PC Technitian Exam!!

The above answer is really quite sound. I would, however, actually take the practice exams available for the CompTIA certs and quiz them on that material. I would caution, however, that many hiring managers wind up in the same pit-falls of disqualifying a good tech by merely test scores alone. While CompTIA and other professional organizations provide good testing material, it just does not replace good expereince. I've been a tech for 8 years and quite frankly, the exams just do not cover "real-world" issues. Text book scenarios are no replacement for field experience. So you have a tech that can pass tests, but how many machines have they blown up on the bench, or how many machines have they even worked on, for that matter? If youwant to administer a test of this nature, maybe have them do something literally hands-on. Give them a PC with a known issue, have them figure it out for them selves and resolve the issue. Before I was certified, I worked with several certified techs but really knew less than I did out the gate, so to speak. Experience speaks much louder than paper, but unfortunately, many employers listen to the paper more intently.

Recommended exams: SYBEX A+ Certification Study Kit and Exam Cram provide good exam materials. Also try cert21.com which has online practice tests. But above all else, look at the experience. Pass/Fail of any exam does not necessarily determine true experience or capabilities.

Good luck!

There is no standard exam for you to Test,that is published,you may have to create your own type of exam to test perspective prospects competence in computer troubleshooting.

The afore mentioned exam is for individuals that enter Computer technology that want to gain certification to help in obtaining jobs,this certification is sponsored by Comp TIA,and not generally available to the public.

In general you may reference sites that apply A+_ Certifications study guides to create an exam

Written test are nice but they don't fix anything. You need a hands on test to see if they can apply the knowledge learned from books etc.
There has to be a blend of written work and hands on problems,on your tests, to get the best type of employee.
Frank

There are great tests at www.brainbench.com
You can go to the site and take a PC technician test for free.

It is a good test. I think it is harder than the A+ exam.

Have them take it at your office.

I would start with techs who are at least A+ certified - If they are not, I wouldn't bother with them.

To hire PC Technicians use what you can find as far as a written test. Do not discount certifications (they prove that someone has gone through the extra effort to take and pass a test). Do not discount people without certifications either. Some of the best techs I know, do not have any certifications because they keep busy and do not have the time to pursue paper certifications.

Basically I recommend that you go through the applications and determine who the best people to interview are, based on experience in the field or based on schooling/education. If you have any technical know-how, then talking with these people as you interview with them will determine what they do or do not know and whether or not they'd be a good match for your company. If you do not have technical knowledge, then by all means provide them with a written or "hands on" test (there are also companies that will test potential applicants' knowledge and make a recommendation).

Don't forget the other things too -- attitude, customer friendly, flexibility, listening skills -- all of these characteristics go into hiring technicians as well. A person may pass certifications, tests, hands on with 100% accuracy, and still be a lousy tech if he/she does not have a good attitude.