Skills Council of Canada

Assessment to determine skill gaps

Help Desk Specialist

Test Description

This test measures the candidate's ability to troubleshoot information technology issues relating to software, hardware, and networking. Communication skills and interpersonal skills are also assessed. The test covers several subject areas: Basic Computer Knowledge, MS Windows 10® for General Use, Hardware, and Networking Skills. It can be used to evaluate the performance potential of candidates for the following positions: Technical Support Specialist, Help Desk Support Operator, and Help Desk Analyst.

Subject Areas

Basic Computer Knowledge
MS Windows 10® for General Use
Hardware
Networking Skills

Positions

Technical Support Specialist
Help Desk Support Operator
Help Desk Analyst

Each assessment provides an overview of your job role skills. This includes the essential, soft and technical skills? Assessments can be customized to create more difficult, complex evaluations.

What are the essential skills?

Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Knowledge of computer hardware and software systems
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Attention to detail and accuracy
Time management and organizational skills
Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment
Familiarity with remote desktop support tools
Understanding of network protocols and configurations
Ability to adapt to new technologies and software applications

What are the soft skills?

Effective communication
Active listening
Patience
Empathy
Problem-solving
Time management
Adaptability
Customer service
Teamwork
Conflict resolution

What are the technical skills?

Troubleshooting hardware and software issues
Knowledge of operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
Familiarity with networking concepts and protocols
Ability to diagnose and resolve network connectivity issues
Experience with remote desktop support tools
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Understanding of mobile device management (MDM) solutions
Knowledge of virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V)
Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure)
Ability to document technical issues and resolutions accurately

Why is an assessment important?

Assessments are important for many reasons, both in educational and professional settings. Here are some of the key reasons why assessments are important:

Measure Learning: Assessments are used to measure the level of learning that has occurred, allowing instructors and employers to identify strengths and weaknesses in a student or employee's knowledge and skills.
Identify Gaps: Assessments can also help identify gaps in learning or performance, allowing instructors and employers to provide targeted support and resources to address those gaps.
Evaluate Effectiveness: Assessments can help evaluate the effectiveness of teaching methods, training programs, or learning materials, allowing instructors and employers to make data-driven decisions to improve their offerings.
Provide Feedback: Assessments provide valuable feedback to both students and employees, helping them understand their progress and identify areas for improvement. This feedback can motivate individuals to work harder and achieve their goals.
Support Decision Making: Assessments can also be used to support decision-making processes, such as hiring decisions or admission to academic programs.
Standardize Processes: Assessments help standardize processes and ensure that all students or employees are evaluated using the same criteria, making it easier to compare results across individuals or groups.

Improved Hiring Efficiency

Customizable assessments, companies can efficiently and effectively evaluate candidates' skills, knowledge, and abilities, reducing the time and resources required for hiring.

Accurate Candidate Evaluation

Comprehensive testing and assessment platform provides accurate and objective insights into candidates' skills, knowledge, and abilities, enabling companies to make informed hiring decisions based on objective data.

Customizable Assessments

Platform allows companies to create and customize assessments tailored to their specific job requirements and skill sets, ensuring that they are evaluating candidates based on the skills that are most critical to their business.

Enhanced Employee Performance

Platform includes a range of assessments and training programs designed to improve employee skills and knowledge, helping companies build a more skilled and capable workforce. By identifying skill gaps and providing targeted training, companies can improve employee performance and productivity.

Accurate Results

Proprietary algorithm guarantees that your assessments are accurate and unbiased, eliminating any potential for human error or bias. This means that you can confidently make informed decisions about your candidates, knowing that the results are based solely on their skills and abilities.

Access Pre-Paid Assessments

At Skills Council of Canada, we're dedicated to empowering individuals from vulnerable communities to realize their career aspirations. Part of our commitment includes providing access to job-role and subject-based assessments to identify and address skill gaps. We deliver these services exclusively through our partner organizations that serve vulnerable populations. To avail of these pre-funded services, your organization needs to partner with us and demonstrate your commitment to serving vulnerable communities in need of support.

Become a partner