Certification
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Status in Word 2016 Achieved!
At 9:15am On 3/23/18 I attended the Certiport certification lab presented by Certiport at the 2018 NCCIA Conference located at Asheville-Buncomb Technical Community College in Asheville, NC.
Tyler Dockery Achieves Microsoft Office Specialis status with Word 2016
Microsoft Office Specialist status in Word 2016 Achieved!
I chose to attempt this exam because of my success with the interactive PowerPoint certification program I had taken earlier. During the course of this examination I had to clearly establish my ability to perform a number of Word tasks, such as creating and managing documents, formatting text, paragraphs and sections, creating tables and lists, applying references and inserting and formatting objects.
The straightforward Word evaluation challenges individuals to complete a comprehensive project that depicts real-world functionality with project and standards-based outcome testing. Probably the most difficult thing about this product certification was the unrelenting amount of projects required to achieve success, each with multiple courses to completion and numerous tasks which needed to be completed to receive the material. Worst still, was that this timed examination required all the materials to be completed in a timely manner, as one might find in the workplace. Not knowing a particular function might easily eat up time during the examination and stop you from being able to complete numerous projects in the time required. I was pleased with my progression.
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The Official Breakdown of Subject Matter
Certiport’s official exam study page for this test: Word 2016: Core Document Creation, Collaboration and Communication; Exam 77-725 outlines the following fundamentals will possibly be covered:
Create and Manage Documents
1.1 Create a Document
1.1.1 Create a blank document
1.1.2 Create a blank document using a template
1.1.3 Open a PDF in Word for editing
1.1.4 Insert text from a file or external source
1.2 Navigate Through a Document
1.2.1 Search for text
1.2.2 Insert hyperlinks
1.2.3 Create bookmarks
1.2.4 Move to a specific location or object in a document
1.3 Format a Document
1.3.1 Modify page setup
1.3.2 Apply document themes
1.3.3 Apply document style sets
1.3.4 Insert headers and footers
1.3.5 Insert page numbers
1.3.6 Format page background elements
1.4 Customize Options and Views for Documents
1.4.1 Change document views
1.4.2 Customize views by using zoom settings
1.4.3 Customize the Quick Access toolbar
1.4.4 Split the window
1.4.5 Add document properties
1.4.6 Show or hide formatting symbols
1.5 Print and Save Documents
1.5.1 Modify print settings
1.5.2 Save documents in alternative file formats
1.5.3 Print all or part of a document
1.5.4 Inspect a document for hidden properties or personal information
1.5.5 Inspect a document for accessibility issues
1.5.6 Inspect a document for compatibility issues
Insert and Format Text, Paragraphs, and Sections
2.1 Insert Text and Paragraphs
2.1.1 Find and replace text
2.1.2 Cut, copy and paste text
2.1.3 Replace text by using AutoCorrect
2.1.4 Insert special characters
2.2 Format Text and Paragraphs
2.2.1 Apply font formatting
2.2.2 Apply formatting by using Format Painter
2.2.3 Set line and paragraph spacing and indentation
2.2.4 Clear formatting
2.2.5 Apply a text highlight color to text selections
2.2.6 Apply built-in styles to text
2.2.7 Change text to WordArt
2.3 Order and Group Text and Paragraphs
2.3.1 Format text in multiple columns
2.3.2 Insert page, section, or column breaks
2.3.3 Change page setup options for a section
Create Tables and Lists
3.1 Create a Table
3.1.1 Convert text to tables
3.1.2 Convert tables to text
3.1.3 Create a table by specifying rows and columns
3.1.4 Apply table styles
3.2 Modify a Table
3.2.1 Sort table data
3.2.2 Configure cell margins and spacing
3.2.3 Merge and split cells
3.2.4 Resize tables, rows, and columns
3.2.5 Split tables
3.2.6 Configure a repeating row header
3.3 Create and Modify a List
3.3.1 Create a numbered or bulleted list
3.3.2 Change bullet characters or number formats for a list level
3.3.3 Define a custom bullet character or number format
3.3.4 Increase or decrease list levels
3.3.5 Restart or continue list numbering
3.3.6 Set starting number value
Create and Manage References
4.1 Create and Manage Reference Markers
4.1.1 Insert footnotes and endnotes
4.1.2 Modify footnote and endnote properties
4.1.3 Create bibliography citation sources
4.1.4 Modify bibliography citation sources
4.1.5 Insert citations for bibliographies
4.1.6 Insert figure and table captions
4.1.7 Modify caption properties
4.2 Create and Manage Simple References
4.2.1 Insert a standard table of contents
4.2.2 Update a table of contents
4.2.3 Insert a cover page
Insert and Format Graphic Elements
5.1 Insert Graphic Elements
5.1.1 Insert shapes
5.1.2 Insert pictures
5.1.3 Insert a screen shot or screen clipping 5.1.4 Insert text boxes
5.2 Format Graphic Elements
5.2.1 Apply artistic effects
5.2.2 Apply picture effects
5.2.3 Remove picture backgrounds
5.2.4 Format objects
5.2.5 Apply a picture style
5.2.6 Wrap text around objects
5.2.7 Position objects
5.2.8 Add alternative text to objects for accessibility
5.3 Insert and Format SmartArt Graphics
5.3.1 Create a SmartArt graphic
5.3.2 Format a SmartArt graphic
5.3.3 Modify SmartArt graphic content
Conclusion
