BUSINESS INFORMATION WORKER
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
Description:
This certificate is designed to align learning content to the “Business Information Worker” pathway
developed by the Information and Communication Technology – Digital Media Sector Navigation Team,
as a component of the “Doing What Matters” program. A key component of this effort is the
development of a Certificate that mirrors this pathway, resulting in the development of a designation
identifying uniform collection of skill business and industry have recognized as needed by entry level
workers.
The unit count for this certificate of achievement ranges from twenty-one (21) to twenty-four (24) units,
depending upon a student’s level of keyboarding skills and basic familiarity with computer operating
systems. The CIS 30 course identified below is optional.
Category
Keyboarding
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook
Information Systems – Basics
Business Communications
Customer Service
Course
Number
CIS 30*
CIS 50
CIS 70
CIS 80
CIS 105
CIS 62
BUS 102
BUS 116
Course Title
Fundamental Computer Concepts and Applications
Applying Computer Software
Word Processing – Beyond the Basics
Spreadsheets in a Business Environment
Microsoft Outlook-Managing Information
Business Information Systems
Business Communications
Customer Service Skills
Total
* Optional
Units
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2124
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this Certificate of Achievement, the student will be able to:
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Diagram and differentiate basic computer terminology and apply it to communication.
Construct and modify solutions to very simple personal, educational or business needs applying
use of office workplace computer programs.
Design, diagram, and construct simple file folder structure on local storage, and access files for
upload/download to/from online tools.
Formulate expressions and construct logic comparisons using proper symbols and syntax in
workplace computer programs.
Create and organize various types of files using various workplace computer programs.
Construct projects efficiently generating solutions using various workplace computer programs
and shortcuts.
Demonstrate the mechanics and use of word processing software to organize and present data
in a multicolumn, multipage newsletter format including banner, bordering, tables, text effects
and embedded graphics.
Employ the following collaborative tools in working with documents: compare, review,
comment, track changes, digital signatures.
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Demonstrate appropriate pagination and word processing features to apply a formal
(MLA/APA/Chicago) style of documentation in the creation of a multi-section research paper or
report with Table of Contents, Index, and Bibliography.
Design and construct a FORM using multiple content controls.
Identify techniques to automate tasks using macros, and importing data into worksheets.
Apply advanced Excel tools such as solver, scenarios, pivot tables, pivot charts, and templates to
workbooks.
Assess the security and protection features in Excel.
Identify techniques to send, receive and manage emails.
Integrate the features of working with tasks and schedules to organize both professional and
personal information.
Design and assess plan for backup and maintenance of Outlook files and information.
Analyze trends in technologies and evaluate their effects on organizational data analysis.
Evaluate various software development methods.
Generate data storage and analysis tools that could be used in a business environment.
Analyze business situations and determine appropriate methods to deliver negative and positive
messages.
Create audience centric business documents to enhance readability.
Analyze leaders and evaluate their effectiveness.
Analyze strategies for promoting a positive service culture.
Explain the elements of a service culture.
Analyze the extent to which customer service is facilitated by the effective use of technology
Career Opportunities:
This certificate prepares the student for a wide variety of office positions in the top industry sectors in
the Greater Sacramento region1, including:
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Hospitality and Tourism
Retail
Health Care Services
Financial Services and Real Estate
Business Services
In a recent meeting conducted by CalHR, the idea of adoption of this certificate was discussed and is
being supported by this working group, in recognition of the fact that for entry level clerk and
administrative positions, there is going to be a steady stream of opening of positions due to anticipated
retirements that will as a direct consequence see movement of existing personnel in these position in to
more skilled positions.2 According to a recent Man Power Group report, a talent shortage of skilled
office support staff is similar in scope to a shortage of IT staff.3
1
See http://www.calmis.ca.gov/SpecialReports/Sacramento_REA_Profile_Aug2014.pdf
CalHR Working Group meeting, February 5, 2015.
3
http://www.manpowergroup.us/campaigns/talent-shortage-2014/assets/pdf/2014_Talent_Shortage_WP_US.pdf
2