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For Immediate Release
Certifications Help Veterans Transition Careers
Veterans reimbursed for certifications administered by Certiport
SALT LAKE CITY – May 18, 2004 – Certiport today
announced expanded reimbursement by the U.S. government of costs for certification
exams administered
by the company as the role of certification grows for veterans transitioning
to the private sector. The Utah State Board of Regents recently approved the
Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) for reimbursement
by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This follows on previous approval
by the VA for cost reimbursement for Microsoft Office Specialist certification
exams, also administered globally by Certiport.
The VA reports that since it
began reimbursing test costs required to obtain or renew a license or certification
in a variety of technical fields two years
ago, certification in information technology has been "by far the most
popular use of that benefit." As more and more veterans return from active
service, the need for marketable skills becomes increasingly important. These
skills of basic computer use, working with application software, and leveraging
the Internet effectively are the very skills measured by IC³. The Marine
Corps Community Services (MCCS) Career Resources office is focused on providing
military and civilian government employees and their spouses with community
support programs and services. They have received several success stories from
family members and military personnel who have used their certifications to
further their military career or gained employment after returning to civilian
life.
"The purpose of our program is to make military personnel more job-ready
and more attractive to the prospective employer" says Dennis Warren, the
Transition Program Analyst for Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Career
Resources
office.
Monica Brady, Acting Director for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
in Okinawa, Japan, stated, "When I first heard about the 'free Microsoft
certifications' through the Career Resource office, I figured it wouldn't hurt
to look into
it.” After Monica spent a summer in preparation, she completed all
of the tests required to obtain Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification.
Later
Monica moved to Japan with her husband only to find an extremely competitive
job market. However, she sent in her resume and a copy of her Microsoft Office
Specialist Master certificate for a job announcement and landed the job a
few weeks later. After starting work she found out that her computer skills
weighed
heavily in her favor during the hiring decision. Monica stated further, “The
Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification has done everything to help
me in my career endeavors."
Those seeking additional information regarding
VA reimbursement may visit:
Frequently Asked Questions and Application
Process (http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/LCVets.htm);
VA Licensing, Certification and Eligibility Web Site (http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/Lcweb.htm);
or call VA Education Counseling: 888-442-4551
About Certiport
Certiport is the leading provider of global, performance-based certification
programs and services designed to enable individual success and lifetime
advancement. Certiport is a pioneer in performance-based testing, data management
systems, and developing certification programs, including Microsoft® Office
Specialist and Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³), through
extensive research and professional validation processes. For more information
about Certiport, visit www.certiport.com.
Certiport is a registered trademark
of Certiport, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Microsoft
and the Microsoft Office logo are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries;
and the Microsoft Office Specialist Logo is used under license from owner.
Press Contact:
John Pilmer
801-369-7535
mediarelations@certiport.com
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