Computers for Learning

Exam Topics

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  As of August, 2007, the CFL Waiver Exam will be testing participants over Office 2007.

When taking the Computers for Learning Waiver Exam, you can expect to be tested on any of the following subjects (PLEASE NOTE: not all subjects will be included on any particular Waiver Exam).

  •  Computer Concepts
    • System basics (system hardware components, peripheral devices, & terminology)
    • User interface
    • Computer files
    • Data storage (using files, logical file storage, physical storage technologies)
  • Software and Multimedia
    • Computer software basics (copyrights, licensees, shareware, public domain, etc.)
    • System software (operating system, utility software)
    • Application software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, databases, etc.)
    • Choosing the appropriate tool for the job (using the above mentioned software)
    • Multimedia applications (necessary hardware, software tools available, etc.)
  • Local Area Networks
    • Using programs on a network
    • Using a network printer
    • Basics of data communications (modems and remote access)
  • Electronic Mail
    • How e-mail works
    • Managing your e-mail
    • E-mail privacy
  • The Internet and Information Highway
    • Commercial service providers
    • WWW browsers
    • Connecting to the Internet
    • Accessing the Missouri State University library and other electronic resources
  • Computer Privacy and Ethics
    • Copyright issues
    • Freeware/shareware
  • Application Software (given via a hands-on simulation program)
    • Microsoft Word 2007   (you may be tested over any or all the following):
      • Understand Word basics
      • Use AutoText
      • View a document
      • Use the Mini toolbar
      • Set margins and specify page orientation
      • Insert page breaks
      • Add page numbers
      • Insert headers and footers
      • Create sections
      • Insert a cover page
      • Use Find and Replace commands
      • Check spelling and grammar
      • Use save and backup options
      • Select printing options
      • Customize Word
      • Apply font attributes through the Font dialog box
      • Highlight text
      • Control word wrapping with non-breaking hyphens and non-breaking spaces
      • Copy formats with Format Painter
      • Set off paragraphs with tabs, borders, lists, and columns
      • Apply paragraph formats
      • Create and modify styles
      • Create a table of contents
      • Create an index
      • Insert a table
      • Format a table
      • Sort and apply formulas to table data
      • Convert text to a table
      • Insert clip art and images into a document
      • Format a graphic element
      • Insert WordArt into a document
      • Insert symbols into a document
      • Insert comments in a document
      • Track changes in a document
      • View documents side by side
      • Compare and combine documents
      • Create master documents and subdocuments
      • Use navigation tools
      • Acknowledge a source
      • Create a bibliography
      • Select the writing style
      • Create and modify footnotes and endnotes
      • Add figure references
      • Insert a table of figures
      • Add legal references
      • Create cross-references
      • Modify document properties
    • Microsoft Excel 2007 (you may be tested over any or all the following):
      • Define worksheets and workbooks
      • Use spreadsheets across disciplines
      • Plan for good workbook and worksheet design
      • Identify Excel window components
      • Enter and edit data in cells
      • Describe and use symbols and the order of precedence
      • Display cell formulas
      • Insert and delete rows and columns
      • Use cell ranges; Excel move; copy, paste, paste special; and AutoFill
      • Manage worksheets
      • Format worksheets
      • Select page setup options for printing
      • Manage cell comments
      • Create and copy formulas
      • Use relative and absolute cell addresses
      • Use AutoSum
      • Insert basic statistical functions
      • Use date functions
      • Use the IF function
      • Use the VLOOKUP function
      • Use the PMT function
      • Use the FV function
      • Choose a chart type
      • Create a chart
      • Modify a chart
      • Enhance charts with graphic shapes
      • Embed charts
      • Print charts
      • Freeze rows and columns
      • Hide and unhide rows, columns, and worksheets
      • Protect a cell, a worksheet, and a workbook
      • Control calculation
      • Print large worksheets
      • Explore basic table management
      • Sort data
      • Filter and total data
    • Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 (you may be tested over any or all the following):
      • Identify PowerPoint user interface elements
      • Use PowerPoint views
      • Open and save a slideshow
      • Get Help
      • Create a storyboard
      • Use slide layouts
      • Apply Design Themes
      • Review the presentation
      • Add a table
      • Insert clip art
      • Use transitions and animations
      • Run and navigate slide show
      • Print with PowerPoint
      • Create a presentation using a template
      • Modify a template
      • Create a presentation in Outline view
      • Modify an outline structure
      • Print an outline
      • Import an outline
      • Add existing content to a presentation
      • Examine slide show design principles
      • apply and modify a Design Theme
      • Insert a header or footer

NOTE:  The books used in CIS/CSC 101 are on reserve at the Missouri State University Meyer library.  You may wish to review them prior to taking the exam.  Ask for the books on reserve for Sue McCrory or CIS/CSC 101. 

The waiver exam will test over the same materials/concepts/topics that are taught in the class. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sue McCrory, Computers for Learning Coordinator, at 417-836-6120.