1. What is the Internet and Computing Core (IC3) Certification?
IC3 Digital Literacy Global Standard 6 (GS6) is the latest version of the IC3 Digital Literacy program. Certiport’s IC3 is an ideal certification for those who want to demonstrate critical computer and Internet skills valued in today’s academic and professional environments. It is the world’s first certification program for digital literacy. IC3 is accepted for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). It is aligned with the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for teachers and students from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Students and teachers who achieve IC3 Certification possess the validated skills and knowledge required for the basic use of computer hardware, software, networks, and the Internet.
The IC³ Certification consists of the following three-part Exam (each Exam takes less than an hour to complete):
- LEVEL 1 Know: The Level 1 exam certifies that candidates have the foundational knowledge and basic competencies of Digital Literacy across seven competency domains.
- LEVEL 2 Do: The Level 2 exam certifies a candidate’s ability to do essential tasks in an online environment and within core applications across the seven objective domains.
- LEVEL 3 Lead: The Level 3 exam certifies a candidate’s mastery of digital literacy and their ability to manage systems, collaborate, and troubleshoot while providing guidance to others.
2. What are the benefits of the IC3 Certification?
Following is a list of advantages of an IC3 Certification:
- Portable credential accessible anywhere through online transcripts
- Provides the confidence to integrate computer and Internet technology
- Validates the skills of job seekers
- Differentiate the candidate from their competitors
- Gain recognition from an employer
- Help get a raise, find a job and promote your expertise.
- Demonstrate competence with essential computer skills and add value to the workplace
3. What is the process for getting an IC3 Certification?
The IC3 Certification is a three-step process:
Step 1. Prepare for the following Exam:
- Computing Fundamentals (Hardware, Software, Operating System)
- Key Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Living Online (Networking, Email, Internet & Internet Society)
Step 2. Purchase a voucher for each part of the Exam.
Step 3. Schedule for an exam
If you are located in Southern California (close to 1820 E. 1st Street, Suite 550, Santa Ana, CA 92705), you can schedule to take the Exam at NR Computer Learning Center (NRCLC). NRCLC is an Authorized Testing Center for the IC3 Exam. NRCLC is located in Orange County (California) and provides service to anyone interested in the IC3 Certification exam to certify their fundamental knowledge in the hardware, software, operating system, popular word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, email, and the Internet. Click here or call (714) 505-3475 to register to take an exam. Or use the Certiport Locator to find a Certiport Authorized Test Center near you.
4. What is covered in the IC3 Certification exam?
Following are the list of topics that are covered in the IC3 GS6 exams:
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| Technology Basics | Access and navigate between digital environments; Identify digital devices and connections; Explain fundamental software concepts; Explain fundamental hardware concepts; Explain fundamental operating system concepts; Explain fundamental networking concepts | Customize digital environments; Use a personal digital calendar; Define higher-level technology concepts; Identify and explain common hardware adjustments; Explain core printer concepts; Identify digital devices and connections | Evaluate software and hardware devices; Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical problems with assistance; Understand selected software concepts |
| Digital Citizenship | Create and manage a digital identity; Cultivate, manage, and protect your digital reputation; Respond to inappropriate digital behavior and content | Create and manage multiple digital identities; Apply digital etiquette standards; Seek opportunities to increase your digital competence |
Understand how to protect others’ personally identifiable information; Explain best practices for digital citizenship |
| Information Management | Use and refine criteria for online searches; Understand methods for searching within digital content; Understand copyright and licensing restrictions for digital content | Determine digital information needs and requirements; Determine the veracity of an individual search result or digital artifact; Manage online data collection, storage, and retrieval | Construct an effective information search; Evaluate digital information sources and multiple search results |
| Content Creation | Create basic documents and presentations; Understand accepted referencing and attribution practices; Save and back up work; Understand fundamental printing concepts | Create and edit digital content; Manage digital information and file; Responsibly repurpose digital resources; Publish or present content for a specific audience | Create, edit, and publish or present original digital media content; Represent data visually; Manage digital information and files;Be aware of challenges and solutions for accessibility; Apply intellectual property standards; Plan and manage a cyclical design process for digital projects |
| Communication | Express yourself through digital means; Interact with others in a digital environment | Interact with others in a digital environment; Understand Internet commerce basics | Manage interpersonal digital communications; Communicate with others to identify and understand issues |
| Collaboration | Identify digital collaboration concepts; Identify digital etiquette standards for collaborative processes | Use digital tools and technologies to collaborate on the creation of content; Apply digital etiquette standards for collaborative processes |
Collaborate with others to resolve issues; Contribute constructively to project teams |
| Safety and Security | Describe digital security threats; Protect devices and digital content; Be aware of data-collection technology; Identify health risks associated with the use of digital technologies | Avoid health risks and physical harm while using digital technologies; Avoid mental health threats while using digital technologies; Understand device security; Understand file security | Manage device security; Be aware of the |
5. How do I register for an IC3 Certification exam?
To register for an IC3 certification exam, follow the steps listed on the IC3 test registration page (https://www.nrclc.com/testing_center/ic3/).
Note: To receive Certificationtion, you must pass all three exams: Computing Fundamental, Key Applications, Living Online. Within four weeks of passing the certification exams, you will receive an official certificate from Certiport in the mail that highlights your accomplishment.
6. Does NRCLC assist in preparing for the IC3 Exam?
NR Computer Learning Center provides the following options for preparing for the IC3 Exam:
- Online Instructor-Led Classes
- Online Video-Based Training
- Hands-on Classroom Training
If you have a question, please call (714) 505-3475.
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