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):
      • Create a New Document and Enter Text
      • Edit Text with the Delete and Backspace Keys
      • Select, Delete, and Insert Text
      • Insert Text from another Document
      • Navigate a Document
      • Format the Font, Font Size, and Font Style
      • Insert a Picture
      • Set Document Margins
      • Align Text and Set Indents
      • Modify Line and Paragraph Spacing
      • Format Text Using the Format Painter
      • Find and Replace Text
      • Cut, Copy, Paste, and Move Text
      • Create a Bulleted List
      • Insert a Picture from a File
      • Resize and Move a Picture
      • Format Pictures Using Styles and Borders
      • Set Tab Stops
      • Enter Text with Tab Stops
      • Apply a Predefined Format to a Table
      • Create a Table
      • Collect Information using the Office Clipboard
      • Use the Office Clipboard to Build a Document
      • Create Multiple Column Text
      • Insert a Column Break
      • Add a Border and Shading to a Paragraph
      • Insert Hyperlinks to Text and Graphics
      • Insert a SmartArt Graphic
    • Microsoft Excel 2007 (you may be tested over any or all the following):
      • Create and Save a New Workbook
      • Enter Worksheet Data and Merge and Center Titles
      • Adjust Column Widths and Format Cells
      • Use the SUM Function
      • Copy Formulas and Insert Columns
      • Format, Edit, and Check the Spelling of Data
      • Create a Column Chart
      • Create a New Workbook from an Existing Workbook and Align Text
      • Construct Formulas for Mathematical Operations
      • Format Numbers
      • Construct and Copy Formulas Containing Absolute Cell References
      • Format Percentages and Insert Rows in a Worksheet Containing Formulas
      • Create a Pie Chart and a Chart Sheet
      • Format a Pie Chart with 3-D and Rotate Slices
      • Navigate, Rename, and Change the Tab Color of Worksheets
      • Enter and Format Dates
      • Clear Cells of Contents and Formats
      • Move, Copy, and Paste Cell Contents
      • Group Worksheets for Editing
      • Use More Than One Math Operator in a Formula
      • Edit and Format Multiple Worksheets
      • Use the SUM and AVERAGE Functions
      • Use the MEDIAN, MIN, and MAX Functions
      • Move Data, Add Borders, and Rotate Text
      • Use the COUNTIF and IF Functions
      • Apply Conditional Formatting Using Custom Formats and Data Bars
      • Use Find and Replace and Insert the DATE Function
      • Freeze and Unfreeze Panes
    • Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 (you may be tested over any or all the following):
      • Open, View, and Save a Presentation
      • Edit and Replace Text in Normal View
      • Format Slide Text
      • Check Spelling and Use the Thesaurus
      • Insert Slides and Modify Slide Layouts
      • Insert and Format Pictures
      • Organize Slides Using Slide Sorter View
      • Create a New Presentation
      • Change the Presentation Theme
      • Apply Font and Color Themes
      • Format the Slide Background
      • Apply a Picture or Texture to the Slide Background
      • Format Text with WordArt
      • Change Character Spacing and Font Color

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.