Data Entry
Certificate
Curriculum code 1317
Course Requirements                   Information Management Systems Web site

This program prepares students to utilize a keyboard to enter data from source documents into a computer, completing tasks such as entering alphabetic, numeric or symbolic keystrokes. Students learn to compile, sort and verify the accuracy of date to be entered. Keyboarding accuracy is stressed.

Nature of Work—Data entry operators enter and verify data using alphabetic, numeric, or symbolic keystrokes. May take customer orders from a variety of source documents and enter them into a tracking system. Keyboarding ­accuracy is stressed.

Related Job Titles—Data entry operator, data entry ­specialist.

Employment Outlook—Overall employment of data entry and information processing workers is projected to decline through 2014. Nevertheless, the need to replace those who transfer to other occupations or leave this large occupation for other reasons will produce numerous job openings each year. Job prospects will be most favorable for those with the best technical skills—in particular, expertise in appropriate computer software applications. Data entry and information processing workers must be willing to upgrade their skills continuously in order to remain marketable. Although data entry and information processing workers are affected by productivity gains stemming from organizational restructuring and the implementation of new technologies, projected growth differs among these workers. Employment of word processors and typists is expected to decline because of the proliferation of personal computers, which allows other workers to perform duties formerly assigned to word processors and typists. Most professionals and managers, for example, now use desktop personal computers to do their own word processing. However, because technologies affecting data entry keyers tend to be costlier to implement, employment of these workers will decline less than word processors and typists.

Earnings—Median annual earnings of data entry keyers in May 2004 were $23,250. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,630 and $28,150. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,480 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $34,410. Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Placement Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904, (708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.