When it comes to showcasing your PowerPoint skills, there are PowerPoint certificates and certifications. Both can showcase your commitment to having learned PowerPoint, and can be beneficial to helping you secure a job or promotion.
PowerPoint Certificates vs. PowerPoint Certifications
There are several differences between PowerPoint certificates and certifications:
PowerPoint Certificates: Certificates are awarded by educational institutions after you complete a specific course or program in PowerPoint. You can earn a certificate for completing a PowerPoint training course at a licensed school such as AGI, which indicates that you have acquired a certain level of proficiency in the software, and completed an intensive course of study.
PowerPoint Certifications: In contrast, certifications involve passing an independently administered exam. For PowerPoint, this involves taking a standardized test, such as Microsoft's Office Specialist (MOS) PowerPoint certification.
Is an PowerPoint certificate or certification better
Although they are obtained differently, PowerPoint certifications and certificates are often considered to be synonymous by employers. An employer looking to hire someone with PowerPoint skills often values the completion of an in-depth course of study on PowerPoint as valuable as, if not more valuable than, passing a one-time exam.
Obtaining a Certificate in PowerPoint can help you find a job
A certificate in PowerPoint can significantly enhance your resume and make you more attractive to employers. It demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your ability to handle PowerPoint-related tasks effectively. Many job postings, even for entry-level positions, specify PowerPoint proficiency as a requirement or a desirable skill.
Preparing for Certification Exams
PowerPoint courses often serve as PowerPointlent preparation for official certification exams. While PowerPoint courses at AGI provide a certificate, if certification is desired, the comprehensive classes prepare you for an certification test.
PowerPoint courses cover the essential concepts and skills you'll need to know in PowerPoint for the exam. By completing a course and earning a certificate, you gain the confidence and knowledge required to pass the Microsoft PowerPoint Certification.
Is an PowerPoint Certification Required for Certain Jobs
While PowerPoint certifications can be particularly valuable for many job roles, most jobs require PowerPoint skills that can be demonstrated either through a certificate or certification. For jobs where PowerPoint proficiency is critical, having a PowerPoint certificate or certification can set you apart from other candidates. Employers may prefer or even require candidates to have a certificate or certification, especially in competitive fields.
Where to Get Certified in PowerPoint
Several institutions and training providers offer PowerPoint certificate programs. You have options of taking individual courses or enrolling in workshops and bootcamps to speed up the learning process. AGI’s PowerPoint Courses, including the PowerPoint Design courses include a certificate issued by a state licensed school. These classes also prepare you for the PowerPoint certification exam at all levels, with introductory and advanced courses that can get you ready in less than one week. These PowerPoint courses are available both in-person or virtual, and you can select the best option for your learning preference.
Obtaining a certificate in PowerPoint enhances your employability and proficiency in this software app that is essential for many jobs. Both PowerPoint certificates and certifications indicate your readiness for using the app, opening doors to more opportunities. Whether you choose a certificate or certification path, improving your PowerPoint skills is a wise investment in your professional future.
PowerPoint Certification Test
Although it is not required, if you choose to take the PowerPoint Certification following a training course, the Microsoft PowerPoint Certification Exam is the official certification exam for basic PowerPoint skills. The advanced PowerPoint certification exam is also available. You can take a range of PowerPoint courses to prepare for the exam, such as the PowerPoint course and the PowerPoint Design course at AGI.
These PowerPoint certification exams cost $100 and cover the ability to to create, edit, and enhance presentations and slideshows, including the ability to create and manage presentations, insert and format shapes and slides, create slide content, apply transitions and animations, and manage multiple presentations. Presentation examples include professional-grade sales presentations, employee training, instructional materials, and kiosk slideshows. The American Council on Education provides college credit for passing the PowerPoint certification exam.
PowerPoint Certification Exam topics
Skills you will be expected to know on the PowerPoint Certification exam (MS-300) include:
Manage presentations in PowerPoint
Modify slide masters, handout masters, and note masters
- change the slide master theme or background
- modify slide master content
- create slide layouts
- modify slide layouts
- modify the handout master
- modify the notes master
Change presentation options and views
- change slide size
- display presentations in different views
- set basic file properties
Configure print settings for presentations
- print all or part of a presentation
- print notes pages
- print handouts
- print in color, grayscale, or black and white
Configure and present slide shows
- create custom slide shows
- configure slide show options
- rehearse slide show timing
- set up slide show recording options
- present slideshows by using Presenter View
Prepare presentations for collaboration
- mark presentations as final
- protect presentations by using passwords
- inspect presentations for issues
- add and manage comments
- preserve presentation content
- export presentations to other formats
Manage PowerPoint slides
Insert slides
- import Word document outlines
- insert slides from another presentation
- insert slides and select slide layouts
- insert Summary Zoom slides
- duplicate slides
Modify slides
- hide and unhide slides
- modify individual slide backgrounds
- insert slide headers, footers, and page numbers
Order and group slides
- create sections
- modify slide order
- rename sections
Insert and format text, shapes, and images in PowerPoint
Format text
- apply formatting and styles to text
- format text in multiple columns
- create bulleted and numbered lists
Insert links
- insert hyperlinks
- insert Section Zoom links and Slide Zoom links
Insert and format images
- resize and crop images
- apply built-in styles and effects to images
- insert screenshots and screen clippings
Insert and format graphic elements
- insert and change shapes
- draw by using digital ink
- add text to shapes and text boxes
- resize shapes and text boxes
- format shapes and text boxes
- apply built-in styles to shapes and text boxes
- add alt text to graphic elements for accessibility
Order and group objects on slides
- order shapes, images, and text boxes
- align shapes, images, and text boxes
- group shapes and images
- display alignment tools
Insert tables, charts, smartArt, 3D models, and media into PowerPoint presentations
Insert and format tables
- create and insert tables
- insert and delete table rows and columns
- apply built-in table styles
Insert and modify charts
- create and insert charts
- modify charts
Insert and format SmartArt graphics
- insert SmartArt graphics
- convert lists to SmartArt graphics
- add and modify SmartArt graphic content
Insert and modify 3D models
- insert 3D models
- modify 3D models
Insert and manage media
- insert audio and video clips
- create and insert screen recordings
- configure media playback options
Apply PowerPoint transitions and animations
Apply and configure slide transitions
- apply basic and 3D slide transitions
- configure transition effects
Animate slide content
- animate text and graphic elements
- animate 3D models
- configure animation effects
- configure animation paths
- reorder animations on a slide
Set timing for transitions
- set transition effect duration
- configure transition start and finish options
Once you have gained proficiency in these exams, you can schedule the PowerPoint Certification Exam online.