CTE Resource Center - Verso

Virginia’s CTE Resource Center

2018/2019 Competency-Based Task/Competency List for Office Specialist I--Preparation (6740/36 weeks)

NOTE: The class size shall be limited to an average of 15 students per instructor per class period with no class being more than 18.

Tasks/competencies bordered in blue are considered optional when marked as such; they and/or additional tasks/competencies may be taught at the discretion of the school division. All other tasks are considered essential statewide and are required of all students.

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Demonstrating Workplace Readiness Skills: Personal Qualities and People Skills

  1. Demonstrate positive work ethic.
  2. Demonstrate integrity.
  3. Demonstrate teamwork skills.
  4. Demonstrate self-representation skills.
  5. Demonstrate diversity awareness.
  6. Demonstrate conflict-resolution skills.
  7. Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness.

Demonstrating Workplace Readiness Skills: Professional Knowledge and Skills

  1. Demonstrate effective speaking and listening skills.
  2. Demonstrate effective reading and writing skills.
  3. Demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
  4. Demonstrate healthy behaviors and safety skills.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace organizations, systems, and climates.
  6. Demonstrate lifelong-learning skills.
  7. Demonstrate job-acquisition and advancement skills.
  8. Demonstrate time-, task-, and resource-management skills.
  9. Demonstrate job-specific mathematics skills.
  10. Demonstrate customer-service skills.

Demonstrating Workplace Readiness Skills: Technology Knowledge and Skills

  1. Demonstrate proficiency with technologies common to a specific occupation.
  2. Demonstrate information technology skills.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of Internet use and security issues.
  4. Demonstrate telecommunications skills.

Examining All Aspects of an Industry

  1. Examine aspects of planning within an industry/organization.
  2. Examine aspects of management within an industry/organization.
  3. Examine aspects of financial responsibility within an industry/organization.
  4. Examine technical and production skills required of workers within an industry/organization.
  5. Examine principles of technology that underlie an industry/organization.
  6. Examine labor issues related to an industry/organization.
  7. Examine community issues related to an industry/organization.
  8. Examine health, safety, and environmental issues related to an industry/organization.

Addressing Elements of Student Life

  1. Identify the purposes and goals of the student organization.
  2. Explain the benefits and responsibilities of membership in the student organization as a student and in professional/civic organizations as an adult.
  3. Demonstrate leadership skills through participation in student organization activities, such as meetings, programs, and projects.
  4. Identify Internet safety issues and procedures for complying with acceptable use standards.

Developing Keyboarding and Computer Skills

  1. Identify computer system components.
  2. Perform basic computer operations.
  3. Key alphabetic, numeric, and symbolic information, using a touch system and correct techniques.
  4. Manipulate data/software/operating system, using icons, touch screens, ribbons, and drop-down menus.
  5. Use file and data management techniques such as save and open.
  6. Improve keyboarding techniques.
  7. Improve keyboarding speed and accuracy.
  8. Edit copy.
  9. Maintain workstation, equipment, materials, and supplies.
  10. Key addresses on envelopes and/or labels.
  11. Format columns and tables.
  12. Format letters, memos, and reports from prepared, rough-draft, or student-composed materials.
  13. Use available resources, references, and tools to prepare documents.
  14. Describe ergonomic guidelines related to safe computer use.
  15. Troubleshoot computer problems (e.g., cable hookups, power sources, and operational supplies).

Developing Communication Skills

  1. Introduce oneself and others.
  2. Demonstrate conversation skills.
  3. Solve workplace problems.
  4. Incorporate business terms in written and oral communication.

Using Telecommunications

  1. Demonstrate telephone etiquette.
  2. Access information on the Internet.
  3. Identify emerging trends in telecommunications.

Preparing for Industry Certification

  1. Describe the process and requirements for obtaining industry certifications related to the Office Specialist I–Preparation course.
  2. Identify testing skills/strategies for a certification examination.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete selected practice examinations (e.g., practice questions similar to those on certification exams).
  4. Successfully complete an industry certification examination representative of skills learned in this course (e.g., MOS, IC3, NOCTI, Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth).

Preparing for Employment

  1. Explore business careers.
  2. Prepare a résumé.
  3. Demonstrate job interview skills.
  4. Adhere to a compliance training manual and other company policies.