Brian Cross Business Development Director Certifications Earned Internet and Computing Core Certification   Employer University of Paisley Location Paisley, Scotland

In his own words: "IC³ measures more general knowledge than some other assessments—knowledge that users are more likely to encounter in real life."

Microsoft IT Academy University of Paisley Selects Certiport IC³ as Standard for Student Computing Skills
After evaluating assessment options, one of Scotland's most innovative universities chooses IC³ for student certification success

Beginning this fall, University of Paisley students have the opportunity to earn Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³®), the world's only globally recognized standards-based certification for basic computer and Internet skills. IC³ serves as a standard upon which students can grow their information technology (IT) skills and work toward more advanced industry certifications.

BACKGROUND
Established in 1897, University of Paisley in the west of Scotland, has 1,300 staff and more than 13,500 students participating in over 100 courses. A long-time Microsoft® IT Academy member, the university's school of computing provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs that meet the high standards of expertise required by the world's leading computer hardware and software manufacturers and ensures students are ready for employment upon graduation.

Patrick Afchain, business development manager at the University of Paisley, works with IT vendors to determine what certifications should be included in the school's programs and defines how the certifications are implemented. Brian Cross, business development director, plays a strategic role, helping the university's senior officers understand why certifications are implemented and how they benefit university students.

"We run several computer training programs, but we need a benchmark against which standards can be set," Cross said. "We want to be judged equally with other certification providers because we are witnessing a need for skills to be tracked through professional certifications. Things are changing-certification now has a broader reach into the community."

As Afchain and Cross evaluated basic computing skills assessments on which the university can establish a digital literacy standard, they considered the benefits of IC³.

"IC³ has three exams and provides certification. Some other assessments have many more exams," Afchain explained. "IC³ is much easier to progress through and gives students inspiration to go on to the next stage of computing certifications. For a novice computer user, IC³ gives a beginner an ideal starting place for IT training."

"IC³ measures more general knowledge than some other assessments-knowledge that users are more likely to encounter in real life," Cross said.

The University of Paisley has decided to replace its current Introduction to Computing and the Internet courses with an IC³ training and certification course. In addition, an online-learning evening class based on IC³ will be available early next year.

PROCESS
"The University of Paisley is one of the top certification providers in the UK academic sector," Cross said. "Skills development occurring in the university sector often carries over into the marketplace. This certification fits a particular purpose in enhancing a student's employability."

The university is running a 12-week pilot course this fall. Students receive all of the textbooks, software and other study tools they need to be successful in the course. They are also given pretests, training and three component IC³ exams-Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications and Living Online-to earn the credential.

"We've found IC³ provokes reaction among those who think they already know about computing," Cross said. "We've found our students like the practical nature and hands-on learning required of IC³."

The University of Paisley has partnered with Prodigy UK, a Certiport Premier Solution Provider, to execute its IC³ strategy. "University of Paisley has been in the Microsoft IT Academy Program delivering Microsoft Certified Professional curriculum for a long time," said Malcolm Knox, general manager for Prodigy UK. "They are a well-established institution in terms of industry-level certification. IC³ can absolutely help benchmark and offer clear progression routes to their students."

Knox said a certification pathway system has been developed to optimize the process. The digital skills of students entering the program will be measured against the global standard through the new Certiport Internet & Computing BenchmarkT and Internet & Computing MentorT so a prescriptive-learning plan can be offered. The assessment and learning plan ensure each candidate is spending time on skill gaps rather than studying already familiar concepts.

IC³ will be an optional component of University of Paisley courses, and students will receive academic credit for earning the credential. "They will not only earn a vendor certification but also credit in our academic system," Cross said.

RESULT
Cross and Afchain are excited to see IC³ start University of Paisley students on a course toward higher levels of computing certification. "IC³ is the pathway through which students can go to any level of certification," Cross said.

"When IT first came out, it was a niche that was tough to break into," Afchain said. "Since Windows® came along with its user-friendly interface, we've had a huge increase in IT and Internet use. As a Microsoft IT Academy, we do offer the higher levels of certification, but people are still excluded. IC³ takes away the exclusion. It is user friendly, and when someone picks up a module, they can get started along their IT career path."

Cross said University of Paisley students will be encouraged to begin the progression to IT mastery with Certiport's digital literacy credential. "We know that with IC³, they have got something to build from," he said.

Afchain agreed. "IC³ is the right place to start."