1 Event Name Date, Year Validate Computer Skills Through Certification

2 Introductions Presenter Names

3 Overview of Certiport Established in 1997 Exclusive worldwide administrator of the Microsoft Office Specialist program Use concurrent and simulation technologies Certiport is the leading provider of global, performance-based certification programs and services designed to enable individual success and lifetime advancement through certification

4 Overview of Certiport (cont.) Worldwide Statistics ›1 million validated exams delivered ›Over 700,000 certifications issued ›The Microsoft Office Specialist program is the fastest growing computer certification ›35,000 exams monthly ›18 languages ›114 countries ›47 Courseware publishers ›27 distributors ›9,000 testing centers Experience leads to…

5 Internet and Computing Core Certification - IC³ - First global certification for computer literacy

6 Topics Defining Computer Literacy Developing the Standard Evolution of Certification IC 3 Overview IC 3 Benefits Industry Support Certiport Candidate Services Questions and Answers

7 Defining Computer Literacy Computer skills are integral to all areas of study and work Ability to use a computer is on par with reading and writing skills 3 Rs to 3 Cs ›Communicating, Calculating, and Computing Educators pushing greater computer literacy Exposure does not translate to understanding

8 Need for Universal Standards Computer Education ›Some basic computer courses ›Often diffused into other courses Schools must be accountable No universally accepted measurement exists Many states, districts, schools, and organizations create own standards and measurement processes Some educators are fearful of adopting technology in the classroom

9 Deliver a Global Standard Provide students and teachers with an accepted, portable credential that establishes their level of computer competence Avoid confusion of having multiple measurement criteria state by state, school by school, or country by country Deliver verifiable results Maintain universal availability Tie to basic computing course curriculum

10 Developing the Standard Research and define criteria Established by over 270 SMEs in 19 countries Utilize leading exam methodology Accepted standards of test development Validate through beta Global data management Continuous standard analysis ›Regular reviews to maintain the standard

11 Evolution of Certification Certification proven as valid credential ›Competitive economy requires competitive skills No longer just for technical career opportunities ›Significant increase in end-user certifications Technical Certifications › Validate system administrator skills and knowledge › Credential for technical career › MCP, Cisco, CNE, etc. Desktop Certifications › Validate end-user skills and knowledge › Credential for most careers and post secondary education ›MOUS, etc.

12 Overview of IC³ Internet and Computing Core Certification ›Establishes a global standard for measuring Internet and computing literacy ›Provides the credential of being a literate, but not fully productive, user of computer hardware, software, and the Internet ›Covers basic knowledge and skills ›Sets a comfort level with computers Set of three exams: ›Computing Fundamentals ›Key Applications ›Living Online

13 IC³ Computing Fundamentals Basic understanding of computer hardware Basic understanding of computer software Using a computer operating system to perform everyday tasks

14 IC³ Computing Fundamentals Sample Question: How many bytes are there in a megabyte?

15 IC³ Key Applications Common features of Microsoft Windows applications Specific skills for operating a word processor program Specific skills for operating a spreadsheet program

16 IC³ Key Applications Sample Question: Bold the text in the selected cells.

17 IC³ Living Online Basic understanding of how computers connect to networks and the Internet Specific skills for operating an electronic mail program Specific skills for operating a Web browser program Social impact of computing and the Internet

18 IC³ Living Online Sample Question: Go to a particular website address

19 Value to Individuals Proves that you have the basic literacy to understand key computer concepts, applications, and the Internet Ensures you have validated what you have learned Gives you a beginner standard certification as proof of credentials Demonstrates you have the necessary foundation to advance to additional certifications such as A+ and desktop applications Gives you confidence and security that you can enter and be a part of today’s “digital world”

20 Value to Academic Institutions Provides objective evaluation of student performance Ensures consistency of results from school to school Improves appropriate student course placement Provides accountability measurement Provides teacher development and growth opportunities

21 Value to Employers Provides objective evaluation of potential employees Demonstrates commitment to employee productivity and personal development Increases return on technology investment Increases return on training investment Avoids confusion of multiple vendor assessment criteria

