Computer Competency Exam

This test is available on the Bend campus during Fall term.  Call 541-383-7539 for appointments.  Alternatively, this test is now available remotely (test candidate must find a test proctor through a testing center) through https://www.certiport.com

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:

1. 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.
2. Pass the IC3 Key Applications exam and the IC3 Computing Fundamentals or IC3 Living Online exam of the Internet & Computing Core Certification (IC3) 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 test voucher with retake option sold at Testing counter (effective Jan 14, 2020)
  • 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 IC3 certifications:

Some COCC associate degrees require students to demonstrate basic computer skills prior to graduation.  To meet this requirement, students must successfully complete CIS 120 Computer Concepts, or pass Key Applications and either LivingOnLine or Computer Fundamentals of the IC3 exams.

The IC3 exams may be taken at the COCC Tutoring and Testing Center or any authorized Certiport Testing Center.  Locally, appointments can be made through the Tutoring and Testing Center located in the lower level of the Barber Library.  A $35 fee is charged for each test; one free retake is included in the $35 fee.  If a student needs to retake the exam a third time, another $35 fee is charged.

Passing two of three exams does not provide students with course credit; instead, a notation is placed on the student's record so that the testing may be used to meet degree requirements.  By successfully passing all three exams students are eligible to receive 4 credits for CIS 120 Computer Concepts.  To have the 4 credits applied to certificate degree requirements, students must present proof that they have received certification by passing all three exams and follow the Credit for Prior Certification procedures.  Students will be charged $40 to have the credits awarded.

Note: specific CIS courses may be required in some AS or AAS programs and the competency test will not substitute for that requirement.  See individual program descriptions for details.

 

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 5 is composed of three exams, see 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: