Computer Competency Exam

Central Oregon Community College is committed to the importance of computer literacy in the modern world. Some COCC associate’s degrees (AS, AAS and AGS) require that students demonstrate basic computer skills prior to graduation. To meet this requirement, students must successfully complete CIS 120: Computer Concepts or pass two out of three IC3 exams.

OPTIONS:

1. Receive a grade of C or better in CIS 120. CIS 120 covers the learning objective for

all three exams in the IC³ Certification series plus additional valuable information.

2. Pass the IC³ Key Applications exam and the IC³ Computing Fundamentals or IC³ Living Online exam of the Internet &

Computing Core Certification (IC³) 2007 series of exams or;

Purpose: Demonstrates that a Central Oregon Community College student has achieved a basic skill level regarding the use and knowledge of computers prior to graduation. The college is committed to the importance of computer literacy in the modern world and computer instruction is widely available across the curriculum. Students may have these skills when they enter the institution; others will gain these skills through their normal coursework.

Taking the test:
- Where: Testing & Tutoring Center located in the basement of the Campus Library.
- When: See Tutoring and Testing for current hours and directions to the Testing & Tutoring Center.
- How: Sign up by calling 541-383-7539
- Cost: Purchase a voucher online with Certiport.
- Bring: COCC ID or picture identification.
- Each test is composed of 45 questions and you have 45 minutes to complete the test.
Re-taking the test: Certiport will e-mail a retake voucher number (as long as you purchase a voucher with the retake option included) to you if you do need to use the retake option. Retakes need to be taken within 30 days from your initial test date. PLEASE do not wait until the last minute to attempt to pass these exams, because seating is limited and you may not graduate without it. There are no limits to the number of times examinees can take these tests.
Other ways of meeting the computer competency requirement:
Grade of C or better (or Passing) in CIS 120.

Test vs. coursework important note: Passing two IC3 Exams proves basic competency ONLY and does not confer course credit or cover all the material included in CIS 120. Passing all three IC3 Exams is highly encouraged and gives the student the internationally recognized IC3 Certification. Those students wanting to challenge a CIS course (to receive credit) must contact the CIS Department Chairperson to discuss those requirements. The IC3 Exams are an international standard of basic computer competency and may be accepted at other institutions.

Computer Competencies approved Academic Affairs: To determine how COCC allows the Computer Competency requirement to be met through the IC³ certifications please consult the catalog at: catalog 2011-12 (see page 36)

Some college programs require additional competencies and address those competencies in their individual program requirements.

Content: The Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) 2007 is composed of three exams, see http://info.certiport.com/yourpersonalpath/ic3Certification/ for further information. COCC requires students to pass two of the three exams: Key Applications and an exam of their choice, to show basic competency. The exam titles and their major objectives are listed below: see other side

IC³ Computing Fundamentals

IC³ Key Applications

IC³ Living Online

Computer Hardware

Identify types of computers, how they process information and how individual computers interact with other computing systems and devices

Identify the function of computer hardware components

Identify the factors that go into an individual or organizational decision on how to purchase computer equipment

Identify how to maintain computer equipment and solve common problems relating to computer hardware

Computer Software

Identify how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks and how software is developed and upgraded

Identify different types of software, general concepts relating to software categories and the tasks to which each type of software is most suited or not suited

Using an Operating System

Identify what an operating system is and how it works, and solve common problems related to operating systems

Manipulate and control the Windows desktop, files and disks

Identify how to change system settings, install and remove software

Common Program Functions

Be able to start and exit a Windows application and utilize sources of online help

Identify common online elements of Windows applications, change application settings and manage files within an application

Perform common editing and formatting functions

Perform common printing functions

Word Processing Functions

Be able to format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools

Be able to insert, edit and format tables in a document

Spreadsheet Functions

Be able to modify worksheet data and structure and format data in a worksheet

Be able to sort data, manipulate data using formulas and functions and add and modify charts in a worksheet

Presentation Software

Be able to create and format simple presentations

Networks & the Internet

Identify network fundamentals and the benefits and risks of network computing

Identify the relationship between computer networks, other communication networks (like the telephone network) and the internet

Electronic Mail

Identify how electronic mail works

Identify how to use an electronic mail application

Identify the appropriate use of e-mail and e-mail related “netiquette”

Using the Internet

Identify different types of information sources on the Internet

Be able to use a Web browsing application

Be able to search the Internet for information

The Impact of Computing and the Internet on Society

Identify how computers are used in different areas of work, school and home

Identify the risks of using computer hardware and software

Identify how to use computers and the Internet safely, legally and responsibly