Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is an industry standard, and is the only comprehensive, performance-based certification programme approved by Microsoft to validate desktop computer skills using Microsoft Office applications.

This level 3 course is ideal for people looking to gain an in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Excel 2003. It will teach you how to create, modify, share and revise workbooks using templates, automated procedures and the Web, and how to retrieve, sort, manipulate and analyse spreadsheet data.

The lessons are based on tasks that you might encounter in the everyday world of work, and exercises based on realistic business scenarios, allowing you to see the relevance of training beyond just the classroom. In other words, you will learn far more than just the features of this software.

It is a professional course, leading to a globally recognised qualification that demonstrates the successful candidate has knowledge and competence in using Microsoft Excel 2003.

Please note that the cost of this course covers 5 days of tuition only, designed to prepare students for their Microsoft Office Specialist exam. These exams will soon be available at Castle College, and we will update our course details to include the additional cost.

Overview

• Working with workbooks:
  • Use multiple workbooks
  • Use a Workspace
  • Link workbooks
  • Work with named ranges
  • Use HLOOKUP and VLOOKUP Functions
  • Preview and Print workbooks
  • Consolidate worksheet data
• Importing and exporting data:
  • Import data from text files and other programs
  • Import a table from an HTML file
  • Export Excel data to other programs
• Creating and using Excel lists:
  • Work with Lists
  • Search for records
  • Sort records
  • Set up a List Filter
  • Use database functions on a List
• Formatting and organising data:
  • Apply Formats
  • Use Conditional Formatting
  • Subtotal and Group data
• Auditing and sharing a workbook:
  • Use Data Validation tools
  • Audit worksheets for errors
• Using data analysis tools and features:
  • Work with PivotTables
  • Create and modify a PivotChart
  • Use Goal Seek
  • Analyse data with Scenario Manager
  • Use Solver
• Sharing workbooks:
  • Track changes and share a workbook
  • Merge workbooks
  • View and change workbook properties
  • Apply protection features
• Exchanging information using the web:
  • Publish data on the Web
  • Retrieve data from the Web
  • Work with structured data

Overview cont.

• Creating, customising and using templates:
  • Work with standard templates
  • Create a template from an existing workbook
• Using macros:
  • Plan and record a Macro
  • Assign a Macro to a Toolbar button
  • Use Macros
• Customising Excel:
  • Move Toolbars and Toolbar buttons
  • Create a custom Toolbar
  • Save custom views of a workbook
  • Modify the working folder
  • Customize other Excel options

Who is it aimed at?

This course is primarily aimed at people employed by businesses employing 1-250 staff, who need to use Excel's advanced features to create, manipulate, analyse and present spreadsheet data to a professional standard. It is also suitable for students, individuals and aspiring professionals who are:

• Looking to develop their skills and enhance their career progression
• Looking to formalise their current knowledge with an industry benchmark

Focused on simple practical techniques this course will help you develop your expertise with Microsoft Excel 2003, focus and refine your skills, and prepare you for MOS certification. It allows you access to AxisCommunity for ongoing help and advice, and prepares you for progression to higher level courses, such as MOS at the Expert level.

Entry requirements

This course is not suitable for complete beginners. Delegates should already hold a level 2 certificate in Microsoft Excel, or may be required to demonstrate Excel skills to an equivalent standard.

As this course is aimed towards an assessment/examination, it is expected that all students will enter for the qualification.

Delivery method

The course is a 5 day fully trainer led course. To help reduce the effect on your business of losing a member of staff for 5 days, this course runs 1 day a week over 5 weeks. Delegates then have the time needed to absorb and implement the information gained during these intensive training days.

The course is delivered in small groups by experienced and qualified practitioners, with lessons and exercises based on realistic business scenarios. It qualifies for funding from the Learning and Skills Council to significantly reduce your fee.

Downloadable course overview (pdf)

Microsoft Office Specialist info (823kb)