems over the phone or in person. Most IT support specialist positions require a bachelor’s degree, though some jobs accept applicants with an associate’s degree.
Assessments for IT Support Specialists
The Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) is often the most appropriate test to administer for an IT support specialist position. The CCAT measures a candidate’s ability to think critically and solve problems, skills that are critical for success in an IT support specialist role. If the position requires regular interaction with customers, you may choose to administer the Customer Service Aptitude Profile (CSAP). The CSAP measures personality traits that are important for success in customer-service related positions including diplomacy, cooperativeness, and patience.
If you're an employer interested in previewing these tests, start a 14-day free trial.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor