Certiport IC� and Microsoft Office Certifications Help Connect Digitally

Certiport has announced the launch of a pilot that will allow 500 students in grades 8-12 in India to develop and certify critical digital skills through the Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) and official Microsoft (News - Alert) Office certification programs.

The program is being funded through the Rotary Club of New Delhi through corporate sponsorship from Intel (News - Alert), Spice Telecom and CyberLearning, to help students to stay in school and train them with new technical skills.

Certiport prepares individuals with digital skills and credentials for the global workforce. The training is delivered by more than 12,000 Certiport Centers worldwide and include Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³), the official Microsoft Office certification programs and the Adobe Certified Associate certification program.

Certiport’s Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) is suited for anyone who wants to demonstrate critical computer and Internet skills valued in today’s academic and professional environments. Because digital literacy is vital to the success in both of these endeavors, IC³ is the perfect credential for both traditional and non-traditional students as well as employees.

“India is experiencing astonishing growth in technology-enabled professional services,” stated Ray Kelly, president and CEO of Certiport. “Certiport is delighted to provide certified skills to a population that might not otherwise have the opportunity to support the growth of the country’s digital economy.”

Qualified trainers from CyberLearning will provide instruction to students on aspects of computing, the Internet and Microsoft Office applications at participating schools. After completing the required Certiport IC³ curriculum, which includes extensive hands-on computer training, students will be trained to earn the globally recognized Microsoft Office certification for proficiency in one of five business applications. Also, the top two performing students from each participating school will be rewarded with an Intel-powered Classmate PC.

“Reports indicate that 80 percent of graduates produced by India are not readily employable, so it’s imperative that we start focusing on schools,” commented Pankaj Rai, chairman of the Rotary Club of New Delhi Literacy Committee in India and CEO of CyberLearning.

“Keeping students engaged in education through this program will enable them to advance beyond their present circumstances and seize opportunity,” added Rai.

Based on its success, the project may be extended to more than 500 schools by July 2009.