Database Certification Spotlight: MCAS Access 2007

Microsoft Certified Application Specialist in Access 2007

If you use Microsoft Access 2007 as a regular part of your job, or you hope to gain employment in the field of user-level databases, you may wish to consider the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) program's Access 2007 track. This program (formerly known as the Microsoft Office User Specialist or MOUS program) allows users of the popular desktop database to prove their knowledge in a structured exam environment.

The certification, while not quite as popular as the more technical MCTS and MCITP programs, is a nice addition to the resume. Currently, Microsoft only offers one examination for database users -- the Access 2007 Core exam (Exam 77-605). Unlike many other certification exams, the MCAS tests are performance-based. Don't walk into your test expecting to be asked a series of multiple choice questions. Instead, you'll be presented with a functional copy of Access (with the help features disabled!) and asked to perform several common tasks to prove your proficiency. The computer will analyze your performance and determine whether or not you've passed muster.

The exam is based upon six core competencies chosen by Microsoft and listed below. Each of these competencies has several subtasks that you should be able to complete. If you feel that you can easily complete all of these tasks, you're probably ready for the exam!

1. Structuring a Database
• Define data needs and types
• Define and print table relationships
• Add, set, change or remove primary keys
• Split databases
2. Creating and Formatting Database Elements
• Create databases
• Create tables
• Modify tables
• Create fields and modify field properties
• Create forms
• Create reports
• Modify the design of reports and forms
3. Entering and Modifying Data
• Enter, edit and delete records
• Navigate among records
• Find and replace data
• Attach documents to and detach from records
• Import data
4. Creating and Modifying Queries
• Create queries
• Modify queries
5. Presenting and Sharing Data
• Sort data
• Filter data
• Create and modify charts
• Export data
• Save database objects as other file types
• Print database objects
6. Managing and Maintaining Databases
• Perform routine database operations
• Manage databases

If you successfully complete the Microsoft Access certification exam, you may be interested in pursuing the Microsoft Certified Application Professional (MCAP). This credential requires you to complete at least one of four examinations: Organizational Support (Exam 77-610), Creating and Managing Presentations (Exam 77-611), Content Management and Collaboration (Exam 77-612), and Budget Analysis and Forecasting (Exam 77-613).

Good luck with your certification ventures!