1/22/2003 -- If you're a student and a whiz at Word or Excel XP, then Certiport -- the organization that administers the Office Specialist certification program for Microsoft -- is looking for you.

The company is currently holding preliminary rounds of a contest measuring the Office XP skills of students worldwide. According to Certiport, high-scoring students on Office Specialist XP exams through March are being invited to participate in the Microsoft Office XP Worldwide Competition, to be held this May in Walt Disney World, Florida.

Most students who've taken their Office XP exams at an academic testing center have been automatically entered into the contest, Certiport said. Others who want to participate can register through the official contest Web site at http://www.officexpcompetition.com/.

Contestants must be current students at an academic institution such as a high school or college and possess a valid student identification card and photo ID. Winners of the regional competitions may be given paid trips to participate in the finals.

Several organizations are promoting participation in the contest, including the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL). Both organizations received "in-kind" donations of Microsoft Office Specialist exams, Certiport said.

"UNCF will make good use of this kind expression of support from Certiport," said Alan Kirschner, senior vice president for development at UNCF. "These exams complement Microsoft's continued support and commitment to closing the digital divide and expanding educational opportunities for the deserving young men and women that attend UNCF institutions."

For more information on this contest, visit the link above. For more information on Microsoft's Office Specialist certifications, click here. -B.N.