Microsoft Office Certificates Philadelphia, PA

Microsoft Office is an umbrella term that includes various office-related applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. Released in the early 90s, each application serves a unique purpose and provides different features and functions. For example, Outlook allows users to compose and send email messages, manage calendars, and set up meetings. PowerPoint allows users to explore advanced design functions through uniquely created slideshows. This subscription service offers upgrades to newer versions and increases productivity across the board in any organization or business.

These applications have many varying functions, but each is used extensively in at least one industry. In particular, many industries rely on Word for document creation and Excel for data storage. The most impressive aspect of Microsoft Office is its ability to continue through time and the consistent improvements made to the applications. Overall, these services show no sign of fading away any time soon, so learning the different features and functions is highly beneficial to those searching for a career.

Why Become Certified in Microsoft Office?

There are many reasons to become certified in Microsoft Office. Not only is it an incredibly common and powerful platform comprising multiple applications, but it is incredibly user-friendly. Many Microsoft Office products are used on a day-to-day basis by some professionals, whether for document or presentation creation or data storage. These skills are transferable, as understanding how to use one platform may serve as a foundation for learning other similar platforms. Overall, knowing how to use these Microsoft Office applications is a highly advantageous skill to have.

Additionally, many industries require a thorough understanding of these applications. Those who work in finance or data may have to know the basic and more advanced functions of Excel before learning anything else. Those who work in marketing may need presentation-style slideshows to effectively promote ideas and products to those within the department or even to consumers. Due to the versatility of these applications, Microsoft Office is a highly desirable skill to have.

Overall, it is highly beneficial to pursue a certificate in Microsoft Office or specific Microsoft Office applications. There are transferable skills learned with each application, and those proficient in these applications may be more likely to find employment. Overall, it can lead to more trust from superiors and offers a wide variety of communication methods.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming Microsoft Office Certified

Those who enroll in Microsoft Office certificate courses often focus on the most common Microsoft applications in their classes. These may include Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Access. Each platform serves a different function, and there is a place for all of them within any successful business or organization.

Excel

Microsoft Excel is one of the leading computer programs for those who use spreadsheets to manage data related to the success of marketing campaigns, sales predictions, and other business insights. With Excel, Data Analysts and other users can store, retrieve, view, and interpret data to ultimately improve the way the business functions. Excel offers various features such as calculations, graphs, tables, and other functions. Overall, this is an essential platform to learn for those who work in data analysis, finance, project management, journalism, and research.

Word

Microsoft Word is a word processing program used for forging documents that range from simplistic to more complex. With Word, users can write letters, craft perfectly formatted resumes, add visual aids to reports, and use templates for professional documents. Many use Word to format documents specific to business agreements, contracts, and other binding legal signatures. Word allows for easy collaboration and sharing, and provides spell checking and grammar checks. In addition, Word is one of the most user-friendly programs offered for word processing, so it is widely used in a variety of industries and used for several reasons.

PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is ideal for those who need to create professional, high-quality presentations. This application allows users to create slideshow-style compositions that provide a visual aid for any report, lecture, or speech and allows users to make an impact on their audience. Users can add text, music, videos, gifs, images, and more. There are template options or the ability to start from scratch, so the creativity is entirely up to the user. PowerPoint is a commonly used program across many industries and job positions due to its easy-to-use features, ample tools within the program, and ease of collaboration.

Teams

Microsoft Teams is a platform designed to help those working for the same business stay in touch through direct messaging, video conferencing, storing information, and other useful features. Collaboration is a key component of Microsoft Teams which often helps streamline business practices. This messaging application offers real-time collaboration with others in your business such as sharing files and easily setting up meetings. Microsoft Teams increases productivity amongst departments, makes it easy to set up projects and new work assignments, and allows for more meaningful, purposeful connections between coworkers.

Access

Microsoft Access, a database management system, is used for data collection and storage. Access can use most modern programming languages, but it is possible to use Access without writing code whatsoever. Access also has easy-to-use software development tools, which make it relatively user-friendly. This platform makes analyzing large amounts of data seamless. In addition, the Access database can store both the data and the application in one place. Users can also link Access with Excel to make data visualization even more streamlined.

Microsoft Office Industries in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has many industries that help the city thrive. In particular, the finance industry is seeing continual growth. The financial industry in Philadelphia includes companies, agencies, and banks such as Prudential Bank, The PNC Financial Services Group, Bank of America, Macquarie Group, Citizens Bank, Capital One, Chase, Wells Fargo, TransUnion, and Parke Bank. All of these institutions hire professionals who have expertise in at least one or more Microsoft Office services. In particular, Word, Excel, and Access may be utilized frequently in the finance industry.

