BC Computer Competency Test

http://www.broward.edu/outlines/CGS1060C.pdf

BCC Basic Student Technology Literacy Test Objectives
What skills does BCC’s Basic Student Technology Literacy Test cover?
BCC uses a version of the IC³ Training and Certification Program exam. The exam covers a broad range of computing knowledge and skills that proves competency in the areas described below. Students seeking to satisfy BCC’s Basic Student Technology Literacy Competency must demonstrate knowledge in the three exam areas: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online.
Computing Fundamentals Competencies:

This exam covers the following areas:
Computer Hardware:
1. Identify types of computers, how they process information and how individual computers interact with other computing systems and devices
2. Identify the function of computer hardware components
3. Identify the factors that go into an individual or organizational decision on how to purchase computer equipment
4. Identify how to maintain computer equipment and solve common problems relating to computer hardware

Computer Software:
1. Identify how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks and how software is developed and upgraded
2. 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
3. Identify fundamental concepts relating to database applications

Using an Operating System:
1. Identify what an operating system is and how it works, and solve common problems related to operating systems
2. Manipulate and control the Windows desktop, files and disks
3. Identify how to change system settings, install and remove software

Key Applications: This exam covers the following areas:
Common Program Functions:
1. Be able to start and exit a Windows application and utilize sources of online help
2. Identify common on-screen elements of Windows applications, change application settings and manage files within an application
3. Perform common editing and formatting functions
4. Perform common printing functions

Word Processing Functions:
1. Be able to format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools
2. Be able to insert, edit and format tables in a document

Spreadsheet Functions:
1. Be able to modify worksheet data and structure and format data in a worksheet
2. Be able to sort data, manipulate data using formulas and functions and add and modify charts in a worksheet

Presentation Software:
1. Be able to create and format simple presentations

Living Online: This exam covers the following areas:
Networks and the Internet:
1. Identify network fundamentals and the benefits and risks of network computing
2. Identify the relationship between computer networks, other communications networks (like the telephone network) and the Internet

Electronic Mail:
1. Identify how electronic mail works
2. Identify how to use an electronic mail application
3. Identify the appropriate use of e-mail and e-mail related "netiquette"

Using the Internet:
1. Identify different types of information sources on the Internet
2. Be able to use a Web browsing application
3. Be able to search the Internet for information

The Impact of Computing and the Internet on Society:
1. Identify how computers are used in different areas of work, school, and home
2. Identify the risks of using computer hardware and software
3. Identify how to use the Internet safely, legally, and responsibly
Areas Tested On The Exam

The Computer Competency Exam covers five essential areas of computer skills in which students need to be able to demonstrate competency:

• MS-Word
• MS-PowerPoint
• MS-Excel
• The Internet
• Basic Computer Concepts

MS-WORD:

Students should be able to perform the following tasks in MS-Word:

1. Open a document
2. Edit/Enter text
3. Cut/Paste, Copy/Paste
4. Find/Replace
5. Adjust line spacing
6. Change font, formatting
7. Use the spell checker
8. Use the thesaurus
9. Use the grammar checked
10. Change font/formatting
11. Insert date or date field
12. Set/Adjust tab setting
13. Add Bullets/Numbering
14. Add/Edit document Header/Footer
15. Insert page break
16. Insert page numbering
17. Change margins
18. Adjust page setup
19. Insert/Format a table
20. Preview a document
21. Print a document
22. Save a document
23. Insert a comment
24. Insert/Edit footnotes/endnotes

MS-POWERPOINT:

Students should be able to perform the following tasks in MS-PowerPoint:

1. Create a blank presentation
2. Use the AutoContent Wizard
3. Create a presentation using a design template
4. Change views
5. Add a new slide
6. Add/Edit a Header/Footer
7. Add Text/Bullets
8. Format a slide
9. Promote/Demote text
10. Insert an image
11. Create a text box
12. Apply slide animations
13. Apply slide transitions
14. Change slide layout
15. Print handouts
16. Print notes
17. Save/Save As
18. Set up timings
19. Save for another computer
20. Save as a web page

MS-EXCEL:

Students should be able to perform the following tasks in MS-Excel:

1. 1. Delete Rows/Columns
2. 2. Edit text
3. 3. Edit numbers
4. 4. Format cells
5. 5. Apply Borders/Shading
6. 6. Align cells
7. 7. Adjust Row/Column Height/Width
8. 8. Auto format worksheet
9. 9. Adjust print area
10. 10. Print a worksheet or workbook
11. 11. Insert formulas
12. 12. Edit formulas
13. 13. Create a chart

The Internet:

Students should be able to perform the following tasks on the Internet:

1. Navigation
2. Refresh a page
3. Return to home page
4. Change your home page
5. Use favorites
6. Add to favorites
7. Stop page loading
8. Search the Internet
9. Enter a URL
10. Check browser settings

Basic Computer Concepts:

Students should be familiar with the following computer concepts:

1. Know proper email netiquette
2. Understand the difference between CC and BCC
3. Understand the definition of a computer
4. Know the purpose of RAM memory
5. Identify different ways to access the Internet
6. Understand the purpose of a link on a webpage
7. Know what the HTML language is used for
8. Understand email attachments
9. Understand Windows file-naming conventions
10. Recognize that email attachments that may be infected with a computer virus
11. Know what a boot sector virus is
12. Define a Trojan virus
13. Recognize the symptoms of a computer virus
14. Recognize a virus hoax email message
15. Select appropriate methods for performing backups of computer files

Hands-On Practice for the Computer Competency Test

http://cfcc.edu/learninglab/cc/tutorial.html
http://www.stedwards.edu/it_dept/competency/tutorial.html
http://www.ric.edu/technologyCompetency/tutorials_email_answers.php
http://www.bedford.lib.nh.us/Basics.htm