Office 365 Training in Columbia MO, MO

What is Office 365

Microsoft Office 365, now known as Microsoft 365, is a subscription-based suite of productivity tools, cloud services, and software developed by Microsoft. It is designed for individuals, businesses, and educational institutions to create, collaborate, and work efficiently from virtually anywhere, on any device.

Key Features and Components of Microsoft 365

1. Productivity Applications

   Microsoft 365 includes cloud-enabled versions of popular Microsoft Office apps:

   • Word (word processing)
   • Excel (spreadsheets and data analysis)
   • PowerPoint (presentations)
   • Outlook (email and calendaring)
   • OneNote (note-taking)
   • Access (database management, PC only)
   • Publisher (desktop publishing, PC only)

2. Cloud Storage and Collaboration

   • OneDrive: Secure cloud storage for saving, syncing, and sharing files.
   • Microsoft Teams: A communication and collaboration platform with chat, video conferencing, and integration with other Microsoft services.
   • SharePoint: Facilitates document management and team collaboration.

3. AI and Automation Tools

   • Copilot: An AI-powered assistant for generating content, analyzing data, and automating tasks.
   • Smart suggestions in applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook.

4. Subscription Plans

   Microsoft 365 is available in various plans tailored to specific audiences:

   • For Home Users: Plans such as Microsoft 365 Personal and Family.
   • For Businesses: Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Premium, and Microsoft 365 Apps.
   • For Enterprises: Enterprise E3, E5, and F3 plans with advanced security and compliance features.
   • For Education: Microsoft 365 for Education with tools like Microsoft Classroom and Office Online.

5. Cross-Device Accessibility

   Access Microsoft 365 apps from:

   • PCs and Macs
   • Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
   • Web browsers through Office.com

6. Regular Updates

   Subscription ensures users always have the latest features, updates, and security patches without needing to purchase a new version.

7. Security and Compliance

   Advanced security features include:

   • Data loss prevention
   • Threat intelligence
   • Multifactor authentication (MFA)
   • Compliance tools to meet GDPR and other regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Microsoft 365

• Flexibility: Use apps online or offline across devices.
• Collaboration: Real-time collaboration with co-authoring in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Cost-Effective: Pay a monthly or annual subscription instead of one-time licensing fees.
• Scalability: Tailored plans for individuals, small businesses, or large enterprises.

Microsoft 365 Certifications Available in 2024

As of November 2024, Microsoft offers several certifications related to Office 365, now encompassed under the Microsoft 365 suite. These certifications are designed to validate skills across various roles and proficiency levels, including Fundamentals, Associate, and Expert tiers. Below is a detailed overview of the available certifications:

1. Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals

This entry-level certification is ideal for individuals new to Microsoft 365. It validates foundational knowledge of cloud-based solutions aimed at enhancing productivity and collaboration among on-site, remote, and hybrid workers. Candidates should understand how Microsoft 365 solutions improve productivity, facilitate collaboration, optimize communications, and help secure data. The certification requires passing Exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals.

For more information, visit the official certification page: Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals

2. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps)

This certification demonstrates proficiency in essential Microsoft 365 applications. To earn this certification, candidates must pass three exams, each covering a different program, with at least one exam focusing on Microsoft 365 Apps. Available exams include:

• MO-110: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
• MO-210: Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
• MO-310: Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps)
• MO-410: Microsoft Outlook (Microsoft 365 Apps)

This certification is suitable for business users aiming to validate their skills in Microsoft Office applications.

For more information, visit the official certification page: Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps)

3. Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)

This advanced certification is the highest within the Microsoft Office Specialist Program. It demonstrates the ability to proficiently use advanced features of Microsoft 365 Apps. To earn this certification, candidates must:

• First, obtain the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps) certification.
• Then, pass two Expert-level exams in different programs, with at least one exam focusing on Microsoft 365 Apps.

Available Expert exams include:

• MO-111: Microsoft Word Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)
• MO-211: Microsoft Excel Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)

For more information, visit the official certification page: Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)

4. Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert

This certification is designed for administrators who deploy and manage Microsoft 365, performing tenant-level implementation and administration of cloud and hybrid environments. Candidates should have functional experience with all Microsoft 365 workloads and Microsoft Entra ID, along with a working knowledge of networking, server administration, DNS, and PowerShell. The certification requires passing Exam MS-102: Microsoft 365 Administrator.

For more information, visit the official certification page: Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert

5. Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate

Formerly known as the Modern Desktop Administrator Associate, this certification validates skills in deploying, configuring, securing, managing, and monitoring devices and client applications in an enterprise environment. Candidates should have experience with Microsoft 365 workloads and be proficient in deploying and managing Windows client and non-Windows devices. The certification requires passing Exam MD-102: Endpoint Administrator.

For more information, visit the official certification page: Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate

6. Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate

This certification is intended for professionals who design, configure, deploy, and manage communication systems, including audiovisual (AV), telephony systems, and team meeting room solutions. It reflects the evolving role that encompasses a broader set of skills across multiple communication technologies. The certification requires passing Exam MS-721: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer.

For more information, visit the official certification page: Microsoft 365 Certified: Collaboration Communications Systems Engineer Associate

Jobs That Use Microsoft 365

1. IT Administrator

Responsibilities:

• Manage and deploy Microsoft 365 applications across the organization.
• Ensure security and compliance within the Microsoft 365 environment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to user access and functionality.
• Set up and maintain SharePoint sites for team collaboration.

2. Project Manager

Responsibilities:

• Use Microsoft Teams and Planner to manage project workflows.
• Create reports and track progress using Excel and Power BI.
• Collaborate with stakeholders using SharePoint and Outlook.
• Prepare presentations and project documentation using PowerPoint and Word.

3. Educator

Responsibilities:

• Conduct virtual classes and meetings via Microsoft Teams.
• Prepare lesson plans and assignments using Word and OneNote.
• Collaborate with students and parents using Outlook and SharePoint.
• Assess student performance using Excel and Forms.

4. Sales Representative

Responsibilities:

• Track sales data and performance metrics using Excel.
• Communicate with clients and team members via Outlook and Teams.
• Create engaging sales presentations using PowerPoint.
• Maintain customer records using SharePoint and Dynamics 365 (integrated with Microsoft 365).

5. Marketing Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Develop marketing plans and campaigns using Word and PowerPoint.
• Collaborate with the team using Teams and SharePoint.
• Analyze campaign performance with Excel and Power BI.
• Communicate with vendors and stakeholders using Outlook.

6. Customer Service Representative

Responsibilities:

• Respond to customer inquiries and issues using Outlook and Teams.
• Document customer interactions and resolutions in SharePoint.
• Generate reports and analyze customer feedback using Excel.
• Conduct training sessions and knowledge sharing using PowerPoint and Teams.

We offer live-instructor group training classes for your team.

Upskill your team from the comfort of your office or online.

Benefits of Group Training Include:

• Experienced Professional Instructor Trains Your Team
• Content Focused On Your Team's Needs
• Convenient Scheduling and Class Setup
• Significant Per/Student Cost Savings
• Online, On-Site and Blended Options Available

Get A Free Consultation

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Below is a list of local libraries in the area that may also provide computer training near Columbia, Missouri:

We offer live-instructor group training classes for your team.

Upskill your team from the comfort of your office or online.

Benefits of Group Training Include:

• Experienced Professional Instructor Trains Your Team
• Content Focused On Your Team's Needs
• Convenient Scheduling and Class Setup
• Significant Per/Student Cost Savings
• Online, On-Site and Blended Options Available

Get A Free Consultation