Computer Competency
NEW Computer Competency Requirement Exemption!
Students who passed an MDC recognized certification that is aligned with one or more of the seven competency areas on the Computer Placement Test (CSP) are eligible for an exemption if five (5) or more of the areas are met with the certifications. See Questions & Answers below for the testing criteria and guidelines for Computer Competency.
To request this exemption, students must provide their certification(s).
Transfer students who satisfied a college's computer competency requirement by an examination, may receive an exemption from the Computer Competency requirement at MDC, if the examination was used to satisfy a course requirement equivalent to CGS1060 or CTS0050.
To apply, transfer students must provide an official test score report and supporting course documents such as course description in college catalog from the transferring institution.
Send required documentation to the College's Institutional Test Administrator via silvio.rodriguez@mdc.edu for verification and approval.
Why does Miami Dade College require demonstration of computer competency?
- Graduates of Miami Dade College should possess the fundamental knowledge and basic ability to use information technology resources in everyday life and in future careers. Consequently, general education requirements for the A.A., A.S., and A.A.S. degrees include demonstration of computer competency. Students demonstrate this competency by passing the MDC computer competency test, currently known as CSP (Computer Skills Placement) examination or by enrolling in and successfully completing an equivalent course. No credit is awarded for successful completion.
If CGS1060 or CTS0050 is required as a course co-req/pre-req for a program, can a student satisfy the requirement by passing the CSP?
- No. The CSP does NOT substitute for taking the actual course, if the course is part of a program.
Is there a credit-by-exam that satisfies computer competency at MDC?
- Yes, students who pass the DSST (DANTES) - Computing and Information Technology exam can earn college credit for CGS1060 and also satisfy computer competency at MDC.
Who must demonstrate computer competency?
- Degree-seeking students must demonstrate computer competency. Note: Prior to Fall 2018 students seeking a college credit certificate in School of Business programs with 12 or more credits were also required to demonstrate computer competency.
By when must computer competency be demonstrated?
- By the 16th earned college-level credit (Excluding ESL, ENS, EAP, and college preparatory courses), a student must have attempted CGS1060, an equivalent college credit course, CTS0050 (formerly CGV0010), or the CSP at Miami Dade College**.
- By the 31st earned college-level credit (Excluding EAP, and Developmental Education courses), a student must have demonstrated computer competency by passing CGS1060, an equivalent college credit course, CTS0050 (formerly CGV0010), or the CSP at Miami Dade College**.
**Transfer students who satisfied a college's computer competency requirement by an examination, may receive an exemption from the Computer Competency requirement at MDC, if the examination was used to satisfy a course requirement equivalent to CGS1060 or CTS0050.
How are computer competency exemptions processed?
- Transfer students must provide an official test score report and supporting course documents such as course description in college catalog from the transferring institution to the College’s Institutional Test Administrator via silvio.rodriguez@mdc.edu for verification and approval.