Job Description for MS Office Trainers

Microsoft's certification standards ensure the trainer is an expert with Office products.
i Adam Crowley/Photodisc/Getty Images
Microsoft's certification standards ensure the trainer is an expert with Office products.

A Microsoft Office trainer develops and leads training programs for individuals who want to learn about the Microsoft Office suite of software. She oversees the lesson planning and prepares materials for the classroom, then leads lectures, group activities and hands-on demonstrations with Microsoft Office software. She has proven her expertise with successful completion of Microsoft certification, and might work directly for Microsoft, an educational institution, a private computer consulting firm or a corporate IT department.

Job Duties

Microsoft Office training is the name of the game for a MS Office trainer, but there's more to the job than instructing a class full of adults about a suite of computer software. To assess class knowledge, she might design and hand out surveys, then will administer lectures and hands-on work based on her lesson plans and Microsoft-approved curriculum. During class time, she will demonstrate Microsoft Office products, field questions and begin student discussions, and she will be responsible for keeping the class on task and adhering to the agenda. The MS Office trainer is responsible for maintaining up-to-date class materials and might also be called upon to administer -- and possibly grade -- examinations.

Skills and Qualifications

Computer expertise is obviously the most important qualification, but in order to effectively administer a course to adult students, the Microsoft Office trainer must also have excellent oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to present courses effectively and confidently. Time management and punctuality are vital. She should be an active listener with good judgment and decision-making ability who is able to remain calm and bring the classroom back under control when things get unruly or off-topic.

Education and Experience

Most Microsoft Office trainer positions require the candidate to have at least a bachelor's -- and usually a master's -- degree. A background in education is helpful as she will be responsible for selecting and using training methods that are most appropriate for the students in her classroom. In addition to completion of college, she will also be required to maintain varying levels of Microsoft certifications, which must be renewed each year. She will also be responsible for attending training on new versions of Microsoft Office products.

Working Conditions

A Microsoft Office trainer will spend a majority of her time standing in front of a computer lab or classroom full of adult students. When not actively instructing, she will prepare lesson plans and perform other administrative duties in an office. She might be employed directly by Microsoft or work for an educational institution like a school district or university, a computer consulting firm or a corporation's IT department. Travel may also be required. Most MS Office trainers work a full-time schedule.

2016 Salary Information for Training and Development Managers

Training and development managers earned a median annual salary of $105,830 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, training and development managers earned a 25th percentile salary of $78,050, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $139,260, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 34,500 people were employed in the U.S. as training and development managers.

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