Computer Literacy (PC) test

Why are basic computer literacy skills important to employers? 

Employers need to hire computer-literate people for various tasks, such as composing and sending emails, using Microsoft Office programs, and performing internet research. Knowledge of computer systems is also important when using specialized programs for tasks like graphic design, accounting, and data entry. 

Hiring people with these basic computer literacy skills helps to build efficient workforces that can use a range of software without supervision.

Millions of businesses use the Windows operating system by default – meaning it’s an entry-level requirement for many office roles. However, if your workforce uses Apple systems, check out our Computer Literacy (Mac) test instead.

4 computer literacy competencies to look for

Here are four key computing competencies you can assess with our PC literacy test:

1. Internet navigation: Can the applicant use web browsers and search engines to research information for projects? Do they understand basic internet safety?

2. Email: Does the candidate know how to write emails, use different programs, and communicate professionally?

3. File and folder handling: Can the applicant save files to specific folders, share documents with others, and manage documents and folders to prioritize disk space?

4. Computer operation: Does the candidate know how to navigate basic Windows menus and commands, change common settings, secure their computer, and launch the right programs?

Using computer ability tests helps companies like the Pilgrims’ Friend Society (PFS), a residential care provider, find employees competent in email and basic IT. In fact, with TestGorilla, PFS has vastly improved its hire quality by getting applicants to prove their technical skills before interviews.

Create a multi-measure assessment: 4 tests to pair with our Basic PC Literacy test 

You need to assess more than basic PC literacy for computer-based roles. For example, you might need to hire someone with specific role skills or someone who can type quickly and accurately.

With TestGorilla, you can build a multi-measure assessment using five tests at once, meaning you can assess candidates on a range of skills to find well-rounded talent.

Here are four tests we recommend alongside our basic computer literacy test:

• Typing Speed (Capitalization and Punctuation) test: Discover how efficiently and accurately a candidate types passages during timed tests. Top typists make fantastic data entry clerks and admin assistants.

• Google Docs test or Microsoft Word test: Assess applicants’ knowledge and skills with the word processing program you use in-house. That way, you spend less time training them during onboarding.

• Email skills tests (Microsoft Outlook or Gmail): Find recruits who can manage incoming and outgoing mail using your office’s default email suite. This test goes beyond the basics of our Computer Literacy skills assessment and measures candidates’ use of different functions.

• Microsoft Windows test: Measure your applicant’s further knowledge of Microsoft’s operating system. This computer skill test expands upon file handling, basic functions, and efficiency-boosting shortcuts.

Note: We haven’t included any role-specific skills tests here because they depend on the position you’re hiring for. However, we highly recommend you add at least one in your five-test assessment to ensure your candidates possess the right skills for the job.