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Microsoft Office Specialist (MCDST)
About the programme
The introductory unit of the programme covers basic computer concepts, hardware components and application fundamentals.
Student gain proficiency and literacy in four applications:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Successful candidates of the Microsoft Office Specialist element receive a certificate that sets them apart from their peers in the competitive job market. The certificate is the only comprehensive, performance-based certification programme approved by Microsoft to validate desktop computer skills using the Microsoft Office 2003 applications. As such, it is a valuable credential, recognised worldwide as proof that an individual has the desktop computing skills needed to work more productively and efficiently.
The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) credential demonstrates that individuals have the skills to successfully support end users and troubleshoot desktop environments running on the Microsoft Windows operating system. This element of the programme teaches students how to resolve end user incident requests by configuring and troubleshooting the Microsoft Windows XP operating system and desktop applications.
Programme Delivery
The programme consists of four study units allowing students to focus on working through specific areas in a logical order.
Each unit prepares students for specific Microsoft exams by providing clear guidance through the course materials combined with individual support from qualified mentors.
Classroom based workshops include additional exam preparation advice and assistance and provide students with and opportunity to resolve any difficulties they have encountered while studying.
In order to maintain an efficient flow of information and to ensure that effective support can be offered, tests and mock exams are sent to students at key stages throughout the programme. This allows a student's progress to be monitored and logged on Advent's student management system so that support can be provided where necessary.
Programme Materials
Upon starting the programme each student will be provided with foundation information, contained in study manuals and guides, together with computer based tutorials on CD-ROM. Thereafter a combination of official Microsoft study kits, study companions and CD-ROM based exam preparation software is delivered for each individual unit.
Programme Objectives
On completion of the study programme, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to create, format and manage documents, including an understanding of collaboration in Word
- Demonstrate the ability to create adn edit spreadsheets, and to sort, manage and analyse data in Excel
- Create charts and presentations using graphics, animations and multimedia in PowerPoint
- Manage and organise your email messages, and understand how to organise your calendar, manage meetings, organise contacts and configure offline folders in Outlook
- Perform and troubleshoot an attended installlation of a Windows XP operating system
- Manage and troubleshoot access to resources
- Configure and troubleshoot hardware devices and drivers
- Configure and troubleshoot the desktop and user environments
- Troubleshoot network protocols and services
- Configure and troubleshoot applications
- Resolve issues related to usability
- Resolve issed related to application customisation
- Configure and troubleshoot connectivity for applications
- Configure application security
Duration
270 hours plus 4 days classroom based workshops
Certifications
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
- Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
I liked the fact that I could study at my own pace without any deadlines.
Dave Pollard
