Richard is right, I have looked for years to try and find someone that offered a service (videos) that I could learn from, I am not interested in being "Certified", I just want to learn the program, Richard has taught me SO SO much in this regard. Because of Richard I have learnt so much, BUT it is more then offering the lessons, it is the EXCELLENT service that goes with that, Richard is a Businessman as well, Orders are made and invoices received via email, Richard is the full package, EXCELLENT lessons and EXCELLENT Business service, the two are very important.
Regards Richard
Selby

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Reply from Richard Rost:

Aw... now you're making me blush.

Honestly, I understand why big businesses want to see certifications. They don't want to go through the process of hiring someone who SAYS he knows Access or Excel, only to find out days or weeks later that he really didn't. At least you have a piece of paper that says you have a fundamental understanding of the product. I get it.

However, I was just making a statement that you don't NEED to be certified to KNOW the programs. I've seen people who have ZERO certifications (like me) who are experts, and I have seen people who have all kinds of certifications and don't know Jack Squat (a good friend of mine, BTW).

Back around 1995-2001 when my company used to provide mostly PC service and in-person training, I went through a process of interviewing several people for training positions. The BEST people were those who just had practical, hands-on, working experience with the applications. At least 3 or 4 people came in who were Microsoft Certified in Word an Excel and barely knew how to run a Mail Merge or build a Pivot Table.

It takes more effort on the part of the employer to screen candidates, but I'd rather see what an employee is made out of rather than just rely on a piece of paper.

Now, some things NEED certification. I definitely want to make sure my brain surgeon is certified. Other things, like computer software, can be better learned on your own with a good book (or video tutorials, hint hint).