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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I access the Chalksoft course materials if I have a Mac?
  Yes you can. Any browser on any computer (so long as it can display Flash movies) can be used to access the online course content. However, for the CD-based version (which runs on your local area network), Microsoft Windows is required.

• What software is used to teach the computer skills covered in the course?
  The Microsoft Office suite of programs.  Since we had to base the materials on a single suite of software, we selected MS Office as the one which would have the biggest user base.

• Can I use my school-based login details to log in to the Chalksoft web site so that I can continue my studies at home?
  Yes you can. The same login details work both on your LAN and on our website.
   
• Is it true that I can do the Chalksoft Practice Tests as often as I wish?
  Yes it is true.  The tests are self-marking, and you may do them as often as you please, since no results are recorded.
  
   
• What is the difference between the Chalksoft Practice Tests and the Chalksoft Certified Computer Competence exams?
  The practice tests are just that - for practice. You may do them as often as you wish, and no results are recorded.  However, the Computer Competence Certificate exams may only be sat once. You cannot re-sit an exam.  There are seven of them, and you should only start a CCC exam if you have already completed the corresponding practice test a number of times.
   
• Are the Chalksoft examinations in any way associated with the official ICDL examinations?
  No.  Chalksoft is an independent organisation, whose courses are based tightly on the officially published ICDL syllabus. Our practice tests and Competency examinations are in no way associated with or representative of the official ICDL examinations.  Passing a Chalksoft CCC examination in no way confers of implies official ICDL certification. However, we believe that our online tests and examinations are an excellent preparation for the official tests.
   
• Is Chalksoft associated in any way with the ICDL or ECDL organizations?
  No.  Chalksoft is an independent organisation which is in no way affiliated with the ICDL or the ECDL organisations.
   
• How can I check my Chalksoft exam grades?
  On the Toolbox page there is a link called Personal Progress Monitor.  This link will allow you to view a page on which your entire test history is displayed.
   
• Do the Chalksoft ICDL-based courses comply with the official ICDL course syllabus?
  Yes. The Chalksoft courses cover every published learning outcome of the official ICDL syllabus.
   
• What is the difference between the CD-based Online Campus, and accessing the courses live from the Chalksoft website?
  The CD-based Online Campus is an application provided to schools or organisations which purchase 10 or more licences.  It is a CD which contains all 50 lessons, a full course index, user management features and some other utilities.  Users who install this version do not need an Internet connection to do the course (except for the assignments, which need to be accessed on our servers, live.)
  
  Accessing the course materials live will provide the identical user experience, except that a live Internet connection is required.
   
• Is it true that my Chalksoft account never expires?
  Yes. Your Chalksoft account is valid forever. It never expires, and is what we call “login for life”. This means that you may return years later and pick up where you left off, or even do the course all over again if you wish.  Remember, however, that the CCC exams may be done once only.