Re: AS/400 RPG Certification Test

[Richard Baird <rbbaird@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Pete Hall wrote:
> 
> At 08:56 09/02/98 -0500, Richard Baird wrote:
> >Ken,
> >
> >I took the test, got a 92. (woohoo)
> 
> I suppose at some level these tests are fine, but I really question their 
>value for anything but the lowest skill level. I write several different 
>languages, and currently two different dialects of RPG. It' just not possible 
>to keep it all 100% straight. For the more esoteric things (which indicators 
>do what for TESTN? How do you find the system name for an SQL table? What the 
>~@!# is the op code for rollback this week?), I look it up in the manual. 
>Life's too short to worry about this crap. You'd have to be an idiot savant>

I resemble that remark! :)

The test wasn't quite that simplistic.  True, many of the questions
were meerly syntax excercises, but even those required logic skills
and attention to detail to figure out.

>I think it's much more important to know how to quickly find that obscure bit 
>of info than it is to be able to recite it on command. A good programmer can 
>quickly shift gears and adapt to whatever environment is at hand. I'll always 
>prefer someone who can think over someone who can only recite.>

I never could "talk the talk".  And it's been my experience that many
of those who could talk the talk, were worthless when it came to
walking the walk.

I took the test because of 'biz partner' requirements, and didn't find
it difficult at all, but I have always done well on tests.  A collegue
took the test and failed, not because he isn't a decent programmer,
but because tests make him nervous.

Rick
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