IC³ is the abbreviation and registered trademark of the "Internet and Computing Core Certification." The IC³ is a global certification program that is designed to certify an individual's digital literacy skills associated with basic computer and Internet use. IC³ is the first computer certification to be recognized by the National Skill Standards Board

National Skill Standards Board

The National Skill Standards Board was a coalition of community, business, labor, education, and civil rights leaders. It was tasked with building a national voluntary system of skill standards, assessment, and certification to enhance the...

 (NSSB).

Certiport, Inc.

Certiport was established in 1997. They are based in American Spoon, Utah and their main goal is to validate fundamental computer skills and knowledge through performance-based testing. In addition to the IC³ credential, Certiport also provides the official Microsoft Office certification programs, the Microsoft Technology Associate certification program, the Adobe® Certified Associate certification program, the Autodesk Certified User program, the CompTIA Strata™ IT Fundamentals, the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User certification program.

Function

IC³ was created by Certiport, Inc. in 2000 to address the need for a globally recognized and accepted standard of basic computing knowledge to be considered fundamental to academic learning and a minimum requirement for employment in a typical office setting.

Format and Use

The IC³ certification is awarded to those individuals that take and are able to pass three separate exams, titled Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online. Schools across America have integrated IC³ into their vo-tech programs and high schools tech education, providing students to become IC3 certified upon completion of three exams. Mississippi, in particular, has included Information and Communication Technology I & II into their coursework with the ccertification as a part of the program. IC³ can be used as an option to "test out" of some technology classes. In addtion to integration into the U.S. school systesm, IC³ has gained tremendous acceptance in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America in education, vocational schools, and government workforce development programs.

Overview

Each exam of the IC³ consists of 45 multiple choice, matching, and "hands on" performance-based questions. Each exam also has a 45 minute time limit.

Computing Fundamentals

"Computer Fundamentals" deals with hardware, software, and operating systems. The maximum score is 1000, the minimum passing requirement is 800.

• Computer Hardware
  Computer hardware
  Personal computer hardware are component devices which are typically installed into or peripheral to a computer case to create a personal computer upon which system software is installed including a firmware interface such as a BIOS and an operating system which supports application software that...
  
  
  • Identify types of computers, how they process information and how individual computers interact with other computing systems and devices.
  • Identify the function of computer hardware components.
  • Identify the factors that go into an individual or organizational decision on how to purchase computer equipment.
  • Identify how to maintain computer equipment and solve common problems relating to computer hardware.
• Computer Software
  Computer software
  Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it....
  
  
  • Identify how hardware and software work together to perform computing tasks and how software is developed and upgraded.
  • Identify different types of software, general concepts relating to software categories, and the tasks to which each type of software is most suited or not suited.
  • Identify fundamental concepts relating to database applications.
• Using an Operating System
  Operating system
  An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
  
  
  • Identify what an operating system is and how it works, and solve common problems related to operating systems.
  • Manipulate and control the Windows or Macintosh desktop, files, and systems.
  • Identify how to change system settings, install, and remove software.

Key Applications

"Key Applications" covers generic program functions, as well as basic Word and Excel functions. The maximum score is 1000, the minimum passing requirement is 750.

• 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 and formatting functions.
  • Perform common printing functions.
• Word Processing
  Word processing
  Word processing is the creation of documents using a word processor. It can also refer to advanced shorthand techniques, sometimes used in specialized contexts with a specially modified typewriter.-External links:...
  
   Functions
  • Be able to format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools.
  • Be able to insert, edit and format tables in a document.
• Spreadsheet
  Spreadsheet
  A spreadsheet is a computer application that simulates a paper accounting worksheet. It displays multiple cells usually in a two-dimensional matrix or grid consisting of rows and columns. Each cell contains alphanumeric text, numeric values or formulas...
  
   Functions
  • Be able to modify worksheet data and structure and format data in a worksheet.
  • Be able to sort data, manipulate data using formulas and functions and add and modify charts in a worksheet.
• Presentation
  Presentation
  Presentation is the practice of showing and explaining the content of a topic to an audience or learner. Presentations come in nearly as many forms as there are life situations...
  
   Software Functions
  • Be able to create and format simple presentations.

Living Online

"Living Online" deals with the internet and networks, e-mail, web browsers, and the general impact of the internet on society. The maximum score is 1000, with a minimum passing score of 800.

• Networks and the Internet
  Internet
  The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
  
  
  • 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