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.:Career Resource Office:.

Bldg. 1438
760-830-7225
760-830-5955 [Fax]
Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Sat, Sun & Holidays: Closed

Our mission is to provide quality transition assistance to Marines, Sailors, spouses, retirees, civil servants and other authorized members. CRO offers a variety of resources including federal resume workshops, pre-retirement seminars, local employment workshops, free email and fax for job assistance and much more!

.:CRO Staff:.

The Following programs can be reached at 830-7225:
Transition Management Program [TAMP]
Family Member Employment Assistance Program [FMEAP]
Microsoft Certification [MOS]

Internet Computer Lab
Employment Resources
Manager

Changing careers can be a stressful venture. Although transition from military service can be traumatic, it can also open new and exciting possibilities. At CRO, counselors can recommend several tactics proven effective in dealing with transition-related stress. Additionally, they can refer you to a variety of professional service providers trained in stress management. 

.:Individual Transition Plan:.

The return to the private sector can be complex and challenging. Without a plan it is easy to lose control of your transition process. Your Individual Transition Plan [ITP] assists you in making a successful transition back to civilian life. See your unit UTC for more information about this program.

ITP helps you identify service providers you should contact for assistance and brief you on likely actions/activities associated with your transition. We also help you chart out a game plan for your transition process.

.:Microsoft Certification:.

Exams are offered at CRO in building 1438, next to the Post Office.
For more information please call 760-830-7225.

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification 
Microsoft Office Specialist (Office Specialist) certification, the premier Microsoft desktop certification, is a globally recognized standard for demonstrating desktop skills. The Office Specialist program is helping meet the demand for qualified and knowledgeable people in the modern workplace.

What is a Microsoft Office Specialist?
A Microsoft Office Specialist is an individual who has certified his or her skills in one or more of the Microsoft Office® desktop applications of Microsoft Word®, Microsoft Excel®, Microsoft PowerPoint®, Microsoft Outlook® or Microsoft Access®. The Microsoft Office Specialist Program typically offers certification exams at the "Core" and "Expert" skill levels*. The Microsoft Office Specialist Program is the only Microsoft approved program in the world for certifying proficiency in Microsoft Office desktop applications. This certification can be a valuable asset in any job search or career advancement. The program is open to Marines and Navy personnel and Dependents 16+, plus DOD workers.

How long will it take?
Many factors determine the time it takes individuals to certify. People learn at different rates of speed and start with varying levels of experience. One advantage of the MOS training software is that it allows skipping training on subjects already mastered, and has the ability to return to previous segments for more practice on harder subjects.

The test has a combination of multiple choice questions and execution items. It should be noted that the Certification Test is at the MASTERY level, not introductory or informational level. In order to pass, each key stroke of the test is graded. For example, hunting through drop down menus to find an answer would result in a wrong answer.  

How does the program work?
1. Read and fill out letter of agreement.  
2. Start on Interactive CD ROMs (Work at your own pace at your own level)
3. Take practice tests. Consult with Computer Lab personnel about the results and recommendation for certification testing.

Individual Benefits
Earning Office Specialist certification acknowledges industry standard expertise to work with Microsoft Office programs. Office Specialist-certified individuals report increased competence and productivity with Microsoft Office programs as well as increased credibility with their employers, co-workers, and clients. Office Specialist certification can set you apart in today’s competitive job market, bringing employment opportunities, greater earning potential and career advancement, in addition to increased job satisfaction.
Microsoft Office Specialist certifications for Microsoft Office 2003 and have been recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) for one semester hour of college credit in lower division “computer applications" or “information technology." 

How much does it cost?
There is no cost associated with the MOSprogram for Active duty & active duty spouses, reservists’, retirees and Dod/NAF workers. The Training Materials and Certification Tests are provided for use in the Career Resource Office Computer Lab.

Typing

Typing courses
At home or at work strong typing skills are essential for making the most of every moment at the computer. Put an end to frustration and wasted time with just 15 minutes of practice a day! The leader in typing tutorial software for 10 years running Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing delivers the customized training you need in a motivating engaging format. Work at your own pace with lesson content that keeps you interested. This flexible program is an ideal choice for any would-be fluent typist including students email enthusiasts and office professionals. If you use the keyboard you'll benefit from Mavis Beacon. Don't waste one more minute hitting 'backspace!' Gain noticeable improvements in typing speed and accuracy in just two weeks and as little as 15 minutes of practice per day. With Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, better typing is guaranteed.

Typing Tests

Certified Typing Test Information
A typing certificate verifies a person's typing speed and accuracy and is often required for applicants to legal assistant, medical assistant or government positions. In order to become certified typists, candidates must pass a typing test; this usually consists of typing an unfamiliar text within a timeframe while avoiding errors and maintaining a minimum speed. The number of errors and minimum speed allowed vary depending on the organization issuing the certificate.

Who Needs to Take a Certified Typing Test?
A lot of jobs require employees to type letters or reports, input data and process information. Employers need that work done quickly and accurately. Because of this, many businesses require applicants for those jobs to submit certified typing test results - a typing certificate - to verify the job seekers' typing speed and accuracy. Even when the business does not require a certificate, applicants who submit one show their professionalism; this may help them stand out from other candidates.

What Must the Certificate Include?
Employers have their own lists of typing certificate requirements. The name of the issuing agency is required, and some employers may want the agency's official emblem. The agency's address and phone number should be included, as well as the applicant's name. The date of the typing test should be stated, and most businesses require that the date not be more than a year prior to the job application. Some employers require the signature of the individual certifying the test results.
Most employers require at least a 5-minute timed test, although some may require only three minutes and a few as much as ten minutes. The total number of words per minute and the number of errors made should also appear on the certificate. Some agencies will not grant a certificate if there are more than five errors on the test, and some require or recommend a score of at least 25 net words per minute.
Certifying agencies generally give 3-, 5- or 10-minute tests; some will give all three. If the applicant doesn't know what an employer requires, or if he or she wants to have one certificate that will suffice for several potential employers, having all three timed tests on the certificate gives a margin of safety.

How much does it cost?
There is no cost associated with the program for Active duty & active duty Spouses, reservists’, retirees and DoD/NAF workers.

.:Lifelong Learning Library:.

Bldg. 1528
760-830-6875
760-830-4497 [Fax]
Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm
Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm
Holidays: Open [Except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years]

The Lifelong Learning Library has a wealth of informational resources from books to internet access, as well as trained professionals to help you find what you need. They also offer movie and music rentals.

.:Useful Library Links:.

Military Library Catalogues
Library link Information

.:Children's Activities:.

Lap time [Ages 0 - 2]: Wednesdays, 10:30am - 11am
Story Hour [Ages 3 - 5]: Tuesdays, 10:30am - 11:30am

.:Services of the Lifelong learning Library:.

To check books out from our library all you need is your ID card, your sponsor's unit and company information or work place and phone number.

You may have up to four items checked out at any one time, this includes video/DVDs.

All books are checked out for a lending period of three weeks. Books on the Bestseller List can only be checked out for two weeks at a time. Video/DVDs are checked out for a three days lending period, with the exception of instructional or boxed sets which go out for three weeks. CDs, language tapes, cassettes and audio books may be checked out for three weeks.

The library has 15 computers with internet access, along with one ten minute express computer. The computers print to a color printer. There is also scanning and typewriter equipment available. [Please note: Copies are limited to 15 in one day, and we DO NOT run military copies for units]

The library is equipped with a TV, DVD, VCR, newspapers and magazines for your enjoyment. Telephone books are also available for many parts of Southern California.