Library offers online IT classes, certifications

Whitman County Library cardholders can participate in free online classes, take certification exams at a reduced cost and take home prizes. Through Sept. 17, library card users can be certified in any of the Office programs, Word Excel, PowerPoint, Access or Outlook, in versions 2010 and 2013. To get certified, residents are encouraged to learn the software by taking free online Microsoft IT Academy classes through Whitman County Library's website.

Once the software is mastered, they can register as a test candidate with Certiport at http://www.Certiport.com and contact Whitman County Library to schedule a test date.

Through a pilot program, Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State in support of the Microsoft IT Academy, exams which are normally $125 each are now free or deeply discounted. Tests will be $50 or less with one free retake per participant.

Prizes will be awarded for every completed course. After finishing a course, residents can contact any of the library's 14 locations, print the completion certificate and claim a mini travel tumbler, a fiesta mason jar with straw or an infusion sport bottle. All participants who complete a course or certification will be included in a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card donated by the Friends of the Library.

To gain access to the IT Academy and begin visit library's website and choose the IT Academy link at the bottom of the left hand menu bar.

http://www.whitco.lib.wa.us