Computer Competency Exam

This test is available on the Bend campus. Call 541-383-7539 for appointments. 

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 the GS6, Level 2 exam.

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 GS6, Level 2 exam.

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 Barber Library, Bend Campus.
  • 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 May 15, 2022)
  • Bring: COCC ID or picture identification.
  • The 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 the IC3 GS6 Level 2 Exam proves basic computer competency and also can confer credit for prior learning for CIS120. This exam also gives students internationally recognized IC3 Certification 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 an IC3 GS6, Level 2 exam.

The IC3 exam 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 the exam 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 the exam 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 the IC3 GS6, Level 2 exam and follow the Credit for Prior Certification procedures.  Students will be charged $40 to have the credits awarded. The Computer & Information Systems Department Chair on the Bend campus reviews Credit for Prior Certification requests.

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.

Content: The Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) Global Standard 6, Level 2 is composed of one exam, see IC3-Global-Standard-6 for further information and a sample exam. There are seven objective domains for this IC3 Digital Literacy Certification for GS6 Level 2:

Objective Domains

1. Technology Basics

1.1 Customize digital environments

1.1.1 Configure device settings to meet individual needs and preferences

1.1.2 Configure browser settings to meet individual needs and preferences

1.2 Use a personal digital calendar

1.2.1 Create appointments or tasks on a personal digital calendar

1.2.2 Share a personal digital calendar with others

1.2.3 Display specific information on your personal calendar

1.3 Define higher-level technology concepts

1.3.1 Describe automation methods

1.3.2 Describe cloud computing

1.3.3 Describe and understand the use of autocorrect functions

1.3.4 Describe and understand the use of autocomplete functions

1.4 Identify and explain common hardware adjustments

1.4.1 Identify and explain common sound setting adjustments

1.4.2 Identify and explain monitor brightness and contrast controls

1.5 Explain core printer concepts

1.5.1 Distinguish between laser and inkjet printers

1.5.2 Confirm a successful connection to a printer

1.5.3 Select a default printer

1.6 Identify digital devices and connections

1.6.1 Define processing devices

1.6.2 Distinguish between categories of data cables and connectors

2. Digital Citizenship

2.1 Create and manage multiple digital identities

2.1.1 Differentiate between personal and professional digital identities

2.1.2 Manage multiple site credentials

2.2 Apply digital etiquette standards

2.2.1 Implement situational digital etiquette standards

2.2.2 Determine the appropriate time to send a communication

2.2.3 Describe digital etiquette standards for content

2.2.4 Display sensitivity to cultural diversity

2.3 Seek opportunities to increase your digital competence

2.3.1 Be aware of technological advancements

2.3.2 Use help features and community resources

2.3.3 Seek feedback that informs and improves your learning

IC3 GS6 Level 2

3. Information Management

3.1 Determine digital information needs and requirements

3.1.1 Understand key search terms

3.1.2 Demonstrate how to filter search results

3.2 Determine the veracity of an individual search result or digital artifact

3.2.1 Assess the accuracy of a search result or digital artifact

3.2.2 Assess the perspective of a search result or digital artifact

3.2.3 Assess the bias of a search result or digital artifact

3.2.4 Determine the credibility of a search result or digital artifact

3.2.5 Assess the relevance of a search result or digital artifact

3.3 Manage online data collection, storage, and retrieval

3.3.1 Explain methods of collecting digital data and responses

3.3.2 Explain and interact with central data storage systems

3.3.3 Fill out online forms

4. Content Creation

4.1 Create and edit digital content

4.1.1 Prepare structured documents

4.1.2 Prepare presentations

4.1.3 Prepare basic Workbooks

4.1.4 Perform basic image editing

4.1.5 Describe basic video-editing techniques

4.1.6 Display proficient keyboarding skills

4.1.7 Track changes in a document

4.1.8 Use common shortcuts

4.2 Manage digital information and files

4.2.1 Organize, store, and retrieve data and content

4.2.2 Explain benefits and methods of compressing files

4.2.3 Explain and identify ownership of data in various storage locations

4.2.4 Distinguish between read-only and read-write files

4.2.5 Implement password protection

4.2.6 Explain file versioning concepts

4.3 Responsibly repurpose digital resources

4.3.1 Understand the rights and obligations of using or sharing intellectual property

4.3.2 Unify design elements by using design themes and artistic styles

4.4 Publish or present content for a specific audience

4.4.1 Determine how to customize information for a given audience

4.4.2 Determine the file format that will work for a given user

5. Communication

5.1 Interact with others in a digital environment

5.1.1 Choose appropriate communication platforms and tools

5.1.2 Compose email messages

5.1.3 Interact with members of a digital community

5.1.4 Use online resources to determine availability of community services

IC3 GS6 Level 2

5.2 Understand Internet commerce basics

5.2.1 Describe goods and services

5.2.2 Explain how digital payments work

5.2.3 Describe in-app purchases and their security concerns

5.2.4 Identify examples of media streaming services

6. Collaboration

6.1 Use digital tools and technologies to collaborate on the creation of

content

6.1.1 List digital tools used for collaboration

6.1.2 Explain the benefits of collaboration

6.1.3 Compare and contrast synchronous editing and asynchronous editing

6.1.4 Describe coauthoring techniques

6.1.5 Explain methods used to review and provide feedback to peers

6.2 Apply digital etiquette standards for collaborative processes

6.2.1 Video conferences

6.2.2 Webinars

7. Safety and Security

7.1 Avoid health risks and physical harm while using digital technologies

7.1.1 Describe health risks of standard computing practices

7.1.2 Describe risks of internet use

7.1.3 Describe the purpose of universal hardware design

7.2 Avoid mental health threats while using digital technologies

7.2.1 Explain the concept of Catfishing

7.2.2 Explain “FOMO” (fear of missing out)

7.2.3 Explain the potential dangers and consequences of negative media posts

7.3 Understand device security

7.3.1 Identify methods of protecting against untrusted portable media devices

7.3.2 Define device encryption and identify encryption methods

7.3.3 Explain when blocking camera access is appropriate and necessary

7.4 Understand file security

7.4.1 Identify password protection file options

7.4.2 Explain editing restrictions