Whether you're a professional desktop publisher, a budding entrepreneur or someone who just appreciates quality materials, you can benefit from using Microsoft Publisher. Brochures, catalogs, newsletters, flyers and greeting cards can be made using this application. While there are no certification programs in Microsoft Publisher, you can learn the skills necessary to use the software in a certificate program for Microsoft office specialists.
Microsoft Publisher Certification Courses
Microsoft (MS) Publisher is a desktop publishing program that is used to create professional communications materials. MS Publisher is used to design and produce brochures, catalogs, newsletters and event flyers. While Microsoft does not offer a certification specific to this particular product, it does offer several other types of certification for IT and business professionals, such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA).
Many community colleges and schools offer certificate programs to help students prepare to sit for Microsoft's certification exams. Students can also take these programs to gain training in Microsoft software for the purposes of obtaining an entry-level job in business, design or information technology. Some of these certificate programs provide courses in Microsoft Publisher. Students who take these courses should gain the skills outlined below.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutMicrosoftPublisherCertificationPrograms">Important Facts About Microsoft Publisher Certification Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> Familiarity with Microsoft Office</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Yes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td> Depending on program, training courses may count for CE credit for IT professionals</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td> Desktop publisher, technical writer</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$46,910 <i>(desktop publishers)</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>-14% <i>(desktop publishers)</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---BasicSkills">Basic Skills</h3><p>Students must master certain basic skills in order to use the Microsoft Publisher program. These skills are common to most applications and include:
</p><ul><li>Opening files
</li><li>Saving files
</li><li>Printing
</li><li>Managing files
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CoreSkills">Core Skills</h3><p>Students must master these core Microsoft Publisher skills before going on to create professional material. Core skills include:
</p><ul><li>Creating tables
</li><li>Creating text boxes
</li><li>Manipulating graphics and inserting images
</li><li>Making, using and customizing templates
</li><li>Creating page layouts
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CreatingSkills">Creating Skills</h3><p>Once students have learned the basic components that make up a publication, they must learn how to use Microsoft Publisher to create various publications. In addition, methods of distributing materials are covered. Creating skills include:
</p><ul><li>Creating business cards, brochures and newsletters
</li><li>Creating websites
</li><li>Printing mailing labels
</li><li>Using Design Checker to correct mistakes
</li><li>Using mail merge, e-mail merge or catalog merge (for photo albums, directories, catalog)
</li><li>Updating catalogs, pricing lists and datasheets
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AdvancedSkills">Advanced Skills</h3><p>Advanced skills allow the user to get greater use out of the program. A Microsoft Publisher course may cover:
</p><ul><li>Learning to use Publisher with Excel, Word and Access
</li><li>Creating personalized hyperlinks
</li><li>Saving files in multiple formats
</li><li>Converting publications for Internet viewing
</li><li>Customizing publications</li></ul>
