PART 1: Test Specifications Section 1: Computer Science Theory This section tests the examinee’s knowledge in main computer science theory domains such as computer systems and network, data analysis, and impacts of computing. In this section examinee should be able to:

Domain 1: Computing Systems and Networks

1.1 Identify computing systems hardware and software and their interactions and apply troubleshooting strategies on basic hardware and software problems.

1.1.1 Computing Systems Hardware

1.1.2 Computing Systems Software

1.1.3 Computing Systems Troubleshooting

1.1.4 Computing Devices and Trends

1.2 Design computer networks based on a given network design requirements and describe the network organization in term of hardware and software components and network security.

1.2.1 Network Types

1.2.2 Network Topologies

1.2.3 Network Hardware and Software

1.2.4 Network Architecture

1.2.5 Network Security Protection and Threats

1.3 Explain how computer networks hosts communicate with each other within one network and with other networks and describe how data is transmitted over the networks in term of speed, security and privacy.

1.3.1 Network Communication Layers

 1.3.2 Addresses

1.3.3 Transmission Media

 1.3.4 Data Transmission

 1.3.5 Cybersecurity and Cyberthreats

Domain 2: Data Analysis

2.1 Use data collection methods to collect, store and analyze various types of data and identify patterns in them.

2.1.1 Data Collection

2.1.2 Data Analysis

 2.1.3 Data Storage and Manipulation 3 National Tests Development Directorate

2.2 Represent data in computers using the binary numbering system and use digital tools to create simulations, models and visually represent various types of data.

2.2.1 Numbering System

2.2.2 Binary Representations

2.2.3 Data Visualization, Simulation and Modeling

Domain 3: Impacts of Computing

3.1 Describe the ethical and legal use of technology and explain the consequences of the irresponsible use of technology.

3.1.1 Responsible Use of Technology

3.1.2 UAE Cyber Law https://u.ae/en/resources/laws

3.2 Identify the effect of technology on people’s personal, social and career life and describe the consequences of digital divide.

3.2.1 Technology and Society

3.2.2 Equity and Usability Section 2: Problem Solving and Programming Practices This section tests the examinee’s knowledge and skills in problem solving techniques and tests whether the examinee is able to use programming skills as a tool to solve computational problems. This section of the test is provided in THREE programming languages: Python, JAVA and C++, examinees are allowed to select their preferred programming language. In addition, the section tests algorithms design and analysis which are written using pseudocodes (independent of any programming languages), this document appendix contains the rules and the notations used to write and read these pseudocodes. Please make sure you practice reading and writing pseudocodes using EmSAT pseudocode document. In this section examinee should be able to:

 Domain 4: Algorithms and Programming

 1.1 Design and evaluate algorithms based on given design specifications and apply the computational thinking pillars (abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition and generalization) as problem solving techniques.

1.1.1 Algorithm Design and Representations

1.1.2 Algorithm Evaluation and Analysis

1.1.3 Computational Thinking

1.2 Select the appropriate variables for the program data and decide whether using single variables or data structures is more effective based on the program nature.

1.2.1 Variables and Constants

1.2.2 Operators and Expressions

1.2.3 Static Data Structures

1.2.4 External Data Structures 4 National Tests Development Directorate

1.2.5 Dynamic Data Structures

1.3 Program using different programming paradigms (style) such as procedure-oriented programming (POP), block-based programming (BBP) and object-oriented programming (OOP).

1.3.1 Procedure – Oriented Programming

1.3.2 Block – Based Programming

1.3.3 Object – Oriented Programming

1.4 Select appropriate control structures and control structures conditions to control the flow of a program as intended by the program design specifications.

1.4.1 Sequence

1.4.2 Selection

1.4.3 Iteration

1.5 Build programs based on a given program design specifications by applying the programming development cycle steps.

 1.5.1 Programming Environment and Languages

 1.5.2 Building Programs

1.5.3 Testing and Debugging

1.5.4 Programming Best Practices