Pre-Course Assessment: CyberStart Computers & Microsoft Office

 

Purpose

This assessment is designed to determine a student’s readiness for the CyberStart: Computers & Microsoft Office course. It evaluates basic computer literacy, digital confidence, and foundational skills—not prior expertise.

It helps:

  • Place students at the right starting level
  • Identify skill gaps early
  • Improve instruction and pacing
  • Increase student success and confidence

Instructions: Select the best answer for each question.

1. What is a computer primarily used for?
A. Only playing games
B. Processing, storing, and managing information
C. Making phone calls only
D. Watching TV

2. Which of the following is an example of software?
A. Keyboard
B. Monitor
C. Microsoft Word
D. Mouse

3. Which device is used to control the pointer on the screen?
A. Printer
B. Mouse
C. Speaker
D. Monitor

4. What is the purpose of a keyboard?
A. Display images
B. Print documents
C. Input text and commands
D. Store files

5. What is a file?
A. A physical computer part
B. A collection of saved data
C. A type of virus
D. A power source

6. Where are files typically stored?
A. In folders on a computer or cloud storage
B. Only on paper
C. Inside the keyboard
D. On the monitor

7. What is the Internet?
A. A single computer
B. A global network of connected computers
C. A software program
D. A USB device

8. Which of the following is a web browser?
A. Excel
B. Chrome
C. PowerPoint
D. Word.

9. What should you do to stay safe online?
A. Share your passwords
B. Click every link
C. Use strong passwords
D. Ignore updates

10. What is email used for?
A. Playing games
B. Sending and receiving messages
C. Fixing computers
D. Installing programs

11. What is Microsoft Word mainly used for?
A. Creating documents
B. Browsing the internet
C. Editing videos
D. Playing music

12. What is Microsoft Excel mainly used for?
A. Writing essays
B. Creating spreadsheets and calculations
C. Sending emails
D. Drawing pictures

 13. What is Microsoft PowerPoint used for?
A. Writing code
B. Creating presentations
C. Fixing hardware
D. Managing files

14. What should you do first if your computer freezes?
A. Throw it away
B. Restart or close the program
C. Delete everything
D. Ignore it

15. Which of the following is an input device?
A. Monitor
B. Printer
C. Keyboard
D. Speaker

16. What does it mean to “save” a file?
A. Delete it
B. Store it for later use
C. Print it
D. Email it

17. What is a strong password?
A. 123456
B. Your name
C. A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
D. password

18. What is phishing?
A. A type of game
B. A scam to steal personal information
C. A storage device
D. A software update

19. What is a logical first step if your internet is not working?
A. Buy a new computer
B. Restart the router
C. Delete files
D. Turn off the screen

20. Why do you want to take this course?
A. No reason
B. To build computer and digital skills
C. Just for fun
D. Because someone told me to

 Scoring & Interpretation

  • 16–20 correct: Strong readiness – Ready to succeed in CyberStart

  • 11–15 correct: Moderate readiness – Will benefit with guidance and practice

  • 6–10 correct: Basic readiness – May need extra support during the course

  • 0–5 correct: Introductory level recommended before enrolling