Computer Literacy (PC)
Summary of the Computer Literacy (PC) test
Our Computer Literacy test evaluates a candidate’s ability to use Windows PCs and related technology in the workplace. It helps you identify candidates who can perform basic work functions on a computer for a wide variety of employee tasks.
Covered skills
Operating a Windows PC
Navigating the internet
Managing email
Handling files and folders
Use the Basic Computer Literacy (PC) test to hire:
Any entry- to mid-level role that involves everyday computer use, including customer service representatives, accountants, copywriters, data entry clerks, clerical workers, graphic designers, social media managers, administrative assistants, receptionists, and health information technicians.
About the Computer Literacy (PC) test
Basic PC literacy, including using software applications and maintaining an understanding of how they work, is an entry-level skill for many roles.
Therefore, we designed our Computer Literacy test to help you identify candidates who can use computers for various workplace tasks safely and efficiently. Test takers who score highly are:
Confident in using PC hardware and software without supervision
Skilled at using different functions, shortcuts, programs, and settings
Knowledgeable in how to manage computer privacy and security
Reliable at communicating with others through computer programs
To measure these traits, our timed Computer skills test assesses a candidate’s understanding of computer operations (e.g., interpreting user interfaces and menus), internet navigation (e.g., accessing and navigating web pages safely), email (e.g., sending and organizing messages), and folder management (e.g., saving documents and managing hard drives).
Want a quick tour of the test? Discover some preview questions here.
The test is made by a subject-matter expert
TestGorilla’s tests are created by subject matter experts. We assess potential subject-matter experts based on their knowledge, ability, and reputation.Before being published, each test is peer-reviewed by another expert, then calibrated using hundreds of test takers with relevant experience in the subject.
Our feedback mechanisms and unique algorithms allow our subject-matter experts to constantly improve their tests.
Anirban C.
The global IT industry has benefited from Anirban’s talents for over two decades. With a flawless reputation that precedes him, Anirban has earned a status as a sought-after agile project manager and consultant. He’s worked internationally as a Senior Project Manager with companies such as Ericsson, IBM, and T-Mobile.
Anirban’s love for learning helps him keep his skills sharp. He holds an MBA and a degree in engineering, is a certified Scrum Master, and has certifications in Prince2 and ITIL.
Reliability: Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = .69
Face validity: Candidates rated this test as accurately measuring their skills (average score of 4.01 out of 5.00).
Criterion-related validity: Candidates with higher scores on this test received higher average ratings from the hiring team during the selection process (r = .16).
For an in-depth look at interpreting test results, please take a look at our Science series articles: How to interpret test fact sheets (part 1): Reliability, and How to interpret test fact sheets (part 2): Validity.
For an explanation of the various terms, please refer to our Science glossary.
Reliability and validity | Sufficient data available | Analyses and checks conducted | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
Reliability | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Content validity | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Face validity | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Construct validity | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Criterion-related validity | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Group differences | |||
Age differences | Pending | Pending | Pending |
Gender differences | Pending | Pending | Pending |
Ethnicity differences | Pending | Pending | Pending |
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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:
Internet navigation: Can the applicant use web browsers and search engines to research information for projects? Do they understand basic internet safety?
Email: Does the candidate know how to write emails, use different programs, and communicate professionally?
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?
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.
What job roles can you hire with our Computer Literacy (PC) test for employment?
Our basic Computer Literacy test helps you find talented people for various roles where working with PCs is a major part of the job.
Here are a few roles you can hire for using the test:
Accountants create spreadsheets, charts, and forecasts to manage company finances, using programs such as Microsoft Excel
Administrative assistants send and receive email and manage files and folders via computer software
Customer service representatives use PCs to chat with customers and clients via email, web chat, and video conferencing
Copywriters use a range of word processing tools, email, and workflow software to manage projects
Data entry clerks read, process, and enter large amounts of data and communicate with others, meaning typing computer skills are a must
Graphic designers create, draft, and edit images and web copy for clients using specialized tools
Health information technicians maintain patient records using databases and communicate with healthcare specialists via email
Marketers must communicate with other departments through email and produce presentations with programs such as PowerPoint
Receptionists record and access customer information, book calendar entries, and email clients and staff
Social media managers use basic and specialized tools to create and publish content marketing and communicate with customers
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.
FAQs
View a sample report
The Computer Literacy (PC) test will be included in a PDF report along with the other tests from your assessment. You can easily download and share this report with colleagues and candidates.