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JCL Online Test

The JCL Online Test uses scenario-based MCQs to evaluate candidates ability to design, develop and manage JCL (Job Control Language) scripts for batch processing in large enterprise environments. The test assesses candidates on skills such as creating and modifying job control statements, coding condition codes, using utilities such as SORT and IDCAMS, managing resources, and analyzing JCL error messages.

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Screen candidates with a 30 mins test

Test duration:  30 mins
Difficulty level:  Moderate
Availability:  Ready to use
Questions:
  • 5 IBM JCL MCQs
  • 7 COBOL MCQs
Covered skills:
JCL commands
JCL statements
JCL utilities
JCL parameters
JCL job control
Job scheduling
Job dependency
Job execution
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Use the JCL Test to shortlist qualified candidates

The JCL Online Test helps recruiters and hiring managers identify qualified candidates from a pool of resumes, and helps in taking objective hiring decisions. It reduces the administrative overhead of interviewing too many candidates and saves time by filtering out unqualified candidates at the first step of the hiring process.

The test screens for the following skills that hiring managers look for in candidates:

  • Ability to write and understand JCL commands
  • Ability to use JCL statements effectively
  • Proficiency in JCL utilities
  • Understanding and usage of JCL parameters
  • Capability to control JCL job execution
  • Knowledge of job scheduling and dependencies
  • Strong understanding of job execution in JCL
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Screen candidates with the highest quality questions

We have a very high focus on the quality of questions that test for on-the-job skills. Every question is non-googleable and we have a very high bar for the level of subject matter experts we onboard to create these questions. We have crawlers to check if any of the questions are leaked online. If/ when a question gets leaked, we get an alert. We change the question for you & let you know.

How we design questions

These are just a small sample from our library of 15,000+ questions. The actual questions on this JCL Test will be non-googleable.

🧐 Question

Medium

Disposition Parameters
JCL Syntax
Dataset Management
Solve
Consider the following JCL snippet:
 image
In MYJOB, PROG1 in STEP1 uses the dataset MY.DS.INPUT with a disposition of (OLD,DELETE,KEEP). PROG2 in STEP2 also uses the dataset MY.DS.INPUT with a disposition of (NEW,PASS,DELETE).

Assume that STEP1 executed successfully, but STEP2 failed during its execution. What would be the status of the dataset MY.DS.INPUT after the job MYJOB is run?
A: MY.DS.INPUT will be deleted.
B: MY.DS.INPUT will be kept and can be used by other jobs.
C: MY.DS.INPUT will be newly created.
D: MY.DS.INPUT will be available for the duration of the job, then deleted.
E: MY.DS.INPUT status cannot be determined with the provided information.

Medium

Execution Order and Return Codes
Job Control
Execution Order
Return Codes
Solve
Consider a JCL job that needs to execute five steps: STEP01, STEP02, STEP03, STEP04, and STEP05. The steps represent data initialization, data processing, data validation, error handling, and job finalization respectively.

The execution rules are as follows:

1. The job should always start with STEP01.
2. STEP02 should only execute if STEP01 completes successfully with a return code (RC) of 0.
3. STEP03 should always run after STEP02, irrespective of STEP02's return code.
4. STEP04 should only execute if either STEP02 or STEP03 fails, i.e., return a code not equal to 0.
5. STEP05 should always be the last step, and should only execute if all the previous steps were successful (each returning a code of 0).

Given these rules, how would you design the JCL job using the IF/THEN/ELSE/ENDIF construct?
 image

Medium

Decision Control
Arithmetic Operations
Decision Structures
Data Types
Solve
Consider the following COBOL program:
 image
What will the program display when it is executed?

Medium

Multi Dimensional Arrays
Arrays
Data Processing
Subroutines
Solve
Consider the following pseudocode snippet in COBOL:
 image
After executing this program, what will be the final state of StrArr?

Medium

VSAM File Processing in COBOL
VSAM
File Handling
Solve
Consider the following COBOL code snippet. The program aims to read from a VSAM Key-Sequenced Data Set (KSDS) named 'CUSTOMER-FILE' which contains customer records. The program reads the file in ascending order by 'CUSTOMER-ID', performs some processing (not shown here), and then displays the 'CUSTOMER-NAME' of the last record read.
 image
Assuming there are no syntax errors and the 'CUSTOMER-FILE' is present and accessible, what will the program display as the last customer's name after executing this COBOL program?
A: The program will display the name of the customer with the highest 'CUSTOMER-ID'.
B: The program will display the name of the customer with the lowest 'CUSTOMER-ID'.
C: The program will not display any customer name.
D: The program will display the name of the first customer in the 'CUSTOMER-FILE'.
E: The program will display an uninitialized or random 'LAST-NAME'.
🧐 Question🔧 Skill

Medium

Disposition Parameters
JCL Syntax
Dataset Management

2 mins

IBM JCL
Solve

Medium

Execution Order and Return Codes
Job Control
Execution Order
Return Codes

2 mins

IBM JCL
Solve

Medium

Decision Control
Arithmetic Operations
Decision Structures
Data Types

2 mins

COBOL
Solve

Medium

Multi Dimensional Arrays
Arrays
Data Processing
Subroutines

2 mins

COBOL
Solve

Medium

VSAM File Processing in COBOL
VSAM
File Handling

2 mins

COBOL
Solve
🧐 Question🔧 Skill💪 Difficulty⌛ Time
Disposition Parameters
JCL Syntax
Dataset Management
IBM JCL
Medium2 mins
Solve
Execution Order and Return Codes
Job Control
Execution Order
Return Codes
IBM JCL
Medium2 mins
Solve
Decision Control
Arithmetic Operations
Decision Structures
Data Types
COBOL
Medium2 mins
Solve
Multi Dimensional Arrays
Arrays
Data Processing
Subroutines
COBOL
Medium2 mins
Solve
VSAM File Processing in COBOL
VSAM
File Handling
COBOL
Medium2 mins
Solve

Test candidates on core JCL Hiring Test topics

JCL commands: JCL commands refer to the instructions given in JCL (Job Control Language) that define and control various tasks within a job, such as creating datasets, allocating files, executing programs, and managing system resources. This skill is measured in the test to evaluate a candidate's knowledge and proficiency in using JCL commands effectively to perform job-related tasks.

