Your ICT professional assessment

Which ICT role really suits you?

You answer 120 questions in 6 stages – self-assessments, short practical situations, knowledge and interest questions. From this we create your competency profile and the ICT roles that fit you best.

120 questions · approx. 45–60 minutes · Free to complete

🌐 You can take the survey in any available language. The personal evaluation is available in German and English.

Optional – helps us better assess your level and matching roles.

Highest formal qualification

Years of ICT work experience

Most recent ICT role

🔒 Your data stays with Alpasana GmbH. You can unlock the full result afterwards (CHF 249.00).

Stage 1/60 / 120

Stage 1 / 6

Working Style & Personal

I organise my tasks independently and learn new things on my own.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

Even with complex, unclear problems I keep the overview and prioritise sensibly.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

There is a conflict in the team about the technical direction. How do you react?

I listen to both sides, make the criteria transparent and facilitate a joint decision. I propose a compromise so things calm down quickly. I push through my preferred solution because I believe it's right. I stay out of it, the others should sort it out.

I enjoy taking responsibility for people and developing them in a targeted way.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

I can explain technical matters so that even non-technical people understand the essence.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

You have to present a technical risk analysis to management. What is your approach?

I focus on impact, options and recommendation, and keep technical details ready in the appendix. I show all technical findings in full so nothing gets lost. I limit myself to a brief recommendation without justification. I forward the raw data and skip a presentation.

What is especially important in a good ICT presentation for non-experts?

Clearly account for the target audience, decision context and key message. Use as many technical terms as possible to show competence. Show only technical details and avoid business impact. Read out a complete documentation.

In critical situations I can communicate clearly without dramatising unnecessarily or downplaying risks.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A user reports a problem very emotionally. How do you react?

I listen actively, summarise the problem clearly and clarify the next step. I first explain why the error is probably not on the ICT side. I ask for a ticket and end the conversation as quickly as possible. I ignore the tone and only solve the technical part.

I give others constructive feedback and support them in moving forward.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

An important project is blocked because two experienced specialists set opposing priorities. What do you do?

I clarify goals, decision criteria and responsibilities and bring about a binding decision. I decide alone on gut feeling so the project keeps moving. I escalate immediately to senior management without clarifying anything myself. I wait until those involved agree among themselves.

Several urgent tasks arrive at the same time. How do you proceed?

I prioritise by impact, deadlines and dependencies, communicate bottlenecks and work through them in a focused way. I start with the most pleasant task to get going. I try to handle everything in parallel. I ask for priorities without preparing my own assessment.

Which working style best supports independent learning?

Set learning goals, check sources, practise and reflect on what was learned. Only learn when a task is documented exactly. Avoid new topics until someone organises a training. Install lots of tools without applying them purposefully.

I actively ask for other perspectives before I evaluate a joint solution.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What best describes psychological safety in a team?

Team members can raise questions, mistakes and concerns without fear of being put down. All decisions are made unanimously. Conflicts are avoided on principle. Only experienced people may voice criticism.

I develop several solution approaches and compare them against clear criteria.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What is a prototype typically used for in solution design?

To test assumptions early and gather feedback before much effort is spent. To replace a production solution without tests. To make documentation completely unnecessary. To set all architecture decisions in stone.

An incident affects several systems, suppliers and business processes. What is the most sensible first step?

I structure impact, dependencies and hypotheses, set priorities and coordinate the analysis. I first investigate each system fully, one after another. I inform only the loudest stakeholder. I task all teams at once without a shared situational overview.

I recognise patterns across different cases and can derive general rules from them.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What is a good data or process model?

A simplified, purpose-oriented representation of relevant objects, relationships and rules. A complete copy of reality with all details. A diagram without defined terms. A substitute for clarifying the subject matter.

Stage 2 / 6

Organisation, Market & Consulting

I clarify expectations, benefits and conditions before I recommend a solution.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A customer demands a technical solution that barely solves their actual problem. How do you react?

