IC³ Certification

Today's economy requires familiarity with computers and the Internet.  IC³ offers certification candidates the opportunity to learn and demonstrate computer and Internet literacy through a worldwide industry standard that accurately validates skills and productivity in the workplace.

IC³ is the ideal starting point for anyone interested in learning computer and Internet basics.  The program gives individuals sufficient Internet and computing literacy skills to enter current job markets or begin higher education programs.  Prime candidates for IC³ are junior high school students, high school students, GED students, continuing education students, Job Corps participants, employees who use technology on the job, and anyone--young or old--who wants to gain a working knowledge of computers and the Internet.

Global, broad-based IC³ certification verifies candidates possess the accepted standard level of basic computer and Internet literacy and are more efficient and marketable.  Successful completion of IC³:

• Provides core skills and knowledge necessary to use some computer applications and the Internet

• Effectively tests computing knowledge and skills to ensure mastery is achieved

• Gives a resume-building standard certification as proof of successful completion of the program

• Provides the foundation necessary to further enhance productivity and marketability with other desktop application-specific certifications

• Gives individuals confidence and security in being part of today's "digital world"

What skills does IC³ cover?

The IC³ training and certification program covers a broad range of computing knowledge and skills that proves competency in the areas described below.  Individuals seeking IC³ certification are required to take and pass all three IC³ exams:  Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online.

Computing Fundamentals
This exam covers the following areas:

Computer Hardware:

• Identify different types of computers, how computers work (process information) and how individual computers fit into larger systems

• Identify the function of computer hardware components and common problems associated with individual components

• Identify issues relating to computer performance and how it is affected by different components of the computer

• Identify the factors that go into a decision on how to purchase a computer or select a computer for work, school, or home

Computer Software:

• Identify how software works and how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks

• Identify different types of software, the tasks for which each type of software is most suited, and the popular programs in each software category

Using an Operating System:

• Identify what an operating system is and how it works

• Be able to manipulate and control the Windows desktop, files and disks

• Be able to change system settings and install software

Key Applications
This exam covers the following areas:

Common Program Functions:

• Be able to start and exit a Windows application and utilize sources of online help

• Identify common on-screen elements of Windows applications, change application settings, and manage files within an application

• Perform common editing (cut, copy, paste, spell check, etc.) and formatting (fonts, margins, tabs, etc.) functions

• Perform common printing functions

Word Processing Functions:

• Be able to format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools

• Be able to add tables and graphics to a document

Spreadsheet Functions:

• Be able to modify worksheet data and structure

• Be able to sort data and manipulate data using formulas and functions

• Be able to format a worksheet

• Be able to add pictures and charts to a worksheet

Living Online
This exam covers the following areas:

Networks and the Internet:

• Identify network fundamentals and the benefits and risks of network computing

• Identify the relationship between computer networks, other communications networks (like the telephone network) and the Internet

Electronic Mail:

• Identify how electronic mail works

• Identify how to use an electronic mail application

• Identify the appropriate use of e-mail and e-mail related "netiquette"

Using the Internet:

• Identify different types of information sources on the Internet

• Be able to use a Web browsing application

• Be able to search the Internet for information

The Impact of Computing and the Internet on Society:

• Identify how computers are used in different areas of work, school, and home

• Identify the risks of using computer hardware and software

• Identify how to use the Internet safely and legally

Frequently Asked Questions About IC³

Why be IC³ certified?
Often IC³ candidates have spent time and money on training and education for good reasons:  to advance with stability and upward potential.  Job candidates are primarily hired because they can prove they have the necessary skills to excel in their positions.  But how do job candidates prove to others they have the essential computing knowledge and skills to be successful?  The answer is IC³ certification.  In today's digital world, almost all jobs and academic institutions require basic computing knowledge and skills.  IC³ certification immediately identifies a candidate as someone who has what it takes to succeed as a student or employee.

What does it take to become IC³ certified?
All you need to do to become IC³ certified is to pass three exams (Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online) that test your knowledge and skills through knowledge-based questions and performance-based tasks.  Each exam takes less than an hour to complete.

When can candidates expect to receive their IC³ certificate?
Individuals who successfully pass all three IC³ exams will receive their certificate within two weeks of completing all three exams.

Is IC³ a Microsoft certification program?
No.  IC³ is provided by Certiport, the leading provider of global, performance-based certification programs and services designed to enable individual success and advancement through certification.

How does IC³ compare with Microsoft Office Specialist?
IC³ and Microsoft Office Specialist are distinct certification programs.  Microsoft Office Specialist certifications are specific to individual Microsoft Office applications; IC³ covers a wider spectrum of concepts, including basic computing, networking, and Internet knowledge and skills.  After individuals complete IC³ , they are prepared to pursue other software specialist certifications such as Microsoft Office Specialist.  They will even be prepared to pursue more technical certifications, such as A+, to continue enhancing their computer knowledge, skills, and overall marketability.

Can candidates see what the exams look like beforehand?
An IC³ Demonstration is available online for viewing sample questions in the exam environment.

For more information about IC³ certification, see Certiport's web site at www.certiport.com.

Registration
The individual exam fee is $30.00 each.  To schedule an appointment for an exam, please call 217-641-4971 or 217-641-4970.  All exams are given at the John Wood Community College Paul Heath Center at 48th and Harrison in Quincy.