Level 2: BCS MTP Specialist (z/OS)
Below are details of the skills that must be demonstrated in
the examination in order to succeed at this level, and the prerequisite
education and/or experience expected.
Examination
The examination will be conducted over one day under invigilated test conditions.
The disciplines and knowledge tested will comprise:
- z/Architecture & z/OS
- JCL functions & utilities
- JES (JES2 or JES3)
- Sysplex
Additionally, to gain a pass at this level, two of the following topics must also be completed successfully:
- Parallel sysplex
- z/OS UNIX
- Assembler
- SMP/E
Should a candidate successfully complete two or more of the remaining optional topics, additional merits will be awarded.
Skills demonstrated
In order to qualify at this stage candidates will be expected to:
demonstrate an understanding of z/Architecture and z/OS by:
- describing the architectural principles governing CPU, Storage and I/O
- identifying the state of a CPU
- using basic IPCS and the debugging manuals
- describing the principles of Virtual Storage
- explaining how dataspaces work
- describing how an IPL works
- explaining the concept of authorised programs
- using serialisation for resource protection
- exploiting program management
- explaining how the dispatcher works
- describing XMS and how it works
- describing how to install user SVCs
- describing how MVS invokes recovery
- explaining how MVS manages resources
- describing how I/O works
demonstrate an understanding of JCL Functions & Utilities by:
- allocating PDS datasets
- allocating PDSE datasets
- DD statements in general
- specifying DCB information
- allocating VSAM (using DSNTYPE)
- using:
- IDCAMS
- IEHLIST
- IEHPROGM
- IEBCOPY
- IEBGEMER
- IEBUPDTE
- Procedures
- JCLLIB
- OUTPUT, INCLUDE and SET
demonstrate an ability to use USS by answering questions on:
- UNIX terminology
- Shells
- Cintents of standard UNIX directories
- Users and uids
- Groups and gids
- Permission bits (unmask etc.)
- Shells Commands (is, cat etc.)
- Special Variables (PATH, HOME etc.)
- Foreground/background processes
- File Directory related Shell commands
- USS & TSO commands
- Daemons
- BPXPRMXX
- USS File Systems (HFS & zFS)
- automount
- USS & RACF Security
(if JES2) demonstrate an understanding by:
- describing how JES2 works within MVS
- controlling the start and stop processes of JES2
- describing the JES2 functions and facilities
- setting-up and installing an efficient JES2 system
- dynamically changing JES2 parameters
- customising JES2 to your specific requirements
- setting-up and managing the RJE and NJE environments.
(if JES3) demonstrate an understanding by:
- describing the JES3 operating environment
- describing the JES3 command structure
- following job flow in the JES3 environment
- identifying the important initialisation and tuning issues
- using JES3 diagnostic facilities.
Demonstrate an understanding of SYSPLEX by answering questions on:
- what SYSPLEX does
- whats XCF does
- Components in a MONOPLEX or MULTISYSTEM SYSPLEX
- Couple datasets
- Managing Couple datasets (Utilities etc.)
- SYSPLEX CONFIGURATIONS
- SETXCF Command
- V XCF Command
- PLEXCFG Parameter
- XCF Signalling
- SYSPLEX limitations
- Console & SYSPLEX
- System Logger functions
- SFM functions
- ARM functions
demonstrate an understanding of Parallel Sysplex fundamentals by:
- describing XCF services
- explaining data sharing
- explaining how connection services work
- explaining how Data Sharing works
- explaining how cache, lock & list services work
- describing workload manager services
- setting up a Sysplex and the continuous availability environment
- resolving hardware configuration issues
- setting up the cloned MVS environment
- setting up the Sysplex software environment, Sysplex data sharing and the system logger.
demonstrate an ability to use Assembler by answering questions on:
- what is allowed in Assembler Source
- what is Object & Load
- Assembler Directives such as using GET, PUT etc.
- Machine code instruction formats such as RR, RX etc.
- Assembler Syntax
- Validity of common instructions
- what common instructions do
- interpret simple coding examples
demonstrate an ability to use SMP/E by answering questions on:
- SMP/E terminology such as SYSMODS & elements
- CSI & Zones
- the purpose of GLOBAL, Target & Distribution Zones
- what MCS statements do
- what JCLIN does
- what UCLIN does
- SYSMOD packaging
- SYSMOD ownership
- FMIDs
- what PTFs, APARs & USERMODS are
- what is in the Global Zone, Target Zone & Distribution Zone
- Element types
- Receive, Apply, Accept & Restore
Prerequisite knowledge/experience
Candidates for the Level 2 BCS Mainframe Technology Professional (z/OS Technical Support) certification will be expected to have at least three years of experience in a mainframe-based data centre and will have Level 1 BCS Mainframe Technology Professional certification.
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