proficiency testing in Project

[Jenn]

Hello,

I'm looking for an appropriate Project test to use for recruitment purposes.
We don't currently use this software but are looking to integrate it. I
wouls want a short and sweet proficiency test.

Any ideas?

 

[Dave]

Hello,

I'm looking for an appropriate Project test to use for recruitment purposes.
We don't currently use this software but are looking to integrate it. I
wouls want a short and sweet proficiency test.

Any ideas?

Do you mean a practical test?

How about getting them to produce a plan based on a given set of
activities. Get them to link the activities to see if they understand
linking (in the sense that it determines the order in which activities
can take place). Then get them to level it and sort out any problems.
Find out how they track with some sample data as well as that is often
another area of misundenderstanding. Finally get them to show you some
different views and modify timescales. Printing is another good one.

What do you want to test- their skills on Project or their project
management skills which is probably more important.

Really it depends on how hong you have and how much IT support you can
have on the day. Do do this will consume a considerable proportion of
an interview.

 

[Rod Gill]

Personally I would never rely on any certificate. I had to take the Project
Server exam for partner qualification and it was a classic cram and forget
exam. I disagreed quite strongly with some answers to questions (based on
trial questions you can buy and our local environment) but just gave the
answers the trial questions said and I passed. In fact I sat the hardware
design and software install exam by mistake first and I only failed by 14
points even though I know next to nothing about AD, clustered server bits
and networking thingies!! Great exam technique and some luck got me that
close.

Nothing can replace setting up a realistic test in interviews, exams simply
show the person can cram and forget, not that they can actually use the
tools in real life!!

--

Rod Gill
Project MVP

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