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Are you looking for a way to validate your office skills? Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) is the name of Microsoft’s latest certification for business workers using Microsoft Office 2007 applications. The MCAS falls under Microsoft’s Business certification category. There are six different MCAS exams a person can choose between to become certified as a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist.

The six available exams are:

·         Exam 77-600: MCAS: Windows Vista for the Business Worker

·         Exam 77-601: MCAS: Using Microsoft Office Word 2007

·         Exam 77-602: MCAS: Using Microsoft Office Excel 2007

·         Exam 77-603: MCAS: Using Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007

·         Exam 77-604: MCAS: Using Microsoft Office Outlook 2007

·         Exam 77-605: MCAS: Using Microsoft Office Access 2007

Upon passing one exam, a candidate becomes certified. Upon completing multiple exams, a candidate receives a logo showcasing all of the exams they have passed. The logo can be used on business cards, emails, letterheads, etc. It is a great way to set you apart from others in the workforce. The MCAS is especially helpful for those interviewing for new jobs and need to validate their computer expertise. Nothing says you have better Office 2007 skills then the official certification from Microsoft.

Each exam is 50 minutes and consists of between 20-27 questions. The questions are primarily hands-on, but some of the above exams do contain multiple choice questions as well. Exams are conducted in a “live,” or simulated, environment. Exam candidates are asked to perform a series of tasks to clearly demonstrate their skills. For example, an Office Excel2007 exam might ask a candidate to apply a specific theme to a given range of cells. Exams must be taken at an authorized Certiport testing center. Not all Certiport testing centers administer Office 2007 exams, so be sure to call ahead and ask.

To become certified, candidates need to first know the application at a very high level. Microsoft has increased the difficulty from the 2003 exams, so taking some type of training will be beneficial. There are two main training methods one can pursue to obtain such knowledge.

Choice One: You can choose online training, if you have time restrictions or like to move at your own pace, or need to just learn certain topics. The online choice is often less expensive and can be tailored to your current skill level.

Choice Two: You can attend a Microsoft Office certification class at an instructor-led facility near your home or office.

When evaluating training choices be sure you will have a person to ask or email questions. This is very helpful for many students.  Many online programs now offer Live Mentors. This is helpful because there are many changes in the Office 2007 applications and you want to be sure you have absolute clarification before testing. Also be sure the training includes hands-on practice. The exams are hands-on and you must be able to perform the test objectives in a relatively fast period of time. Fifty minutes will go by very fast, so be sure you are prepared.

While you are training you will want to download the exam objectives and find practice exams. You can download the exam objectives from Certiport. This is the same website you will go to and locate an official testing center. After training you may find practice exams useful. There are several practice exam providers. Be sure whatever practice exams you choose simulates the actual exam and cover all of the test objectives.

Good luck.

Suzanne Alexander, M. Ed. and Microsoft Certified Trainer

Computer Coach provides flexible,self-paced computer courses at affordable prices. Computer Coach exceeds its client’s expectation by offering online computer training classes that help individuals get the skills they need to be successful in today’s rigorous and changing workplaces. Visit ComputerCoach.com for hands-on comprehensive Microsoft Office Training

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