MCB Computing Proficiency Examination Policies

  1. Students may take the exam a maximum of twice.  If a student does not pass the exam in two attempts, he/she must satisfy the computing requirements by taking BA 101, or an equivalent course at another school.    Students may take the exam only on the scheduled dates and times.

  2. The CPE is available only to: (a) those students who are officially enrolled in a UNC degree program that requires BA101 or its equivalent as a degree requirement; (b) declared Pre-Business majors; or (c) students not meeting the previous criteria but have written permission from the CPE Coordinator or the director of the School of Accounting and CIS/Monfort College of Business.

  3. During the school year, the examination is available at the following times:  (1) At the beginning of fall and spring semesters (August and January), when two or three test dates are offered; (2) Two or three dates during the pre-registration period at the end of fall and spring semesters (normally November and April); and (3) On an as-needed basis, an exam is offered at the beginning of each summer session.

  4. Any student who passes the exam will have met the computing prerequisite requirement for the courses that traditionally require BA 101 as a prerequisite.

Registering to Take the Proficiency Examination

NOTE:  Registering for the exam must be done online at: http://www.mcb.unco.edu/Technology/CPE/index.cfm
In case you have difficulty registering online, or have questions, please contact Dr. Joseph “Ranny” Cullom, the CPE Coordinator at  ranny.cullom@unco.edu .  Importantly, registration must be completed at least 24 hours before the scheduled time of the examination.  Registrants will receive notification and further instructions about the exam by e-mail, 24 hours prior to the exam date.  Please check your e-mail as the exam date approaches.

CPE Required Software Account

Students taking the CPE are required to purchase an account registration code for the online testing software (SimNet). The SimNet account registration code ISBN is 13-9780077218645.  The Code can be purchased in card form from either the University/Barnes & Noble Bookstore or the Bookstop located at 931 16th St (ask Betsy Lyons the store textbook manager for assistance). To purchase the SimNet Code online, go to this address: https://unco.simnetonline.com/Students/CombinedLogin.aspx , then click on the button “I don’t have a Registration Code”.  On the page you’ll be directed to, choose the following product: SimNet for Office 2007 Office Suite ($44.95)

Importantly, you cannot take the exam without a SimNet account.

Proficiency Examination Content and Structure

Successful completion of the examination will require basic knowledge and skill levels in using the Windows Operating System, and Microsoft Office 2007 applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, as well as an understanding of basic computer concepts and the Internet.  Please note that the exam focus is on the 2007 version of Microsoft Office.  The 2 ½ hour exam consists of computer-based tasks covering topics in Windows, Word 2007, Excel 2007, PowerPoint 2007, Access 2007, Computer Concepts, and the Internet. 

Proficiency Examination Preparation

Most books covering the Microsoft Office 2007 Skill Sets are acceptable to aid in preparation for the exam.  Importantly, study guides covering each element of the CPE are available for downloading, in PDF format, from the CPE Website.  http://www.mcb.unco.edu/Technology/CPE/Study_Guide.cfm