Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS)

Shortcuts are key combinations used to save the time spent in clicking the mouse and dragging the pointer to perform the desired action.  Shortcuts help a user to work efficiently and faster. Some of the MS Word shortcuts are as follows:

General Shortcuts

Formatting Shortcuts

Q. What is the pre-requisite for taking the exam 77-602?
A. Although there are no prerequisites for the exam 77-602 – MCAS – Using Microsoft Office Excel 2007, Microsoft recommends that the candidates for this exam should have the equivalent of six months to one year of hands-on experience on Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and might have experience with previous versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Q. What certificate does it provide?
A. Passing the exam 77-602 provides the following certification:
Microsoft Certified Application Specialist: Microsoft Office Excel 2007

The Microsoft exam 77-600 consists of multiple choice questions and simulation questions. In the simulation type questions, you will be given an environment of Windows Vista and have to perform a given task. Before giving the exam, you must have hands-on practice to accomplish the following tasks:

1. Managing Windows Firewall.
2. Locking a computer.
3. Managing Windows Internet Explorer security.
4. Configuring local user accounts.
5. Managing network connections.
6. Managing remote access to your computer.
7. Connecting to another computer.
8. Managing devices and drivers.
9. Managing display settings.
10.  Managing Windows Explorer settings.
11.  Managing and securing folders.

The different power plans available in Windows Vista are as follows:

1. Balanced: This power plan offers full performance when a user needs it and saves the power during periods of inactivity. It balances energy consumption and system performance by adjusting the processor speed of a computer to match the user’s activity.
2. Power Saver: This power plan saves the power by reducing the system performance and extending the battery life.
3. High Performance: This power plan maximizes system performance and responsiveness but consumes the most energy.

The MCAS certification consists of six specialized exams that test your knowledge on Microsoft Office programs. If you are preparing for any of the MCAS exam, you should have a thorough understanding of all the objectives covered by that particular exam.

You have to study hard, as there is no short cut to success, but if you prepare systematically, you can pass this exam easily. Here are 10 tips that will help you to pass this exam with flying colors:

There are a number of security and safety features of Windows Vista that are not available in prior versions of Windows operating system.

The security and safety features of Windows Vista are as follows:

1. User Account Control: User Account Control (UAC) is a security feature introduced with Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system. It helps in preventing unauthorized changes to a user’s computer. UAC asks the user for permission or an administrator password before performing actions that could potentially affect a computer’s operation or that change settings that affect other users. It improves the safety and security of the computer by preventing harmful programs from making changes to the computer. This feature works with Windows Defender and Internet Explorer 7 to help reduce the impact of viruses, spyware, and other threats.

Ribbon is an area at the top of the screen below the Title Bar where almost all the frequently used commands are placed. It makes it easier to see and find the commands to format a document. The Ribbon groups buttons for common tasks together in tabs on a graphical interface. For example, when a user clicks the Insert tab, a Ribbon appears with buttons for items that he can insert into a document, such as clip art, a hyperlink, a picture or a table. The Ribbon can be reduced to a single line of tabs by pressing Ctrl+F1.

Microsoft Office Word 2007 helps in producing professional-looking documents by providing a comprehensive set of tools for creating and formatting the documents. The new environment of Word has been designed in such a way that its powerful features are easier to find and use. In Word 2007, the commands are displayed on the Ribbon. The Ribbon is an area where all the most frequently used commands are placed.

The new features of Word 2007 are as follows:

1. Read the pre-exam instructions carefully. The instructions might be to close all the dialog boxes or leave them as it is before moving to the next question.
2. Do not perform any extra steps, or the question will be marked wrong.
3. To reset the question to its original state, use the “Reset” button.
4. Look at the clock whether you are on time or behind it.
5. Always review all your answers, if you have time.
6. Look if you have left any question, come back and answer it.

Suggested reading: 10 tips for passing MCAS exam

By getting MCAS certified, you can prove your expertise in using the latest Microsoft Office programs and the Windows Vista operating system. Getting certified will help you to differentiate yourself in today’s competitive job market, broaden your employment opportunities by displaying your advanced skills, and result in higher earning potential. Research indicates that certified individuals have increased competence, productivity, and credibility with their employers, co-workers, and clients.

Candidates must pass one certification exam in order to earn the MCAS credential:

1. MCAS: Windows Vista for the Business Worker (Exam 77-600)
2. MCAS: Microsoft Office Word 2007 (Exam 77-601)