IT Fitness Test
The IT Fitness Test, developed by the IT Association of Slovakia, is the largest digital skills test in Central Europe and the most comprehensive way to test the digital competences of pupils in primary and secondary schools, as well as teachers. Developed within the framework of the Slovak National Coalition for Digital Skills and Jobs, the IT Fitness Test has grown considerably since the start of the initiative back in 2009 as one of the main activities in the pan-European e-Skills Week.
Background and context
In 2010, the first edition of the IT Fitness Test reached close to 40,000 people in Slovakia. By 2015, the test had surpassed 100,000 respondents. Close to 25,000 participants took part in the 2020 testing period, with an average success rate of over 65%. The test was born out of the underlying ambition that digital skills are a necessity for everyone living and working in the 21st century. If one does not receive sufficient information on the opportunities and areas of interest part of the digital world, they are much less likely to succeed. A first step therefore is establishing where our weaknesses lie, and educating ourselves further especially in those particular areas.
The test gives teachers an overview of their pupils' digital skills levels and allows them to focus on areas where pupils need to improve in their further education. In addition, pupils and whole classes compete for fantastic prizes to help them further develop their skills.
Why is this a good practice?
Every year, the IT Fitness Test publishes results - with participants in each edition scoring better than the previous year. And a growing number, too: with 12 editions of the test already underway, in 2023, the IT Fitness Test reached a total of 150,000 students. Since the start of the test, over the past 12 editions, almost 550, 000 respondents have tested their digital skills.
It is easily scalable as a self-assessment tool, available and accessible online for anyone, an aspect reflected in the increased number of compiled tests amongst high-school and university students, and the increased number of institutions in tertiary/secondary education participating each year. The test is repeatedly available for educational purposes beyond the official testing period, contributing to the initiative's replicability.
