How many of you have taken the courses to become this

I would like to freshen up and learn more of the office programs wondering if this is the way to go?

I've received certificates in all the Microsoft Office 2003 courses - but I've only taken the practice tests for the MS Specialist (not the tests). I would recommend if you have not taken the classes to do so, or at least take the practice tests first. It never hurts to retake a class, if needed.

Dusty Warren
Jorren Company

My recommendation would be to do the pre-tests on Certiport's website, find out where your weaknesses are, work on those and then do the tests. The courses are good if you want to get it done quickly, but make sure you take the courses at a place where they also offer the testing so you can do the courses over the couple of days and then do the test.

I've passed the MOS tests for Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project 2000. I didn't do them for 2003 because I didn't think the programs were different enough. I'm working on getting ready for the tests for 2007.

Wonderful suggestion Julia
I thought I'd add the link to Certiport's pre-tests for anyone who's interested.
(You will have to register with the site to take the pre-test but it's free to do so)

Also, Julia has updated the thread with the info that pre-tests costs $26.00 (thanks Julia!)

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I have taken Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and Excel... I don't think I am forgetting any!

I was an instructor at a private college before I became a VA and taught the Business Administration program. So, I was able to take my tests for free.

While they were definitely good to take and I got these great certificates from Microsoft, I wouldn't say that they helped secure any amazing positions (nor did my clients care that I had them!)

That's just my two cents.

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Erin Blaskie of Business Services, ETC

Originally Posted by Tess

Wonderful suggestion Julia I thought I'd add the link to Certiport's pre-tests for anyone who's interested. (You will have to register with the site to take the pre-test but it's free to do so)

Just a note that the pre-tests cost $26.00 each

Thanks so much for following up with that info Julia - I'll update the thread.

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You can take assessment tests at the Microsoft website for free

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/as...t/default.mspx

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Now THAT's what I wanted to hear!!

Originally Posted by ChristinaVOS

You can take assessment tests at the Microsoft website for free http://www.microsoft.com/learning/as...t/default.mspx

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Originally Posted by ChristinaVOS

You can take assessment tests at the Microsoft website for free http://www.microsoft.com/learning/as...t/default.mspx

Great thanks for the info - the difference with the tests at Certiport that you pay for is that it actually simulates the real test, so you know if you do well on those tests, you're probably going to pass the exams. I feel much more comfortable paying $26 before shelling out $75 or $100 (whatever the exams cost these days). They also have the exams for each program.

Originally Posted by bsetc

While they were definitely good to take and I got these great certificates from Microsoft, I wouldn't say that they helped secure any amazing positions (nor did my clients care that I had them!) That's just my two cents.

Yes, I wondered about this. I have gone back and forth wondering if I should take them just to say I had the certifications (I've used all of the programs for years). But, I believe my newbie money could be better spent in marketing...

Joni Hahn

Originally Posted by savvysa

Yes, I wondered about this. I have gone back and forth wondering if I should take them just to say I had the certifications (I've used all of the programs for years). But, I believe my newbie money could be better spent in marketing... Joni Hahn

You are probably better off putting your money into marketing at this point. It's not a matter of if you have the certificates, it's a matter of knowing what you're doing. I am working with a client who had a temp from an agency and while the temp obviously passed all of the agency's tests, when it came to actually getting what they wanted done, she couldn't do it. the client was afraid they wouldn't find anyone who could do what they needed when they called me - create some simple templates in Word Experience and skills are what counts - she was actually in tears (of joy) which I showed her what I did. Credentialitis is a terrible disease these days

That being said, I do want to do the 2007 tests because I think they are one tool of selling my services - but not the only one. But given the choice of marketing or certification tests, I'd put the money into marketing first. I've looked at the various certification courses for VAs and felt the same - way too expensive for the good it does you. Experience counts for as much or more.

Great points Julia I would agree that if you're already up to speed with an applicable skill set and have the talent to get the projects done, then marketing would make the most sense initially.
I'm *still* learning new skills, even after 2.5 years - and always will be If I waited until I tested out of every single possible new exam and certification before moving forward I'd be pretty darn stuck. (And personally, I go for the learning for the sake of itself, not for the certs, but I do understand why some people work toward those - they certainly can't hurt!)

By the way, I especially liked and the phrase: "Credentialitis is a terrible disease these days" Well said

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Originally Posted by Tess

If I waited until I tested out of every single possible new exam and certification before moving forward I'd be pretty darn stuck.

I agree - the only pretests I care about are the Certiport tests. Those are the true barometer of where your skill level is b/c they administer the MOS certifications.

Keep on learning! I intend to.

Originally Posted by JuliaW

It's not a matter of if you have the certificates, it's a matter of knowing what you're doing.

I agree with Julia here. I have created a series of samples to give my potential clients such as letters, newsletters, presentations, Web site designs, etc. so they can actually see what I can do.

Having said that, I also plan to acquire the certifications in the future when I have generated more business and a little profit because as someone else mentioned, they can also be used as marketing tools.

I also wanted to suggest that if you don't want to pay for the pre-tests, you can buy the MOS study guide which incldues pre-tests for each part. You can get it at Amazon pretty cheap
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/073...e=UTF8&s=books.
I'm sure Barnes and Noble carries it and you might even find it at your local library.

Best regards,
Jessica Messerschmitt
Keystone Business Support Services