Benchmark Learning Employee Discusses the Importance of Getting Certified 

A common complaint heard in any office is that there aren’t enough hours in the day. It can be a hinderance on your job to know you could do your job more efficiently, but not know how. An employee here at Benchmark Learning, Laura Ernster, knows how it feels to know you can contribute more to your work. That is why she decided to become Microsoft Office Specialist Certified. “My motivation behind becoming certified came from my desire to continue to learn more — knowing that my job can be done in a more efficient way,” she said.

Microsoft Office Specialist Certified employees are recognized as being more knowledgeable and productive workers by supervisors. The program meets the current demand for knowing the most up-to-date Microsoft® technologies, such as Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Windows.  In fact, in a web-based survey of 1,200 supervisors, 71% use Office Specialist in hiring, promotion, and advancement decisions.

Ernster feels like she is more respected since receiving her certification. “People now view me as a Subject Matter Expert in the areas that I have completed my certification,” she said. She also believes that she is more productive at her job, having freed up more time, “I used to spend at least 30 minutes each week formatting spreadsheets, now it takes me less than 5 minutes.”

If you feel like you aren’t working at your full potential, or if you are looking for a job and need a competitive edge, getting your Microsoft Office Specialist Certification is a must. Ernster agrees, saying “I would highly recommend Microsoft Office Certifications; it proves to coworkers and management, via an unbiased source, that one knows and is able to use the tools at their disposal; to complete their tasks and duties in a more effective and efficient manner.” It’s something you do for yourself. She adds, “The gratification and professional validation of my skills is very rewarding.”