I ask about goal and benefit, explain the gap and propose suitable alternatives. I deliver exactly what was requested so the customer is satisfied. I curtly reject the request. I offer the most expensive option because it has the most possibilities.

What is part of professional expectation management?

Making goals, assumptions, risks, responsibilities and next steps transparent. Mentioning only the positive aspects of a solution. Discussing unclear points only at the end of the project. Involving stakeholders as rarely as possible.

I can mediate between short-term customer wishes and long-term benefit.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A stakeholder is sceptical about a proposed change. What makes sense?

I take up the concerns, explain benefits and risks clearly and jointly look for conditions for agreement. I point to the technical superiority of the solution. I ignore the resistance once the decision is formally made. I promise all the desired extra features without checking.

I stick to defined processes and recognise when exceptions need to be soundly justified.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A team wants to skip a compliance check due to time pressure. What do you do?

I clarify risk and obligation, look for an accelerated verifiable option and document the decision. I agree if everyone on the team is on board. I stop everything without examining alternatives. I postpone the documentation until after go-live.

What is the purpose of governance in ICT?

To steer ICT decisions, responsibilities, controls and alignment with the business. To centrally block every technical decision. To organise only the ICT accounting. To replace agile ways of working on principle.

I take culture, informal decision paths and roles into account when planning change.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A technically sensible innovation is hardly accepted in the organisation. What do you do?

I analyse those affected, interests and cultural factors and plan communication and involvement in a targeted way. I increase the level of technical detail in the documentation. I push the change through because it is objectively better. I abandon the initiative immediately.

When making ICT decisions I also consider cost, benefit and long-term operation.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

Two solutions meet the requirements but differ greatly in licence and operating costs. How do you decide?

I compare total cost of ownership, benefit, risks and flexibility over the lifecycle. I choose the cheapest to purchase. I choose the technically most exciting solution. I decide based on the best-known product name.

I follow ICT trends and assess which of them are actually relevant for an industry.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

I recognise how digital solutions can change processes, roles and customer experiences.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What is digital transformation typically more than just introducing a tool?

Changing processes, roles, data flows, skills and business models. Replacing paper forms with PDF files. Purchasing as many cloud services as possible. A one-off training without process change.

I can link ICT measures to business goals and risks.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

The ICT roadmap contains many initiatives but limited capacity. What is appropriate?

I prioritise by strategic contribution, risk, dependencies and feasibility and make trade-offs visible. I first plan the technically most modern initiatives. I distribute capacity evenly across all requests. I let the order be determined by when requests come in.

What is a central characteristic of a good ICT strategy?

It connects business goals, target architecture, investments, risks and implementation planning. It consists only of a list of preferred technologies. It is created once and never reviewed again. It avoids statements about priorities.

I recognise when unclear processes or responsibilities amplify technical problems.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

An incident is left unaddressed because several teams don't feel responsible. What do you do?

I clarify process, roles and escalation paths and propose a binding responsibility rule. I look for the team that seems least busy. I solve the individual case and ignore the structural cause. I forward the ticket without comment.

Stage 3 / 6

Development, Requirements & Methods

I can independently write clean, tested code and work with version control (Git).

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What does the term "refactoring" best describe?

Improving the internal structure of code without changing its external behaviour. Adding new features to an application. Fixing an error in the code (bugfix). Translating code from one programming language into another.

A client describes their request very vaguely. What do you do first?

Clarify and document the goal, users and acceptance criteria with targeted questions. Build a first solution and gather feedback. Make assumptions and implement directly. Wait for a complete written specification.

I can plan tasks, deadlines, risks and dependencies in a project in a traceable way.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A sprint goal is at risk because a dependency won't be delivered on time. What do you do?

I make impact and options transparent, prioritise with the Product Owner and adjust the plan in a controlled way. I let the team work overtime without changing the goal. I postpone the discussion until the Sprint Review. I quietly remove acceptance criteria.

What is a project risk register used for?

