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Conference noted::hackers_v1

Title:-={ H A C K E R S }=-
Notice:Write locked - see NOTED::HACKERS
Moderator:DIEHRD::MORRIS
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 03 1992
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:680
Total number of notes:5456

564.0. "A hacker is born: The Berger Test" by LUDWIG::DESHARNAIS () Thu Sep 24 1987 01:11

    Are any of you familiar with the Berger Software Aptitude Test?
    This is a timed test which uses a hypothetical language which is  
    very similar to assembler.
    
    Do you think it's an accurate guage of a potential hacker?
    
    Regards,
    Denis
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
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564.1where can I take the test?PLDVAX::ZARLENGARun Marty! It's the Libyans!Thu Sep 24 1987 02:390
564.2TewksburyLUDWIG::DESHARNAISThu Sep 24 1987 03:057
    
    The test is given in Tewksbury.  I don't have the number handy,
    but if you call them and ask for training, you should find the right
    people.
    
    Good luck,
    Denis
564.3Good for screening, not for measuring potentialPUZZLE::BLUMThu Sep 24 1987 17:3721
    The Programmer Training Program (PTP), taught at VRO in Concord, MA,
    uses a Berger test to screen those interested in entering the program.
    I believe it's called the Berger Programming Aptitude Test which
    is similar to what you described (timed test... hypothetical langauge),
    or is it the one you referred to?  Aproximately 20% of the people pass
    the test.
    
    My personal opinion is that while it's very useful in screening
    entrants into PTP, I'm not sure it's an accurate gauge of POTENTIAL.
    After all, (generally) the more experience a person has in programming,
    the more developed and sharper their skills become in this area.
    I believe that even if a person fails the test, they still can excell
    at programming.  Also, I think some of the people who made it into
    PTP had to take the test 2 or 3 times before passing it, and PTP
    has a reputation of turning out excellent programmers.
    
    
    Regards,
    
    John
    
564.4Not even good for potentialKYOMTS::WHITECOTTONI wouldn't run for PresidentSat Sep 26 1987 00:392
    I took the test 10 years ago and passed...I still can't program
    worth a darn.