System Administrator Test

When looking to fill a system administrator position, it's important to make sure that the candidate has the skills necessary to do the job. A system administrator skills test can help ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the position.

  • What is a system administrator skills test?

    A system administrator skills test is designed to help you recruit a system administrator by assessing the skills, expertise and knowledge required for the job.

    A system administrator is in charge of the configuration, maintenance and running of computer operating systems. The skills test looks at how equipped each candidate is to take on the role by asking questions on a wide range of topics from troubleshooting and virus protection, to communication and understanding user requirements.

    On the skills test, multiple-choice questions must be answered within a set time. This gives recruiters and employers a chance to assess how well each candidate performs under pressure. A useful skill in most roles, but especially in the tech sector.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a system administrator skills test?
  2. What are the benefits of using the system administrator skills test for pre-screening?
  3. How our test measures system administrator skills
  4. System Administrator Test FAQs

Identify the best candidates and hire faster

Our pre-employment tests let you drill down to the best candidates at the click of a button.

  • Find those candidates who will excel in the role.

    Select the assessments that match the skills or behaviours for the position. You can test for software or coding competency, soft skills like teamwork, or personality traits, to be sure those who pass have high potential.

  • Reduce costs and time.

    No more laborious sifting of resumes or cover letters. Pick your ideal assessment mix, invite your applicants to take them, see the results in your dashboard. Get to the interview stage fast.

  • Eliminate bias.

    All your candidates take the assessments on a level playing field. Only their results determine whether they get shortlisted.

  • What are the benefits of using the system administrator skills test for pre-screening?

    Pre-screening is being adopted more and more frequently by employers, such as PiPA, who are short on time and want to invest it in the right places. Whether you decide to use the test before reviewing resumes, or before inviting candidates to interview, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions by using the results.

    Skills tests can also help reduce bias in the process by ensuring decisions are made using test results rather than anything else. The test also helps filter out candidates who may have embellished their levels of skill or experience on their resume.

    The core skills assessed by the test are knowledge of Linux and Windows systems, software installation, security, and network management. The test also examines candidates’ soft skills including communication style, the ability to convey technical information to those with limited understanding, and teamwork.

    Those who perform well on the test show they have the propensity to be strong system administrators and can be considered for the next round of the process.

    Although the system administrator skills test has been designed to recruit for this role specifically, it’s still really useful if you’re looking to hire the following roles:

More Job Skills Tests

How our test measures system administrator skills

Test questions are designed to assess industry-specific technical skills, soft skills, aptitude and suitable personality dimensions. Our data-driven approach provides results that enable you to determine how suited is a candidate for the role.

Depending on the type of question, the format of the test may vary. Multiple-choice questions are used to measure aptitude, technical skills and soft skills, while agreement on a Likert scale assesses suitable personality dimensions. Skills tests ensure that candidates are being evaluated in a precise and impartial manner, their results demonstrating the true knowledge and potential of each test taker.

The characteristics required to be a system administrator were determined by looking at the skills and abilities listed in the US Department of Labor’s O*NET database, which collects data from professionals in various fields.

O*NET is the largest database of its kind, providing detailed information about occupations and the requirements for each role.

Our team of I/O psychologists and psychometrics worked closely with subject-matter experts to create an extensive question bank that can be used to test multiple candidates. We also conducted rigorous field testing with a representative sample of candidates to ensure that the questions were reliable and valid.

Test scores are averaged together to give an overall score. The average score is compared to other candidates' scores to ensure there is no bias toward certain candidates.

Our system administrator test is constantly updated and optimized to ensure the best experience and results.

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Validated

Predictor of job success

Picked provides evidence-based recommendations for tests to use for over 750 jobs. Our recommendation engine leverages data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

  • Assessments

    A full suite of assessments

    Our platform comes with 12 tests across both foundation and advanced levels so they’re suitable for everyone. Including aptitude, behavioural and personality tests, you’ll have a full range of tests to help you find the candidates you’re seeking.

  • Analytics

    An array of candidate metrics

    For each of your candidates, you’ll be given a comprehensive report. Included will be all the metrics you need to build a detailed picture of each candidate and ensure you’re making the right hiring decisions.

“The platform is so simple to use. I had used competitor providers for over six years and will never go back. Fast, efficient and friendly!”
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd

System Administrator Test FAQs

What skills are important for system administrators?

System administrators need to be comfortable with computers and computer operating systems. They tend to be natural problem solvers with an aptitude for logical thinking. Soft skills required include communication, teamwork and patience.

What technical abilities should I assess when hiring a system administrator?

Prospective system administrators need to be able to demonstrate an understanding of both Windows and Linux systems. They should also be able to prove they can maintain servers, troubleshoot and deal with the basic operation of computer systems.

Can I see what the test is like?

Yes, of course. You can try the test for free by signing up for a free trial.

Are these tests available in my plan?

We have a range of plans available. The difference between the plans is the number of test attempts permitted, not the type of tests. All our plans include our full test suite comprising all tests and all levels.

“An unbeatable service, impressive platform and fantastic value for money.”
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA

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