NCSA Typing Test Beta

NCSA has released a beta version of their typing test. Test your keyboarding skills on classic literature pieces at theNCSA Typing Test I got 62 WPM, but with 3 errors The final version is supposed to be out in the next couple of weeks and then a certified version for employers following.

New NCSA Exams: SQL & Windows 7

A recent email suggest that the release of two new NCSA certification exams, SQL and Windows 7, are eminent. There is no word yet whether these will be free exams or members only. The email indicated the exams would be released sometime this month, but after logging in and checking the exams were still not live as of the 11th. Windows 7 would be a great addition to that line and bring their line up to date,  SQL (Structured Query Language) is another common programming language used to work with databases and should add to their lineup. Once they go live I’ll take them and post a review of the tests here.

NCSA adds new training service

The National Computer Science Academy (NCSA) has added a new service, OnDemand training. OnDemand Training is a system of video based course which are accessible over the internet from any computer. The video training combines expert instructor interviews and screenshot videos showing you step by step how to perform certain actions. Visit their Ondemand Training site here.

Review: Online Webmaster Certification From NCSA

I recently earned my webmaster certification online from NCSA. The certification process was a bit different from the other online certifications NCSA offers as there are some prerequisites required to unlock the final webmaster exam. The prerequisites include HTML 4.0 and JavaScript and one of the following:

ColdFusion 4.5
ColdFusion MX
ASP .Net
PHP

Once you have completed the prerequisites the final webmaster certification exam will be unlocked. The exam contains only 20 questions covering general webmaster resources and concepts. The prerequisites ensure that you have at basic skills in creating a site and handling both client and server side processing. Having the NCSA webmaster credential is a reasonably inexpensive way to add some formal educational experience and flesh out your resume for those that are self taught.  If you already have the knowledge and skills and just need a little documentation like me, this should be just what the doctor ordered.

Excel Certification Review

Today I took and passed my Excel Certification from NCSA. The test questions were in the normal multiple choice format and came from one of three categories: Excel Basics, Advanced Concepts, and Efficiency/Usage in about equal parts. At the end of the exam I was given a breakdown of my score. I got a 3.7 overall with a 4.0 in efficiency/usage (thanks to knowing all the shortcut keys)

Overall, I think the exam hit it’s target of testing ability from the beginner to the intermediate level. This would be a great exam for secretary/administrative assistant candidates to complete. Excel is the standard for spreadsheets in the business world and having a certification like this on your resume certainly can’t hurt your chances. NCSA claims that studies have shown an increase of up to 17% response to resumes listing an NCSA certification over those with no formal education.

Once the test was complete I was given the usual options to get my online basic certification for $24, a ‘premier’ certification for $34 that includes a signed and sealed hard copy of my certificate delivered to me, and a $69 membership which gives you the premier benefits plus unlimited additional certifications for one year as well as access to members only certification exams.

NCSA Online Certification – major upgrade on the way

For those of you with interest in online certification, the National Computer Science Academy (NCSA) is getting ready to unveil a major upgrade to it’s site. The new upgrade will include 12 new exams including ASP.NET, PHP, ColdFusion MX, Office 2007 modules, and Adobe Photoship CS. In a turn from their normal policy, the new exams will not be free, you will need to be a member to access them or pay an individual exam fee.

Membership will change slightly. Instead of receiving all copies of certification free for a year you will only get the first ten free, after that you will be charge a small fee $2-3 each for shipping and handling. These changes will occur by the end of May to the beginning of June 09′. If you order your membership now you will get access to the new test, just like the future members but won’t fall under the new shipping fees.

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