Practical Skills
What this domain tests
The lab-based competencies: correct device handling, keyboard and mouse efficiency, file and folder operations, printing, and completing standard office tasks inside a time limit.
Core concepts
- Start-up and shutdown the correct way; connect and safely remove USB storage (Safely Remove Hardware / Eject) before pulling it out.
- File management: create, rename, move, copy, delete (and restore from Recycle Bin), search by name or extension, compress into .zip for email.
- Shortcuts worth memorising: Ctrl+C/V/X, Ctrl+Z/Y, Ctrl+S, Ctrl+A, Ctrl+P, Ctrl+F, Alt+Tab, Alt+F4, Win+D, Win+E, F2 rename.
- Printing: select the correct printer, paper size, orientation, number of copies, print range (all/current page/selection), preview before printing.
- Lab hygiene: no food near machines, keep vents clear, use antivirus scan on removable media, log off shared accounts.
Worked example
Task: submit a 30-page report as a single PDF with a title page and page numbers. Reasoning: type the document, insert a page break after the title page, add a footer with automatic page numbering, then export as PDF (not print-to-image) so text stays searchable. Finally check the exported file page count before uploading.
Traps that cost marks
- Saving as .docx when the task says PDF, or using a screenshot instead of a proper export.
- Manual page numbers typed on every page - inserting a page break shifts them.
- Pulling out a pen drive without ejecting and losing the file.
- Printing without preview, wasting marks on wrong orientation or paper size.