There's "can write decent C++" technical and "being able to choose between Sybase and mongodb" technical - the latter is probably more appropriate for a CTO. I

There's "can write decent C++" technical and "being able to choose between Sybase and mongodb" technical - the latter is probably more appropriate for a CTO. It depends a lot on the product, the size of the company and the technology being used. If a person who isn't coding all the time can pass your coding interview its too easy. A CTO should have been able to pass it in the past and possibly pass it with a little revision and practice, but for most CTOs coding ability isn't that relevant.