Specific Competencies and Skills Tested in this Assessment:
Computer Literacy
- Demonstrate knowledge of computer terminology
- Identify and operate peripherals and other network devices
- Demonstrate appropriate knowledge, security, and use of software
- Apply basic troubleshooting and maintenance skills
- Demonstrate file management and storage skills
- Describe procedures involved with importing and exporting
- Identify legal restrictions
Typography
- Demonstrate knowledge of typographic terminology
- Identify the anatomy and classification of type
- Calculate type measurements
- Identify and use proofreader’s marks
- Diagnose and solve typography problems (e.g., tracking, kerning, readability, legibility)
- Manipulate type through character and paragraph formatting
- Choose and apply appropriate typeface
Digital Literacy and Application
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic design terminology (e.g., bleed, live area, trim, orientation)
- Exhibit knowledge of design elements and principles
- Demonstrate techniques of 2-D design
- Demonstrate techniques of 3-D design
- Produce project to client specifications
- Describe characteristics of design for different media (e.g., logos, magazines)
- Choose appropriate ideas through the visual stages of layout (e.g., thumbnail, rough, comprehensive)
- Demonstrate understanding of related math (e.g., proportion, percentages, basic measurements)
- Demonstrate ability to solve design problems
Color Theory and Application
- Identify color theory terminology
- Demonstrate the use of color to create impact or effect
- Mix colors to obtain shades, tints, or neutrals
- Choose and apply appropriate color scheme
- Identify correct use of RGB and CMYK colors
- Identify and utilize Pantone Matching System (PMS)
Drawing and Digital Illustration
- Identify drawing and digital illustration terminology
- Identify basic tools and materials (e.g., computer software, pencils, paper)
- Render drawings to reflect various perspectives (e.g., atmospheric, three point)
- Utilize different drawing techniques (e.g., line art, continuous tone, stipple, watercolor)
- Modify illustrations (e.g., size, color, stroke)
- Identify ways to import, export, and save images (e.g., scanning, digitizing)
Photography
- Identify photography terminology
- Demonstrate use of cameras and accessories
- Apply copyright laws pertaining to photographs (e.g., stock photos, clip art, studio portraits)
Production and Printing
- Identify production/printing terminology
- Manage fonts for distribution and production using various software and techniques
- Demonstrate proofing and preflighting (preparing for output)
- Provide job specifications for printer
- Demonstrate knowledge of job flow, various printing, and finishing processes
- Determine what media/medium works best for a project
- Identify media by common size, weight, number, and finish
Communication and Career Skills
- Demonstrate personal presentation skills (e.g., speaking, listening, writing)
- Demonstrate ability to accept and/or give constructive criticism
- Apply communication skills for marketing (e.g., researching, brainstorming, sales techniques)
- Exhibit ability to work with clients and as a team member; critique and refine ideas
Work Environment
- Identify basic tools and equipment
- Maintain a safe and clean work environment
Multimedia
- Define multimedia terminology
- Prepare multimedia presentations
Digital Image Manipulation
- Identify image terminology (e.g., raster, vector, continuous tone, half tone, line art)
- Identify and explain various file formats (e.g., .pdf, .jpg, .gif, .eps)
- Identify appropriate resolution for projects
- Manipulate images (e.g., restore, color correct, masking)
Written Assessment:
Administration Time: 3 hours
Number of Questions: 200
Areas Covered:
Computer Literacy: 12%
Typography: 13%
Design Literacy and Application: 19%
Color Theory and Application: 11%
Digital Illustration and Drawing: 9%
Photography: 4%
Production and Printing: 12%
Communication and Career Skills: 9%
Work Environment: 3%
Multimedia: 2%
Digital Image Manipulation: 6%
Sample Questions:
The safest way to protect a computer from lightning is to use a
- manual shut-off switch
- surge protector
- power strip
- hard drive backup
Equal visual weight in a design is known as
- variety
- contrast
- balance
- proximity
Photographs, drawings, charts, and diagrams are all
- multimedia
- graphics
- software
- simulations
The proofreader mark ^ indicates
- delete
- order
- number
- insert
Consecutive motion of a still image will create
- effect
- layering
- vectors
- animation
Performance Assessment:
Administration Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of Jobs: 2
Areas Covered:
64% Design: Computer Comprehensive – Prepare and Print Files
Participant will use the materials and tools provided to create a final computer comprehensive. Steps will include following the specifications provided for the layout.
36% Layout – Comprehensive Redesign
Participant will convert the provided image to a duotone and follow steps to redesign it into a flyer.
Sample Job:
Layout: Redesign
Maximum Time: 45 minutes
Participant Activity: The participant will convert the provided image to a duotone, add the converted image to the flyer, change the opacity of the newly placed image, rename and save the file, export the file as a print-ready .pdf, print final computer comprehensive, and notify the evaluator when you have completed the job.