General Information

The Computer Skills Inventory (CSI) is a series of short questions that helps you identify your strengths as well as the knowledge and skills you will need in order to succeed in specified content areas. The CSI helps RCCC to guide you toward classes that strengthen and build logically upon your current knowledge and skills.

The CSI also helps to identify the computer skills necessary to be successful in an Internet-based course.

All students interested in taking an online course must take the CSI. The only exemptions that may apply are for students who have already attended college and taken an approved computer course (CIS 110, CIS 111, CIS 147, CIS 172, EGR 125, EDU 271, WEB 110 or an equivalent course) and completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Nursing and Radiography students may take the CSI for admission if they have a satisfactory score instead of CIS 110. Contact Admissions for more information. All students applying for a program at RCCC are required to take the CSI.

Exemption

If you have a college level computer course with a “C” or higher grade, you may be exempt from this test. We must have your transcript from the institution awarding those credits in order for you to be considered exempt.

Test Schedule

Weekly sessions are available on North and South campuses on Mondays at 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Check the website for additional test times during high traffic times. You must be scheduled to attend a training session. You may change or cancel your exisiting test reservations by logging in with your confirmation number.

Special Arrangements

If you require special arrangements for testing, please notify Student Services when you are assigned a test date. Proper documentation is required.

Test Information

How does CSI work?

CSI indicates areas in which you are strong and areas you may need help with in terms of basic computer and online skills. The CSI can identify problems in major subject areas before they disrupt your educational progress, giving you the opportunity to prepare more effectively for needed courses.

Is the CSI timed?

No, the CSI is an untimed test, and each question may be attempted twice. The second answer will be accepted as final.

What if I fail the CSI?

You cannot fail. It is a placement test and not a pass / fail test. Your scores will indicate what your strengths and needs are for course placement.

May I retest on the CSI?

Retesting can only occur at designated retest session. Please contact Student Services for available dates, guidelines and fees. A fee of $5 per retest session will be charged for retesting. This fee must be paid through the Business Office prior to the retest session.

What types of questions are on the CSI?

The CSI consists of 35 questions.  Several questions are matching or multiple choice.  The majority of questions are application questions. The difficulty level ranges from basic computer skills to the more advanced online skills required in an Internet-based course.