Microsoft Office Specialist certification is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification for Microsoft Office globally. All in all, this test was a great deal harder than I suspected, but then again it was a Specialist Designation. To succeed I truly needed to have an in-depth understanding of the Microsoft Word environment and the ability to complete tasks independently based on written instructions only. This included demonstration of the correct application of principle features in Word 2016 by creating and editing 2-to-3-page documents for a variety of purposes and situations. Document examples included professional-looking reports, multi-column newsletters, résumés, and business correspondence.
MOS 2016 certification exams seem to introduce a performance-based format for improved testing of a candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities using the MOS 2016 programs. MOS PowerPoint 2016 exam task instructions generally did not include the command name as in previous versions. For example, function names were avoided, and were replaced with descriptors instead. This meant I had to understand the purpose and common usage of program functionality in order to successfully complete the tasks in each of the projects, and there were many projects to be completed in the time allowed.
The materials had an excellent amount of in-depth knowledge requirement,s and while I suffered a bit with the knowledge of managing multiple papers at once, I was able to break through with a score in the mid 800s. It was a good challenge, and I felt my skills were pushed, especially since this was a time-sensitive examination.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) status in Introduction to Programming Using HTML and CSS Achieved!
At 10:45am On 3/22/18 I attended the Certiport certification lab presented by Certiport at the 2018 NCCIA Conference located at Asheville-Buncomb Technical Community College in Asheville, NC.
Tyler Dockery Achieves MTA status in Introduction to Programming Using HTML and CSS
MTA status in Introduction to Programming Using HTML and CSS Achieved!
I chose to attempt this exam because I felt I could validate the skills and knowledge to recognize and write syntactically correct HTML and CSS, structure data using HTML elements, and create and apply styles using CSS. Since I was trained on HTML in 1996 and certified with CSS in 2001, and had been working with HTML and CSS with clients for 18 years at this point, I’m familiar with their features and capabilities, and understand how to write, debug, and maintain well-formed HTML and CSS code.
The Official Breakdown of Subject Matter
Microsoft’s official exam page for this test: MTA EXAM 98-338 outlines the following fundamentals will possibly be covered:
- Understand HTML Fundamentals (10-15%)
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- Construct markup that uses metadata elements
- Script; noscript; style; link; meta tags, including encoding, keywords, viewport, and translate
- Construct well-formed markup that conforms to industry best practices
- DOCTYPE declaration; HTML; head; body; proper syntax, including closing tags and commonly used symbols; comments
- Construct markup that uses metadata elements
- Understand CSS Fundamentals (15-20%)
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- Analyze the impact of using inline styles, internal style sheets, and external style sheets
- When to use inline styles; when to use internal style sheets; when to use external style sheets; precedence when using a combination of inline styles and style sheets
- Construct and analyze rule sets
- Valid syntax for the CSS rule set; selectors, including class, id, elements and pseudo-class
- Construct well-formed style sheets that conform to industry best practices
- Reusing rules and rule sets; commenting; testing on multiple browsers; web safe fonts
- Analyze the impact of using inline styles, internal style sheets, and external style sheets
- Structure Documents Using HTML (30-35%)
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- Construct and analyze markup to structure content and organize data
- Table tags; h1-h6; p; br; hr; div; span; ul; ol; li
- Construct and analyze markup that uses HTML5 semantic elements
- Semantic tags; header; nav; section; article; aside; footer; details; summary; figure; caption
- Construct and analyze markup that implements navigation
- Image links; a; target; bookmark; relative versus absolute links; navigating simple folder hierarchies
- Construct and analyze markup that uses form elements
- Form attributes; action; method; submission methods; accessibility; input types and restrictions; select; textarea; button; output; option; datalist; fieldset
- Construct and analyze markup to structure content and organize data
- Present Multimedia Using HTML (10-15%)
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- Construct and analyze markup that displays images
- img and picture elements and their attributes
- Describe the appropriate use of the img, svg, and canvas elements
- Construct and analyze markup that plays video and audio
- Video; audio; track; source; simple iframe implementations
- Construct and analyze markup that displays images
- Style Web Pages Using CSS (20-25%)
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- Construct and analyze styles that position content
- Positioning, including float, relative, absolute, max-width, overflow, height, width, and align; inline versus block; visibility; box model, including margins and padding
- Construct and analyze styles that format text
- Font-family; color; font-style; font-size; font-weight; link colors; text formatting, including text alignment, text decoration, and indentation
- Construct and analyze styles that format backgrounds and borders
- Border-color; border-style; border-width; backgrounds; divs; colors
