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 
  • or http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2011/word_2007_insert_footnotes/
  • Proficiency in Basic Spreadsheets (including simple Mathematical operations, add, subtract, multiply, and divide.  Need help?  --> Tutorial for Excel 2007

For students admitted prior to FALL 2009: the CCR must be cleared in the first or second semester of attendanceas a matriculated student at Cal State San Marcos.  After the second semester, all registration activity will be restricted until the CCR is fulfilled.

For students admitted  FALL 2009 and after:  the CCR must be cleared before they may register for their third semester of attendance.

How can the Computer Competency Requirement be fulfilled?

 1) By passing the CCR Proficiency Exam.

See the CCR Exam Schedulefor 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 four parts.   Students may reserve a spot at a CCR exam at www.csusm.edu/ccr

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.

2009 Tutoring for the CCR exam is available on Nov 2, Nov 4, Nov 9, and Nov 16.

Please contact brade004@cougars.csusm.edu for information about times and locations.

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.   Study materials for the Internet and Ethics & Virus sections of the exam can be found here (see  the left side bar) and at the Kellogg Library.


2) By taking CS 100.  Students who are certain that they need instruction in the skills necessary for the CCR 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.

For students who were admitted prior to FALL 2009 only:

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.

For students admitted FALL 2009 and after: 

***  transfer courses will no longer be accepted for CCR equivalence. ***

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

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