Digital Skills Standards
The Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity is working to provide all North Carolinians the tools and competencies necessary to thrive in today's economy and society. We support a range of initiatives aimed at expanding access to high-speed internet, increasing the affordability of connectivity and devices, and providing meaningful digital skills training.
North Carolina Digital Skills Standards
The standards identify the essential knowledge and abilities residents need to engage in civic, economic, and social life. They are designed to be practical and relevant to the everyday experiences of adult residents.
The six key areas of focus are Digital Identity, Digital Wellbeing, Digital Relationships, Digital Safety, Digital Reasoning and Digital Futures.
Telehealth Skills
Digital health access—ensuring that all individuals have access to the digital tools, skills, and confidence needed to manage their health online—is an important element of the digital skills standards. From scheduling appointments and accessing telehealth services to understanding digital health records and protecting personal information, navigating today’s healthcare system increasingly requires strong digital skills.
Listen Now: Emerging Issues Podcast on NC Digital Skills Standards
Digital Foundations and Curricula
Foundational digital skills are an important first step toward digital literacy, and they represent the beginning of fully accessing the digital world. Skills such as turning on a device, navigating the internet, using email, or understanding basic computer functions are essential for residents to begin engaging with the digital world. These foundational skills serve as the entry point for accessing the broader NC Digital Skills Standards.
Many community organizations across the state offer support and tailored instruction from trusted resources such as those listed below. Importantly, many of these high-quality resources are freely available or offered at low cost, helping to remove barriers to digital learning and support a more inclusive digital future for all residents.
Resources to Support Digital Foundations
Next Steps
Additional tools, resources, and opportunities for collaboration are in development. Organizations are encouraged to stay connected, share their experiences, and provide their feedback as the work of the North Carolina Digital Skills Standards continues to evolve.
Who to Contact
To learn more, get involved, or bring this work to your community, contact us at digitalopportunity@nc.gov.