Becoming a Microsoft Office Specialist

There are a number of qualifications to choose from when considering becoming accredited as a user of Microsoft Office software. I would like to explain the advantages of choosing to become a MOS ? Microsoft Office Specialist (formerly known as MOUS ? Microsoft Office User Specialist).

The MOS exams are available at different levels depending on ability. If you are new to the software, you would be advised to choose to take the basic level training and exams first before advancing to the expert levels. If you are already at advanced level, you can choose to jump straight into taking the expert level training and examinations.

The training and exams cover all aspects of the software, unlike alternative qualifications such as CLAIT or ECDL. For example, in order to pass the Word 2003 expert exam, you will need to know how to perform the following tasks: structure documents using XML, restrict form documents and create indexes.

For a full list of topics you will be expected to have an indepth knowledge of, check out Microsoft?s website at www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/officespecialist/requirements.mspx#office2003 .

A further advantage is the fact that different versions of Microsoft Office can be certificated. So if your employer is still using Office 2000 (which many businesses still are) you can become certificated as a Microsoft Office Specialist in Office 2000.

So how would you go about becoming a MOS? The first steps usually involve researching appropriate training courses. This might be at introductory, intermediate or advanced level to suit your needs. However these 1 day courses are unlikely to be able to cover the entire syllabus. So be prepared to study in your own time in addition to your training course. You could try working through a self-study textbook, you can search for appropriate titles at Microsoft?s website www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/officespecialist/officespecialist_materials.mspx

You will never regret deciding to become a MOS. It demonstrates to employers that you are serious about using software fully and making the best of their IT investment.

Further steps? You can become accredited to teach MOS by becoming a MOSMI ? Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor. See www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/officespecialist/instructor/requirements.mspx for more information.

Notes for editors:

For more information visit our website at www.computertrainingsolutions.co.uk or call 01454 851770. We provide training in all types of software, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint), Visio, FrontPage, Project, Dreamweaver and Adobe Creative Suite (Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat). Our training courses can be run either as public open courses from our schedule or alternatively we can run tailored courses throughout England and Wales to suit you.

Claire Blinman is the training manager at Computer Training Solutions in Bristol. Visit us at http://www.computertrainingsolutions.co.uk or call on 01454 851770 for more information.

Overview of Microsoft Certification Training

The Microsoft Certification program is one of the most valuable certification programs available to the IT tech simply because Microsoft is a leader in the software field. The value of a Microsoft Certification is unquestioned. It increases the confidence of the individual who earns it and opens up professional opportunities. They become what is called a Microsoft Certified Professional, or MCP. This recognition is not lost on potential employers. The rapid growth and change of the IT environment has created a need for professional technicians who have demonstrated initiative above the norm.

Microsoft lists six steps in the Certification process. Identification of the proper Certification is the first step. There are many different ones covering the full spectrum of interests and skills. The second step is to gain hands on experience working with Microsoft systems. A full six months of work experience is recommended before considering attempting to earn a certification. This would be increased to one year for the advanced level certifications. The next step is to expand your experience with training. Microsoft training is conducted through formal classroom training or through a distance learning based network. E-learning programs are also available for self paced learning. There are videos and books available as well to supplement all three modes of training. It is vital to make sure that you are training for the correct certification. A MCSE training video, designed for the basic level Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification is a good place to start.

The final three steps in the Certification preparation process involves the test itself. First, you must have a complete understanding of the objectives of the test. Second, you should take a practice test to understand the testing format and to gauge your progress. The last step is taking the exam itself.

The Certification training boot camp program has been developed and is growing more popular because it understands and addresses all of these training needs. Once a person has spent the required time and gained the minimum amount of experience, the boot camp can guide them through comprehensive and intensive training. This training includes practice tests and finishes with the taking of the actual exam. Microsoft Certification training has been designed to increase success not to weed out failures. It operates on the assumption that a person who has the desire to become a MCP and is willing to do a bit of work to accomplish this goal should be able to do so.

Natalie Aranda writes about training and computers. The value of a Microsoft Certification is unquestioned. It increases the confidence of the individual who earns it and opens up professional opportunities. This training includes practice tests and finishes with the taking of the actual exam. Microsoft training has been designed to increase success not to weed out failures.

Microsoft MCSE Certification and your Career Development.

One of the most important certifications in the IT field is the MCSE certification. This is the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certificate and it covers a wide range of Microsoft based systems. The MCSE certificate can be earned in a large number of different ways. You can use classroom training, distance or online learning courses, or Microsoft's own e-learning program. There are even programs that combine online learning with classroom training for those who benefit from a more personal approach.

The importance of Microsoft systems in the world of Information Technology (IT) can not be stressed too highly. The future is going to bring demands for specialized training beyond the current levels, and certification is going to be more than suggested, it is going to be required. In fact, this situation has already become the norm in many major organizations. One of the most important certifications in the IT field is the MCSE certification.

Regardless of if you are beginning in the IT field or if you are already working in the field, you are going to need to have a plan in place for your own personal career development. The field is confused because so many new technological advances explode onto the scene almost daily. The competition for positions is already intense, and will grow even more so as the generation raised in the internet and personal computer era comes of age armed with computer related skills that were not even imagined a few short years ago.

