Back to Square One

The origin of the phrase "Back to square one" is highly disputed among etymologists. Some believe the term derived from the popular board game Chutes and Ladders, while others claim its origins must come from the playground pastime hopscotch. Another popular theory is that the phrase originated with BBC radio commentators calling a game of football. (That's "soccer" to all of our American readers.)

BBC radio used to split the football pitch (soccer field) into eight evenly distributed and numbered squares. (Really rectangles, but "squares" is what the BBC called them, so there.) The football commentators would then refer to the square that the ball was in, to help the listener visualize what was going on in the game. I imagine if this system were still in use today, the call would go something like this: “Neymar, crosses back to square one, finding Messi who shoots and scores! GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLL!!!!”

This is my favorite origin of the phrase, because it doesn’t mean that you are going back to the beginning — square one is just a part of the game. When someone is starting down their career path, or changing careers, they might find it necessary to go “back to square one” before being able to score.

Basic computing and Microsoft Office training may be your “square one.” In fact, it should be everyone’s “square one” if you’re going into an IT profession. Desktop Pro is TestOut’s basic computing and Microsoft Office training, and everyone needs to know about it. Here are five reasons why Desktop Pro should be your “square one”:

1. Learn the essentials — Desktop Pro certification training will train you in the essentials of computer basics, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
2. Engaging video content for retention — Textbooks are not engaging, but videos are. TestOut’s videos feature a variety of instructors, helpful graphics, and text to help increase retention.
3. Practice what you learn — You’ve heard that practice makes perfect, and TestOut’s lab simulations provide an environment for you to practice the principles you’re learning.
4. Validate your skills and increase your confidence — TestOut’s experience based training and experience based exams will get you feeling like you can land any job. TestOut Desktop Pro certification will validate your skills to potential employers.
5. You can get free access today — TestOut is confident that you’ll want to buy the product once you have used it, so give it a try!

If you’re needing a change, or something to jumpstart your new career, the best place to go is back to square one. Give yourself the best chance to score, by trying TestOut’s Desktop Pro.

About the Author — Jake Slater is the social media manager for GoCertify and a graduate of Brigham Young University. Jake is not a square, but he does do some pretty slick square dancing.