- Analyze styles that implement a simple responsive layout
- Units of measure; responsive effects with CSS, including viewport and media query; percentages versus pixels; frameworks and templates; max width
- Construct and analyze styles that position content
Conclusion
All in all, this test was well worth the time and effort. The materials covered had a good amount of in-depth knowledge requirement, and I was able to break through with a score in the mid 900s. It was a good challenge, and I felt it will be helpful to me to show students that the MTA exams are a fine choice to showcase their abilities.
Microsoft Technology Associate Status in HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals Achieved!
At 10:00am On 3/22/18 I attended the Certiport certification lab presented by Certiport at the 2018 NCCIA Conference located at Asheville-Buncomb Technical Community College in Asheville, NC.
Tyler Dockery Achieves MTA status in HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals
MTA status in HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals Achieved!
I chose to attempt this exam because of my knowledge of core HTML5 client application development skills that will run on today’s touch-enabled devices (PCs, tablets, and phones). Although HTML is often thought of as a web technology that is rendered in a browser to produce a UI, this exam seemed to focus on using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript to develop client applications. I felt confident to take this exam, because I had a solid foundation of knowledge of HTML5 & CSS3, but expected some issues with JavaScript. Since I teach and have hands-on experience with these technologies and since I’ve been working in the field of web design since 2000, I felt I’d have a fair handle on this. While I did not have a ton of experience with Microsoft Visual Studio, I felt I could do well.
The Official Breakdown of Subject Matter
Microsoft’s official exam page for this test: MTA EXAM 98-375 outlines the following fundamentals will possibly be covered:
Manage the application life cycle (20–25%)
- Understand the platform fundamentals
- Packaging and the runtime environment: app package, app container, credentials/permission sets, host process, leverage existing HTML5 skills and content for slate/tablet applications
- Manage the state of an application
- Manage session state, app state, and persist state information; understand states of an application; understand the differences between local and session storage
- Debug and test an HTML5-based, touch-enabled application
- Touch gestures; understand which gestures you test on a device
Preparation resources
Build the user interface (UI) by using HTML5 (25–30%)
- Choose and configure HTML5 tags to display text content
- Choose and configure HTML5 tags to display graphics
- When, why, and how to use Canvas; when, why, and how to use scalable vector graphics (SVG)
- Choose and configure HTML5 tags to play media
- Video and audio tags
- Choose and configure HTML5 tags to organize content and forms
- Tables, lists, sections; semantic HTML
- Choose and configure HTML5 tags for input and validation
Preparation resources
- Creating user interface elements with Canvas or SVG
- Designing accessibility with HTML5
- Video element | video object
Format the user interface by using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) (20–25%)
- Understand the core CSS concepts
- Separate presentation from content (create content with HTML and style content with CSS); manage content flow (inline versus block flow); manage positioning of individual elements( float versus absolute positioning); manage content overflow (scrolling, visible, and hidden); basic CSS styling
- Arrange UI content by using CSS
- Use flexible box and grid layouts to establish content alignment, direction, and orientation; proportional scaling and use of “free scale” for elements within a flexible box or grid; order and arrange content; concepts for using flex box for simple layouts and grid for complex layouts; grid content properties for rows and columns; use application templates
- Manage the flow of text content by using CSS
- Regions and using regions to flow text content between multiple sections (content source, content container, dynamic flow, flow-into, flow-from, msRegionUpdate, msRegionOverflow, msGetRegionContent); columns and hyphenation and using these CSS settings to optimize the readability of text; use “positioned floats” to create text flow around a floating object
- Manage the graphical interface by using CSS
- Graphics effects (rounded corners, shadows, transparency, background gradients, typography, and Web Open Font Format); two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) transformations (translate, scale, rotate, skew, and 3-D perspective transitions and animations); SVG filter effects; Canvas
Preparation resources
Code by using JavaScript (30–35%)
- Manage and maintain JavaScript
- Create and use functions; jQuery and other third-party libraries
- Update the UI by using JavaScript
- Locate/access elements; listen and respond to events; show and hide elements; update the content of elements; add elements
- Code animations by using JavaScript
- Use animation; manipulate the canvas; work with images, shapes, and other graphics
- Access data access by using JavaScript
- Send and receive data; transmit complex objects and parsing; load and save files; App Cache; datatypes; forms; cookies; localStorage
- Respond to the touch interface
- Gestures, how to capture and respond to gestures
- Code additional HTML5 APIs
- GeoLocation, Web Workers, WebSocket; File API
- Access device and operating system resources
