Basic computer skills have become a must-have for obtaining almost any kind of role in a modern office environment. Pursuing a certification like the Microsoft Office Specialization can help you brush up on skills that you’re lacking and give you a leg up in the job market by serving as proof of your competence to potential employers. The business information systems program at ICT will get you ready to obtain this certification and use all of the software tools essential to the modern workplace.
What Computer Skills Are Crucial for Getting Jobs?
Most people in modern workplaces don’t need to be able to write computer code or understand what all of the hardware components inside a computer are. However, you do need to possess what are now seen as basic computer skills. These include:
- A working understanding of a computer operating system (how to start and shut down a computer, opening and closing programs, and adjusting basic settings)
- Typing skills
- General understanding of how to communicate via email
- The ability to use a web browser and search engine
- Management of files
Individuals who want to make sure that they’re well-prepared for the technical aspects of modern jobs and who want to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs may seek to advance their skills beyond the basic level by getting the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification.
What is the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification?
Microsoft Office is a family of computer software applications that are the standard in the majority of modern workplaces. Some of the applications included in the Office suite include:
- Microsoft Word for word processing
- Microsoft Outlook for email
- Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets
- Microsoft Access for database management
- Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations
- Microsoft OneNote for notetaking
- Microsoft SharePoint for collaborative document management and storage
Though not every business will use all of these applications on a day-to-day basis, employees in modern office environments encounter at least some as part of their duties. Word and Outlook are probably the most common. A basic working knowledge of these programs is highly recommended to be competitive in the modern job market.
The Microsoft Office Specialist certification is a credential which showcases your knowledge of the Microsoft Office family of applications and gives employers confidence that you can jump right into a role using one or more of these programs without time-consuming training.
Obtaining the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
There are three levels of MOS certification: associate, expert, and master. You obtain them by passing exams.
To get the MOS associate-level certification, you must pass three of four exams dealing with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. To get the expert certification, you must pass three associate exams plus two of three expert exams in Word, Excel, and Access. Finally, to get the master-level certification, you need to pass three expert exams in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint plus your choice of an exam on Access or Outlook.
Get Job-Ready Computer Skills with ICT
Desirable job opportunities now depend on having at least a basic level of computer skills. Interactive College of Technology helps students get the fundamental familiarity with common office technology they need, and then goes beyond the basics by equipping them with skills that will give them an advantage in the job market. The business information systems program at ICT teaches students how to work with the systems that modern businesses depend on for their daily operations. Students who complete the program will be prepared to pursue the Microsoft Office Specialist certification, which will prove their computer skills proficiency and open up even more opportunities. Contact ICT today to learn more.