22 Segmentation and Positioning Desktop Expertise Mastery Competency Literacy Primary Audience Corporations Colleges/Universities Corporations Community College High Schools (Jr./Sr.) High Schools (Fr./So.) Jr. High Student or Teacher Positioning Intermediate IC 3 Advanced

23 IC³ Testing Methods Knowledge-based testing ›Multiple choice ›Multiple answer ›Matching ›True and False Performance-based testing ›Candidates must perform tasks in the computing environment ›Simulation of operating systems and applications ›Multiple correct response possibilities

24 Exam Delivery System 1.Candidates take exam in proctored environment ›iQcenters set up computer labs for training and testing ›iQcenters download and install exam software 2.Upon exam completion; ›Candidate receives printed score results ›Results are uploaded to Certiport’s global candidate database 3.Certiport delivers certificate to passing candidates 4.Candidates can view their online Digital Transcripts

25 IC³ Sample Certificate

26 Digital Transcripts Secure, authenticated website Candidates can view exam and certification results online at any time Access can be granted for educators, employers, and staffing agencies to verify candidate results

27 Sample Digital Transcript

28 Sample Digital Transcript

29 National Skill Standards Board First computer certification to be recognized by the NSSB’s Certification Recognition Program The NSSB is an unprecedented coalition of leaders from business, labor, employee, education, and community and civil rights organizations created in 1994 The NSSB has built a voluntary national system of skill standards, assessment, and certification systems to enhance the ability of individuals to compete effectively in a global economy

30 CompTIA "The digital literacy skills validated by Certiport's IC³ are hallmarks of a well-prepared A+ certification candidate," said Lutz Ziob, vice president of certification at CompTIA. "These certifications through Certiport give developing IT professionals practical, real-world productivity skills that build a solid foundation for CompTIA A+ certification."

31 Tech Career Compass CompTIA established the TCC to provide job candidates a resource for career opportunities Maps job descriptions, skills, and criteria to industry certifications Provides direction for aspiring professionals Lists IC³ as the foundation for every job description

32 American Council on Education ACE is the leading national accreditation body for higher education in the United States IC³ has obtained a credit recommendation for credit towards college education ›Meets general education or computer literacy requirements Students can receive college credit through participating colleges affiliated with ACE ›More than 1800 accredited, degree-granting colleges, universities, and other education-related organizations are members of ACE

33 Success Medina County Career Center: “Before IC³, there were no industry certifications that covered basic networking, program, and Internet skills. IC³ fulfills our need for a certification that not only measures these skills, but also provides students with a résumé-building credential recognized worldwide.” -Brad Wright, lead instructor of the information technology program

34 Success Utah State Office of Education: “IC³ is a very effective method of validating computer literacy. We need to ensure that our students have necessary computer skills by the time they graduate from high school and IC³ helps validate those skills. It also gives them an industry certification that they can take with them after they graduate and add to their credentials.” -Russell Klein, Business Education Specialist for Applied Technology Education

35 Success Brevard Community College – IC³ Academy: “We chose to offer IC³ to our students to give them the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be a broad based, productive user of computer hardware, software, networks, and the Internet—and an industry certification to prove it.” - Jan Chapman, education IT instructor at BCC

36 Success Lake Michigan College – Continuing Education: “We replaced the post-exam in our popular basic computer course with IC³. It’s a perfect fit because IC³ exams covers computer terminology and theory, basic software applications, and the Internet—everything that’s in our course.” - Joe Pepple, computer training coordinator for continuing education

37 Success Laurel Business Institute: “It’s a wonderful certification not only for computer majors but for all majors.” “Offering IC³ certification gives LBI credibility in the school and business communities.” - Robin Addis, IT Director

38 How to use IC³ End of computer course validation Prerequisite for particular computer courses Teacher development opportunities Continuing education Become your own testing center

39 Points to Remember IC³ sets the measurement standard for global computer and Internet literacy Suited for both students and teachers Globally supported by leading industry and government organizations Candidate and testing services supported by Certiport Schools can implement testing on-site

40 Questions and Answers