Excel 2010 Certification

In these uncertain economic times, it is always good to be able to set yourself apart from your competition through the pursuit of Education and objective Certifications. Anyone can claim to be an Expert in Excel when applying for a new job or elevated position, but those who have bonafide certification from Microsoft will inevitably be held in higher esteem (unless, of course, you are competing against the owner’s nephew…).

Passing the Microsoft Exam 77-882 awards you the Microsoft Office Specialist certification in Excel 2010. Having successfully taken MOS certifications in the past, I can tell you that the preparation work for the testing will most probably introduce you to new skill sets that are outside of your comfort zone. This is, in itself, a good exercise for any Excel Professional.

One note of caution, however: Currently, Microsoft provides very little in the way of formal study materials for the Excel 2010 exam. This can be circumvented, however, by using the plethora of study materials available for the Excel 2007 certification exam and then making sure that you study the new features introduced in Excel 2010. This is important, as Microsoft always likes to test on the new elements being introduced in its latest software upgrade.

In addition to studying the materials for the Excel 2007 certification, it would be wise to become at least reasonably familiar with the following New Excel 2010 tools:

• Sparklines
• Backstage
• Slicers
• New Pivot Table Features
• New Statistical Functions

Becoming Microsoft certified (my wife tells me I am Certifiable, but I think she may be referring to something else…) in Excel can give you a Distinct Advantage in these competitive times. You may wish to consider it…