Additionally, some professionals in the healthcare industry use Microsoft Office applications for their daily tasks as well. Philadelphia has a booming healthcare industry that provides the region with expert care. UnitedHealth Group, the Cigna Group, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Labcorp, and Optum are all just a few of the healthcare institutions that provide expert care and rely on applications such as Word, Excel, and Access to manage patient data, craft necessary documents for patient signature, and calculate large quantities of data. Additionally, there are times when healthcare professionals utilize PowerPoint to present new information and treatment options or provide educational lectures.

The education industry is incredibly reliant upon Microsoft Office applications. As Microsoft applications are often used in class projects, for university presentations, and to store important data related to business practices, Microsoft applications are nearly necessary for education industry professionals to know. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Outlook, and other applications are frequently used in universities, across school districts, and in education-based companies. There are many highly esteemed higher education institutions in Philadelphia, including the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, Temple University, and Drexel University. In addition, there are many education companies such as BRICK Education Network, NextFab, Philadelphia Reads, PlusUs, and LearningMate that call Philadelphia home. There are many ways and reasons to use Microsoft Office in the education industry, which is why it is necessary to learn at least one or more Microsoft Office applications.

The technology industry thrives on a few key applications that are simple but essential for success. Microsoft Office is one of those services, as it provides everything from word processing to database management. Those in the technology industry use Microsoft applications such as Excel, Access, and Word to manage data, store data, or craft documentation regarding business practices and related information. Many technology companies in Philadelphia rely on Microsoft Office experts such as Goliath Technology, Comcast, Carpenter Technology, ChargeItSpot, InspiriTec Inc., Gettacar, Data-Core Systems Inc., Neroflow, Odessa, and Inspire. These all use Microsoft Office products in some way, whether it is through document creation, data storage, or presentation.

Microsoft Office Careers in Philadelphia

A Data Analyst retrieves, summarizes, interprets, and visualizes data to provide further insights into business practices, marketing campaign success, and trends in consumer behavior. Data Analysts may use various Microsoft Office applications such as Teams and Outlook to collaborate with others in their department or Access and Excel for data storage and analysis. Based on data from Indeed, these professionals earn roughly $70,300 to $101,700 each year in Philadelphia, which is slightly comparable to the nationwide average of $77,000 to $120,100.

Another role that frequently relies upon Microsoft Office applications is that of a Project Manager. They often use applications such as Project, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Teams, or Outlook. Project Managers are responsible for managing various projects from start to finish. In particular, they deal with budgeting, executing plans, scheduling, troubleshooting, negotiating, maintaining client profiles, and boosting team morale. Due to the fast-paced nature of this position, it is essential to have a well-organized process, which is possible through these applications. Project Managers make an exceptional living, with a yearly salary averaging $101,600 nationwide and anywhere from $85,000 to $120,000 in Pennsylvania, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In addition, Financial Analysts frequently use Microsoft applications such as Excel, Word, Outlook, Access, and Teams. In particular, Financial Analysts use Excel to create data models or create visual reports with PowerPoint. These finance professionals analyze data to gain more insight into how the business is doing. This data can lead to actionable insights that can change and improve marketing tactics, examine consumer behavior, and ultimately, increase profits. Financial Analysts can work in a variety of settings, from banks and investment agencies to private equity firms and private businesses. Their yearly salary is $108,800 nationwide and $101,400 to $143,400 in Philadelphia and nearby areas, per reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Both a certificate and a certification course help learners excel in their respective fields and learn new skills. Plus, both are highly impressive to employers. However, there are distinct differences between the two. Certificates show that the learner has completed a course, thus gaining the necessary knowledge and skills. However, certifications indicate that the learner has passed an exam. These exams are created by leading organizations within the industry, so they are regularly updated and maintained through those set standards.

In addition, certificates are geared toward beginners, whereas certifications are ideal for experts. Aside from these differences, they are both useful and offer new opportunities for professional growth. If you feel you need more preparation before enrolling in a certificate program, consider exploring other options for Microsoft Office classes in Philadelphia to find shorter or beginner-friendly course options. Enrolling in a certificate program can also help you prepare for a certification exam, which will help you further along in your career.