JCL statements: JCL statements are instructions written in JCL (Job Control Language) that specify the steps and parameters needed to execute a job. These statements define the job, job steps, input/output files, and other necessary details. Measuring this skill in the test helps determine a candidate's familiarity with JCL statement syntax and their ability to create error-free and efficient job control procedures.

JCL utilities: JCL utilities are predefined programs that perform specific tasks in the mainframe environment, such as copying, sorting, merging, and manipulating datasets. Evaluating a candidate's knowledge of JCL utilities in the test assesses their ability to utilize these tools effectively for data management and processing tasks, contributing to the overall efficiency of job execution.

JCL parameters: JCL parameters are values provided in the job control language that affect the behavior and execution of a job. These parameters define job-related attributes, such as dataset names, program options, system settings, and resource allocation. Assessing a candidate's understanding of JCL parameters in the test helps measure their capability to define and control job characteristics, ensuring successful job execution.

JCL job control: JCL job control refers to the skill of efficiently managing job execution in the mainframe environment. It involves organizing job steps, defining dependencies, specifying execution order, and monitoring resources to ensure optimal performance. Measuring this skill in the test helps identify candidates who can effectively handle job control tasks, ensuring timely and error-free execution of critical job workflows.

Job scheduling: Job scheduling entails creating a schedule for the execution of various jobs within a computing system. Scheduling involves determining the appropriate timing and sequencing of jobs to optimize system resources and meet organizational requirements. Evaluating a candidate's proficiency in job scheduling in this test enables recruiters to identify individuals who can effectively manage job schedules, ensuring the smooth operation of business processes.

Job dependency: Job dependency refers to the relationship between jobs, where the completion of one job is dependent on the successful execution of another job. Understanding and managing job dependencies is crucial for maintaining the proper order of job execution, avoiding conflicts, and ensuring job workflows are carried out accurately and efficiently. Assessing a candidate's knowledge of job dependency in the test helps determine their ability to manage interdependent jobs effectively, minimizing errors and delays.

Job execution: Job execution refers to the process of running jobs or tasks within a computing system, following the defined instructions and schedules. This skill encompasses managing resources, ensuring job completion within specified time frames, monitoring job statuses, and resolving any issues or errors that may occur during execution. Measuring a candidate's competence in job execution in this test helps gauge their ability to carry out job-related tasks efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and meeting organizational goals.

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Have questions about the JCL Hiring Test?

What roles can I use the JCL Test for?

Here are few roles for which we recommend this test:

  • Mainframe Developer
  • Mainframe Operator
Can I combine the JCL Test with COBOL questions?

Yes, recruiters can request a custom test incorporating both JCL and COBOL questions. For more details on assessing COBOL skills, refer to our COBOL Online Test.

How to use the JCL Test in my hiring process?

You can use the JCL Test as a pre-screening tool. Add the test link in your job post or invite candidates via email.

What are the main IBM tests?
Do you have any anti-cheating or proctoring features in place?

We have the following anti-cheating features in place:

  • Non-googleable questions
  • IP proctoring
  • Screen proctoring
  • Web proctoring
  • Webcam proctoring
  • Plagiarism detection
  • Secure browser
  • Copy paste protection

Read more about the proctoring features.

What experience level can I use this test for?

Each Adaface assessment is customized to your job description/ ideal candidate persona (our subject matter experts will pick the right questions for your assessment from our library of 10000+ questions). This assessment can be customized for any experience level.

I'm a candidate. Can I try a practice test?

No. Unfortunately, we do not support practice tests at the moment. However, you can use our sample questions for practice.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, you can sign up for free and preview this test.

What is JCL Test?

The JCL Test is designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge and skills in Job Control Language (JCL). It is used by recruiters to find individuals proficient in managing and executing jobs in IBM mainframe environments.

What skills are covered in the JCL Test?

This test covers skills like JCL commands, statements, utilities, parameters, job control, job scheduling, job dependency, and job execution.

Can I test JCL and Mainframe together in a test?

Yes, you can combine JCL and Mainframe skills in one custom test. This is recommended for a comprehensive assessment. Refer to our IBM Mainframe Test for more details.

Can I combine multiple skills into one custom assessment?

Yes, absolutely. Custom assessments are set up based on your job description, and will include questions on all must-have skills you specify. Here's a quick guide on how you can request a custom test.

How do I interpret test scores?

The primary thing to keep in mind is that an assessment is an elimination tool, not a selection tool. A skills assessment is optimized to help you eliminate candidates who are not technically qualified for the role, it is not optimized to help you find the best candidate for the role. So the ideal way to use an assessment is to decide a threshold score (typically 55%, we help you benchmark) and invite all candidates who score above the threshold for the next rounds of interview.

Does every candidate get the same questions?

Yes, it makes it much easier for you to compare candidates. Options for MCQ questions and the order of questions are randomized. We have anti-cheating/ proctoring features in place. In our enterprise plan, we also have the option to create multiple versions of the same assessment with questions of similar difficulty levels.

What is the cost of using this test?

You can check out our pricing plans.

I just moved to a paid plan. How can I request a custom assessment?

Here is a quick guide on how to request a custom assessment on Adaface.

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