A-to-Z Index

Tech Level I FAQ




What is the Tech Level I Test and why are we required to take it?

The Tech Level I requirement is not only a graduation requirement, but it ensures you have the technical skills you need for the majority of your General Education courses.  This is a competency test which means you may take the test as many times as necessary until you pass.  There are three components of the Tech Level I test.  You will be tested on word processing skills, graphics presentation skills and spread sheet skills using the Microsoft Office 2007 suite.

What skills are tested?

You may view the skills tested on each test component at http://www.jmu.edu/gened/skills.shtml. 

I am unfamiliar with the Microsoft Office software.  How can I learn the skills or brush-up on my skills?

 If you are unfamiliar with any of these software applications or need to brush-up on your skills, we provide tutorials for each application.  Tutorials may be accessed from your personal computer after the completion of the installation process.  See below for the tutorial installation process.

How many attempts do I get?

You will take the tests as many times as necessary to complete the requirement.  You will have 4 attempts per question.

How long will the test take?

Each component of the test has a time maximum of 45 minutes.  You may take all three components in one sitting or you may take one component per visit.  It all depends on how much time you have between classes. 

Where do I take the test and how do I access it?

The Tech Level I test is only accessible in Ashby Computer Lab, located on the ground level of Ashby Hall on The Quad.  You will find instructions in Ashby Lab regarding the login procedures and course ID enrollment process as well as a proctor in the lab to assist you.

Do I need an appointment to take the test?

No.  Ashby lab is available on a walk-in basis generally between 9:30am or 10:00 am through 4:00pm Monday through Thursday and from 9:30 – 2:00 pm on Fridays.  For specific lab hours, go to http://www.jmu.edu/gened/labhours.shtml.  Again, the deadline to complete the requirement is the Friday prior to Thanksgiving Break.  I urge you to complete the requirement as soon as possible as student who procrastinate generally find long lines to get into the lab.

Do I need to bring anything to the lab when I take the test?

You will need your JACard as proof of identity.

What are the passing scores?

The passing score for Word and PowerPoint is 75%.  The passing score for Excel is 60%. 

Does the JMU Honor Code apply to these tests?

Of course!  The JMU Honor Code applies to everything you do at JMU.  Any honor code violation will be punished to the fullest extent.

I took a Word/PowerPoint/Excel course in high school or as dual enrollment.  Does that waive this test?

No. 

What happens if I do not complete the requirement by the deadline?

Students who do not meet the deadline have a registration hold placed on their record.  The hold is not removed until the requirement has been met.  This means you will not be able to make changes to your schedule or enroll in future semesters until the requirement has been completed.

How do get the hold removed from my record?

Bring a printout of your test results to Maury Hall, Room 110 to have the hold removed.  The hold is not removed automatically once you complete the requirement.

How can I access the tutorials from my personal computer?

To access the tutorials from your personal computer, you will need to ensure your system has the correct Adobe Flashplayer, Adobe Reader, and download simulation files from myitlab website.  You will also need to run the Home Diagnostic Tools.  Proceed through the following steps to install the tutorials on your personal computer:

  1. Click this link to work your way through the 4-step myitlab installation wizard process.  To view a short demonstration video of the process, click on this link:  http://jmutube.cit.jmu.edu/content/crummecm/playlist/8068/play/
  2. Run the Home Diagnostics wizard to ensure your Internet browser is properly configured.  You will find instructions for the home diagnostics tool kit at http://myitlab.com/hdt.asp.  To view a short demonstration video of the home diagnostics wizard, click on this link:  http://jmutube.cit.jmu.edu/content/crummecm/playlist/8072/play/
  3. View a 5 minute demonstration video on logging into the myitlab system and enrolling in the tutorials course at http://jmutube.cit.jmu.edu/content/crummecm/playlist/8056/play/
  4. Go to  http://myitlab.com  and log in. 

I have been through the process to download the tutorials but my system will not play them.  Can I access the tutorials from anywhere else on campus?

Although we do not recommend it due to the volume of students who need access to the computer systems in the lab, you can access the tutorials in Ashby Computer Lab.  You will need to log into the system and click “Enroll in a Course”.  Use the list posted in the lab for the Tutorial Course ID specified by your last name to enroll in the correct tutorial section.

I forgot my login name and/or password. 

To retrieve your login name and password, go to the myitlab login screen.  Click on the "Forgot your Login Name or Password" link.  The myitlab system will send you an email to your JMU account with the information.

I am a MAC user.  Why is the Tech Level I test based on a MS Windows system?

MACS are not generally considered “enterprise friendly” from a systems management stand-point.  This means the majority of the business world uses a MS Windows based system in order to be able to centrally manage and robustly support them.   We are unable to offer the test in the multiple applications available on the market, so we align ourselves with the one used by the majority of industries.

Will the tutorials run on a MAC?

Although not formally supported, myitlab can be run on a Mac with an Intel-based architecture, running under Windows via a program such as Boot Camp or Parallels.

On which operating systems will the tutorials run?

Microsoft Windows XP SP2
Microsoft Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows 7

On which browsers will the tutorials run?

Internet Explorer 7.0 and 8.0.