Computer Competency
Computer Skills Placement Update
Effective 1/1/2025 the CSP (Computer Skills Placement) will no longer be available to satisfy the computer competency requirement. The CSP is being replaced with the Institutional Credit-by-Exam (iCBE) CGS 1060, which will be available soon.
Computer Competency Requirement Exemption by Certifications
Students who passed an MDC recognized certification that is aligned with one or more of the seven competency areas on the Computer Placement Test (CSP) are eligible for an exemption if five (5) or more of the areas are met with the certifications. See Questions & Answers below for the testing criteria and guidelines for Computer Competency.
To request this exemption, students must provide their certification(s).
Transfer students who satisfied a college's computer competency requirement by an examination, may receive an exemption from the Computer Competency requirement at MDC, if the examination was used to satisfy a course requirement equivalent to CGS1060 or CTS0050.
To apply, transfer students must provide an official test score report and supporting course documents such as course description in college catalog from the transferring institution.
Send required documentation to the College's Institutional Test Administrator via silvio.rodriguez@mdc.edu for verification and approval.
Why does Miami Dade College require demonstration of computer competency?
- Graduates of Miami Dade College should possess the fundamental knowledge and basic ability to use information technology resources in everyday life and in future careers. Consequently, general education requirements for the A.A., A.S., and A.A.S. degrees include demonstration of computer competency. Students demonstrate this competency by passing the College's approved computer competency test or by enrolling in and successfully completing an equivalent course. No credit is awarded for successful completion of the CSP (Computer Skills Placement) exam.
If CGS1060 is required as a course co-req/pre-req for a program, can a student satisfy the requirement by passing the computer competency test?
- No. The College's approved computer competency test does NOT substitute for taking the actual course, if the course is part of a program.
Is there a credit-by-exam that satisfies computer competency at MDC?
- Yes, students who pass the DSST (DANTES) - Computing and Information Technology exam can earn college credit for CGS1060 and also satisfy computer competency at MDC.
Who must demonstrate computer competency?
- Degree-seeking students must demonstrate computer competency. Note: Prior to Fall 2018 students seeking a college credit certificate in School of Business programs with 12 or more credits were also required to demonstrate computer competency.
By when must computer competency be demonstrated?
- By the 16th earned college-level credit a student must have attempted CGS1060, an equivalent college credit course or the College's approved computer competency test**.
- By the 31st earned college-level credit a student must have demonstrated computer competency by passing CGS1060, an equivalent college credit course or the College's approved computer competency test**.
**Transfer students who satisfied a college's computer competency requirement by an examination, may receive an exemption from the Computer Competency requirement at MDC, if the examination was used to satisfy a course requirement equivalent to CGS1060.
How are computer competency exemptions processed?
- Transfer students must provide an official test score report and supporting course documents such as course description in college catalog from the transferring institution to the College’s Institutional Test Administrator via silvio.rodriguez@mdc.edu for verification and approval.
What is the passing score on the MDC computer competency test?
- A total score of 60% or higher on the College's approved computer competency test on or after December 3, 2007.
- A total score of 70% or higher on the previously approved computer competency tests (CCT or CSP) prior to December 3, 2007.