COMPUTER COMPETENCY TEST

(SKILLCHECK)

MEDICAL EDUCATION CAMPUS

Who needs to take the test?

Students should speak to a Counselor to see if the Computer Competency Test (Skill Check) is a graduation requirement for their programs.

Does the test take the place of a computer usage course?

No, it is not an ABLE exam and cannot be used in the place of a required course to fulfill program requirements because the test measures only minimum levels of competency.

Where do I take the exam?

Please call the NVCC Testing Centers to see if the exam is being administered at their campuses.

Alexandria 703-845-6035

Annandale 703-323-3149

Loudoun 703-450-2508

Manassas 703-257-6645

Medical 703-822-6654

Woodbridge 703-878-5787

What is on the exam?

The test is a hands-on computerized test, covering Windows, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and the Internet (including e-mail).  The test includes both objective questions and simulated exercises.  The questions / tasks are not evenly distributed among the packages covered.  More emphasis has been placed on Windows and Word because they are the most used elements. Students will be asked to perform tasks that may include, but is not limited to following:

Windows:

• Start a program (using the START | Programs menu)
• Delete a file (using Windows Explorer)
• Rename a file (using Windows Explorer)
• Copy a folder (using Windows Explorer)

Word:

• Put selected text in boldface
• Change the margins for a document
• Print a document
• Add bullets to an existing list
• Copy selected text from one location to another

Excel:

• Add dollar signs to selected cells
• Add a formula to sum a range of cells
• Delete the contents of a cell
• Cut selected cells and paste them in a new location

Access:

• Add a new record to a table
• Specify the primary key for a table
• Open and print an existing report

PowerPoint:

• Add a design theme to a slide
• Delete selected text from a slide
• Add a graphic to a slide

Internet/E-mail:

• Go to a given web address
• Add a URL to a favorites list
• Find URLs about a given topic using a search engine
• Distinguish between a web address and an e-mail address

What is the passing score?

43 out of 84 questions (or 51%) must be answered correctly to pass.

How often may I take the test?

The test may be re-taken every 30 days.

How long is the score valid?

Scores are valid for 7 years.

How much does it cost to take the test?

There is no fee for the test.

What should I do with the results of the exam once I pass?

It is important for you to keep the score printout you receive from Testing Center.  The Skill Check score will be part of your student record for your Academic Advisor to access when verifying your graduation requirements.

Review the following materials before taking the exam. They are available at the NVCC libraries.

Crumlish, Christian. The Internet for Busy People
TK5105.875 I57 C794 1997

Freeze, Jill T. Sam’s Teach Yourself Computer Basics in 24 Hours
QA76.5 .F693 2000

Gralla, Preston. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Cool Ways to Communicate Online
TK5105.875 I57 G7239x 2000

Kraynak, Joe. Complete Idiot’s guide to Computer Basics.
QA76.5 .K7442x 2000

McBride, Peter. Windows 98 Clear and Simple
QA76.76 O63 M3745 1998 c.3

Morel, Deborah. Getting Started with Computers
QA76.5 .M643 1999

Norton, Peter. Introduction to Computers
QA76.5 .N6818 2001

Walters, E. Garrison. The Essential Guide to Computing: The Story of Information Technology.
QA76.5 W287 2001

Weverka, Peter. Office 2000 for Busy People
HF 5548.4 M525 W484x 1999

Wray, Paul. Computer Literacy with Microsoft Office 2000
HF5548.4 .M525 W73x 2000