CTE Resource Center - Verso

Virginia’s CTE Resource Center

The 2018 edition of this course is still available. Click here.

2019/2020 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 Personal Qualities and Abilities

  1. Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
  2. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving.
  3. Demonstrate initiative and self-direction.
  4. Demonstrate integrity.
  5. Demonstrate work ethic.

Demonstrating Interpersonal Skills

  1. Demonstrate conflict-resolution skills.
  2. Demonstrate listening and speaking skills.
  3. Demonstrate respect for diversity.
  4. Demonstrate customer service skills.
  5. Collaborate with team members.

Demonstrating Professional Competencies

  1. Demonstrate big-picture thinking.
  2. Demonstrate career- and life-management skills.
  3. Demonstrate continuous learning and adaptability.
  4. Manage time and resources.
  5. Demonstrate information-literacy skills.
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of information security.
  7. Maintain working knowledge of current information-technology (IT) systems.
  8. Demonstrate proficiency with technologies, tools, and machines common to a specific occupation.
  9. Apply mathematical skills to job-specific tasks.
  10. Demonstrate professionalism.
  11. Demonstrate reading and writing skills.
  12. Demonstrate workplace safety.

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.

Exploring Work-Based Learning

  1. Identify the types of work-based learning (WBL) opportunities.
  2. Reflect on lessons learned during the WBL experience.
  3. Explore career opportunities related to the WBL experience.
  4. Participate in a WBL experience, when appropriate.

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.