Description
Northstar Digital Literacy is a free online resource designed to help learners build, assess, and demonstrate essential digital skills needed for everyday life, education, and employment. It provides self‑guided lessons and assessments across key technology topics — from basic computer use to software tools and online communication — and allows learners to earn certificates or digital badges by passing proctored assessments.
The program is widely used by libraries, nonprofits, workforce centers, schools, and other community organizations across Ohio and the U.S. It’s a powerful way to show employers or educators that you have verified digital competencies.
🕒 Hours
- 24/7 access to online lessons and assessments.
- Certificate testing is typically offered at library or partner host hours, which vary by location — contact your local partner to confirm availability.
🌐 Location
- Online: You can access free lessons and assessments from anywhere at
👉 https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/ - Proctored certificate testing: Available in person at many public libraries and community partner sites (including several across Ohio libraries such as Huron County, Upper Sandusky, and Troy‑Miami County locations).
📞 Contact
📍 Online Access: https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/
📌 For certificate testing schedules & support:
Ask at your local public library or digital learning partner — many Ohio libraries coordinate proctored assessments weekly.
🧰 Services & Key Features
📘 Free Online Modules & Self‑Paced Learning
Learners can take self‑directed online assessments and lessons in three skill areas:
- Essential Computer Skills – Basic computer use, internet basics, email, Windows/Mac basics
- Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
- Using Technology in Daily Life – social media, information literacy, digital footprint, career search skills, K‑12 learning support
👉 These are available anytime and provide practice with built‑in feedback.
🏆 Certificates & Digital Badges
- Free assessments can be taken online, but to earn an official certificate or digital badge, you must complete the assessment in a proctored setting (often at a library or partner site).
- Certificates are awarded for scoring 85% or higher on the assessment for each skill area.
- These certificates can be used on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, job applications, or education portfolios to show documented digital competencies.
✅ Requirements
- No cost to use the online modules or take assessments.
- To earn a certificate, you must schedule a proctored test session and achieve the passing score (often coordinated by libraries or digital literacy partners).
- Libraries and partners may require basic registration for proctored sessions (check directly with your local site).
💲 Cost
💵 Free — Northstar digital skills lessons and assessments are free online. Certificates are also free when taken through participating libraries or community sites.
💡 Tips
- 📍 Start by taking a self‑assessment online to see which skills you already have and where you might want practice.
- 📊 Practice lessons are automatically suggested based on your assessment results — this helps you focus your learning.
- 📚 Check with your local public library — they often provide proctored sessions and additional support to help you earn certificates.
- 🧾 Save or print your results and certificates for job applications or resumes.
🔗 Useful Links
🌐 Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments & Lessons:
👉 https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/
📘 Northstar Digital Literacy information (Ohio Libraries / OPLIN):
👉 https://www.oplin.ohio.gov/services/northstar