- In- memory resources, such as contact lists and calendar; hardware capabilities, such as GPS, accelerometer, and camera
Conclusion
All in all, this test was not bad, but perhaps a little more vigorous than expected. The materials covered had a good amount of in-depth knowledge requirement, and while I suffered a bit with the knowledge of JavaScript and managing session states of the application, I was able to break through with a score in the mid 900s. It was a good challenge, and I felt it will be helpful to me in the long run.
ESB Mastery status in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification (ESB) Achieved!
At 4:00pm On 3/21/18 I attended the Certiport certification lab presented by Certiport at the 2018 NCCIA Conference located at Asheville-Buncomb Technical Community College in Asheville, NC.
Tyler Dockery Achieves ESB Mastery status in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification
ESB Mastery status in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification (ESB) Achieved!
I chose to attempt this exam because the ESB certification is built to test and validate knowledge in entrepreneurship and small business management, and as a senior partner within a design firm, as a design firm owner, and as an individual who works relentlessly with small business clients, I felt I would have a good handle on these objectives. Tested core concepts included entrepreneurship; recognizing and evaluating opportunities; planning for, starting, and operating a business; marketing and sales; and financial management.
The Official Breakdown of Subject Matter
Certiport’s official exam page for this test: ESB Certification outlines the following fundamentals will possibly be covered:
The entrepreneur
- Identify the characteristics of entrepreneurs
- Given a scenario including a self assessment outcome, identify the strengths, weaknesses, and risk tolerance the selfassessment identifies and how to compensate with services
- Given a scenario, recognize a business opportunity
- Identify the risks, benefits, opportunities, and drawbacks of being an entrepreneur
Opportunity recognition
- Identify the benefits and drawbacks of different types of opportunities (e.g., start a new business, buy an existing business, and buy a franchise)
- Given a scenario, analyze the demand for the goods or service and opportunities in an environment
- Given a scenario, identify the customers or potential customers for a business
- Given a scenario, recognize a value proposition
Starting a business
- Identify the purposes and value of a business plan
- Identify the appropriate legal structure, benefits and drawbacks for different legal structures for a business
- Given a scenario, identify different types of licenses and regulations that are required
- Identify the benefits and drawbacks of various sources of start-up funding: Equity (friends/family, angels, venture), Debt (bank, credit cards, personal loans), and Grants (government, foundation, corporate)
- Given a scenario, identify support that is available for the business on a local, state, and federal level
- Identify the ethical practices and social responsibilities of a business
- Identify potential exit strategies for a business
Business operations
- Given a scenario, identify key positions and human capital needs(including compensation and benefits)
- Given a scenario, determine whether work can be completed by the owner or whether employees or service providers are needed
- Given a scenario, identify the taxes that are required
- Given a scenario, identify intellectual property issues of trademarks, copyrights, and patents
- Given a scenario, identify standard operating procedures (e.g., setup, conduct, internal controls, separation of duties)
- Given a scenario, identify the factors that lead to sustainability
- Given a scenario, identify milestones as part of a growth strategy
Marketing and sales
- Given a scenario, develop a sales strategy and identify characteristics of a successful sale
- Given a scenario, identify and analyze the costs/benefits of finding customers/li>
- Given a scenario, identify how to retain customers and develop a relationship with repeat customers/li>
- Given a scenario, determine value and methods of communication including: web sites, brochures, social media, and advertising
Financial management
- Given a scenario, interpret basic financial statements such as income statements and balance sheets
- Given a scenario, identify the factors that influence credit ratings and the importance of a positive credit rating
- Given a list of expenses, identify which are fixed versus variable
- Given a scenario, identify the factors that impact the price to the customer
- Given a scenario, identify and analyze cash flow including: accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, and debt
- Given a scenario, create a cash flow budget
- Given a scenario, identify the break-even point for the business
Conclusion
All in all, this test was well worth the time and effort. ESB is the first certification product in the new Certiport Business Fundamentals Certification Program, and the ESB exam is intended for use primarily in academic settings including secondary schools, vocational schools, community colleges, and technical colleges. I was to have key conceptual knowledge of entrepreneurial and small business principles, as well as real-world experience as a small business manager in order to take and pass the exam. I feel validated that the skills and knowledge I have gained working in a service and trade profession as my own boss as well as working with small businesses is recognized by a premiere training institution.
Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 ACA Certification Achieved!
Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 ACA Certification Achieved!
In the middle of the NCCIA conference, I had the opportunity to take a scheduled examination. The Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certification allows you to demonstrate proficiency in Adobe digital communications tools. Become a Certified Associate and you will stand apart from your peers, boost your confidence, and expand your career opportunities.
The Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop exam validates skills in communication corresponding to Photoshop software. Adobe conducted research to identify the foundational skills needed to effectively communicate using digital media tools. Based on feedback from educators, design professionals, businesses, and educational institutions around the world, the objectives cover skill expectations for professional visual communication.
The following skills were assessed on the Visual Communication Using Adobe Photoshop exam:
- Domain 1.0 Setting Project Requirements
- 1.1 Identify the purpose, audience, and audience needs for preparing images.
- 1.2 Demonstrate knowledge of standard copyright rules for images and image use.
- 1.3 Demonstrate knowledge of project management tasks and responsibilities.
- 1.4 Communicate with others (such as peers and clients) about design plans.
- Domain 2.0 Identifying Design Elements When Preparing Images
- 2.1 Demonstrate knowledge of image resolution, image size, and image file formats for web, video, and print.
- 2.2 Demonstrate knowledge of design principles, elements, and image composition.
- 2.3 Demonstrate knowledge of typography.
- 2.4 Demonstrate knowledge of color correction using Photoshop.
- 2.5 Demonstrate knowledge of image-generating devices, their resulting image types, and how to access resulting images in Photoshop.
- 2.6 Understand key terminology when working with digital images.
- Domain 3.0 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
- 3.1 Identify elements of the Photoshop user interface and demonstrate knowledge of their functions.
- 3.2 Demonstrate knowledge of layers and masks.
- 3.3 Demonstrate knowledge of importing, exporting, organizing, and saving.
- 3.4 Demonstrate knowledge of producing and reusing images.
- 3.5 Demonstrate an understanding of and select the appropriate features and options required to implement a color management workflow.
- Domain 4.0 Manipulating Images by Using Adobe Photoshop
- 4.1 Demonstrate knowledge of working with selections.
- 4.2 Use Photoshop guides and rulers.
- 4.3 Transform images.
- 4.4 Adjust or correct the tonal range, color, or distortions of an image.
- 4.5 Demonstrate knowledge of retouching and blending images.
- 4.6 Demonstrate knowledge of drawing and painting.
- 4.7 Demonstrate knowledge of type.
- 4.8 Demonstrate knowledge of filters.
- Domain 5.0 Publishing Digital Images by Using Adobe Photoshop
- 5.1 Demonstrate knowledge of preparing images for web, print, and video.
Adobe Education Exchange: Adobe Generation Pro App Design Certification
Adobe Education Exchange: Adobe Generation Pro App Design Certification
“As a contributing member of the Adobe Education Exchange, Tyler Dockery has received visible recognition for his level of commitment and participation. Adobe is proud to feature a leaderboard function and badge recognition to members who’s mission is to serve the community of educators by maintaining a high level of activity.”
This badge was awarded for completing a minimum of twenty-five (25) hours of professional development in application development using JQuery and PhoneGap digital creativity within the Adobe Social Community.