Research Guides: Northstar Digital Literacy: Get help with Northstar

CCC's Northstar support team

Name	Phone / Email	Contact for:
Josh Aman he / him Coordinator: Tutoring and Academic Computer Lab	503-594-3070 josh.aman@clackamas.edu	Signing up for Northstar Account access
Beth Caldwell she / her Librarian	503-594-0727 beth.caldwell@clackamas.edu	General questions Account access
Jane Littlefield she / her Librarian	503-594-3474 jane.littlefield@clackamas.edu	General questions Account access
Suzanne Munro she / her ESOL Faculty	503-594-3236 munros@clackamas.edu	English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students
Adrienne Scritsmier she / her Coordinator: Enrollment and Student Services, Wilsonville	503-594-0942 adrienne.scritsmier@clackamas.edu	Community Education classes Account access

Help guides

Northstar Learner's Manual
Northstar's official manual. Learn how to set up and log into an account, see your Dashboard, and view your progress.
Getting Started with Northstar - CCC's Student Guide
Last updated March 2024.

Getting Started with Northstar - CCC's Student Guide
This file type, a PDF, is better for printing. Last updated March 2024.

Para comenzar en Northstar Digital - CCC's guía del estudiante
Última actualización en marzo de 2024.

Para comenzar en Northstar Digital - CCC's guía del estudiante
Este tipo de archivo, un PDF, es mejor para imprimir. Última actualización en marzo de 2024.

Northstar FAQ

Why should I use Northstar?
Lots of reasons!
1: Set yourself apart from others on your resume and job applications! Earn certificates for essential computer skills and list these accomplishments for future employers to see.
2: Get college ready. Your college instructors may assume you already know how to use Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, or other software. Spend a little time learning how to use these software more effectively now, and save yourself from frustration later.
3: Develop skills to keep your job and advance your career. The problem solving and communication skills you will practice in Northstar will help you on the job!
4: Build confidence and skills needed for successful remote and online learning.
5: Learn at your own pace and without judgment.
What are the Northstar assessments?
Northstar has a good explanation of their assessments.
What score is "passing" on an assessment?
Passing is 85% or better on an assessment.
How can I get a certificate to show my digital literacy skills?
Once you have completed practice tutorials and passed an assessment on your own, you can sign up to take a "proctored assessment." When you pass a proctored assessment with 85% or better, you will be able to access and print and/or save a digital certificate demonstrating your skills with that digital literacy topic.
What does "proctored assessment" mean?
A "proctored assessment" means you are taking an assessment in a controlled environment (remote or in-person) so that you can earn a digital certificate demonstrating your skills with a digital literacy topic. A proctor will verify your identification before you begin a proctored assessment. A proctor will give you an access code to access the proctored assessment. You have one hour to complete the assessment. Learn more about proctored assessments on the Northstar Remote Test Taker Checklist (link downloads a Word document).
How do I sign up for a proctored assessment?
Proctored assessments are not available at CCC yet. Please email reference@clackamas.edu if you would like to be notified when proctored assessments become available. We will reach out to you with directions for how to make an appointment to take a proctored assessment.
I don't have internet access or a computer; what are my options?
Check out a Chromebook or visit our on-campus computer labs. You can use free wifi on all three of our campuses. Qualify for benefits to help you pay for internet at your home. Learn more at CCC's Resources and Information for Students.