Top Microsoft Office Certificate Programs in Philadelphia

By enrolling in a certificate program, students are displaying a willingness to achieve more knowledge as experts in the field. Additionally, these skills are buildable and transferable, which makes them useful for learning other types of software and platforms. Showing a willingness to become proficient in these applications lets employers know that you are a dedicated professional in the field.

Microsoft Master Certification Program with Outlook – Noble Desktop

This is a certification course offered by Noble Desktop that certifies students in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, four of the most useful Microsoft applications available. This course teaches students how to store data with Excel spreadsheets, format different types of Word documents, collaborate over Outlook, and use creative tools in PowerPoint.

Over seven group classes, six hours of private training, and four certification exams, students will be experts in these essential Microsoft applications. Students are offered a free retake of the course and the exam, should they need it. In addition, students will be offered study guides to help them through the learning process. Upon passing the exam, students will receive their digital certification immediately, whereas the physical copy will take a few weeks to arrive.

Excel Bootcamp – Noble Desktop

For those interested in mastering Excel, the Noble Desktop Excel Bootcamp is a good place to start. In particular, this bootcamp covers three separate courses all in one package. Students in this course will learn fundamental, intermediate, and advanced functions of Excel, including database functions such as INDEX and summarizing data with Pivot Tables. The lessons in this course will set students up for success in the business setting and within various industries.

Noble Desktop offers expert instruction, hands-on projects, setup assistance, and various supplemental materials such as video suites and workbooks. Additionally, many students take advantage of the free course retake that is offered within a year of the enrollment date. Those who complete the course will receive a digital certificate that displays your dedication to mastering Microsoft Excel.

PowerPoint Bootcamp – Noble Desktop

Students in the Noble Desktop PowerPoint Bootcamp will learn the standard functions and tools used when creating presentations. Specifically, students will learn how to create layouts and use themes, as well as incorporate SmartArt, images, text, audio, and other creative elements. The instructors will also guide students through tables and charts, to easily include data visualizations in any presentation. This course will have students capable of creating engaging and animated slideshows that capture the audience's attention.

Noble Desktop offers many services alongside its expert instruction. The students already benefit from small class sizes and hands-on projects, but will also have access to workbooks and videos that serve as refreshers on the materials learned in the course. Additionally, students have free setup assistance if requested. Students can also retake the course within one year of their enrollment, free of charge. Each student who completes the course will receive a digital certificate. This can be used to enhance a resume or show future employers how dedicated you are to improving acquired skills and gaining new ones.

Microsoft Office 365 Training: Office 365 Administrator – the Knowledge Academy

This course from The Knowledge Academy consists of labs and lessons that cover the basics of Office 365 and includes topics such as how to manage groups, configure administrative access, plan the deployment of Office 365 clients, and implement synchronization with Microsoft Azure. Students will also learn how to plan and execute the Office 365 ProPlus deployment. Overall, this is an in-depth course that is taught by experts in the field who will guide students along the way.

This course is suited for professionals who often use Office 365 for their work. The Knowledge Academy is in partnership with Microsoft as Silver Partners, which ensures they are accredited. Students can access free Wi-Fi and video equipment at the Philadelphia location. In addition, they offer highly useful resources to assist students through the learning process. There are a few key prerequisites, including two years experience with Microsoft Windows 2012 or later, one year using DNS, one year experience working with AD DS, and experience working with PKI certificates and Windows PowerShell.

Microsoft Excel 501: Microsoft Excel Bootcamp– Ledet Training

This three-day course provided by Ledet Training teaches students the inner workings of Excel. Students will begin learning more simplistic functions and features such as creating worksheets and managing data, and work up to more difficult tasks such as analyzing datasets and understanding Pivot Tables. Students will complete various projects to practice using What-If Analysis, Scenario Manager, and templates.

Ledet Training offers students expert guidance through various Excel functions and tools. They offer a host of certificate and certification programs that will help students succeed in their respective fields. In addition, Ledet Training works in connection with various companies that often look for professionals with these specific skills.

Microsoft Teams Introduction with OneDrive Course– ONLC Training Centers

ONLC Training Centers provides a course to those who wish to learn the most beneficial way to use Microsoft Teams. In particular, students will learn how this collaborative application can streamline business processes through various functions such as calls, chats, and online meetings.

Students should understand basic Windows and Microsoft Office skills before enrolling in this course; however, no prior experience with Microsoft Teams is necessary. This course is best suited to those who are current Team members or administrators who plan to use Microsoft Teams in their regular work days. ONLC Training Centers offers numerous courses that help students learn how to utilize Microsoft applications.