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The Global Challenge

While moving software development and tech support offshore is all the rage, many companies find the overall savings aren't that great. Customers going offshore aren't happy with the quality they're getting, and other companies hope to lure disillusioned outsourcing customers back home to the U.S. Of the 533 occupations projected to grow the fastest during the 2000-2010 time period, the top seven are all computer related, and 12 of the top 25 are computer related. These also rank in the highest earnings quartile.

Moving forward in its mission to build the national skill standards system as mandated by the National Skill Standards Act, the National Skill Standards Board (NSSB) has recognized the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) as meeting the NSSB's rigorous quality assurance standards. These standards enhance the ability of the U.S. workforce to compete effectively in the global economy. IC³ becomes the first computer certification to be recognized through the NSSB's Certification Recognition Program.

Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) has also been formally recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) for college credit in general education and computer literacy. Individuals may receive college credit through more than 1,200 accredited, degree-granting colleges, universities, and other education-related organizations listed as cooperating colleges in the 2002 Guide to Educational Credit by Examination. Local educational institutions like Idaho State University trust ACE to provide reliable information to make credit award decisions.

Executive Training Resources has mapped a career path that begins with Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) and the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification and leads into other industry-accepted certifications. The combination of certifications is a gateway to virtually any IT certification or career. ETR is offering students of any age a seamless path using globally accepted standards for computer and IT skills.

The digital literacy skills validated by IC³ are hallmarks of a well-prepared advanced certification candidate. The strong capabilities in desktop productivity verified by MOS enhance an IT practitioner's overall skills. These certifications give developing IT professionals practical, real-world productivity skills that build a solid foundation for advanced certifications.

Certifications are industry standards for IT service and support, and a logical step for those working towards technical IT career objectives. Students can, for the first time ever, follow a clearly defined path from digital literacy and desktop productivity into a rewarding career as an IT professional.

The Global Standard
IC³ certification is a global standard that proves the holder has the current and relevant computing and Internet skills needed to thrive in today's information society. For many people, IC³ is their first computing qualification. IC³ tests an individual's basic ICT competence, as well as his or her understanding of hardware, software and computer networks. IC³ uses an interactive series of exams that test knowledge, practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

An industry standard for measuring basic computer literacy for academia and the workplace, IC³ exam objectives were built by professional researchers, test developers, psychometricians and more than 270 subject matter experts (SMEs) in 19 countries -- all of whom contributed content and feedback and validated certification requirements. A student with IC³ certification not only has an understanding of computing fundamentals, key applications and online functionality, but also possesses the necessary foundation to excel into advanced technical and desktop application certifications.

Executive Training Resources is proud to provide certificate programs for those seeking employment in the world of computers. ETR also has the ability to offer a broad, comprehensive menu of skills-based learning programs. It has become their mission to promote computer skills in our rural area. Organizations that are interested in obtaining more information about IC³ or other ETR offerings should contact ETR at 208.525.8813.

The IC³ training program provides for enrollment at any time along with self-paced study. It uses a combination of techniques to make the students progress fast and straightforward. IC³ certification is obtained through passing an exam in each of the three study areas, Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications and Living On-line. IC³ covers the following skills:

Computing Fundamentals

Overview:

·                      Computer Hardware:
Identify different types of computers, how computers work (process information) and how individual computers fit into larger systems.
Identify the function of computer hardware components and common problems associated with individual components.
Identify issues relating to computer performance and how it is affected by different components of the computer.
Identify the factors that go into a decision on how to purchase a computer or select a computer for work, school, or home.

·                      Computer Software:
Identify how software works and how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks.
Identify different types of software, the tasks for which each type of software is most suited, and the popular programs in each software category.

·                      Using an Operating System:
Identify what an operating system is and how it works.
Be able to manipulate and control the Windows desktop, files and disks.
Be able to change system settings and install software.

      Course Duration: 1 day (9am - 5pm)

Key Applications

Overview:

·                       Common Program Functions:
Be able to start and exit a Windows application and utilize sources of online help.
Identify common on-screen elements of Windows applications, change application settings, and manage files within an application.
Perform common editing (cut, copy, paste, spell check, etc.) and formatting (fonts, margins, tabs, etc.) functions.
Perform common printing functions.

·                       Word Processing Functions:
Be able to format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools.
Be able to add tables and graphics to a document.

·                       Spreadsheet Functions:
Be able to modify worksheet data and structure.
Be able to sort data and manipulate data using formulas and functions.
Be able to format a worksheet.
Be able to add pictures and charts to a worksheet.

       Course Duration: 1 day (9am - 5pm)

Living Online

Overview:

• Networks and the Internet:
  Identify network fundamentals and the benefits and risks of network computing.
  Identify the relationship between computer networks, other communications networks (like the telephone network) and the Internet.
• Electronic Mail:
  Identify how electronic mail works.
  Identify how to use an electronic mail application.
  Identify the appropriate use of e-mail and e-mail related "netiquette".
• Using the Internet:
  Identify different types of information sources on the Internet.
  Be able to use a Web browsing application.
  Be able to search the Internet for information.
• The Impact of Computing and the Internet on Society:
  Identify how computers are used in different areas of work, school, and home.
  Identify the risks of using computer hardware and software.
  Identify how to use the Internet safely and legally.
  Course Duration: 1 day (9am - 5pm)

IC3 provides an ideal opportunity for continuing education students, adult learners, employees from any sector of the work force and small business owners. In fact anyone looking to gain or upgrade their knowledge of computers and the Internet will benefit from this highly acclaimed program. For registration information please contact Executive Training Resources at 208-525-8813.

About ETR
Executive Training Resources is a leading provider of global, performance-based certification programs and services designed to enable individual success and lifetime advancement through certification. ETR provides workforce development and training in the areas of computing fundamentals, software applications, website development and e-commerce, technical certifications, and also offers people and business skills seminars.