Online Data Entry Courses and Schools
Numerous colleges offer data entry courses either fully or partially online, which can allow you to earn a data entry certificate. Get the details about what you'll learn, how to pick a school, and about the certifications you can earn.
What You Need to Know
<p>Key entry and data entry operators are typical occupations found within the online data entry field. The most common online data entry program offered is a certificate of completion which is offered at many community colleges.
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<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Keyboarding and basic computer applications such as word processing and electronic spreadsheets</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Schools</b> </td><td> Community colleges or other 2-year schools</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Certifications </b> </td><td> Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) & Master MOS</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatTopicsWillIStudyRelatedToDataEntry">What Topics Will I Study Related to Data Entry?</h3>
<p>Typical certificate programs consist of about 5-7 courses, which may account for 30-45 credit hours. You can expect to take courses in keyboarding and basic computer applications. Other courses may cover the following topics:
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<ul><li>Introduction to computers
</li><li>Records management
</li><li>Word processing
</li><li>Electronic spreadsheets
</li><li>Databases
</li><li>Clerical organization
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatShouldILookForInASchool">What Should I Look for in a School?</h3>
<p>Because most data entry courses are offered at the certificate level, you should seek out programs at community colleges or other 2-year schools. Some courses may be fully online while others may require you to complete computer lab work on campus.
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<p>Additionally, some schools may offer data entry courses as part of an office management curriculum. These programs often include courses related to other office computer programs and general professional development.
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<p>For example, the following schools offer an array of online courses relating to data entry:
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<ul><li>Washtenaw Community College
</li><li>Southeastern Technical College
</li><li>Colorado State University Global
</li><li>Shoreline Community College
</li><li>Coastal Pines Technical College
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCertificatesOrCertificationsCanIEarn">What certificates or certifications can I earn?</h3>
<p>Once you've taken all the required courses in your chosen program, you may have to take a test to earn your certificate. There are certifications available specific to certain word processing programs, such as the Microsoft Office Specialist or the Microsoft Office Specialist Master.</p>