Core · CORE-SEARCH
Search and Information Finding
Search operators, finding documents/emails, verifying sources
What will be measured
- Format
- Hands-on: search, mcq tasks. No trivia — you do real tasks.
- Domains
- Operators · Finding documents · Source verification
- Duration
- about 8 minutes
- Levels examinable
- L1–L4
- AI policy
- AI-free
- Scoring
- Correctness first; efficiency (time, keystrokes, steps vs an expert reference) adds a bounded bonus. Graders check outcomes, so any valid approach passes.
- Credential
- Module badge, valid 24 months. $19 per certification attempt; practice is free.
Level definitions
- L1Foundation. Basic keyword search
- L2Proficient. Between Foundation and Advanced
- L3Advanced. Operators and source checking
- L4Expert. Between Advanced and Master
- L5Master. Complex research workflows
Integrity and privacy — no surprises
- Standard mode (L1–L3 on your public certificate): email verification, focus/tab detection, keystroke timing telemetry, randomized parameterized tasks, server-side timer.
- Proctored mode (required for public L4–L5): government ID and selfie check, webcam snapshots and optional screen share, reviewed only if a session is flagged. Recordings are deleted after 90 days.
- Unproctored results are capped at L3 on the public certificate; you can book a proctored retake to confirm L4 or L5. Every certificate shows whether it was proctored.
- Retakes: wait 14 days per module, maximum 3 attempts per quarter. Your highest valid level shows on your profile.
- We never show raw keystrokes or video to employers. You own your results. Data notice
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- Customer Support · 8.4%
- Marketing / Content · 9.18%
- Legal / Paralegal · 10.5%
- IT Helpdesk / Desktop Support · 5.2%
- Journalist / Writer / Researcher · 8.44%