Placement Testing

To ensure that students are adequately prepared for the challenges in both lower-division and upper-division courses, the University of Baltimore requires that students demonstrate their mastery of important prerequisite skills by taking a placement exam* or, in certain cases, prescribed courses.

Placement Testing for Lower-Division Math and Writing Courses

Placement Testing for Upper-Division Writing Course

 

*Please Note

  • Placement scores are valid for two years, in accordance with state guidelines.
  • If you are a transfer student needing to take a placement test, you must do so no later than your second registration so that you will be able to graduate on schedule and your subsequent course work will benefit from the enhancement of your skills.
  • If you provide current documentation of a disability at least two weeks in advance of testing, you are eligible for appropriate testing accommodations.

Computer Literacy Waiver Examination Information

 

What do I need to know?

 

University of Baltimore adopts the definition of computer literacy from the Computer Literacy – USA organization:  An understanding of the concepts, terminology and operations that relate to general computer use. It is the essential knowledge needed to function independently with a computer. This functionality includes the ability to solve and avoid problems, adapt to new situations, keep information organized and communicate effectively with other computer literate people.

 

Computer literacy learning objectives include demonstration of three types of competency: skills, concepts, and intellectual capabilities.

 

The computer literacy waiver exam allows those students who may have developed skills outside of the classroom to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of these computer literacy competencies. A satisfactory score allows the University to justifiably waive a course requirement to meet the computer literacy general education requirement at UB. 

 

The test will assess the following:

1.      Skills competencies with current applications. For example: word processors, graphics packages, web browsers, search engines, email, spreadsheets and databases.

2.      Concepts competencies. These include what a computer is, and how it works; information systems; networks; digital representation of information; limitations of information technology; and the societal impact of information and information technology

3.      Intellectual capabilities competencies. These include understanding how to manage complex technology needs, organize and navigate information structures, evaluate information, and collaborate with others using technology.

Some example texts that cover this material include:

 

O’Leary and O’Leary (2008) Computing Essentials: Complete. McGraw-Hill.

 

Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat (2008) Discovering Computers 2008: Complete. Course Technology.

 

Note that there are many resources available that cover computer literacy concepts.

 


What do I need to do?

 

Computer literacy is taken seriously at University of Baltimore. Some students may have acquired computer literacy skills through workplace or other experience. These students may seek a waiver from the computer literacy course requirement (COSC 100 or INSS 100) by passing an examination. If they pass the examination, students are not granted credit, but the requirement is considered met and an elective course may be used to fulfill the 120-credit graduation requirement.

 

The examination is administered by appointment through the Academic Resource Center. A $35.00 fee must be paid prior to testing. The test may be taken only one time. This is NOT a take-home test; students are given two hours to complete the multiple choice test in the Academic Resource Center. No study aids or other resources may be used during testing.

 

The test is scored by the Academic Resource Center personnel and examination results are distributed by UB e-mail within two business days to the student and to the academic adviser of their school (Ms. Suzanne Behr, Ms. Jackie Lewis, or Ms. Sandy Lin).

 

Contact the Academic Resource Center, 410.837.5383, arc@ubalt.edu, AC 116, for more information or to make arrangements for your exam.