This paper describes the properties and content of the Computer and Information Literacy
(CIL) achievement scale based on the responses of 8933 students from 20 countries to the
International Computer and Information Literacy (ICILS) field trial test items. The paper
briefly outlines the process of generating the described scale before presenting and examining
the substance of the scale. The scale is based on data from the 83 test items used in the ICILS
field trial. The described scale comprises four discrete described achievement levels that are
further articulated by examples of achievement. Key aspects of the cognitive differences
between the levels are discussed and some questions are raised about the way in which the
achievement of students below Level 1 and at or above Level 5 will be dealt with in the main
survey.
