Want a job in data science? You might have to take a standardized test when applying

Data analytics is becoming more vital for businesses, and data scientists are in high demand. But the emerging field is broad, and some companies say they have struggled to find job candidates whose skills fit their needs.

To better define the tools their employees need to properly analyze big data, executives from eight companies have created a data science standards board. The companies, which include The New York Times, Spotify and several firms with a Chicago presence, plan to establish a standardized test for job applicants.