The western community has its first authorized center of examination where citizens can obtain various certifications in computer systems and programming for Microsoft, and validate their technical skills in those areas of computer sciences.

Professor Eva Zoe Quiñones, Dean of the Business Administration College, announced at a University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Campus (UPRM) Press conference which was held October 14, at the University, that this service has been made available by the Academic Center for Exam Administration at the Business Administration College.

The Dean explained that three years ago the Center began to offer students, non-teaching personnel, and faculty the opportunity to obtain certificates in Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS), and Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3), authorized by the Certiport Company and Microsoft.

“The extra step we are proposing is that the college is utilized as an exam center, this will allow citizens who are not part of the UPRM community to take certification exams in distinct Microsoft programs, something that we have already established that we can do internally,” explained Quiñones.

Professor Awilda E. Valle, Authorized Center of Examinations coordinator, assured that the effort is part of the ADEM mission to provide the students with the competitive skills, and high technology necessary to enter successfully on the path leading to a competitive work world. She added that this opportunity would now be extended to the community.

“Organizations and businesses consider that obtaining these certificates guarantees that someone posses the necessary skills in the computer science field,” stated Valle.

She added that the Center is recognized by Certiport, an international company focused on the technology for learning, and in the development of certification programs for authorized centers such as that of UPRM.

Certiport representative, through the Delta Learning division, doctor Yolanda Ramos explained the significance of the opening of this Center for the Southeast region, since all the commercial offices of certification in Puerto Rico are located in the metropolitan area.

“We are responding to a world necessity, in a computer science economy where we must concern ourselves with how citizens will get the opportunity to develop the skills of digital alphabetization,” stated Ramos.

Doctor Aury Curbelo, director of the Institute of Office Administration, of UPRM’s College of Business Administration, attended the conference, and explained that the project is a fundamental part of the academic component of the Faculty.

“We are preparing our content with the goal in mind that our students take certification exams and, after they graduate, come back to the Center for more training, continuing to improve their skills, as well as obtaining new certifications,” stated Curbelo.

During the conference it was announced that the next date in which they will be offering certification exams, will be Saturday, November 22, 2008 in room 102 of the Business Administration building at UPRM. For more information, those interested may call (787) 832-4040 extensions 3888 and 5324.

From left to right: Doctor Aury Curbelo; Dean of Business Administration, professor Eva Zoe Quiñones, professor Awilda E. Valle, and doctor Yolanda Ramos.

Dean Eva Zoe Quiñones announced the center of examinations for Microsoft programs that will be available for the community outside of UPRM.		Professor Awilda E. Valle, coordinates the Authorized Center for Examinations.

The Center’s opening to the community was announced during a UPRM Press conference.

Photographs by Carlos Díaz / UPRM Press