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Professional Office Computing
What is an POC?
The POC is an end-user standard out-and-out. No programming is taught. However, obtaining the POC is not trivial. To obtain the POC a student must demonstrate practical proficiency in each of the most commonly used software tools. The student has to pass all seven modules at a very high level - as high as 75%.
About the Course
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Basic Concepts - covers vocabulary, applications and use of computers, IT and society and other general issues.
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Using the computer and managing files - deals mostly with the use of the operating system. The test is a practical one.
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Word Processing - this module requires all the usual skills, plus doing such advanced tasks as mail-merge and integration with spreadsheets and graphics. The test is a practical one.
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Spreadsheets - this requires a thorough familiarity with spreadsheet use. The test is a practical one.
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Databases - again the test is practical.
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Presentation Tools - again a practical test.
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Information and Communication - the use of electronic mail and information retrieval. The automated test is a multiple choice test, followed by a practical one.
How do I get my POC?
Registering
The candidate (student) has to obtain a Skills Log Book, the POC Registration Document. This is a book with space for the student's personal details (including ID number) and a page for each of the seven modules to be tested. The Skills Log Book costs R380, 00.
Training
Candidates are free to obtain training wherever they please. They could train themselves, or use the self-training CDs available on the market.
Testing
As soon as students are ready, they can go to a Test Centre to prove their ability. Testing Centres use approved testing materials, but charges their own fees. Typically the charge will vary between R120 and R150 per test. If the student passes the test, the Test Centre Supervisor will sign and stamp the appropriate page in the Skills Log Book and indicate which software was used.
Certification
Once students have passed all seven modules they send the Skills Log Books to the ICDL Foundation. After checking the Skills Log Book against the records, the ICDL Foundation issues the International Computer Driving Licence Certificate free of charge.
Student who wish to do so, may send in their Skills Log Book after completing four (any four) modules to get an ICDL "START" certificate.
Benefits of the POC
Today, computer skills are increasingly important to people in all walks of life. The POC is an information technology certificate for all citizens. It is intended for those who need to, or wish to, know how to use a personal computer. It is suitable for people from every work discipline, for people entering the job market, and for all ages. Some of the benefits of the POC are that it provides:
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IT skills qualification for everyone;
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Able to deliver a flexible, modular program, accessible to all;
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A model for education and training in the Information Society;
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A highly effective training delivery model;
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Provides an essential qualification that allows all people to be part of the Information Society world-wide;
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Facilitates increased mobility across the workforce and wider community;
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The same standards and testing methods throughout the world.
What are the benefits to the individual?
POC is designed to help people in their everyday computing tasks both at home and at work. It confirms to potential employers that the person has a recognised, relevant and up-to-date qualification. For those new to computers POC will provide a solid foundation of computer skills to competently and confidently use computers.
How does this help the employer?
A company intent on improving the computer skills of the workforce will want to ensure that there is a positive return on investment. POC helps to provide proof of computer skills competency of employees that can translate into increased efficiency, improved customer service and reduced costs.
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