Students can take certification tests in Microsoft Applications through Certiport, that are industry standard certifications, that students can put on their resume's or portfolios, that can help them get into colleges, get jobs, and/or give them college credit.  The certification cost may vary, but taking these certifications, here at South Gallia, they are free for the students.  Certifications, according to Certiport, improves academic performance and makes their resume's stand out among the rest.  These certifications also count towards the students graduation requirements.  The Microsoft certifications, for instance, count for 3 points each towards the total 18 points needed to graduate.