Team Foundation Server Assessment Test

A Team Foundation Server (TFS) Assessment Test evaluates candidates' proficiency with Microsoft Team Foundation Server, which is used for version control, project management, and build automation in software development. Although TFS has been succeeded by Azure DevOps Server, many organizations still use TFS. The assessment typically covers areas from basic concepts to advanced functionalities related to source control, build management, project tracking, and collaboration.

A Team Foundation Server Assessment Test evaluates candidates for:

1. Introduction to Team Foundation Server:

• Overview: Understanding the purpose and benefits of TFS in managing the software development lifecycle.
• Components: Knowledge of core TFS components such as version control, work item tracking, and build automation.

2. Installation and Configuration:

• Installation: Skills in installing TFS, including configuring server settings and integrating with other tools.
• Configuration: Understanding how to configure TFS settings, such as security permissions, project collections, and team project settings.

3. Source Control:

• Version Control: Knowledge of TFS version control features, including managing branches, merges, and changesets.
• Workspaces: Understanding how to create and manage workspaces for checking out and working with code.
• Check-ins and Shelving: Skills in checking in changes, shelving changes, and managing code revisions.

4. Build Automation:

• Build Definitions: Knowledge of creating and configuring build definitions for automating builds.
• Build Process: Understanding the build process, including build triggers, build agents, and build results.
• Continuous Integration (CI): Familiarity with implementing CI practices and configuring CI builds.

5. Work Item Tracking:

• Work Items: Understanding how to create, manage, and track work items such as bugs, tasks, and user stories.
• Boards and Backlogs: Knowledge of using boards and backlogs for project tracking and managing work item progress.
• Queries and Reporting: Skills in creating and using queries to track work item statuses and generate reports.

6. Project Management:

• Project Templates: Understanding different project templates available in TFS and their usage (e.g., Agile, Scrum, CMMI).
• Project Configuration: Skills in configuring project settings, including team settings, iterations, and areas.

7. Collaboration and Communication:

• Team Collaboration: Knowledge of features that support team collaboration, such as team rooms and discussions.
• Notifications and Alerts: Skills in setting up notifications and alerts for changes and updates in TFS.

8. Testing and Quality Assurance:

• Test Cases: Understanding how to create and manage test cases, test suites, and test plans in TFS.
• Automated Testing: Familiarity with integrating automated tests into the TFS build process.

9. Security and Permissions:

• Security Settings: Knowledge of configuring security settings, including user roles, permissions, and access control.
• Compliance: Understanding how to ensure that TFS implementations meet security and compliance requirements.

10. Integration with Other Tools:

• Tool Integration: Skills in integrating TFS with other development tools and platforms, such as Visual Studio, Git, and third-party plugins.
• Migration: Knowledge of migrating projects and data between TFS and other version control systems or DevOps tools.

11. Performance and Troubleshooting:

• Performance Optimization: Understanding of performance tuning techniques for TFS, including optimizing build and version control processes.
• Troubleshooting: Skills in diagnosing and resolving common issues related to TFS, including connectivity problems and build failures.

12. Best Practices:

• Best Practices: Knowledge of best practices for using TFS effectively, including version control strategies, build automation, and project management.
• Documentation: Understanding the importance of documentation and maintaining comprehensive records of project and build configurations.

Assessment Formats:

• Multiple-Choice Questions: To test theoretical knowledge of TFS concepts, features, and best practices.
• Practical Exercises: To assess hands-on skills in configuring TFS, managing version control, and setting up build processes.
• Case Studies: To evaluate the application of TFS skills in real-world scenarios, including troubleshooting, project management, and performance optimization.

This assessment ensures that candidates have the necessary skills to effectively use Team Foundation Server for managing software development projects, from version control and build automation to project tracking and collaboration.