Computer Management & Information Systems

CMIS 108 Proficiency Exam

What is the CMIS 108 “Proficiency Exam”?

oThe purpose of a proficiency exam is to provide college credit for subject material that you have mastered outside of a particular class.  The CMIS 108 Proficiency Exam is specifically designed to assess proficiency in basic computer terminology and skills. 

oThe exam consists of two parts that are administered during a four-hour exam period. The first portion of the exam is an online test administered through Blackboard.  This test has 100 questions covering all materials, skills and terms covered in the current CMIS 108 book.  You must successfully complete the first portion of the exam with 70% before being allowed to proceed to the second portion of the exam.

oThe second portion of the exam requires creation/modification of files to demonstrate practical knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office 2007 Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

oYou may only sit for the CMIS 108 Proficiency exam once.  If you do not successfully pass the Proficiency Exam then you must enroll in the course in another semester.

How do I sign up for the CMIS 108 Proficiency Exam?

oThe CMIS 108 Proficiency Exam is considered an OUT-OF-CLASS PROFICIENCY, which means that you may not be enrolled in a current section of the CMIS 108 course.  If you are currently enrolled in a CMIS 108 course then you must withdraw from the course by Friday of the second week in order to be eligible to register for the CMIS 108 Proficiency Exam.

oYou must register to take the CMIS 108 Proficiency at Instructional Services and obtain a form that will be used by the exam administrator to submit the grade earned. Instructional Services is located in Peck Hall, Room 1404; the phone number is 650.2295. 

oAfter obtaining the Registration Form from Instructional Services, you must also obtain a seat for the exam by contacting the CMIS Department located in Founders Hall, Room 2310; the phone number is 650.2504.  You must register for and obtain a seat for the exam by Friday of Week 2.  You will receive a follow-up e-mail to remind you of the upcoming exam date and time.

When is the CMIS 108 Proficiency Exam offered, and what may I bring to the CMIS 108 Proficiency Exam?

oCurrently the Proficiency Exam is offered on Friday afternoon of Week 3 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  The Proficiency Exam is held in Founders Hall, Room 3207.

oYou must bring the grade form from Instructional Services and your SIUE ID to the exam.  Students will not be allowed to take the exam without both the form and ID card.

oYou may obtain a copy of the current CMIS 108 textbook from Library Reserves.  Several copies of the current CMIS 108 textbook are available for check-out for 3 hours on a “first come, first served” basis.  If all copies are checked-out from Library Reserves, you may obtain a copy of the CMIS 108 textbook from Textbook Rental at a nominal charge.

How do I know if I can successfully pass the CMIS 108 Proficiency Exam?

You should review the key words at the end of each chapter of the CMIS 108 textbook to determine if you are proficient in basic computer terminology and skills.  The book also contains practice exercises that you can use to review the Microsoft Office 2007 skills covered on the second portion of the exam. You will be allowed to use the CMIS 108 Microsoft Office textbook as a reference on the second portion of the CMIS 108 Proficiency Exam only.  In general, you will be expected to be proficient in the concept and skill areas included on the attached list.