Is there a simple test for a 741 op amp without building a circuit and using a function generator and o'scope? I know the input impedence is quite high, but was looking for a simple go-no-go test of possible.

 

There is about a bazillion things you can test on OP amp. Answer to your question depends on what parameter of the device you want to be the basis of the go-no go. You must define that to test it. I can only guess at this point.

 

Just build a buffer. One 741 chip, one voltage supply for power (probably should use 18 volts), one input voltage supply (can be a battery, say 9 volts), some jumper wire. Total of 3 parts, not counting wire. The output should be equal to input. Anything esle at the output is likely to mean that the chip is toast.

9 volts go in. 9 volts come out.

 

That's a basic DC parameter test. Add an adjustment and you can check common mode input or voltage output range. Use a signal generator and you can find the slew rate. Set up a precision voltage gain you can find the input offset voltage.

This seems crude at the moment, but it's a good place to start because the 741 chip is so primitive that it's likely you can actually push it to its limits and own equipment that is good enough to measure them.