Basic Computer Skills Test

Screen candidates for basic computer skills knowledge using Microsoft® Windows applications with the Basic Computer Skills Test.

What It’s Best Used For

This screening tool is best utilized during the early hiring or internal transfer phases for entry-level clerical, administrative, or support positions where basic computer navigation is a required part of daily job activities.

• Verifying Word Processing Skills: Confirms a candidate understands baseline document editing and formatting tasks before you invest time and training resources.
• Testing Windows Familiarity: Evaluates an applicant’s comfort level recognizing standard commands and layouts inside common Microsoft Windows applications.
• Flexible Corporate Formats: Supports both online and paper-based testing setups to seamlessly accommodate remote or in-office screening pipelines.
• Versatile Grading Options: Allows hiring teams to score tests by hand for physical copies or generate an immediate automated online report.
• Legally Validated Vetting: Formatted by the Ramsay Corporation to align with standard EEOC Uniform Guidelines, providing a job-related process that is fully legal for use in Canada.

Assesses: Knowledge of basic computer skills
Skill Level: Entry-Level
Test Format: 26 Items, Multiple-choice
Language: English

Basic Computer Skills Test Formats

Available in Paper and Online

This 26 item, multiple-choice test is designed to test basic word processing computer skills. The test consists of a series of questions relating to computer screens in Microsoft® Windows.

Please contact us for pricing and more information.  Sample questions are not available for this instrument.  Sample copies are available for purchase only.

We recommend that test validation be conducted for an organization that meets any of the following criteria:

• Is a highly visible national or international company
• Has more than 200 employees
• Has a labor agreement
• Has a federal contract
• Has ever had an EEO charge
• Needs professional assistance for setting cutting scores on tests

The Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures (1978)1, developed by the EEOC, Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor and Department of Justice, are intended to establish a uniform Federal position in the area of prohibiting discrimination in employment practices. Regarding the use of tests and other selection procedures, the Guidelines state:

These guidelines apply to tests and other selection procedures which are used as a basis for any employment decision. Employment decisions include but are not limited to hiring, promotion, demotion, membership (for example, in a labor organization), referral, retention, and licensing and certification, to the extent that licensing and certification may be covered by Federal equal employment opportunity law. Other selection decisions, such as selection for training or transfer, may also be considered employment decisions if they lead to any of the decisions listed above. (Section 2B)

The Guidelines also state:

The use of any selection procedure which has an adverse impact on the hiring, promotion, or other employment or membership opportunities of members of any race, sex, or ethnic group will be considered to be discriminatory and inconsistent with these guidelines, unless the procedure has been validated in accordance with these guidelines. (Section 3A)

From the employer’s perspective, it is very useful to have a job-related test. When tests are job related, they have more credibility with the persons taking them, giving the test takers more confidence in their results and providing less likelihood of complaint or litigation. A validated test is usually the product of research by a psychologist. The resulting validation report is the documented evidence by a professional researcher of the validity of the selection procedure. In the event of complaint or litigation, the report would usually be entered into evidence. In addition, the author would provide testimony that the report reflects generally-accepted professional practice and is in conformance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures.

1 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor, and Department of Justice. (1978, August). Uniform guidelines on employee selection procedures. Federal Register, 43, 38290-38315.

© Ramsay Corporation