To track risks with cause, impact, probability, measures and owners. To replace task lists for developers. To archive only problems that have already occurred, after the fact. To calculate budget items automatically.

I can deliberately weigh scope, quality, time and cost against each other and justify the trade-off.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A stakeholder requests an extra feature shortly before acceptance. What is professional?

I assess benefit, effort and impact on schedule and quality and bring about a deliberate change decision. I add the feature right away to be friendly. I reject it on principle. I build it in without documentation.

With software I focus not only on functionality but also on maintainability, tests, security and deployment.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A merge request contains working code but hardly any tests and hard-to-understand logic. What do you do?

I request targeted tests and a clearer structure, justify the risks and offer concrete hints. I merge because the feature visibly works. I block it without explanation. I write all the tests myself without giving feedback.

In production an error occurs that can't be reproduced locally. What makes sense?

I gather logs, inputs, versions and environment, narrow down the cause and create a reproducible test case. I change code on a hunch and deploy immediately. I restart the server and close the ticket. I ask users for screenshots and wait.

I can translate requirements into clear, verifiable statements.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What is a good acceptance criterion?

A concrete, verifiable condition for when a requirement is met. A technical implementation instruction for every line of code. A rough idea without a measurable completion. A prioritisation method for the backlog.

When implementing, I think early about tests, review and traceable quality criteria.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What is the main purpose of regression testing?

To ensure that existing features still work correctly after changes. To measure only an application's performance. To make user interfaces prettier. To prioritise requirements.

I can sensibly place agile roles, artefacts and ceremonies.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What is primarily the Product Owner's responsibility in Scrum?

Being responsible for the value, prioritisation and transparency of the Product Backlog. Defining the technical architecture alone. Managing all team members in a disciplinary capacity. Assigning every task in the sprint daily.

I pay attention to whether digital solutions are understandable and efficient to use for the target audience.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

Users frequently abandon an online process at the same point. What do you do first?

I analyse usage data, observe real users and identify the concrete hurdles. I change colours and icons because the page then looks more modern. I add more explanatory text without checking the cause. I assume that users need to be trained better.

I can translate subject-matter facts into models without overlooking important exceptions.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

Stage 4 / 6

Operations, Systems & Security

What is the main goal of multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

To add extra protection to access in case a password is compromised. To make passwords unnecessary. To make logging in faster. To encrypt data on the network.

I can administer, monitor and troubleshoot servers and services during live operation.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

I observe basic principles such as least privilege, secure passwords and clean permissions.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A developer asks for direct access to production data to analyse an error. What do you do?

I check purpose and authorisation, prefer anonymised data or controlled access and document the approval. I grant access if it speeds up the troubleshooting. I reject any access on principle without checking alternatives. I send a data export by email.

I can prioritise security measures by risk, protection needs and usability.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A phishing email reaches several employees. How do you react operationally?

I secure indicators, block links/senders, check affected accounts and inform in a targeted way. I only delete the reported message. I send a general warning without technical measures. I wait to see whether more reports come in.

I can follow typical operational tasks such as monitoring, patching and backup checks.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A central service is slow but not completely down. What do you check first?

I systematically check monitoring, recent changes, resources, dependencies and user impact. I restart the service immediately without backing up data. I wait for a complete outage. I increase server resources across the board.

What is an important goal of monitoring?

To detect the state, performance and errors of systems early and alert in a traceable way. To replace backups automatically. To completely prevent all security risks. To make documentation unnecessary.

A patch closes a critical vulnerability but could disrupt a business-critical service. What is appropriate?

I assess risk and impact, test as far as possible, plan a maintenance window and define rollback and communication. I install immediately without preparation. I postpone the patch indefinitely. I only inform after a successful installation.

I understand basic networking terms such as IP address, DNS, routing and firewall rules.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

After a firewall change some interfaces no longer work. How do you proceed?

I check affected flows, rules, logs, order and change history and roll back in a controlled way if needed. I briefly open all ports between the systems. I add more rules until it works. I blanketly point to the application.

