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IC³ Frequently Asked Questions
 What are the benefits of IC³?
What skills does IC³ cover?
Why is IC³ needed?
Why be IC³ certified?
What does it take to become IC³ certified?
Where can I take IC³ exams?
What is the price of an IC³ exam?
Are IC³ exam objectives available?
How can I find out which questions I missed on the exam?
When can I expect to receive my IC³ certificate?
Can I view my progress and credentials online?
Can I earn college credit with IC³?
Once I’m IC³ certified, what is my next step?
Can I see what the exams look like beforehand?
Where can I locate IC³ training materials?
How was IC³ developed?
What is the IC³ Authorized Instructor Program?
What is the IC³ Authorized Instructor Program?
Is IC³ a Microsoft certification program?
How does IC³ compare with Microsoft Office Specialist?
Are there other certification programs like IC³?
How can potential centers implement an IC³ program?
What are the benefits of IC³?
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 also 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:
Ensures candidates possess essential skills to conduct business effectively
Qualifies candidates for college
credit through the American Council on Education (ACE)
Develops confidence and security in being part of today's "digital world"
Provides a necessary foundation to further enhance productivity and marketability with other application-specific certifications
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.
IC³ — Computing Fundamentals
IC³ — Key Applications
IC³ — Living Online
IC³ — 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
IC³ — 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
IC³ — 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
Why is IC³ needed?
Computers are a part of nearly every academic discipline and almost every job. In fact, in both academia and the workplace,
basic skills in computer and Internet use are considered prerequisites to acceptance or employment. As a result, the need for a
standard for measuring basic computer literacy has become increasingly apparent. IC³ addresses this market need by delivering a
global certification as validation for these computing credentials.
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. IC³:
Provides core skills and knowledge necessary to use key computer applications and the Internet
Provides a resume-building standard certification as proof of successful completion of the program
Provides the foundation necessary to further enhance productivity and marketability with additional certifications
Gives individuals confidence and security in being part of today's "digital world"
May provide the opportunity for certified individuals to earn college credit through participating colleges affiliated with the American Council on Education
What does it take to become IC³ certified?
All you need to do to become IC³ certified is 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 and may be taken at any IC³ testing center.
Where can I take IC³ exams?
Candidates who would like to take the IC³ exams should contact an authorized testing center to schedule their exams. IC³
testing centers can be found on the Certiport Center locator.
What is the price of an IC³ exam?
Certification candidates can expect to pay less than US$100 for the set of three exams that comprise IC³.
Are IC³ exam objectives available?
IC³ exam objectives are shared with Certiport training material partners worldwide. Candidates are encouraged to review a
general overview of the exam objectives prior to taking the IC³ exams.
How can I find out which questions I missed on the exam?
After completing the exam, certification candidates receive a computer printout detailing their score. The printout contains
a breakdown of each knowledge section within the exam and the level of competency scored by the candidate. While candidates cannot
find out exact questions that they missed on the exam, they can see the areas where they need to make improvement.
When can I expect to receive my IC³ certificate?
Individuals who successfully pass all three IC³ exams will receive their certificate within two weeks of completing all three exams.
Can I view my progress and credentials online?
Candidates who have completed at least one IC³ exam can view their progress online via
Certiport's Authenticated Digital Transcript service.
This service allows instant access to credentials anytime. IC³ candidates can log on to the secure Certiport web site to verify profile
information, review current exams and certifications, and authorize other viewers to review their accomplishments. Thus, they can easily
present their certification transcripts to employers, staffing agencies, academic institutions, and others.
Can I earn college credit with IC³?
IC³ has earned an American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendation for college education in general education for computing
literacy. From this recommendation, students can earn
credit from the more than 1,800 accredited, degree-granting colleges, universities,
and other education-related organizations that are members of ACE. (Please note: Colleges and universities accept ACE credit
recommendations based on their own policies and requirements for each particular degree.)
Once I’m IC³ certified, what is my next step?
Once individuals have successfully achieved IC³ certification, they are well prepared for career advancement through additional
computer certifications. They readily move on to achieve desktop application-specific certifications as well as more advanced
technical certifications such as CompTIA's™ A+.
Can I see what the exams look like beforehand?
An IC³ Exam Demonstration is available online
for viewing sample questions in the exam environment. Certiport recommends that candidates become familiar with the IC³ environment
prior to taking an exam by viewing the IC³ Exam Demonstration.
Where can I locate IC³ training materials?
Certiport partners with several courseware
vendors to create IC³ training materials for exam preparation. Training materials are available in various formats
including textbook, computer-based training, and online formats to allow you to choose the best method for your situation or need.
How was IC³ developed?
Certiport released IC³ worldwide in February 2002. This new vendor-independent, validated certification program reflects
Certiport's efforts to establish a worldwide standard of computer literacy. Because no other global certification standard exists
and because education and businesses are becoming more and more mobile, a worldwide computer literacy standard is increasingly critical.
An industry standard for measuring basic computer literacy for academia and the workplace, IC³ boasts exam objectives that were
built by professional researchers, test developers, psychometricians and more than 270 subject matter experts in 19 countries—all of
whom contributed content, feedback and validated certification requirements. The IC³ program combines standards from numerous disciplines,
including: Government Organizations, Computer Industry Associations, Training Providers, Workforce Services, Corporations, and Academia.
A student with IC³ certification not only has an understanding of computing fundamentals, key applications, and online functionality, but
also possesses the necessary foundation to excel into advanced desktop and technical application certifications.
Unlike many computer testing programs and assessments, the IC³ exams were created under the supervision of professional psychometricians
and test developers with experience in the certification industry. This expertise ensures that the program fulfills all of the computer
industry's highest standards for test development, integrity, and validity.
Targeted to students, educators, and today's workforce, IC³ is comprised of three sections: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications,
and Living Online. The exam questions were refined using a beta process at selected Certiport testing centers worldwide, resulting in the
IC³ exams available today. Exam questions continue to be evaluated and analyzed to ensure the computer literacy standard is maintained as
technology develops.
What is the IC³ Authorized Instructor Program?
The IC³ Authorized Instructor Program is
designed for individuals who are qualified as teachers or trainers of basic computing and Internet literacy skills. IC³ Authorized
Instructors have the knowledge and skills required to help students become productive users of computer hardware, software, networks and
the Internet.
How do I become an IC³ Authorized Instructor?
IC³ Authorized Instructors must meet the following requirements:
1: Take and pass all three IC³ exams
2: Complete the IC³ Authorized
Instructor Application
3: Fax evidence of teaching qualifications to (801) 459-0019
Is IC³ a Microsoft certification program?
No. IC³ is not a Microsoft certification program. 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 computing knowledge, skills, and overall marketability.
Are there other certification programs like IC³?
While there are many basic computer training and assessment programs worldwide, IC³ is the only validated standards-based
certification program for computing literacy. Some organizations like to refer to their program as a certification simply because
they may issue a certificate of completion, but they do not qualify as a true certification program by global industry standards.
How can potential centers implement an IC³ program?
Operating as an IC³ Authorized Testing Center gives centers the freedom to
conveniently deliver certification exams at on-site labs. And Authorized Testing Centers benefit from the extensive support and
know-how necessary to make certain certification candidates profit from a successful program.
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