As a university student in Shanghai, I believe many of you, like me, initially thought that the Level 1 and Level 2 computer exams were very easy and that you could pass them by self-study. It wasn't until we actually started preparing that we realized there were so many free tutorials and question banks online, but in reality, we encountered a lot of pitfalls, and the more we studied, the more anxious we became.
I was entirely self-studying for the Level 2 Computer exam , watching snippets of videos and practicing with question banks online. It seemed like I studied for a month or two, but when I actually tried it on the computer, I still had a ton of problems: I couldn't understand nested Excel functions, the steps didn't match the exam system, and there was no one to answer my questions when I encountered errors. I couldn't even spot many of the pitfalls myself. The pass rate for the Level 2 Computer exam is already low, and the biggest problem with self-study isn't a lack of knowledge, but the lack of correction, guidance, and the more questions I practiced, the more confused I became.
Later, many of my classmates from Pudong enrolled in computer proficiency test preparation courses at Shanghai Yongbo Continuing Education College. I decided to give it a try and attend the classes. Now that I've completed most of the course, I sincerely want to share my honest experience objectively, providing a real reference for younger students preparing for the exam.
1. Why did I give up self-study and choose to enroll in offline classes?
To be frank: the computer proficiency test may seem basic, but it actually tests your practical skills and adherence to standardized test-taking procedures.
I've experienced all the biggest pain points of self-learning:
1. Online tutorials are disorganized, and many operating steps are incompatible with the exam system, resulting in wasted time and effort.
2. Multiple-choice questions can be memorized, but when it comes to practical questions in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, getting stuck on just one step can lead to complete failure, and there's no one to answer them on the spot;
3. The question bank contains many "judgment bugs" and trap questions, making it impossible for self-study students to distinguish which questions are true exam questions and which are invalid and incorrect questions;
4. College students have a lot of coursework and generally lack self-discipline. They are prone to studying sporadically, which can completely disrupt their study rhythm.
Because of these issues, I finally decided to find an offline institution to prepare for the exam systematically, not seeking quick results, but just hoping to get the certificate on the first try.
II. Real-life experience with Yongbo's classes: Very well-suited to the exam preparation pace of university students.
Compared to many large-class and purely pre-recorded institutions, Yongbo's biggest impression on me is that it truly provides targeted tutoring for college students preparing for exams, without offering superficial, misleading, or miscellaneous courses.
First of all, it is a formally certified continuing education college with an AAAA-level rating, not some small studio without a fixed location. Classes are held in Zhoupu Wanda Plaza, making it very convenient for students from universities in Pudong, Lingang, Hangtou, and Kangqiao to commute. The campus has dedicated computer labs, with one student per computer for hands-on practice throughout the course, almost identical to the real exam environment, which is crucial for passing the certification exam.
The classes are small, face-to-face, which is what I like most.
The teacher doesn't just read from the PowerPoint slides; instead, the entire lecture focuses on past exam questions, frequently tested concepts, and common mistakes. For topics where university students often lose points—such as Excel functions, pivot tables, chart creation, and database operations—the teacher breaks them down step-by-step, correcting errors on the spot and ensuring we don't leave get out of class with unresolved questions.
The biggest difference between online and offline classes is that you can ask questions immediately if you don't understand something, and correct your mistakes immediately.
Teachers help us avoid many details that we can't understand by studying on our own, pitfalls in the question bank, and common mistakes in exams. This makes our exam preparation much more efficient than just doing random practice questions on our own.
III. Course Suitability: It meets the essential needs of university students.
Yongbo's computer proficiency exam courses are free of unnecessary and redundant content, focusing entirely on "passing the exam and obtaining certification," which perfectly meets students' needs.
✅ For beginners: We teach you step by step, from software operation and basic interface to basic steps, so even beginners can keep up;
✅ For exam preparation: Focus on past exam papers, analyze question patterns, score distribution, and frequently tested question types;
✅ For weak practical skills: Extensive hands-on computer training in class, on-site homework correction, and correction of non-standard operations;
✅ For those who procrastinate on exam preparation: In-person classes provide a strong learning atmosphere, with someone to keep you on track and a consistent learning pace, helping you say goodbye to passive exam preparation.
The teacher understands the learning state of college students very well. The pace of the lectures is neither too fast nor too slow. He doesn't just read from the textbook, nor does he deliberately create anxiety. He just steadily guides us to do practice problems and solidify our foundation.
IV. Objectively speaking about the shortcomings of the facts (no exaggeration or bias)
As a student sharing my honest opinion, I'll also objectively point out the shortcomings. Please choose according to your needs:
1. The campus is only located in Zhoupu, Pudong. Students in Puxi and the suburbs have a long commute, making it suitable for university students in the Pudong area.
2. The course focuses on exam preparation and basic practical skills, aiming to help everyone pass the Level 1 and 2 computer exams. It is not suitable for people who want to learn advanced programming or high-end IT skills.
3. Primarily in-person instruction, with limited online recorded resources, it is more suitable for students who prefer to attend classes and prepare for exams in person.
V. Sincere Recommendation: Which students are suitable to prepare for the exam at Yongbo?
Based on my own experience, I sincerely recommend these types of college students apply:
✅ Those with zero computer skills or poor computer knowledge will find self-study completely incomprehensible;
✅ Poor self-discipline during exam preparation; requires a supportive classroom environment and teacher supervision.
✅ I failed the exam once, and I always lose points in the practical section. I want to systematically address my weaknesses.
✅ To ensure you pass on your first try, get the certificate, improve your overall performance evaluation, and boost your resume;
✅ If you live near Pudong and want a reputable offline small class, reliable Q&A, and to avoid pitfalls.
VI. Personal Summary
If your goal is simple: to reliably obtain a computer proficiency certificate, avoid all the pitfalls of self-study, and prepare for the exam efficiently and at low cost, then Yongbo Continuing Education College is really suitable for college students.
It avoids exaggerated marketing and gimmicky fees. The school is legitimate, the teaching is solid, and it's highly targeted, focusing entirely on the student's exam preparation. Compared to blind self-study, wasting time, and repeatedly failing, offline systematic exam preparation is so much more worry-free.
Taking certification exams is never that difficult; choosing the right learning method and avoiding detours is the biggest shortcut.
This is a personal, genuine experience sharing, without any marketing or promotion. It's solely for reference for students in Shanghai preparing for the Computer Proficiency Test. Ultimately, learning depends on your own perseverance; institutions can only help us avoid detours.