Virginia Commonwealth University [View Image]School of Business

INFO 160, 161 and 162 are prerequisites for some School of Business courses. These academic courses are self-paced, online, one-credit, pass/fail courses that help you improve your proficiency of computer-based applications such as the Internet and Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.

You can either take the courses for academic credit towards graduation or register for the Knowledge Equivalency Test to test out. The KET is a computerized test, administered in a computer lab on campus. Each course requires a separate KET registration, $50 registration fee and test date.

To enroll in the INFO16x KET, you should be well versed with all of the course objectives and course topics. The minimum passing grade is 80 percent, and you can take the KET for each course up to two times per semester.

Passing the KET meets the prerequisite requirement but does not provide academic credit. If you do not pass the test, you can take INFO16x in the following semesters.

Due to COVID-19, the KET will be administered online until further notice.

Registration

To register for the INFO16x KET, you must be a currently enrolled VCU student.

The listed dates and times are the only available options. No exceptions. Register well in advance of the test, as sessions may fill quickly. Registration closes 24 hours before the test session.

If you need accommodations, contact busprereq@vcu.edu at least 24 hours before the test.

What to expect

1. Watch for an email I will send to your VCU email account within 24 hours prior to the exam time containing information on how to access the online exam and your exam password.
   
   
2.  That email will include instructions for sending an email with the text of the honor code in it to busprereq@vcu.edu. If an email from your VCU email account containing the honor code text is not received by the time you launch your exam, you will not get credit for it.
   
   
3.  Be sure the computer you will use for the exam is able to access the CengageSAM website without popup blockers and that you will have an active internet connection.
   
   
4.  At the time of the exam, close all applications and open a browser window to access CengageSAM. Only the CengageSAM browser window should be open.
   
   
5. If you don't have an CengageSAM account, follow the instructions mentioned in the email to create one. Make a note of your CengageSAM account username and password and have it ready when it is time to take the exam.

Exam Overview

INFO 160- Computer Concepts, Internet and Online Security

• There are five topics covered in this exam:
  • Looking at Computers: Understanding the parts
  • Using the Internet: Making the most of web resources
  • Application Software: Programs that let you work and play
  • System Software: The operating system, utility programs and file management
  • Securing Your System: Protecting digital data and devices

INFO 161- Word Processing Comprehensive 

• There are seven topics covered in this exam:
  • Introduction to Word
  • Document presentation
  • Document productivity
  • Collaboration and Research
  • Desktop publishing and graphic design
  • Time-saving tools
  • Word and the internet

INFO 162- Spreadsheets 

• There are five topics covered in this exam:
  • Introduction to Excel
  • Formulas and functions
  • Charts 
  • Datasets and tables
  • Subtotals, PivotTables, and PivotCharts

Cancellations

No refunds will be given for cancellations or no-shows. If you need to reschedule your session, you can apply your payment towards a future session, as long as you make the request at least 72 hours before midnight on the test date. Your payment is only active for one semester, so be sure to reschedule before the end of the semester.

To change your test date, log in to your account at businessprereq.vcu.edu, select “enrolled sessions,” and click “cancel” next to your session. You’ll receive a confirmation email. You may then register for another available session.