This is probably one of the most frustrating exams I have ever taken and not because of any difficulty with the subject matter but more due to the questions and options provided. I scored a 74 on this test but after working in the industry for 20+ years I expected better. Here is a summary of my experience with the Intro to Computing exam.

Test – DANTES Introduction to Computing
Questions – 98
Time – 120 minutes

General Observations

The test questions were basic with an emphasis on software applications, basic hardware, basic programming techniques, basic networking and the Internet usage. If someone has a handle on the terminology and acronyms they will pass the exam. If you have industry training and experience you will have no problems scoring well on the exam. What I found difficult was when a question was asked that went along the lines of – all of the following except one will …..? or What will a computer never be able to do? Or What can’t you do in this type of software package? And then provide options where all options are possible and without any strictly correct answers. In most cases it was obvious which answer they were after but not in all cases and worse than that it changed the mindset from looking for the correct answer to looking for which answer do I think they want. All-in-all I shouldn’t complain too much and the exam took less than 40 minutes so time was never an issue and a pass is a pass.

My Preparation

I didn’t pick up a book or look at a flashcard at all for this exam and relied purely on past experience. For those without experience I suggest that IC is probably all you would need or if it would make you feel more comfortable pick up any recognized text on intro to computing. The subject isn’t very deep and a basic understanding of terms and how to use spreadsheets and word processors would probably get you through it.

There isn’t much else I can offer in regards to advice with this one as for me most of it was second nature. If anyone has any specific questions relating to this exam let me know and I will help if I can.


Best of luck to all

Regards

__________________
Ron

Excelsior-BS Operations Management

Completed:
Excelsior Courses - 4 - 3 "A"s and 1 "P" - 10 Credits (3 UL)
CLEP Exams - 14 - 14 "P"s - 57 Credits
DANTES Exams - 5 - 5 "A"s - 15 Credits (3 UL)
APICS Exams - 5 - 5 "P"s - 15 Credits (12 UL)
Certiport (MOS+IC3) - 8 - 8 "P"s - 8 Credits

Hi Ron,

thanks, this was very helpful to me!!! I work in this field since about 10 years and felt with the CLEP version very similar and I'm going to write this exam end of the week.

Thanks and good luck in your studies,

kckusek

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Passed in 2007 and DONE!!! :
CLEP:
30 credits
DANTES:
45 credits
ECE:
19 credits
NYU - German Proficiancy Test
16 credits
Traditional Course work:
12 credits

What is intro to computing listed under on instantcert I'm scheduled to take next week. I'm also testing for world religion, sociology, and art of the western world so any tips or sites that would be helpful send them on.

We don't offer Intro to Computing, but the CLEP Info Systems and Applications materials should do the trick.

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Steve, Webmaster

Hi jenkitts,

Welcome to the forum. We have a separate area for the "Specific Exam Feedback" where you will find all kinds of helpful information from other IC members who have already taken the exams. Here are the direct links to each exam you mentioned:

Intro to Computers; http://www.instantcertonline.com/for...ters-dsst.html

World Religion: http://www.instantcertonline.com/for...ions-dsst.html

Sociology: http://www.instantcertonline.com/for...logy-clep.html

Art of the Western World: There is very little feedback for this one, as very few people seem to take it. I could only find the following two posts that may help you:

This post was made by LuBee on 03/28/07:


This post was made by beckysharp on 04/03/06:
I hope this helps!

JoAnne