Welcome
Free Computer Training Courses!
Labor & Literacy Lab
- Workplace & digital skills
- Resume & job search support
- Guided computer learning & practice
Computer Training
- Northstar Digital Literacy Certification
- IC3 Digital Literacy Certification
- Microsoft Office Specialist
Computer Training And Certification
Show employers you have the skills they need. Offering both day and evening program options, our in person classes will train you to get your Northstar Digital Literacy Certifications, IC3 Digital Literacy Certification and/or prepare you for Microsoft Office Specialist exams.
We offer a variety of different programs:
- Northstar Digital Literacy Certification is a web-based computer program designed to introduce uses to basic computer skills. Students enrolled in this course will earn 7 certifications related to Essential Computer Skills and Essential Software Skills. These certifications can also be obtained during our Labor and Literacy Lab hours.
- IC3 Digital Literacy Certification is an industry recognized certification program assessing an individual’s essential digital literacy skills. The GS5 certification is comprised of three parts: Computing Fundamentals, Living Online and Key Applications. This certification will be earned across two 8-week sessions.
- Microsoft Office Specialist certification is a credential that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in the Office apps. We currently offer certifications in Word and Excel. Prerequisite: IC3 Digital Literacy Certification
- In our Labor and Literacy Lab we can support you with your employment and educational goals. Labor and Literacy Lab Guides will be able to answer your Northstar, IC3 and MOS questions.
Class offerings, schedules, and student placement are subject to enrollment, class availability, and learning assessment results.
Class Session Dates
Registration for our Fall 2026 classes is now open! If you have already completed an interest form, please contact us to schedule your registration appointment. If you are interested in joining our program but have not yet completed an interest form, please fill one out to begin the enrollment process.
Interested? To begin the registration process, fill out this interest form.
¿Estas Interesado? Para comenzar el proceso de registro, complete este formulario.
The Plainfield Public Library has a variety of training options to fit your skill-level and availability that you can access for free. Plainfield residency is not required. Courses and testing fees are covered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Union County Workforce Development Board & Union County Board of County Commissioners.
Our experienced instructors will:
- Assess your existing levels of computer proficiency to target learning outcomes
- Present in person instruction targeting specific concepts
- Prepare you to take industry-standard certification tests for stackable credentials in computer skills.
- Connect you with appropriate online content through the Library’s training resources
There is an option for you!
Digital Literacy Program,
908-757-1111 x 1302
Self-Guided Training
Finally, you always have the option to work at your own pace and on your own schedule with the Library’s self-directed training resources.
Looking for help with your Job Search?
Check out the Job Search Assistance page.
Self-Guided Training
Self-Guided Training
Even if your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend classes, the Library has free self-directed options you can use to learn new computer skills.
The Library offers FREE online computer training via our Online Databases. (Downloadable Guide)
The Skill Surfer provides outlines for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and some computer languages. Live help is available 2-11PM, 7 days per week.
Go to BrainFuse’s Help Now Enter your Library card number, then click on SkillSurfer, then Computer Technology.
Northstar Digital Literacy tests your computer skills and. You can build skills in key areas, and demonstrate your knowledge by earning certificates and badges.
- Computer Basics
- Internet Basics
- Windows 10
- Word
- Excel
- and other subjects
Stop by our Labor and Literacy Lab or email to find out more.
Looking for more specialized training? Skillshare offers a wide variety of video based trainings!
Due to high value, the Library’s Skillshare access is allotted on a month-to-month basis. Use this form to request access. When you are approved, you will be emailed a link and login instructions.
Offered through the Department of Labor, SkillUp NJ offers a variety of high-level self-paced online trainings from basic business and personal skills to complex industry certification tracks for those planning to take industry certification tests.
Other Free Computer Training Resources the Library Recommends
- GCF LearnFree Technology
This resource combines lessons including text, videos, and even interactive practice to learn computer and internet basics. - Khan Academy
The Khan Academy’s free online learning modules (with videos and self-tests!) allow you to master a wide variety of computing topics, including computer science. Try How Computers Work and Internet 101 to get started!
Need help while working on your Digital Literacy? Please visit the Labor and Literacy Lab during open hours and speak with our Labor and Literacy Guides!
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northstar Digital Literacy?
Northstar Digital Literacy is a tool for learning and demonstrating “the basic skills needed to use a computer and the internet in daily life, employment, and higher education.” It includes both computerized pre- and post- assessments, as well as learning modules that can be taken online or presented by an instructor. We offer Northstar Digital Literacy as part of our programs as an introductory program for people working toward their IC3 as well as those who aren’t ready for the IC3 program. The Northstar certificates we cover in class are Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel. For more information about Northstar, see their web page.
What is the IC3?
IC3 stands for Internet and Computing Core Competency. It’s an industry-recognized certification of computer use competency. We are currently using the IC3 GS5. The GS5 certification is comprised of three exams: Computing Fundamentals, Living Online, and Key Applications. Passing all three exams earns the student the IC3 Digital Literacy Certificate. In addition to basic understanding of the Windows operating system, email, hardware, networking, security, and Internet use, it includes the basics of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Powerpoint. For more information, visit the Certiport IC3 GS5 page.
What is the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program?
The Microsoft Office Specialist exams/certifications are an industry-recognized standard for more in-depth understandings of Microsoft Office tools. Passing three “Core” or associate tests earns the student the Microsoft Office Specialist full certification. The library is currently offering live instruction for Microsoft Word and Excel, but registered students also have access to the study materials for the other Office 2016 Specialist tests and take those exams at no cost to themselves. For more information, visit the Certiport MOS page.
What if I forgot my PIN?
If you do not remember your PIN code (necessary for access to some services) and wish to reset it, please click on the “Your Library Card” link on the top right-hand corner of any page on the Library’s website and select the red “Forgot my PIN” option.
How do I get a Plainfield Library card?
The computer resources used in our current classes are accessible to anyone with card from their NJ home library. If you live in Plainfield and do not have a library card or have lost your existing card, please contact the Circulation Department for assistance. If you do not live in Plainfield please request a a Library card from your local Library instead.
I do not wish to disclose my information to the Department of Labor/Union County AJC, would I be able to attend the class anyway?
In short, no. To keep these programs 100% free to the public, a large portion of the funding comes through grants from the Union County Workforce Development Board & Union County Board of County Commissioners. Providing that information to them is required to be compliant with funding conditions. Please contact us to discuss this if you have concerns: .
Do I need Microsoft Office on my computer to join the workshops?
Depending on the class you may be required to use Office 2016 or Office Online (free). The IC3 class and some workshops whose description is related to Microsoft Office will require you to have Microsoft Office in order to get the most out of the Workshop.