ACE Computer Trainers Awarded Master Certification as Microsoft Office User Specialist
Auckland, New Zealand - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 - Two trainers at Auckland-based ACE Computer Training are the
first New Zealanders to be awarded masters level certification in the Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS)
certification programme.
The award, which marks the completion of seven months part-time study and a computer-based examination, has been awarded
to ACE Computer trainers, Tasha Sibbald and Jonathan Parminter.
The MOUS masters level certification signifies an expert level of understanding and ability to train to an advanced
stage in Microsoft Office applications - Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
"We're thrilled that our staff are the very first in the country to attain the MOUS masters certification. More
importantly, it sends a clear message to our clients that not only do ACE Computer trainers have a total comprehension
of Microsoft's Office products but they have sat and passed an internationally recognised training exam to prove it."
said Mark Bishop, Auckland Sales Manager for ACE Computer Training.
Mr. Bishop says that in the IT training arena it is imperative that clients can see evidence of a trainer's calibre.
"When a customer is paying good money to put employees through an IT course it is not enough just to say - 'yes I am an
expert in PowerPoint or Word' - the training company must prove a quantifiable knowledge of the subject," said Mr.
Bishop.
"If the IT training industry is to maintain any credibility, evidence of holding these kinds of qualifications is
critical."
As well, Mr Bishop says that more and more employers are starting to make employment decisions based on completion of
these kinds of IT certifications, and in turn, benchmark prospective employees accordingly.
These comments are echoed by Alex Morcom, Channel and Business Group Marketing Manager for Microsoft New Zealand.
"The important thing to realise is that MOUS certification courses are performance-based examinations so it makes sense
for employers to recognise that employees who are trained in them really do know their area."
"Our congratulations also go out to Tasha and Jonathan of ACE Computer Training for leading the way in New Zealand by
attaining their masters certificates in Microsoft Office," said Mr. Morcom.
About ACE Computer Training Established in 1986, ACE Computer Training is a 100% owned New Zealand company employing
over 50 staff at six offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
ACE Computer Training undertakes training courses in all major computer applications and is a Certified Technical
Education Centre.
For more information, visit the web site at www.ace.co.nz.
About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and
Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services
designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.
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