Computing Skills test Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
- What is the Computing Skills test?
- Who must sit for the test?
- What does the test look like?
- What will be tested?
- Where do I practise questions online?
- Who do I contact?
- Will the test work on a Netbook?
Answers
- What is the Computing Skills test?
- The Computing Skills test is a mandatory requirement for the School Certificate. The test is based on the skills, knowledge and understanding of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) that students have developed through their study of the revised mandatory Years 7–10 syllabuses during Stage 5, and through their studies in Stage 4, including the mandatory Design and Technology course. The test is delivered in an online format for all schools.
- Who must sit for the test?
The Computing Skills test is a mandatory requirement for each candidate for the School Certificate, unless the student is studying one or more courses based on Life Skills outcomes and content.
For students undertaking one or more courses based on Life Skills outcomes and content in Stage 5 the Computing Skills test is optional.
Completion of the test is a requirement for the award of the School Certificate.
- What does the test look like?
-
The Computing Skills test consists of 100 questions in multiple-choice format. All questions are compulsory.
There are 20 questions in each of the five skill areas:
- Computer operations
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets and databases
- Graphics and multimedia
- Internet and email
A practice test is available for schools to download from Schools Online to use with their Year 10 students to familiarise them with the format and navigation of the online test. The practice test provides students with an opportunity to log in to the test, navigate through a sample series of questions and print their answers.
- What will be tested?
-
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been integrated within the outcomes and content of the revised Years 7–10 syllabuses. A mapping of the ICT statements from the mandatory syllabuses is available on the Board′s website. Questions in the Computing Skills test will be drawn from these ICT statements.
- Where do I practise questions online?
-
Online multiple-choice quiz on Computing Skills:
Questions from previous Computing Skills tests have been added to the Board′s online multiple-choice database.
Students can use these multiple-choice questions to practise for the School Certificate Computing Skills test, and get instant feedback on their performance. They can choose questions from any combination of the five computing skill areas that are in the test.
- Who do I contact?
-
For further information contact:
- (02) 9367 8130
- (02) 9367 8299
- (02) 9367 8329
- csthelp@bos.nsw.edu.au
- Will the test work on a Netbook?
NSW Government school students will have the applications (Computing Skills Practice and School Certificate tests) available on their managed Netbooks. Individual Government schools will not have to carry out installations.
It is recommended that all Netbooks and notebooks be connected to mains power during the online test. Students cannot apply for Illness/Misadventure on the grounds of a flat battery.