Northstar Digital Literacy

Computer skills are an important part of work and school life. These skills are also helpful for many common daily tasks.

Northstar allows you to test and improve your computer skills in a variety of subject areas.

Whether you’re trying to set up your first email account, would like to learn how to use Google Docs effectively, or would like to learn more about social media platforms, Northstar’s practice lessons will help you gain confidence and master skills.

When you’re ready, you can take an assessment to test your knowledge and demonstrate your abilities.

With a free Northstar Learner account, you’ll be able to review the assessments and modules you’ve completed, track your progress, and even print out certificates.

If you already have a Learner account, you can log in to the Northstar website to get started right away.

Northstar Digital Literacy is made available to Washington residents by Washington State Library.

Northstar Assessment Certificates

To receive a certificate for passing an assessment test, you must have a Learner account and the test must be proctored by the Washington State Library.

You can email the Washington State Library at certify@sos.wa.gov to request proctoring for the Northstar assessment tests. In your email, be sure to include your ZIP code with your request.

Northstar Online Learning: Learner Account

Northstar Online Learning (NSOL) allows you to access self-guided modules that you can complete at your own pace.

Creating a Learner account is easy and only requires your name and email address.

Need an email account? If you don’t have an email address and need help setting one up or if you have other questions about NSOL Learner accounts, you can call the library at 509.893.8400 or talk to staff at your library for more help.

Northstar Online Learning: Without Learner Account

If you prefer to take an assessment without creating an NSOL Learner account, you can do so by visiting the Northstar website. Your assessment results will not be saved and you will not be able to print any certificates for assessments if you don’t have a Learner account.

Also, you can explore some of the learning modules NSOL provides without creating a Learner account, including basic computer skills, email, Microsoft Word, and career search skills. Note, your progress in these modules will not be saved without a Learner account.

What Can I Do with Digital Literacy?

• Complete assessments to earn certificates that show employers you have the skills needed for today’s workforce.
• Become a confident computer user, so you can safely connect with your friends and family online.
• Learn the tools you need to become a more successful student.
• Understand your digital footprint, which is the trail of data that you create when using the internet.

Available Assessments

Essential Computer Skills

• Basic Computer Skills (Practice Lessons also available)
• Internet Basics (Practice Lessons also available)
• Using Email (Practice Lessons also available)
• Windows
• Mac OS

Essential Software Skills

• Microsoft Word (Practice Lessons also available)
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Google Docs
• Using Technology in Daily Life

Social Media

• Information Literacy
• Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
• Career Search Skills (Practice Lessons also available)
• Your Digital Footprint

Questions?

If you have questions about Northstar Digital Literacy or setting up an NSOL Learner account, you can call the library at 509.893.8400 or talk to staff at your library for help.