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.

The Secret to Passing the Microsoft Office Specialist Exams

If you are trying to get ahead in you career today, you will know that the computer skills you have under your belt are what will make the difference between you moving up the ladder or down. When it comes to trying to prove your computer competency in using office applications there is no other certification path that stands out like the Microsoft Office Specialist program. With over 3 million exams now undertaken and well over 2 million Microsoft Office Specialist Certificates issued, this certification has become the one to get to prove your skills in using Microsoft Office.

One thing I have found though is that many people fail these exams first time around and there really is no reason for it. The way the Microsoft Office Specialist exam works is that you will be taken into a room and sat at a computer. On this computer you will be asked by the computer to carry out a series of tasks. Each set of tasks is designed to represent tasks you would be expected to do on a day-to-day basis.

These exams really are a good representation of what people would be expected to do on a day-to-day basis. I should say I am a little bias since I am a Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor and my company is a Microsoft Office Specialist Authorised Testing Centre but having trained about 4,000 to 5,000 students through my training centre in Townsville, Australia the certification exams really do represent the skills you would be expected to perform in your workplace.

There are in fact seven exams in the Microsoft Office Specialist Program and they are the Microsoft Word Core and Expert Exams, Microsoft Excel Core and Expert Exams, Microsoft Outlook Core Exam, Microsoft PowerPoint Core Exam and the Microsoft Access Core Exam. If you were a Secretary or Personal Assistant, I would expect at a minimum you would have passed the Microsoft Word Core Exam and the Microsoft Excel Core Exam. If you hold the position of a salesman, I would expect you to have the same certifications as the Personal Assistant or secretary plus the Microsoft PowerPoint Core certification and maybe the Microsoft Excel Expert Certification and Microsoft Access Core Certification.

Ok, so how do we prepare for these exams.

First of all, you need to choose how you want to study for these exams. In terms of passing these exams it doesn't matter whether you want to do a course at a training centre, buy a self paced training program or doing the training on the Internet. Use the form of training that you feel most comfortable with. Me personally, I prefer to use self-paced training where as many of my students prefer classroom based training. Each training method has its own advantages and disadvantages. One thing to note, if you are going to go to a training centre, make sure at the very least they are a Microsoft Office Specialist Testing Centre and that they will give you a training manual and exercise disk to take home with you to keep. If the training centre doesn't give you a manual then don't waste your time with the course even if they might be the cheapest. In computer training, cheapest definitely does not mean the best.

Step 1. Once you have done the course or studied the Self-Paced material make sure you redo all the material within 7-days!

One mistake many people make, is thinking that they can do a two-day computer training course then walk away as an expect. If that's what you think, than it is totally fanciful. Computer Training is like a sport, if you want to be a professional then you must train as a professional. The first step you need to do in any training regime is to go back through all the material you did in the computer training course in the first 7 days after you the finish of the course.

Studies have shown over the years, that each 7 days you don't review your material, you will loose 50% of the material. Each week you don't review the material you loose another 50% which means in 6 weeks or so, you will remember nothing from your course. All in all you may as well, not have done the course in the first place.

Step 2. Write a brief statement in your own words, the key terms used during your course.

The next thing you must DO! Is to write a brief statement in your own words about all the key terms you learnt during the course or in your self-paced material. One of the challenges you will have in the exam is deciphering what they are asking you to do. Sometimes, I have found the language is very difficult to understand because it is written in American English (no offence intended to my American colleagues). In one of my Microsoft Outlook Core Exams, I was certain I was going to fail the exam. The only reason I passed was by identifying the key terms in the text that related to the application and by knowing those I worked out in each question what exactly they were asking me to do.

Step 3. Practice, Practice, Practice - Get lots of Practice Exercises

The next thing you must do is to get as much practice as possible. Most training schools will have structured their material so that at the end of each topic you will have some questions to answer and also some sort of homework exercise to do that will put all the tasks together into one exercise. The key here is to practice as much as possible. Check out the internet for places where you can get lots of practical exercises or make up some of your own.

