Computer Competency Requirement (CCR)

The Computer Competency Requirement (CCR) at Cal State San Marcos is a requirement for all baccalaureate students, irrespective of major. The requirement states that a student must demonstrate basic competency in the following areas:

  • An understanding of Ethics & Viruses:  software copyright & ethics issues and concerns in today's society, and an understanding of virus protection and prevention.
  • Proficiency in using the Internet; browsers, and email.   Need help?  --> Tutorial for Internet
  • Proficiency in Basic Word Processing.  Need help?  --> Tutorial for Word
              Reference footnotes.  Need help?  --> Tutorial for Reference Footnotes
  • Proficiency in Basic Spreadsheets (including simple Mathematical operations, add, subtract, multiply, and divide.  Need help?  --> Tutorial for Excel 2007

The CCR must be cleared in the first or second semester of attendance as a matriculated student at Cal State San Marcos.  After the second semester, registering for any further classes at Cal State San Marcos will be restricted until the CCR is fulfilled.

How can the Computer Competency Requirement be fulfilled?

 1) By passing the CCR Proficiency Exam.

CCR Exams are given on a first-come, first-serve basis.  See the CCR Exam Schedule for available days and times and locations.  The exam takes approximately two to four hours to complete. There is NO cost for taking the exam and students may take the exam as many times as needed to complete all five parts. 

Students may check their CCR status at any time through MyCsusm--> student center 

All exam results are posted on the MyCsusm --> student center --> test scores.

Click here to see if your exam results have been posted.

CCR Exam Location and Schedule

Study materials for the CCR Exam, Word Processing skill test and Spreadsheet skill test, can be found at the 3rd floor Check-out  desk of Kellogg Library. 

1 copy of Exploring Office XP

1 copy of Excel 2007

3 copies of The Prentice Hall Custom Program for CS 100 which includes Office 2007 tutorials

3 notebooks with study materials.

2) By taking CS 100.  Students who are certain that they cannot pass the CCR exam and feel that they need instruction in the skills necessary for passing the exam may take CS 100.   Students fulfill the Computer Competency Requirement by passing this course.  

*Students may not receive credit for CS 100 if they have already passed the CCR exam prior to the first day of class.

3) By completing a CCR equivalent course.  Courses must have been completed within the 2 years prior to the student's first matriculating semester at CSUSM.

*** As of Fall Semester 2009 transfer courses will no longer be accepted for CCR equivalence. ***

As of Fall 2009, a student at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) can satisfy the Computer Competency Requirement (CCR) only by passing the campus CCR exam or passing CS 100 at CSUSM.

Beginning Fall 2009, a student shall complete this requirement before he/she registers for their third semester of enrollment.

This policy shall apply to all persons matriculating at CSUSM in or after the Fall of 2009.

If you have a disability and will need reasonable accommodations to take the CCR then please contact Disabled Student Services at (760) 750-4905 or by email at dss@csusm.edu. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Computer Competency Requirement, please contact the CCR Coordinator at atkins@csusm.edu. 

    Last Modified: by atkins