NRCC Adult Education instructors have developed a set of competencies to guide workforce instruction, meet student needs, and satisfy state curriculum requirements. Adult learners who enroll in these classes can expect to develop the skills listed below.

Core Competencies

• Identify basic computer hardware components.
• Master basic computer concepts and terminology.
• Gain proficiency in a Windows operating system.
• Open, create, edit, save, and retrieve files (in MS Word, Excel, etc.).
• Use the cut, copy, and paste commands.
• Use functions of the menu and tool bars in MS Word (how to access and use shortcuts).
• Create tables using MS Word.
• Create, revise, and edit a cover and follow-up letter in business letter format.
• Create, revise, and edit a resume.
• Perform Internet-based job searches.
• Access, complete, save, and print on-line job applications.
• Navigate the Internet using search engines and directories such as Yahoo, Google, MSN, etc.
• Read and comprehend want ads from a variety of media sources.
• Complete and critique a mock interview.

• Learn basic concepts of work maturity and ethics.
• Learn basic concepts of conflict resolution.
• Learn basic concepts of effective workplace communication.
• Gain beginning proficiency in MS Excel.
• Open, create, edit, save and retrieve files in MS Excel.
• Perform simple calculations and be familiar with charts in MS Excel.
• Gain beginning proficiency in MS PowerPoint.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide positive and negative numbers, including fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Calculate averages, simple ratios, proportions, and rates.
• Read a simple chart or graph to obtain information to solve a problem.
• Recognize the application of technical terms or jargon to stated situations.
• Identify the appropriate definition of a word with multiple meanings.
• Apply instructions to new situations.
• Summarize and/or compare information and trends in charts and graphs.
• Write clear messages which may include incomplete sentences or minor errors in grammar and punctuation but do not compromise the message.