What is DNS's main task?

To resolve names like example.ch into IP addresses and further naming information. To encrypt network packets. To authenticate users centrally. To replicate backups between sites.

During incidents I stay calm, structure information and keep those affected appropriately informed.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What is an incident according to ITIL?

An unplanned interruption or quality reduction of an ICT service. Any planned change to a service. A long-term improvement project. A documented customer request for new functionality.

I can monitor applications in operation, narrow down errors and trace releases.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

After a release, error rates in an application rise significantly. What do you do?

I check release changes, logs, metrics and user impact and decide on rollback or hotfix. I wait to see whether the error rate stabilises. I delete logs to save storage space. I only increase the server capacity.

What does blue-green deployment describe?

Two production-like environments allow switching to a new version with a quick way back. A backup procedure for databases. A method for colour-coding tickets. A test that only runs in the browser.

I know the basic components of end devices and can narrow down simple hardware problems.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A workstation PC no longer starts after a RAM upgrade. What makes sense?

I check compatibility, correct seating, slots and test with a known working configuration. I replace the mainboard immediately. I reinstall the operating system. I rule out the upgrade as the cause.

Stage 5 / 6

Data, Cloud & Architecture

I can present the components, interfaces and responsibilities of a solution in a traceable way.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A system is expected to grow strongly; today's architecture is tightly coupled. What do you check?

I analyse domains, load profiles, data flows and operational requirements and deliberately choose decoupling points. I split every class into its own microservice. I buy more hardware and change nothing else. I postpone architecture questions until after go-live.

What is an essential goal of architecture decisions?

To deliberately shape quality attributes such as maintainability, security, scalability and cost. To use as many technologies as possible at once. To avoid subject-matter requirements. To create only diagrams for the documentation.

I can define architecture principles and justify exceptions in a traceable way.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

Two teams want to use different integration patterns for similar interfaces. What do you do?

I compare requirements and quality goals, define guardrails and document the justified decision. I let both teams decide freely so they're faster. I enforce one pattern without checking the context. I decide based on personal technology preference.

I can keep data quality, data model and analysis goal apart.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A report shows contradictory metrics from two systems. What is your approach?

I clarify definitions, data origin, currency, transformations and ownership of the metrics. I take the higher value because it looks more positive. I correct the figures manually in the report. I trust the system with the more modern interface.

What does normalisation in relational databases mainly mean?

Distributing data in a structured way across tables to reduce redundancy and anomalies. Storing all data in a single table. Colour-marking data for reports. Encrypting data automatically.

I can assess data architecture, data protection and analytical benefit together.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A business unit wants to use personal data for a machine learning model. What do you check?

I clarify purpose, legal basis, data minimisation, quality, bias, security and governance. I start with all available data because more data is always better. I anonymise roughly and skip further checks. I reject machine learning on principle.

I understand how automation and CI/CD support repeatable deliveries.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A deployment is done manually and repeatedly leads to errors. What do you propose?

I automate build, tests, configuration and deployment step by step with traceable approvals. I write a longer manual checklist and leave the process as is. I let only one person deploy from now on. I disable tests so deployments are faster.

What is Infrastructure as Code used for?

To provision infrastructure declaratively or script-based, versioned, reproducible and verifiable. To translate source code automatically into documentation. To run hardware without a network. To design user interfaces.

I can describe an ICT service from the perspective of benefit, performance and support.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A new service is technically ready, but support and SLA are unclear. What needs to be done?

I define service scope, target audience, SLA, support model, monitoring and handover to operations. I launch the service and clarify support later if needed. I leave all the details to the service desk. I prevent the launch on principle.

I recognise risks and distinguish them from problems that have already occurred.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A supplier reports delays for a security-relevant component. What do you do?

I assess likelihood, impact and alternatives, define measures and inform decision-makers in good time. I hope the supplier catches up. I replace the supplier immediately without assessing the consequences. I document the risk but plan no measure.

Which combination usually describes risk assessment?