Step 4 - Do a Pre-Assessment Exam to see if you are ready.

One thing I have learnt from doing these professional exams is that they are absolutely nothing like the exams you would have undertaken at school, college or at University. My recommendation that I would make to anyone sitting computer certification exams is to purchase a pre-assessment exam for the exam you want to take. What the pre-assessment exams do is to test your skills prior to sitting the real exams. Most of the pre-assessment exams I have seen are pretty good and pretty close to the real exams. I personally recommend either the pre-assessment exams from Certiport, Transcender or Self-Test Software.

When you do the pre-assessment exam, you should score 80% or above on the first go. If you don't, do not do what I have seen many people do, and that is to just keep doing the exam till you get all the questions right. What will happen if you do this is you will build up a memory of the questions and you end up knowing the requirements of the question without truly being able to interpret what the question is asking you to do.

Once you have done the exam once; DO NOT under any circumstances re-do that exam for 7 days. This will help stop the memory build up, of the questions.

What you MUST do once you have completed the pre-assessment exam and got a result is to look at the results of the test and find out which questions you got wrong and go back and study those areas more thoroughly. Then, after you have reviewed the material and waited 7 days, then try the pre-assessment test again.

You should in the second attempt score 90% or better. If you do achieve this then you are ready to sit the real exam. If you don't, then you need to follow the same process again for the next 7-days.

After the third time using the same Pre-Assessment exam, I recommend people try a different pre-assessment exam before being 100% sure they will pass the exam. The more you use the same exam, the bigger risk you face in retaining that memory of questions.

Most pre-assessment exams usually come with 2 or 3 different exams to try. If after three attempts of each pre-assessment exam and you still find that you can't pass at 80% or better, I would strongly recommend finding a mentor and also checking to make sure the training material you have purchased is covering the required material.

Step 5 - Pass the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Exam!

Obviously once you have done this much training and practice and you have passed your pre-assessment exams you are now ready to sit the real exam. One thing to remember, Microsoft Office Specialist Exams are commercial exams and because of this, if you fail the exam, you have to pay to resit the exam. The cost to resit these exams can vary from as low as $80 US to $135 US, in many cases the prices are set by the Microsoft Office Specialist Testing Centre.

The good news is that if you have followed the steps I have outlined, I will be very surprised if you didn't pass on your first attempt.

Step 6 - You Are Finally A Microsoft Office Specialist

The Author Chris Le Roy is a Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor and trains over 2000 students per year to become Microsoft Office Specialists. His company One-on-One Personal Computer Training has a range of training kits to help you prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Exam. Chris also has a range of pre-assessment exams available for sale as well at his website at http://www.1-on-1.biz

2007 Job Market for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers

The 2007 job market for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers is hot, however that doesn?t mean that every single certified engineer will find the job they have been dreaming about. The reason why is that most businesses are looking for MCSE employees who also have quite a bit of experience under their belt. That is not good news for those people who have spent a lot of time and money studying for their MCSE and have passed all seven exams with flying colors but who lack the hands on experience most businesses are looking for. Nevertheless the outlook is not so bleak for these newbies. There is lots of work for individuals who have their MCSE certification with no experience. However, it might not be making the high dollars they had anticipated while in MCSE boot camp Atlanta. But, the big dollars will come for these individuals after they have some real experience and have proved that the MCSE bootcamp taught them everything they need to know.

The job market is still hot for those experienced MCSE certified engineers and will likely remain so in the future. The best way to make the most money and get the best job is to keep your MCSE certification updated. You can do this by attending MCSE bootcamps for an upgrade. This will show employers that not only do you have your certification, but you have also upgraded it to keep up with the changing technology. This means you will likely have a better paying job than you ever imagined because employers are paying high dollar for those folks that can run their system and keep their business making money.

