The Unix Bash Scripting test evaluates the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level to mid-level programmers to write, debug, deploy, and maintain scripts in Unix Bash, with a primary focus on syntax, keywords, and common usage. The assessment measures a range of skill areas including Variables, Data Types, and Parameters; Control Structures: Conditionals and Loops; Input, Output, Redirection, and Piping; File Operations and Permissions; Text Processing with grep, sed, and awk; and Error Handling and Exit Codes.

The test features multiple question formats, including Multiple Choice, Multiple Correct Answer, and Essay Composition questions, with questions drawn from a large pool to help prevent cheating. One or more questions include time limits to further deter cheating and improve predictive performance, and artificial intelligence is used in the scoring of one or more questions to ensure accurate and consistent evaluation of candidate responses.

The specific attributes measured include:

Following completion, the test produces a Candidate Selection Report that includes an overall score and detailed scores for each attribute.

The Candidate Selection Report also provides expert interview questions that help you probe critical or low-scoring areas, along with a guide for noting your evaluation of the candidate's responses. Consistent use of an interview guide is an important part of gaining better candidate insights and making better hiring decisions.

Note that while the Unix Bash Scripting assessment is a useful and efficient instrument for confirming a base level of skill or knowledge about this important topic, it is not intended to pinpoint the exact level of candidate or skill. We recommend that skills tests, like this one, be used in parallel with other measurements, such as cognitive ability, job fit, and behavioral history. Each different type of test provides a valuable piece of information you can use when evaluating potential job performance.