[gekko]

I was actually asking if it was a programming job because it's the only field I have ever heard of which is more like a test than an interview. I would've provided some advice had I known it was a programming interview.

But yes, whiteboard coding is quite common (and entire books have been published on the subjects). So are providing code samples, or taking a small programming test before they proceed with the interview process. Unless the company comes to you, I would be surprised if you ever avoid writing code entirely.