CBE Computer Proficiency Exam

Students who are in catalog year 2008-09 and are a pre-major in accounting, business administration, e-Business, and any combined CBE majors are required to take the CBE Computer Proficiency Exam as an admissions requirement to the major. 

Steps to taking the CBE Computer Proficiency Exam

1. Decide whether to purchase an Exam-Only Software License or purchase the Training Module that also includes the software license for the exam.
2. Purchase the exam-only software license or the full module package.
3. Register for a scheduled exam date
4. Review the exam policies
5. Review topics covered on the exam
6. Exam Day reminders

1.  Decide What to Purchase:

The Computer Proficiency Exam (CPE) is composed to five separate texts, all of which must be passed at one test sitting to have successfully completed the CPE.  If any one test is not completed with a score of at least 70, then all tests must be taken again at another time.

•  The Exam-Only Software License

The price for the license is $15.67 and it provides for taking the CPE one time only.  If the student does not pass the CPE, another license will have to be purchased for the retest.  Exam-only licenses are purchased at the University Store’s Customer Service Desk.

• The Training and Testing Module (SimNet for Office 2007 Office Suite)

  The full package costs $44.95.  It provides practice tests, training, customized training on missed elements and as many attempts at taking the CPE as is necessary.  This package is purchased on the Web by going to https://towson.simnetonline.com and clicking on “I don’t have a registration code.”  All training and testing is done using your browser.  There is nothing to install in your computer, and it is accessible from any computer connected to the internet.

Online Registration

2. Purchase the exam-only software license or the full module package.

Students must purchase the SimNet software license at the University Store’s Customer Service Desk. The price for the license is $15.67 or $44.95 for the Training and Testing Module.

3. Register for the exam

To register for a scheduled exam by filling out the Online Registration form. It is critical that this information is accurate so that exam results can be posted to each student's Degree Progress Report and so credit is received for passing the exam.

4. Review the exam policies

There will be a 3-hour time limit to complete the exam. Students who do not pass the exam will need to re-take it at a later date. There is no limit to the number of times a student can repeat the exam. At the conclusion of the exam, the score will be given to the student. A grade of 70 percent or higher on each test is considered passing. Exam results will be posted to the Degree Progress Report as Pass. Failing grades will not be posted.

5. Exam Day Reminders

Students will be tested on how to navigate the Internet and how to use Windows XP or Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 applications of Excel, Word and PowerPoint. For a full list of skills tested, download the following PDF.

• Review topics covered on the exam (PDF)

6. Exam Day Reminders

Students need to bring the following items to their scheduled exam:

• TU Student ID
• SimNet software license, purchased from the TU Bookstore

Please check in with the proctor when you arrive for the exam. All exams will be given in ST 213 beginning promptly at 2:00 p.m. unless stated otherwise. on the scheduled exam day. Students who arrive late to the exam will be permitted to enter at the discretion of the proctor.

Questions pertaining to the CBE Computer Proficiency Exam should be directed to the Information Technology Coordinator, Abe Coven, by e-mail at acoven@towson.edu or 410-704-4151.

College of Business and Economics
Stephens Hall, Room 218

Phone: 410-704-3342
Fax: 410-704-3664