So, it appears that while the job market is hot for experienced MCSE certified individuals it is not quite as hot for newbies recently certified although there is an awful lot of potential for these folks. The most important thing to keep in mind when looking a job is that while certification is necessary experience is also highly desirable. So, if you don?t have the experience find a way to get some by accepting a lower paying job. Then, after a couple of years your experience and MCSE certification will really help you find the job you were dreaming of when you entered MCSE boot camp.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. There is lots of work for individuals who have their MCSE certification with no experience. However, it might not be making the high dollars they had anticipated while in MCSE boot camp Atlanta. But, the big dollars will come for these individuals after they have some real experience and have proved that the MCSE bootcamp taught them everything they need to know.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

MCSE is a widely known certification provided by Microsoft Corporation and stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers. This certification provides a qualitative impetus to your resume in the Information Technology field. MCSE engineers are known to get good offers financially compared to other engineers of equivalent education.

The certification qualifies a person to analyze the business requirements and find solutions in information systems, and the individual is able to design and implement the infrastructure required. MCSE is available in two streams Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003. Both the streams have different sets of examinations. The certification is suitable for most engineers and analysts and is especially suitable for systems engineers & analysts and Network engineers & analysts.

The objective of MCSE is to provide the individual with knowledge such as:

Pin pointing the tasks involved in supporting Windows 2000/2003 networks.

Knowing the network concepts and how to implement it in Windows 2000/2003.

Gaining the knowledge of how to configure Microsoft Windows 2000/2003 Professional on stand-alone computers and on client computers, and to install configure windows 2000/2003 Server.

Gain the knowledge and skills in designing a Microsoft Windows 2000/2003 directory service and infrastructure.

MCSE Windows 2000

For MCSE 2000 certification the candidate has to pass seven exams. The exams include four operating exams, one design exam and two electives. The subjects span syllabus such as installing, configuring and administering Windows 2000, implementing & administering Windows 2000 Network and Windows 2000 infrastructure.

MCSE Windows Server 2003

For MCSE Windows Server 2003 certification, the candidate must qualify seven exams. The exams include four networking exams, one client operating system, one design exam and one elective exam. The syllabus includes network infrastructure & security, SQL server, active directory, Microsoft products etc.

TRAINING

MCSE training is very intensive, time consuming and requires a lot of hard work. Many aspirants are not able to appear exams in the stipulated time. There are many ways to prepare for the examinations such as MSCE classes, boot camps, online study guides and practice exams. Many candidates prefer to approach local MCSE training centers. These training centers help the candidates in course work and practical sessions professionally and help the candidates in exam and career oriented study.

The candidates must be aware of the practical applications, Microsoft products and services since the aspirants face multi-level testing on design implementation and administration skills in Microsoft Windows platform.

BENEFITS OF MCSE

MCSE is the most specialized certifications available today. It provides industry recognition and expertise in Microsoft products and technologies. As per Fairfield Research survey on MCSE, the certification provides a 12.6% rise in salary on an average. MCSE holders can also directly access technical and product information from Microsoft through the MCP Member site. There are spinoff benefits such as invitation to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions and special events etc.

Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is MCSE Resources Further information can be found at Questions & Answers

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.

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 Information technology. 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.

How to start with Microsoft Certification

Microsoft certification is an essential tool for the companies to get some valuable IT professionals. It completely depends on your recent position and career path. Several certification paths require you to pass some elective exams to acquire certification. Different Microsoft centers, colleges as well as universities generally hold out these elective exams.

Microsoft certification is a great way to achieve goals in long-term IT careers. These are one of the commended professional certifications in IT industry. Candidates should prepare for MS certification tests before getting appeared for Microsoft certification. They can easily get success with a thorough planning of examination.

Microsoft certified professional program is the best IT professional certification for Microsoft products that the candidates should pass. MSCE, Microsoft certified systems engineer certification is one of the higher-level certifications. Candidates must pass some networking or operating system related tests. MCP exams are generally a great combination of higher-level exams like MCSE and MCSA.

