Frequently Asked Questions

The IT Academy is a Microsoft programme aimed at schools and academic institutions to provide a range of resources, Information Technology Training, and certification opportunities for staff and students of the institution.

There are three main aspects of the programme;

• MTA - Microsoft Technology Associate:
  Aimed at students undertaking IT related courses, these training resources and exams lead to industry recognised qualifications that indicate a student's capability in some aspect of Information Technology.
• MOS - Microsoft Office Specialist:
  Aimed at admin and clerical staff, these courses are industry recognised qualifications in Microsoft Office products.
• MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional:
  Aimed at individuals already working in Information Technology, providing system configuration or system administration.

The MTA programme is designed as an e-learning course, which can be taken at the student's own pace.  However, while we are piloting the scheme, we are limiting each course to run over a period of up to 10 weeks.  Students who do not complete the course in the given time should be able to re-apply for the same course.

In addition, we have decided to run a series of two hour workshop/tutorial sessions that students can opt on to if they feel they need additional support or hands on training.  A schedule for these will be announced shortly.  Please note: there will be a small charge of £10.00 for these optional workshop/tutorial sessions.

HEFCE funded Staff and any registered students of the University of Liverpool may participate in the MTA and MOS programmes.

Anybody wishing to take an MCP certification should contact Andrew Craig (a.craig@csc.liv.ac.uk) to discuss their requirements and costs.

The MTA scheme's e-learning material and exams are being offered as complimentary (free). Should you choose to participate in one of the two-hour workshop/tutorial sessions, you will be charged a nominal fee of £10.00 per session. The workshop/tutorials will take place on Wednesdays either in the morning and/or afternoon.

The MOS scheme's e-learning material and exams are being offered at £50. This fee covers; e-book of the courseware, access to instructor led training, practice exams, and the exam itself.

No, this scheme is being offered as an optional extra-curricular opportunity for students and faculty staff to train or become certified in particular aspects of information Technology.

Each course that is made available will run a particular MTA programme for about ten weeks. After the ten weeks a replacement course offering the same programme will be made available on a similar basis. If you register for a current course but are unable to complete it before the end of the period, you just need to re-register for its replacement. Finally, you may not continue in the scheme if your University of Liverpool registration status changes, or the University discontinues the scheme.