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Microsoft Certification is now available at TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute and more recently at Hunter Institute. Certification recognises digital literacy and desktop computing proficiency and provides an internationally-recognised qualification. Students and professionals from various industries are already taking advantage of access to a coveted global Information Technology (IT) qualification.

Susan Merhi, Head Teacher, Administration and Office Technology, Sydney Institute, said the Institute was visited recently by a team from Microsoft Office specialist exam distributors Certiport. The Institute’s testing centre was the best they had seen and has been included in the Certiport marketing campaign.

‘This is an ideal opportunity for experienced computer users to gain recognition and validate their technical proficiency,’ Ms Mehri said. ‘In addition to being globally recognised, this qualification is being adopted by industry as evidenced in their recruitment advertising.’

Q:	Staff proficient in software but not certified?
A:	TAFE NSW now offers Microsoft Certification.

The content of the Certification was being mapped against the Business Services Training Package national units of competence in a bid to recognise existing skills.

As part of their commitment to recognition of prior learning, future proposals include gap training for students who may require extra skills in order to complete the qualification, as well as using it as a prerequisite for entry to Diploma courses and above.

‘Given the number of enrolments in computer classes from students in other vocational areas and university graduates, the Certification examination provides fast-track pathways to further study,’ Ms Merhi said.

The Business and Computing Faculty at TAFE NSW – Hunter Institute offers the Microsoft Certification through a partnership with private training provider, Forsythes IT & Training.

‘Microsoft Certification is highly regarded by IT professionals and potential employers,’ said Paul Callaghan, Faculty Director, Business and Computing, Hunter Institute. ‘It is a value-add recognised by the industry and will lead to far more employable and competitive students.’

Students undertake Microsoft Certification Training as little as one, or as many as five days a week for a maximum of 10 training days and then sit the Certification exam. They also have the option to complete two weeks of on-site training upon Certification, and meet with Forsythe’s recruiters.

Chad White, Director, Forsythes Training, said the benefits of combined training expertise under the agreement were substantial for the organisations, the students and industry. The company’s training model allowed students to acquire skills through focused learning, one-on-one mentoring and flexible scheduling.