Linux Developer Test

Use a Linux test to hire developers by testing their knowledge and understanding of Linux.

  • What is a Linux test?

    Linux is an open-source operating system that's well-suited for all kinds of different server applications. Built with the assistance of a Linux kernel, the free system is supported by almost every major computer platform — making it one of the most widely used and supported operating systems.

    The Linux test is designed to help recruiters and employers looking to hire Linux experts.

    The Linux test covers subjects such as moving and copying files, text processing commands, pipelines and much, much more.

    Candidates will have to show their practical experience and knowledge of Linux by answering a series of questions.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a Linux test?
  2. Why is a Linux test so important when hiring?
  3. How to assess Linux coding skills using our test
  4. Linux Developer Test FAQs

Identify the best candidates and hire faster

Our pre-employment tests let you drill down to the best candidates at the click of a button.

  • Find those candidates who will excel in the role.

    Select the tests that match the skills or behaviours the role needs. You can test software or coding knowledge, situational judgement for skills like teamwork, and personality, then decide who to interview on the results.

  • Reduce costs and time.

    No more laborious sifting of resumes or cover letters. Pick your ideal assessment mix, invite your applicants to take them, see the results in your dashboard. Get to the interview stage fast.

  • Compare like with like.

    Every candidate takes the same tests under the same conditions, so you shortlist on the same evidence for everyone rather than on first impressions.

  • Why is a Linux test so important when hiring?

    Skills and aptitude tests like these are a great way of putting candidates to the test and ensuring they really do have the experience and skills listed on their CVs. It's also a great way to remove any bias from the recruitment process, as you assess people on their merit rather than anything else.

    Most recruiters or employers would use the Linux test at the beginning of the application process so they can streamline the number of candidates they meet to interview. This is a great way to ensure you're focusing your time and efforts on the best person or people for the role.

    Because Linux is such a specific system, it's very hard to assess a candidate's knowledge and understanding of it through any other means.

    The Linux test could help you with recruitment for the following roles:

    • Linux system administrator
    • Linux server administrator
    • Linux developer

    By assessing candidates on Linux basics such as commands and the operating systems, as well as more complex concepts, the test will give you extra peace of mind that you're hiring the right person or people for the role.

More Coding Tests

Sample Linux Developer Test question

What is the limitation of using the `find` command to search for files in Linux, compared to using the `grep` command?

  • The `find` command only searches for files based on their names, while `grep` searches for content within the files.

  • The `find` command is not as fast as the `grep` command.

  • The `find` command cannot search for content within compressed files, while `grep` can.

  • The `find` command cannot search for files within subdirectories, while `grep` can.

How to assess Linux coding skills using our test

Our Linux test asks a variety of questions that vary in difficulty level. Candidates who are proficient in Linux should be able to answer most of the questions correctly.

The Linux test provides valuable data-driven insight into what a candidate knows and understands. The test is structured using multiple-choice questions: a familiar format for most test-takers, that allows for instant and objective scoring.

As well as the correct answer, there are typically 2–4 distractors, representing common misconceptions and mistakes. This helps make the test more challenging, so a candidate's ability can be measured more accurately.

Test scores are provided to the user and can be compared to other test-takers in your talent pool to see how they perform relative to each other.

Each test has been thoroughly reviewed to ensure accuracy and validity in line with industry standards. It has been written, examined and edited by Linux experts and psychometric professionals. It has also been reviewed by a diverse sample of job seekers to check for any issues including sensitivity, face validity, fairness and accessibility.

This test is continually monitored so our team can optimize performance and regularly assess fairness issues.

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Recommended tests

A short battery for the role, which you can edit

For the roles on this site we suggest a set of short tests that cover what the job actually needs. Add or remove tests before you send the link. Every test is scored the same way for every candidate, and the report shows the platform average so a score can be read in context.

  • Assessments

    A full suite of assessments

    Our library covers aptitude, software and coding skills, situational judgement, language and personality tests. Combine up to six in one assessment to match the role.

  • Analytics

    An array of candidate metrics

    For each of your candidates, you’ll be given a comprehensive report. Included will be all the metrics you need to build a detailed picture of each candidate and ensure you’re making the right hiring decisions.

“The platform is so simple to use. I had used competitor providers for over six years and will never go back. Fast, efficient and friendly!”
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd
Linux Developer Test expert

Devised by an expert

Developed by our team of I/O psychologists, psychometricians and subject matter experts, our assessments provide reliable, valid and impartial results. They strictly follow industry best practices and stay on the leading edge of innovations to have job seekers’ unique profiles, abilities and knowledge accurately evaluated while minimising bias. They draw on years of research and cutting-edge predictive analytics to create assessments that provide valuable insights into performance, retention, culture fit and more.

Linux Developer Test FAQs

What jobs require Linux knowledge?

System and server administrators, developers and similar roles require a robust knowledge of Linux.

Is the Linux test difficult?

The Linux test is designed to be challenging to help employers to hire people confident with the operating system.

Candidates taking a Linux test should look to brush up on their Linux basics as well as new developments, and they should also practise as many Linux tests as they can to get used to the question style and the pace at which they need to move through the test.

What other skills are required for Linux?

As well as knowledge of the system itself, those working with Linux are usually required to be adept problem solvers, logical thinkers, and comfortable deciphering complex information, often in pressured situations.

What certificates/qualifications are important for Linux?

Generally, these certificates for Linux are highly regarded:

  • Linux+ CompTIA
  • LPI (Linux Professional Institute) Certifications
  • Oracle Linux OCA and; OCP
“An unbeatable service, impressive platform and fantastic value for money.”
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA

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