Computer Skills Placement (CSP)

The CSP assesses students' computer competency. It includes mostly performance-based simulations and some multiple choice questions taken online in a computer testing lab. Students are encouraged to review a demo, a practice guide, and take a practice test before taking the CSP. The CSP and practice test are not timed; together they take approximately 1 hour to complete (15 minutes to review the Step-by-step instructions for taking the CSP, 10 minutes to take the ten item practice test and +45 minutes to take the seventy item CSP test).

The test items include:

Basic Concepts of Information Technology
• Data storage and memory.
• How computer-based software applications are used in home computing and on the job.
• What computer information networks are and how they're used.
• How IT systems are found in everyday situations.
• How personal computers can affect your health.
• Security and legal issues associated with computers.
File Management
• Operate effectively within the desktop environment.
• Manage and organize files and directories/folders.
• Copy, move, and delete files and directories/folders.
• Work with desktop icons and manipulate windows.
• Using the search features, simple editing tools, and print management facilities available within an operating system.
Word Processing (Word)
• Carry out operations associated with creating, formatting, and finishing a word processing document ready for distribution.
• Create standard tables.
• Use pictures and images within a document. Import objects.
• Use mail merge tools.
Spreadsheets (Excel)
• Develop, format, and use a spreadsheet.
• Use basic formulas and functions to accomplish standard mathematical and logical operations.
• Import objects.
• Create graphs and charts.
Database (Access)
• Design and plan a simple database using a standard database package.
• Retrieve information from an existing database by using the query, select, and sort tools available in the database.
• Create and modify reports.
Presentations (PowerPoint)
• Create, format, and prepare a variety of presentations for different target audiences or situations.
• Use graphics, charts, and various slide show effects.
Information and Communication
• Accomplish Web search tasks using a Web browser application and available search engine tools.
• Bookmark search results.
• Print Web pages and search reports.
• Send and receive messages.
• Attach documents or files to a message.
• Organize and manage message folders or directories within electronic mail software.

Retest Procedure:

Only one retest is permitted for CSP. So it is very important to be prepared prior to taking the examination.

Test Preparation:

The following are links to resources for students to prepare for the CSP:

SOURCE	LINK


CSP	• CSP Resources • CSP Demo • CSP Practice Test

CSP Schedule:

	AVAILABLE ▼	DAY ▼	TIME ▼
EEC Testing	Walk-in basis	T	8:30 AM - 10:30 PM
EEC Testing	Walk-in basis	W	3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hialeah Testing	Walk-in basis	M, T, W, R	8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Homestead Testing	Walk-in basis	M, T, W	8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
		R	8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
		F	8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
InterAmerican Testing	Walk-in basis	M, T, W, R	8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
InterAmerican Testing	Walk-in basis	F	8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Kendall Testing	Walk-in basis	M, T, W, R	8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Kendall Testing	Walk-in basis	F	8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Medical Testing	Walk-in basis	M, W	9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
	Walk-in basis	T, R	9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
	By appointment	F	By appointment
North Testing	Walk-in basis	M, T, W	8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
		R	8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
		F	8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
West Testing	Walk-in basis	M, T, W, R	8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
West Testing	Walk-in basis	F	8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Wolfson Testing	By Appointment or Walk-in basis	M, T, W, R	9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Note:
	Examinees must be checked-in and seated by the time scheduled in order to begin the test. Examinees will then have adequate time to finish the test in a reasonable period or within the Testing Office Hours of Operation.

Auxiliary Aids and Modifications

Auxiliary Aids and Modifications:

Under certain circumstances, arrangements for auxiliary aids and modifications are permissible. The College makes every reasonable effort to ensure equal access to educational opportunities and experiences for candidates with documented disabilities. These services can include:

Sign language interpreters
Adaptive or assistive technology
Note takers
and more

An ACCESS representative can help eligible candidates identify and arrange for accommodations that ensure success.

Instructions for Auxiliary Aids and Modifications:

Candidate presents documentation to ACCESS department.
ACCESS department intakes documentation.
Accommodations are determined.
ACCESS department informs Testing Center about candidate's accommodations.
Candidate contacts Testing Center to schedule the test with accommodations.
Testing Center plans for accommodated testing needs.
Candidate tests.

Fees:

	CRITERIA	PAY▼	FEE▼


CSP	Beginning on May 12, 2008 MDC students are required to pay a fee in order to take the CSP. Course exemption (all attempts)	MDC	$30.00


Other Fees	This fee is used for testing students from other institutions - e.g. ACCUPLACER, PERT, COMPASS, CSP, Wisconsin Placement Exams. Maximum scheduled administration time is three hours. Plus $15.00 for each additional hour or fraction thereof. This fee includes sending scores to other institutions (all attempts). Note: This fee is not used for course related testing such as Distance Learning Examinations.	MDC	$45.00 Minimum
Other Fees	Official score reports to students or another institution or agency (all requests). Must fill-in and submit a Test Scores Release Form	MDC	$10.00

Note:
	MDC testing fees are non-refundable/non-transferable. Examinees must pick up a payment form at the Testing Center and submit it to the Bursar’s Office prior to taking an MDC fee related test. MDC accepts cash, check, money orders, or credit/debit cards. Make sure to save the receipt for proof of payment.