Sometimes MCP certifications are essential for some specific jobs. Generally each exam cost US$125. Exam normally completes within two to three hours and consists of 50-90 multiple choice and solution building questions. Microsoft has recently changed its pattern of exam so it is best to check regularly.

 

Study Tips for Train the Trainer, CTT+ and MCT Trainers

As you prepare for your CTT+, MCT, or Train the Trainer Certification you will need to know plenty of study tips- not only to help yourself out as you learn, but also to teach them to your own students. There are plenty of study tips out there; however, here are several of the most useful ones: * Develop your study focus. Recognize what your study abilities are and work with them. If you study well for 30 minutes and then your mind starts to wander, take a short break and then come back to it. It is normal for your mind to wander. Think of your ability to focus as you would a muscle that requires training. Do you run a marathon the first day you begin training? No, of course not. As you develop your focus and mature in your study habits, begin to extend the study time frame. Increase your study periods in half-hour minute increments: 30 minutes to 1 hour, 1 hour to 1.5 hours, and so on, up to several hours. It may seem impossible to study for more than two hours at a time, but the individual who has developed their study focus skills can study for a marathon amount of time. The key is to increasing your study time and focus is to build gradually-like preparing for a marathon. * Get cozy. Recognize your favorite study area and position. It may be at a desk, at a coffee shop, in a library, in the living room, or lying in bed. Find a comfortable study position; some people study best by sitting at a desk and others by lying on their stomachs. Collect all your study materials and books, get something to drink and get ready for your study session. * After a lecture or during class, as quickly as possible, write down what you remember, and then review what you've just written. This will help cement in your mind everything that you just learned. If you skip this step, you are likely to forget most of what you just learned. * Jot down the basics that you are trying to remember on 3 x 5 cards. Just put one or two important points on each card. Carry these around with you. Whenever you get a spare moment, take out your pack of cards and look at a couple of them. That way, you can study wherever you are at, and yet you don't have to spend any extra time to do so. Repetition helps you remember. That is why the 3 x 5 cards work so well. You'll be surprised how much more you'll remember by looking at a few cards several times a day. It makes learning so easy that you'll almost feel like you're cheating. * I repeat, repetition helps you remember. :-) So study early and study often. If you only hear something once in class, and you don't hear it again, you aren't likely to remember it for the test. If you just take a few minutes each day to review your notes after you leave class, and then a few minutes a few times a day to review your 3 x 5 cards, you'll be in much better shape for the test, because you will have already seen the material several times. * When you study, try to study with as few distractions as possible. So don't try to study while you're watching TV or listening to music that has lyrics. These things compete in your brain for attention with what you are studying. Music without lyrics is okay, though, because it's processed by a separate part of your brain. * If you're having trouble memorizing something, try making up a song, mnemonic, acronym, rhyme or a heuristic, to go with it. This will help get your right side of your brain involved, as opposed to just the left side which is usually all that is used in memorizing words and facts. * Study with a group or study partner. Some people study best with other people; some other people study best by themselves. If you are studying with a group, be careful not to get too far off the study topic while you are talking to each other. * Lay off the caffeine. Some people get tired while there are studying, and naturally feel that since caffeine will help wake them up, that it will help them study better. This is a mistake. Research shows that caffeine can make your thoughts come faster, but more disorganized. So don't drink caffeine when studying, and don't drink it before a test. * The same goes for other prescription and non-prescription drugs, as well as alcohol and marijuana. They may temporarily make thinking about studying easier to handle, but they will make getting anything productive done much more difficult. And they will decrease the likelihood that anything you study will actually stay in your memory. These tips are simple yet effective. Don't let their simplicity fool you into thinking that they won't work. I've seen them do miracles in helping people improve focus and develop a mature set of study skills.

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