Microsoft Applications Specialist Certificate of Achievement

The Microsoft Applications Specialist Certificate of Achievement (16 units) is designed to develop software specialist skills using Microsoft Office. Upon completion of this certificate, students demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office program-utilizing software integration skills to provide customer and helpdesk support, office support, and demonstrate an understanding of the higher level features in the Office program. This program prepares students for careers as computer operators, help desk technicians, office specialists, database-entry specialists, and other general office positions. 

Each course for this certificate must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

The Business Office Technology (BSOT) program served the Microsoft Office courses in the past, but were split up into one-unit sections so students could not easily complete the Office product software skills development in one semester. Additionally the BSOT program focused on the office environment targeting clerical assistance and administrative assistance which were not highly paid. Persistence and completion in these courses was challenging. The new Computer Application Specialist changes the emphasis from the “office” environment to the “software” environment which has wider application to other fields. The courses are redesigned with this new emphasis in addition to being combining the one-unit courses into a comprehensive 3-unit course so that when students take Microsoft Word, they learn the entirety of the application.

As noted above, the enrollment, persistence and completer information in the BSOT was challenging. Students would take one to two levels a semester and then not complete the last course. This new design and emphasis is projected to increase enrollment, persistence and completion.

Estimated annual completers: 15

Program goal is to address an occupational need in the region. This skills certificate provides students with the Microsoft Office specialist skills to be utilized in the information technology environment. The courses are designed around the Microsoft Office Specialist certification exam to provide preparation to take the exams. This skills certificate prepares students for a variety of information technology positions in the ICT industry sector, such as computer operator, help desk technician, office specialist, database-entry specialist, and other general office positions.

There has been an increasing need in our service area, state and across the country for qualified entry-level personnel to provide support using Microsoft Office products. From the office environment to help desk personnel, data base specialist, desktop publishing, accounting technician and various other computer operators support personnel, employees need to demonstrate proficiency and expertise in the Office products to effectively and efficiently use the higher level features and the integration of all the products.