Computer Competency FAQs

Computer Competency FAQs

Computer competency is a process whereby a student demonstrates his or her ability to perform college level basic computing work. This process includes the successful completion of a Computer Competency Exam or the completion of a specified computer course.

Some majors specify a computer course as part of the area of emphasis. If your major is not one of these, then the specified computer course for your major is CPSC 1100, Using Information Technology.

In order to prove basic computer competency at WSCC, a student must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Additionally, a student must demonstrate knowledge in computer use terminology, hardware selection, and simple maintenance functions.

Only those students who will be using the 2004-2005 or later catalog as their catalog of record are eligible to consider using the Computer Competency Exam as means of meeting the WSCC computer competency requirement. Students who use older catalogs as their catalog of record will abide by the course requirements in their chosen catalog.

If I decide to take the Computer Competency Exam, at what point in my college career do I have to have the exam completed?

The Computer Competency Exam must be completed by the student prior to the student registering for the next semester after the student has attempted 30 or more college level (non-behavioral/developmental) hours. For example: If you take 16 hours in the fall 2004 semester and register for 16 hours for the spring 2005 semester, you will have to complete the Computer Competency Exam before attempting to register for the summer or fall 2005 term. If you do not complete the Computer Competency Exam prior to attempting to register for the semester after you reach 30 or more hours of college level coursework, you will have to register for CPSC 1100 immediately after you register for any behavioral/developmental course work.

There is no cost to the student for taking the Computer Competency Exam or Pre-test.

What is the difference between taking the Computer Competency Exam and taking a computer course?

A person who completes CPSC 1100, the basic computer course at WSCC, will be prepared to perform computer tasks that are more complex than what the Computer Competency Exam will test. Successful completion of CPSC 1100 early in a student’s college career prepares him or her to use the computer to write papers, calculate arithmetically using spreadsheets, research topics, and present information in a variety of formats. All of the skills acquired in CPSC 1100 will help the student to not only perform at a higher level at WSCC, but to also be better prepared to enter the local workforce

No course credit is given for the Computer Competency Exam and no grade is assigned for taking the exam.

There are several steps involved in taking the Computer Competency Exam. They are as follows:

1. Access the www.ws.edu web site

2. Click on the icon for computer competency and read the information

3. Take the self assessment

4. Sign up for and take the pre-test

5. Pass the pre-test with a score of 85 or higher

6. Sign up for the competency exam

7. Pass the competency exam with a score of 80 or higher

8. Once the exam is successfully completed, the Student Records Office will place the appropriate designation on the student’s transcript.

Taking the self assessment quiz is the first thing to do. The self-assessment quiz is available at www.ws.edu by clicking on the icon for Computer Competency. If you perform satisfactorily on the self-assessment quiz, then sign up for and take the pre-test. You may take the pre-test as many times as you wish, but you will have to register for each attempt. Passing on the pre-test is a score of 85 or higher. If you take the pre-test and attain a score of at least 85, you should do well enough on the Computer Competency Exam to receive computer competency credit.

If a student makes less than an 80 on their one attempt at the Computer Competency Exam, they will be required to complete CPSC 1100. The standard time frame mentioned above will apply.

The Computer Competency Exam is a skills-based test. This means you will be asked to perform certain operations using Microsoft software products. In demonstrating a proficiency in using Microsoft Word for example, you will be expected to manipulate a document and perform certain functions like bolding text, cut and paste, and changing margins. The test also covers Microsoft Excel and Power Point as well as general questions on computer operation.

Go to the www.ws.edu web site and click on the icon for Computer Competency. Follow the links to find the information you need.

Where do I go if I have problems or additional questions about the computer competency exam?

Contact the Technical Education division at 423-585-2644 or via email at computercompetency@ws.edu

Though everyone must prove computer competency, some majors have students take a specific course for their major. A student should work with their advisor to determine if the computer course CPSC 1100 is acceptable or if another course is required for their major. Advisors will also be able to inform students if taking the Computer Competency Exam is a viable option.

I took a computer course at another college; will this course meet the computer competency requirement at Walters State?

Transferability of coursework is determined by the Student Records Office at Walters State. In order to meet the computer competency requirement, a transfer course must have covered the same material that is covered in CPSC 1100.

I am already a student at WSCC, I have taken a computer course previously, and I want to change to the 2004 – 2005 catalog. Will the computer course I have already taken count for the computer competency requirement?

A determination will need to be made as to whether or not the course you have taken is sufficient to meet the new computer competency requirement. If you have taken CPSC 1100 at WSCC within the last seven (7) years, you may use this course to meet your computer competency. Courses taken prior to 1996, or courses taken to satisfy the computer competency in another major, will have to be reviewed on an individual basis.

I am in a major that does not require a computer course, but it does require several hours of electives, can I take CPSC 1100 and count it as an elective, and fulfill the computer competency with the same course?

Yes. You may use CPSC 1100 to fulfill the computer competency, and if your advisor permits, you may also use the same course as an elective for the area of emphasis in your major.

Can I take any other course, besides CPSC 1100, to fulfill my computer competency requirement?

Certain programs of study do require computer courses other than CPSC 1100 to fulfill the computer competency requirement. However, if your major does not specifically require a different course, then CPSC 1100 is required to fulfill the computer competency requirement.