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PC Skills & Competency Test

A practical test of the everyday IT skills every job needs now: using Windows and Microsoft 365, keeping files safe, and spotting phishing, scams and AI-powered attacks. Use it to check your own skills, test candidates and new starters, or find out what training your team needs.

Take the test

Choose a test

40 questions picked from every area. Allow about 20 minutes.

Questions are drawn at random each time, and answers are marked on our server. Nothing is saved unless you ask for a verifiable result.

Check someone's result

Candidates can create a result code to prove their score. Enter it here to see the result as we recorded it.

Areas covered

  • Windows and everyday computing
  • Files, folders and OneDrive
  • Email safety and phishing
  • Passwords, MFA and accounts
  • Online safety and scams
  • Teams, SharePoint and sharing
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • AI tools and data protection
  • Troubleshooting
  • Spot the phish
  • Scam calls and impersonation
  • Modern scams and AI threats

Six rules that stop most scams

  1. The police and your bank never ask you to move money to a "safe account", withdraw cash, hand cash or cards to a courier, buy gift cards or vouchers, or keep a call secret from your bank.
  2. Caller ID, email addresses and voices can all be faked, even your boss's name and voice. Hang up and call back on a number you already know.
  3. After hanging up, wait 5 minutes or use another phone, because scammers can keep the line open. Phone 159 to reach your bank safely.
  4. Never let a caller onto your computer (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Assist) or read out a code they ask for.
  5. Check before you sign in. A document that makes you sign in to view it is a trap, even in a real email thread from someone you know: phone them first.
  6. Verify every change of bank details by phone, using details you already had.

Forward scam texts to 7726. Report fraud to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 (in Scotland, Police Scotland on 101). If you've lost money, call your bank on 159 straight away.

Using it for recruitment or training

  • Pick a test, use "Copy a link to this test", and send it to candidates. Ask them to create a verifiable result code, then check it here. Results show the test taken, score, level, time and a breakdown by area.
  • The Security awareness and Spot the phish tests work well as yearly staff refreshers alongside phishing simulations.
  • Questions and option order change every time, and the answers are only revealed after marking.
  • Use the area breakdown to target training where your team needs it most.

Levels

  • Expert (90%+): confident with everyday IT and alert to threats.
  • Proficient (75%+): strong skills with a few areas to polish.
  • Competent (60%+): comfortable with the basics.
  • Developing (40%+): training recommended.
  • Beginner: needs foundation training.

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