Getting Certified: What’s Involved in a Microsoft Online Course?
If you’re one of the countless businesses in Australia using Microsoft programs for daily operations, then you’re in good company. As one of the most widely used software programs in the world, Microsoft Office powers businesses large and small. But are your staff really maximising it to its full potential?
Getting your teams certified and trained in Microsoft Office can have an instant impact on productivity, with people more capable than ever in using the tools at their disposal.
Why Study Microsoft Office Courses?
The reason for undertaking Microsoft certification training is simple. It’s one of the most popular software suites in the world, yet so many people only ever scratch the surface of what it can do. For example, most people can create a simple spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, and maybe even use it for basic sums. But Excel is a powerful data management tool in the hands of experienced operators.
By offering Microsoft Office training courses to your staff, you’re giving them the skills required to do more with the tools they already have. Forget about expensive, custom-designed software, because there’s so much you can achieve with Microsoft Office when you know-how.
Microsoft Excel Training
Overall, Microsoft Excel is one of those programs people wish they knew more about. There’s so much it can do for you, but for many, it seems too complicated. However, with the right training, anybody can master this amazing piece of software.
Excel Training Levels
At MCI solutions we offer three levels of Microsoft Excel training so that you can match training to your current experience level.
Introduction: The introductory Microsoft Excel course gives participants the basics of spreadsheet creation and use. This is perfect to give people an understanding of how Excel is used in business, and how to understand basic formulas.
Intermediate: the intermediate course steps things up a bit, learning more about common functions and formulas used. Participants also get to understand the use of tables, data analysis, charts and the powerful Pivot Table and Chart functions.
Advanced: The advanced Excel training can turn you into a spreadsheet expert. You’ll learn to understand more complex functions, macros for automation, as well as linking data across worksheets.
Excel Visual Basic
Excel Visual Basic Editor uses a programming language called VBA, and you’ll learn all about it in these courses. Participants will learn to understand the macros used for automating both simple and complex tasks. Also, the course covers how to code and edit more complex procedures using VBA. From coding to implementation, to building in error checks, you can learn some great new skills with a VBA course.
For those new to VBA, there’s an introductory course as well as advanced training for those who already have some understanding.
Quick Virtual Excel Classes
If you have staff that need to brush up on certain skills within the Microsoft Excel program, virtual classes are perfect. They’re quick, convenient and easy to log into, but they deliver powerful skills your teams can use every day. You’ll find these quick virtual classes covering all topics from basic formulas to more complex operations.
These courses are perfect for staff who are already competent in Excel but would love to enhance their knowledge progressively by working through specific functions.
Microsoft Word Courses
Microsoft Word is probably the most popular of all Office programs. Most people will have used Microsoft Word at some point to write letters, or just for general word processing. However, what many people may not know is Microsoft Word has come a long way since the old days of basic word processing. It’s now a powerful business tool that can help staff streamline their work and increase efficiency.
Much like Excel, Microsoft Word courses can be completed at various levels aligned with a user’s current knowledge.
Introduction
The first look at Microsoft Word introduces users to some of the more basic functions. In this training, participants gain the skills and knowledge required for common business documents like letters, reports and memos. It also includes training on proofing tools such as AutoCorrect and AutoFormat.
For those not too familiar with how word processing is used in a business setting, this course is great for building a solid knowledge foundation.
Intermediate
The intermediate course goes deeper into the tools available within Microsoft Word. If users already have some experience but want to learn about more complex business documents, this is the course for them.
A range of functions is covered, such as using columns, tables, different styles and also headers and footers. Another great Microsoft Word function is Mail Merge, and this is also covered in the intermediate training course.
Advanced
If you’re looking to produce more high-level documents using Microsoft Word and you think you’ve got the basics covered, then you’re ready for the advanced training. This is where users can really experience some of the Word features that many people will never discover.
Learn about using macros, creating customised templates, using fields and electronic forms, and also the skills required for document collaboration. Once your teams have completed advanced Microsoft Word training, they’ll be equipped to use this software to its full potential.
Microsoft PowerPoint Training
PowerPoint is a slightly more specialised program dealing with slideshows. For anybody involved in producing training materials or delivering information to groups, PowerPoint knowledge is essential. It makes it easy to create informative and engaging slideshows packed with all the information your audience needs. However, there’s a bit of skill required.
An introductory course will help you understand the basic features of PowerPoint, giving you the knowledge to create informative presentations with ease. Once you’ve mastered that, there’s an intermediate course for the more experienced users. This is where you can become comfortable working with themes, as well as entering and modifying charts, tables and images in your slides. You’ll also learn about using animations.
For the full PowerPoint experience, the advanced course takes it to the next level. Experts will be able to confidently use animations, transitions, media and action buttons, and also create custom templates. You’ll also understand how to import data and also collaborate on projects. For trainers and presentation developers, Microsoft PowerPoint training is a must.
The Full Microsoft Courses Range
Aside from the major Microsoft training packages on offer, there are also plenty of other programs to learn about. While they’re more specific and perhaps not for everyone, certain careers rely heavily on these more specialist programs.
Microsoft Office has evolved considerably, and there are more programs than ever to help your business do what it needs to every single day. It’s also evolved into a more collaboration-friendly program in recent years, with the onset of remote working and flexible work conditions. Here are just some of the additional Microsoft training courses you can explore with your staff.
Microsoft Access: Access is Microsoft’s solution for database creation. For anybody working heavily with data, learning how to master Access is highly encouraged. Across the Introduction, Intermediate and Advanced courses, you can learn everything from basic database creation to complex queries and data management.
Microsoft Teams: MS Teams is all about collaboration. This program offers workplace chat functions, meetings, notes and a range of tools allowing teams to share information and collaborate effectively.
Office 365: Office 365 is Microsoft’s cloud-based software system. This means you can access files from anywhere and collaborate with others seamlessly. Learn how to use Office Online, OneDrive, Outlook, Calendar, SharePoint Online and Teams. For modern business, this course is extremely valuable for all staff members.
Microsoft Project: Microsoft’s project management tool is another great addition. For dynamic teams working on projects together, you can learn everything from the basic to more complex.
Microsoft Visio: Visio is used for creating diagrams, charts and flowcharts to simplify complex information. Combining data analysis and presentation, Visio is a powerful tool in many different careers.
As you can see, getting your people certified in Microsoft Office has huge benefits for businesses. It’s also a great way to ensure staff are receiving valuable professional development training that benefits them throughout their careers. If you haven’t already considered it, now is the time to upskill your staff and harness the real power of Microsoft Office.
