Digital credentials for students

As a result of the pandemic, there has been a global change in delivering education. Online learning and using a computer have become crucial elements for both teachers and students. Secondary school teachers have recognised the necessity to teach students how to touch type, to prepare them for ‘O’ levels, further education and the workplace.

They have been searching for touch typing programs with testing modules from recognised bodies to include in their ‘digital literacy program’ and curriculum.

For this reason, City & Guilds have lowered their minimum age requirements for their KAZ ‘City & Guilds Assured’ touch typing test to 14 years of age (for invigilated testing only).

A ‘City & Guilds Assured’ test offers external validation from a trusted global brand, providing a mark of learning quality and credibility

An ‘Assured’ status is only awarded to programmes that meet City & Guild’s strict benchmark standards, demonstrating commitment to quality training

KAZ ‘City & Guilds Assured’ touch typing test

The test consists of two parts:

Multiple-choice paper

The multiple-choice paper consists of 15 questions, evenly covering three different areas - 'Correct Posture’ - when sitting at a computer, 'Repetitive Strain Injury’ - meaning, causes, signs, symptoms and preventative measures and 'Touch Typing Technique.’ All these topics are covered in the ‘Flying Start’ module training before the test.

Typing test 

The typing test records typing speed and accuracy.

Pass Mark

A ‘City & Guilds Assured’ pass will be attained when students achieve the following scores:

Words/minute – 35

Accuracy – 80%

Multiple-choice score – 80% (12/15)

City & Guilds invigilation guidelines for schools

The invigilator is responsible for upholding the integrity of the test and ensuring proper conduct of the examination. The invigilator must also ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

Responsibilities of the invigilator:

The assessment room is correctly set up, with a sign on the outside indicating that an assessment is in progress

The assessment room has appropriate conditions conducive to sitting an examination – i.e. appropriate heating, lighting, ventilation and level of external noise

He/she is aware of the location of the nearest toilet

The seating plan is appropriate

All computers are in place and in good working order and that an e-Learning technologist is present, to deal with any technical issues that may arise. Spare computers must be available in the room should they be required

Adequate checks are conducted to confirm the identity of all students – photo I.D. is essential

The school has made appropriate reasonable adjustments for students with particular assessment requirements before the assessment date and these are made known to the invigilator

During the assessment, the invigilator must:

Supervise the candidates and give their complete attention to their duties whilst the assessment is in progress

Be vigilant and remain aware of emerging situations, looking out for cheating and malpractice or candidates who may be feeling unwell. Any irregularities must be recorded

Move around the assessment room quietly and at frequent intervals

Must have access to a mobile phone (switched to silent), to summon help, should they need to, without leaving the room

Certification Procedure

On successfully passing both the multiple-choice paper and typing test, students will automatically receive a congratulatory message and once the invigilator clicks the ‘Generate the Certificate’ tab in the admin panel, students will be emailed a co-branded digital Certificate to showcase their new skill externally via the web – i.e. social media profiles, C.V.’s and job application forms. The digital badge may take up to 28 days to be emailed, as it is dependent on the City & Guilds processing department.

If students are unsuccessful

Should students be unsuccessful in attaining their ‘City & Guilds’ on their first attempt, they may try again as many times as they wish. Although students may re-sit immediately, it is recommended they wait 24 hours and re-visit the ‘Flying Start’ module, which is incorporated into the KAZ training before the test.

https://kaz-type.com/products/educational-edition/primary-secondary