Probability of occurrence and impact, complemented by measures and residual risk. Only the number of open tickets. Only the technical complexity. Only the project manager's opinion.

I can factor ICT costs, budgets and service consumption into decisions.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What is especially important in cloud cost management?

Measuring usage, defining budgets and responsibilities, and continuously optimising resources. Choosing the smallest instance once and never reviewing it again. Just filing the monthly invoice. Over-provisioning all services as a precaution.

Stage 6 / 6

Interests & Motivation

What would you most like to spend a whole working day on?

Designing and programming a software feature. Securing a system and tracking down vulnerabilities. Extracting patterns and insights from data. Coordinating a project and bringing people together.

I find it exciting to strategically assess market movements and technology trends.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

I'm interested in how organisations make decisions and absorb change.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

You may recommend an ICT investment. What convinces you most?

A clear value contribution with transparent costs, risks, alternatives and measurable benefit goals. The solution with the largest range of features. The option with the lowest purchase price. The solution that is currently most heavily marketed.

I enjoy exploring how digital possibilities enable new ways of working.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

You're to develop an innovative solution idea for an existing process. What motivates you professionally?

Understanding the problem from a user, process and technology perspective and designing viable options from it. Building the flashiest interface right away. Copying an existing solution without checking the context. Considering only technical feasibility.

I want to improve ways of working in teams and deliberately select suitable methods.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

A team sees quality assurance as a delay. How would you argue?

I show, using risks, follow-up costs and feedback cycles, how suitable quality assurance makes delivery more reliable. I demand more tests regardless of context. I accept skipping it as long as deadlines are met. I move quality entirely to a separate unit.

I can imagine taking responsibility for stable services and ongoing improvements.

1Does not apply 2Rather not 3Rather yes 4Fully applies

What kind of task attracts you most?

Preparing a difficult technical architecture decision. Holding a customer conversation and explaining a suitable solution. Improving a data model and enabling analyses. Stabilising a service and improving operational processes.

In which environment would you most like to make an impact?

In a development team with code, reviews and CI/CD. In a security or networking environment. In projects with many stakeholders and deadlines. In strategic questions about digital direction.

Which challenge sounds most interesting to you?

Coordinating a complex incident and fixing it sustainably. Designing a new product in a user-centred way. Steering a budget and supplier services transparently. Guiding a team through a difficult change.

Doing what are you most likely to lose track of time?

Cleaning, analysing and visualising data. Automating systems and improving deployments. Translating requirements into clear stories and criteria. Neatly ordering risks, controls and compliance.

Which role in an initiative spontaneously suits you best?

Designing the technical solution and clarifying architecture questions. Coordinating people, facilitating and bringing about decisions. Ensuring operations, monitoring and support quality. Assessing business benefit and market opportunities.

Which further education would you be most likely to choose?

Cloud architecture, containers and automation. Security, data protection and incident response. Business analysis, consulting and requirements engineering. Leadership, facilitation and team development.

What kind of problem do you most enjoy solving?

A hard-to-reproduce software bug. A performance or availability problem in operations. An unclear business process with many variants. A question about the cost-effectiveness of an ICT solution.

What particularly appeals to you about ICT work?

Building robust digital products from ideas. Changing organisations through digitalisation. Protecting sensitive information. Helping users quickly and effectively in their daily work.

Which task would you take on in a hackathon?

Building the backend, writing tests and automating deployment. Conducting user interviews and simplifying the flow. Sourcing and cleaning data and creating a dashboard. Taking on the pitch, benefit argumentation and team coordination.

Which responsibility would you rather carry in the long term?

Owning technical guardrails and target architecture. Owning stable services and professional support processes. Owning security and risk management. Developing people and leading teams.

Which combination sounds most fitting to you?

Analysis, modelling and clear requirements. Networking, infrastructure and technical troubleshooting. Governance, processes and organisational impact. Creativity, prototyping and user experience.

Please answer all questions in this stage before continuing.