EXPANDED SCOPE

FOR

OFFICE APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST OC 1,2,3,4,5

OFFICE SYSTEMS ANALYST III OC 2,3,6,7

OFFICE SYSTEMS ANALYST III PR 2,3,6,7

1. PREPARING WRITTEN MATERIAL-These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.

2. FUNDAMENTALS OF PC SYSTEMS-These questions test for knowledge of basic concepts and terminology related to PC's. They cover such topics as PC and peripheral equipment; storage media; types of software used with PC's; and other associated terms and concepts.

3. USE AND OPERATION OF PC'S AND RELATED PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT-These questions are designed to test for technical knowledge and concepts relevant to the operation of a PC and associated peripheral equipment for word processing, spreadsheet analysis, database management, data communications and other applications. The questions asked are not specific to any vendor or any model of PC.

4. PRINCIPLES OF PROVIDING USER SUPPORT-These questions test for knowledge and skill in working in a user support situation. They cover such subjects as how to communicate effectively with users requesting help; how to deal with different types of situations; troubleshooting techniques; and how to gather, organize and make available technical information needed to provide support.

5. TRAINING USERS OF COMPUTERS-These questions test for knowledge of techniques for using computers and approaches to training others to use them. They cover such subjects as use of computer hardware, software and applications; preparing and evaluating instruction materials; determining the level of trainees' knowledge and the use of computers to provide instruction and feedback. The questions on training depend upon good judgment and practical experience rather than knowledge of abstract principles.

6. PRINCIPLES OF NETWORKED COMMUNICATIONS-These questions test for basic concepts and terminology of data communications. They cover such subjects as data communications, types of networks, modems, security, protocols, topologies, transmission media, wiring, installation and troubleshooting. The questions are general in scope and are not specific to any vendor or system.

7. SUPERVISION-These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available on line at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.

USE OF CALCULATORS IS ALLOWED