MCSE training is the type of thing that is going to be as important on your resume as your name. It will be like the basic high school diploma of ten years ago. Even in situations where you are all ready in the field and employed, MCSE training is going to be the type of thing that will make a difference in the competition for promotion within your IT organization.

Career development is the means by which you prepare now for what the future is going to bring. It means more than finding a job or getting the next promotion as important as those things may be to your future. What it also means is preparing yourself for the challenges of your chosen field. It means gaining the knowledge and skills that will allow you to succeed once the job is won or the promotion is secured. There are many things you are going to need to develop your IT career, but none may be as critical as the MCSE certificate.

Natalie aranda writes about computer training ( http://www.cbtplanet.com )

Microsoft Certifications

Microsoft software runs most of the programs and systems used by businesses, government agencies, the academe, and just about any individual. You may have already secured the services of information technology professionals to prep up your IT system or troubleshoot for you. One, if not all of them, is probably Microsoft Certified.

Information technology professionals need to have certifications. This would attest to their expertise in their fields. These certifications supplement their list of credentials, apart from their college degrees related to information technology. And one of these certifications is the Microsoft Certification.

The Microsoft Certification is for IT professionals who implement and administer the wide range of Microsoft products and Microsoft-based programs. A comprehensive exam is administered to candidates to test their knowledge and skills relating to the general and specific applications of the different Microsoft products and solutions. This is important as clients often look to their troubleshooters and administrators as experts in the field.

The process of applying for a certification prepares the IT professional for any situation that he may encounter at work. For them to pass, they must show expertise on the following areas: desktop support with a corresponding MCDST, systems administration with a corresponding MCSA, systems engineering with a corresponding MCSE, database administration with a corresponding MCDBA, training with a corresponding MCT, application development with a corresponding MCAD, and solution development MS Office specialist certifications. Candidates who pass the exams gain the title of a Microsoft Certified Professional or MCP.

Review classes and training programs are available for candidates around the globe. Online programs for distance learners are also offered in a number of Web sites. Application for the certification and processing is available online as well.

Microsoft Certification helps information technology professionals land good jobs and assures their clients of quality and standard services and products. This also protects the name of Microsoft.

Certification provides detailed information on Certification, MCSE Certifications, Microsoft Certifications, CISSP Certification and more. Certification is affiliated with Computer Training Schools.

Passing Your MCSE Exams On The Road To Microsoft Certification

To earn the Microsoft certified systems engineer certification and to prove expertise in designing and implementation of the infrastructure for business solutions based on the Microsoft Windows 2003 platform and Microsoft Windows Server system, MCSE exam is the best medium.

MCSE exam is held to improve the expertise in designing and implementing Windows Server 2003 and other issues related to it. In order to take an MCSE exam one needs to go through a fourteen-day MCSE training boot camp that helps in successfully becoming an MCSE. They use custom developed curriculum that is designed to provide both exam preparation and practical technology skills, ensuring that the examinee shall be ready for the performance based testing Microsoft has introduced in their certification programs. Experience instructors have been arranged who posses many years of experience of working wit Microsoft operating system and technologies both in the field and in the classroom.

Computer labs are designed using genuine PC technology, which provides each student having the ability to access various Microsoft operating systems simultaneously on their desktop. Due to this facility provided for MCSE exam, students can access any time to practice for the exam throughout in order to maintain their progress and determine the areas that require further study of those Microsoft operating systems.

Different kinds of resources are provided to both students and instructors under this boot camp while preparing for MCSE exam. These resources are based on web and also distribute them after and before the classroom session so that both of them can share information. The online forum assists them to analyze different methods of programming. These centers are available for obtaining the certification goals. Pre-class preparation is essential to ensure complete success in an MCSE exam.

In the beginning materials and instructions are handed out which define as to how to prepare for the exam. In addition to this, as earlier mentioned one gets to access online resources, which provide detailed course information, and additional preparation resources. These resources related to the discussion forums and private questions posed to the instructors also help in preparing for the MCSE exam as they help in clearing doubts and difficulties.

The boot camp for MCSE exam is set up to ensure the success rate for the examinees as well to prepare them before beginning of the classes. One testing voucher per MCSE exam is included with the course material. It ensures that the examinee is not misled. The limitation for the MCSE exam is provided during the class. Cost of retaking is borne by the examinee in case if he is unable to appear on the scheduled date. Also, if one feels that he would not be ready to take one or more exam during the boot camp then vouchers are handed out to enable the examinee to take the exam at a later date. This course can be retaken at free of cost but the testing fee and the courseware fee is not included. The validity for retaking the exams stands for six months.

The candidates should have at least one year of experience in using Windows NT, Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2003 server in a networking environment to be eligible to attend the boot camp for the MCSE exam. Along with this there are several other pre-requisites for taking the exam. The candidate should have the knowledge of general networking concepts, IP addressing and sub-netting Active Directory Networking services. This gives the opportunity to brush up on technology skills and fill in any gaps in the knowledge base.

James Croydon, Microsoft Certified Professional and MCSE Courses Online advisor - focusing on MCSE Online Training and MCSE Certification Courses