Computer Competency Exam

Central Oregon Community College is committed to the importance of computer literacy in the modern world. Some COCC associates 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:

Receive a grade of C or better in CIS 120. CIS 120 covers the learning objective for all three exams in the IC Certification series plus additional valuable information.
Pass the IC Key Applications exam and the IC Computing Fundamentals or IC Living Online exam of the Internet &Computing Core Certification (IC) series of exams.

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: Tutoring & Testing Center located in the lower level 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: $35 per section/exam (effective Jan 14, 2014)
- Bring: COCC ID or picture identification.
- Each test is composed of 43 to 45 questions and you have 50 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.
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 IC certifications please consult the catalog at: COCC 2017-18 Catalog Info Policy (pdf) see page 27.

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

Content: The Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC) Global Standard 4 is composed of three exams, see https://www.certiport.com 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:

IC Computing Fundamentals

IC Key Applications

IC 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