Today, basic computer skills are seen as basic life skills. The National Skills Coalition used data from 43 million job postings to assess digital skills demand and found that 92% require at least entry-level computer skills.
Industries that have not traditionally recruited employees with digital skills now require candidates to have basic computer proficiency. For instance, commercial drivers use handheld devices to document proof of delivery, retail cashiers use point-of-sale systems, and warehouse workers use computers to check inventory.
Organizations implement industry-leading assessment solutions like the eSkill Talent Assessment PlatformTM and use basic computer tests online to evaluate applicants’ typing speed and accuracy, MS Office® proficiency, and knowledge of specific applications and technologies. By eliminating unqualified candidates from consideration, they increase productivity, decrease time-to-hire, and reduce turnover.
What is a Basic Computer Test?
When HR leaders ask, “What is a basic computer skills test?” we tell them it depends on what types of positions they need to fill. An online basic computer test can refer to an assessment that confirms applicants have fundamental computer knowledge and know how to use Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint®. It can also refer to a skills test that assesses applicants’ knowledge of common programming languages such as Java and C#, or expertise with in-demand technologies.
Assessing Typing and Basic Computer Skills
HR teams use basic online computer tests to recruit applicants for entry- and mid-level positions because it is possible to instantly identify qualified applicants. They can choose from hundreds of validated job- and subject-based computer assessments or build custom assessments using questions from multiple skills tests.
Popular eSkill assessments include General Typing, 10-Key Data Entry, and Form Fill Data. There are also typing tests for specific industries such as medical, financial, and legal, and MS Office assessments for all Word, Excel, and PowerPoint versions.
Applicants’ basic online computer test results may indicate they have the right skills for a position, but they must be able to apply the knowledge on the job. So, HR professionals include simulations in skills tests and observe candidates’ performance in job-related situations. The eSkill Talent Assessment PlatformTM includes Multitasking, Chat, and MS Office simulations and a Digital Literacy simulation to assess applicants’ computer, Internet, and social media expertise.
HR teams can use online basic computer skills tests as-is or build custom assessments by selecting questions from multiple skills tests. For example, if you need an administrative assistant with excellent typing skills and good Word® and Excel® proficiency, you can build an assessment using questions from eSkill’s General Typing, 10-Key Data Entry, and MS Office skills tests and include Multitasking and Chat simulations.
Online Basic Computer Tests to Assess Programming Skills
Business leaders often ask what is a basic computer test they can use to recruit programmers and software engineers to work on application and web development teams. Many hiring teams use basic computer skills tests such as the Java, C#, and Ruby on Rails Developer assessments to evaluate programming skills.
Software developers and computer programmers must also understand basic software testing methods and techniques. So, many hiring teams require applicants to complete the Software Testing Skills Test. Some add questions from the Quality Assurance Skills Tests to verify applicants understand QA/QC best practices, troubleshooting and bug fixes, and alpha/beta testing.
Online Basic Computer Tests to Assess Specialized Technology Skills
When companies adopt new technologies, they need employees who know how to implement and manage them, and these abilities quickly become in-demand skills that every organization needs. Three skills domains that experts predict will be in demand for the foreseeable future are business intelligence and data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber security. So, HR leaders are asking what are some basic computer skills tests they can use to assess these areas of expertise.
The demand for business intelligence and data science professionals is predicted to grow to over $322.9 billion by 2026. When recruiting candidates to fill these roles, consider using eSkill’s Data Science and Machine Learning Engineer assessments and add questions from the Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis skills tests.
Competition for candidates with artificial intelligence experience is intense because only 10% of all workers have AI expertise. To recruit top applicants, use the Basic Artificial Intelligence Knowledge Skills Test and include questions from the Machine Learning and Data Analytics assessments.
The demand for skilled cyber security professionals has steadily increased during the past decade because all organizations are vulnerable to security breaches. To recruit cyber security experts, HR teams can use the Application Security Engineer, Application Security, and Information System Security Engineer skills tests, including questions from the Public Key Infrastructure and PKI Administrator assessments.
Get Started with Online Basic Computer Tests
When implementing a top assessment solution like the eSkill Talent Assessment PlatformTM, you can use basic computer tests online to take the guesswork out of hiring, reduce recruiting costs, and decrease time-to-hire. Many eSkill clients have reduced hiring costs by around 70% and decreased time-to-hire by approximately 60%.
Are you ready to learn how using basic computer tests online can help you hire candidates with the right computer skills for all your positions? Contact us to request a demo.