Adult Workforce Education and Training Network
How to Get Started
Please note: Ohio residents may request and receive a voucher. Individuals can be unemployed, employed part-time or full-time employees. Anyone with Internet access can take advantage of the digital literacy courses on Microsoft’s website. Vouchers are not required.
Follow these steps to get started on Elevate America:
1. Review resources
Review resources provided on this website to help you gain more information and help decide how you can take advantage of Elevate America resources. Consider your current skills and the future skills you need in your work. If you’re new to technology, we recommend that you access the free online tutorial for basic computer skills before accessing a voucher. Learn more about Digital Literacy. These courses come in multiple languages.
If you are not sure which type of e-learning course is right for you, learn more about how to access the free introductory courses in Microsoft Vista and Office 2007 products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Once you are on the page, click on "Windows Vista and Office 2007 Essentials" follow the instructions to use the free access code. Each course has an on-line self-assessment tool to help you understand if you need to take the introductory courses. It may also help you decide where you need more in depth skill development through an on-line course using a voucher.
2. Decide which training is best for you
Once you are up to speed on the basics and have narrowed down your interests in Microsoft tools, review the list of training courses available. You can get an E-Learning voucher for any Microsoft Vista, Office 2003 or 2007 product. If you want to receive an Elevate America e-learning voucher to take any of the training courses, call or go to your nearest Adult Workforce Education Center to register.
Get Certified in Microsoft Products
After completing the E-Learning course, you may opt to take the certification exam. If you become proficient or are already proficient in Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 products, you may request a certification exam voucher to take the exam. You register for a certification voucher with the Adult Workforce Career Center. Locate the Adult Workforce Center/Certiport Center nearest you.
3. Understand how the training vouchers work
There are 2 types of e-learning vouchers. The list of training courses provides details on the courses available through each voucher type.
- 26,500 E-learning vouchers allow you to take online courses in Microsoft 2003 or 2007 products and are referred to as "Business Worker" vouchers.
- 6,625 vouchers from the Microsoft IT Professional Library.
There are 2 types of certification exam vouchers. You can receive a voucher to be certified in a Microsoft 2003 or 2007products.
Each voucher allows you to take 1 training course (or course collection) or 1 certification exam. You may request more than 1 voucher or type of voucher. Vouchers must be requested and activated by August 26, 2010. Once the E-Learning voucher is activated, online training can be taken for 12 months after the date of activation. Certification exams, however, must be completed by Aug. 26, 2010.
4. Visit your local Adult Workforce Education Center to request your voucher
Please call your local Career Center to ensure that vouchers are still available.
5. Access Microsoft's Elevate merica website to activate your voucher
You’ll be asked to do the following:
- Set up a Windows Live ID
- Enter your voucher number
- Select a training course
- If you’re ready, you can take the E-learning course immediately.
6. Contact the following if you need help
If you have any technical questions or need help to access the E-Learning, please contact Microsoft at (800) 636-7544 or email e-learn@microsoft.com. For questions regarding your eligibility and how to obtain a voucher, please contact your local Adult Workforce Education Center.
