Internet Basics Digital Literacy test: How a simulation checks basic internet skills before you hire

The Internet Basics Digital Literacy test from Testlify checks whether candidates can get online, use a browser and stay safe on the web. Internet basics are the skills people need to get online and use the web safely: connecting to the internet, using a browser, searching well, filling in online forms and protecting personal information. Nearly every job now depends on them. A simulation test checks basic internet skills in about 30 minutes, so you know a new hire can work online from day one.

TL;DR

• Basic internet skills cover connecting, browsing, searching, using websites and staying safe online.
• You can’t assume them. Being fast on a phone app isn’t the same as using a browser, a web form or a login page at work.
• A simulation-based test shows what candidates can do in a realistic browser, not only what they can define.
• Use it for entry-level, frontline, admin and support roles, and in workforce and training programs.

What are internet basics?

They’re the core skills for using the web. They sit just above computer basics and below job tools. Once someone can turn on a device and use a mouse, the web is the next step.

They cover three things:

1. Getting online: Knowing how devices connect, through Wi-Fi, cable or mobile data, and what to check when the connection drops.
2. Using the web: Moving around a browser, understanding how websites are built, searching for information, and using links, forms and media.
3. Staying safe: Protecting personal and payment details, using privacy settings, browsing safely and keeping devices protected.

Basic internet skills: 12 skills every new hire should have

Use this as a checklist when you write job requirements or review test results:

1. Connecting to the internet: Joining Wi-Fi and knowing the difference between Wi-Fi, wired and mobile data.
2. Checking a connection: Spotting when a device is offline and trying simple fixes.
3. Using a browser: Opening tabs, going back and forward, refreshing and using bookmarks.
4. Reading a web address: Understanding what a URL is and how to spot a secure site.
5. Finding your way around a website: Using menus, links, buttons and search boxes.
6. Searching well: Choosing good search words and picking reliable results. Google’s own search tips are a helpful refresher.
7. Filling in online forms: Entering details correctly and fixing errors.
8. Handling logins and verification: Passwords, codes sent by text or email, and “I’m not a robot” checks.
9. Using media: Playing videos and audio, and downloading or uploading files.
10. Protecting personal and payment details: Knowing when it’s safe to enter them, and when it isn’t.
11. Using privacy settings and safe browsing: Managing cookies and pop-ups, and avoiding risky downloads.
12. Protecting devices: Using updates and security tools so the device stays safe online.

For most office and frontline roles, skills 1 to 8 are needed from day one.

Why you can’t assume basic internet skills

Most people go online every day, so it’s easy to assume they’re fine. But phone use is a different skill. Apps hide the browser. They save logins and fill in forms for you. At work, people face shared computers, web portals, long forms and security checks.

Employers need these skills more than ever. A 2023 analysis of 43 million US job postings by the National Skills Coalition and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that 92% of jobs require digital skills. The same research estimated that about a third of workers lack foundational digital skills.

The gaps show up in small ways. A new hire can’t find the right page on the supplier portal. Another enters a customer’s card details on a look-alike website. A third gets locked out because they don’t understand the verification code. Each one costs time, and some cost money.

Why a simulation is the best way to test internet skills

Ask “Do you know how to use a web browser?” and nearly everyone says yes. A simulation shows whether they really can.

Here’s how common methods compare:

A simulation gives every candidate the same real tasks. They open a page, search, fill in a form and pass a security check. Scoring is automatic and fair. Our guide to hiring with job simulations explains why doing beats describing.

What’s on the Internet Basics Digital Literacy test?

The Internet Basics Digital Literacy test is an intermediate-level simulation with 33 tasks that takes 33 minutes. It checks five areas:

These are the kinds of tasks candidates do. There’s no answer key. Each task happens in a real-looking screen.

1. Connecting: how devices connect to the internet and the main connection methods.
2. Browsers and websites: moving around a browser, using common browser tools, and understanding how websites are structured.
3. Searching: finding information online with good search methods.
4. Interacting with websites: using forms, links, media and verification steps to complete common tasks.
5. Staying safe: handling personal and financial information securely, using privacy settings, browsing safely and protecting devices.

What it doesn’t cover

It doesn’t test email, office software or job-specific web tools. For those, add the Using Email test or role-specific tests. For deeper security habits, such as spotting phishing, add Cybersecurity Basics.

Where are internet basics tests used?

Entry-level and frontline hiring

Retail, hospitality, warehouse and call center staff use web portals for schedules, orders and training. See our guide to assessing entry-level candidates for what to pair it with.

Admin and customer support

Admin and support roles live in browsers: booking systems, help desks, supplier sites and online forms.

Healthcare and public services

Front desk and support staff use patient portals and online records. Weak internet skills slow down a busy office.

Workforce and training programs

Job centers, libraries and adult education programs use internet basics as a starting point. Section scores show trainers where each learner should begin. It pairs well with Career Search Skills.

Upskilling existing staff

When a team moves from paper to an online system, a quick test shows who’s ready and who needs a short session first.

How to read the results and set a pass mark

Treat it as a threshold. Ask “Can this person work online in our systems?” Don’t ask “Who is best at the internet?”

Have two or three people who already do the job well take the test, and use their scores as your benchmark. Then read section scores alongside the total. A candidate who missed a question on connection types but handled every form, search and safety task is probably ready. A candidate who entered payment details on an unsafe page needs training first.

How to set up the test in Testlify

1. Create an assessment and add the Internet Basics test.
2. Add related tests. For candidates with mixed experience, start with the Basic Computer Skills Digital Literacy test. For office roles, add Using Email.
3. Invite candidates by email or from your ATS.
4. Compare section scores with your benchmark before you shortlist.

Keep entry-level assessments under an hour, so good candidates don’t drop out.

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming young candidates know it all

Growing up with apps doesn’t guarantee browser or web form skills. Test everyone the same way.

Testing every role

Someone who’s worked online for years gains nothing from this test. Use it where internet skills are truly uncertain.

Treating a low score as a hard no

Many internet skills can be taught in an afternoon. Decide in advance which gaps you’ll train and which rule someone out.

Skipping the safety section

Fast but careless users can cost more than slow, careful ones. Weight the safety tasks for roles that handle customer data. For a broader view, see our guide to digital literacy assessments.

Key takeaways

• Internet basics cover connecting, browsing, searching, using websites and staying safe online.
• 92% of jobs need digital skills, yet about a third of workers lack the basics.
• Phone app skills don’t always carry over to browsers, portals and forms at work.
• A simulation shows what candidates can do in a realistic browser, and scores everyone the same way.
• Use it for entry-level, frontline, admin, support and healthcare roles, and in training programs.

Ready to see internet skills in action?

Try the Internet Basics simulation for free and do the same tasks your candidates will, before your next entry-level hire.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)