How to Become a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS Exam Program)
Microsoft has an MCAS exam that is used by individuals to become a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist. Popular categories of this Microsoft MCAS certification program include Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software applications.
One good way to study for these MCAS exams is to use the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Study Guide. This guide does not cover just one application. Study materials for five separate computer applications are included: Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. You can buy this one study guide and then separately take any of the MCAS exams for certification.
The guide has a pre-test that you can use to assess your current level of knowledge of the software applications for which you seek certification. This will give you some idea of how much you need to study to get certified on Word or any of the other Microsoft software products. The substantive lessons in the book then allow you to get ready for the exam. You also get a voucher for en MCAS exam discount if you purchase the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Study Guide. As of August 2011, the fee for this ebook is $39.99.
Another way to get ready for the MCAS exam is to take an instructor-led course that focuses on one of the applications. The fee for the course varies based on your location and training provider. Go to the main page with the course listings and then follow the instructions to find an MCAS course in your area.
To actually take the MCAS tests, you need to go the Certiport website. This company operates the authorized testing centers for Microsoft certification exams. When you get there, you will see a search page. Select the Microsoft Office option in the drop-down menu. Note that the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist exams are now called "Microsoft Office Specialist." This is the same certification but simply uses a new name.
Continue through to find a testing center near you. Once you are ready to take the test, you will pay for everything through Certiport and take the test at one of their centers. If you pass, you will then become a Microsoft Office Specialist for the MCAS exams that you pass.
Resources:
Microsoft: MCAS Exam Study Guide
Certiport Authorized Testing Centers Search Page
Microsoft: Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Live Training Courses
