NSTB Skill Test and my experience

The National Skill Testing Board (NSTB) of Nepal plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s technical education and vocational training sector. Established in 1983 as the Skill Testing Authority and later integrated into the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), NSTB has been instrumental in developing and implementing skill testing and certification systems across the nation.

What NSTB Does and Why It Matters

• Creating Skill Standards: NSTB has developed National Occupational Skill Standards (NOSS) for 237 different trades, setting clear guidelines on the skills and competencies required for various occupations.
• Skill Testing and Certification: So far, more than 108,000 individuals have participated in NSTB’s skill testing programs, and over 72,730 have received official certifications. This not only validates their expertise but also opens up better job opportunities both in Nepal and abroad.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): NSTB also recognizes informal learning and work experience through the RPL system. This allows individuals with practical experience but no formal education to get their skills assessed and certified.

Latest Initiatives and Opportunities

• Skill Testing Applications: NSTB frequently announces skill testing application opportunities, encouraging skilled Nepali citizens to get certified and improve their career prospects.
• National Qualifications Framework (NQF): In 2020, the government approved the NQF, which integrates the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF). This system creates multiple educational and vocational pathways, promoting lifelong learning and career development.

How NSTB Benefits Nepal’s Workforce

NSTB’s efforts in standardizing skills across sectors have had a profound impact on Nepal’s workforce. Certified individuals not only meet industry standards but also gain access to better job opportunities and higher wages, boosting productivity and national economic growth.

My Experience with the NSTB Level 2 Computer Skill Test

Last Friday and Saturday, I participated in the National Skill Testing Board (NSTB) Level 2 Computer Skill Test, and it was quite a memorable and insightful experience. Let me take you through how the two days went and what I took away from it.

Day 1: Practical Examination

The first day was entirely dedicated to the practical exam, an 8-hour session divided into two parts: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for the first half, followed by a 45-minute break, and then the remaining time for the exam.

One small hiccup I faced right at the start was that I was supposed to bring a pen drive, but I wasn’t informed about it beforehand. Fortunately, the facilitator provided one, which was a relief.

Interestingly, only two participants, including myself, showed up out of the five or six who had registered. This low turnout might reflect a lack of awareness about the skill test or insufficient preparation.

The practical tasks assigned were:

• Format a PC and install Windows XP from a CD-ROM – Instead, we installed Windows 10 using a USB drive, which felt more practical given how outdated Windows XP is.
• Install an antivirus – I downloaded and installed the free version of Avast.
• Prepare a document using Preeti font – This was a bit tricky since most people now use Romanized Unicode. I managed to do it correctly, but it’s worth noting that Preeti is no longer widely used.
• Formatting difficulties – My fellow participant struggled with formatting the PC because he had never been taught how to do it. This reflects a gap in our education system when it comes to practical, hands-on skills.
• Microsoft Word task – We were asked to prepare a document with specific margins and replicate a sample document provided but personally I prefer LibreOffice for document preparation.
• Microsoft Excel task – We had to create a chart using given data and one salary sheet.
• Microsoft PowerPoint task – We were asked to create a simple presentation.
• Database task – This involved creating a database with two tables, establishing relationships, and generating queries and reports.
• Web page task – We were asked to create a simple web page listing five districts, with one district name in red and set to scroll using the marquee tag.

Day 2: Online Objective Exam

The second day was an online test that started at 11:00 AM. It consisted of 50 multiple-choice questions, mostly focused on Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint.

My Reflections and Suggestions

• While the experience was educational, it also highlighted several areas for improvement:
• Outdated Syllabus: Asking participants to install Windows XP felt very outdated. It’s high time the syllabus was updated to reflect current technologies.
• Gaps in Practical Education: The fact that my fellow participant couldn’t format a PC points to a larger issue in the education system. Practical, hands-on skills should be emphasized more.
• Limited Exposure to Alternatives: The exam was heavily focused on Windows and Microsoft Office, both of which are paid software. Why not introduce participants to open-source alternatives like Linux and LibreOffice? If we’re promoting paid software, why not include MacOS as well? A balanced approach would give participants a broader perspective and more options.

Despite some challenges, the NSTB Level 2 Computer Skill Test was a valuable learning experience. It reinforced the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. I hope future iterations of the exam address the issues I’ve mentioned, making the process more relevant and inclusive for all participants.