Microsoft MOS
A Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is the premier Microsoft desktop certification, a globally recognized standard for demonstrating desktop skills. There are two levels at which individuals can be certified — Core and Expert. Currently there are expert level exams only for Word and Excel.
The Microsoft Office Specialist Program provides a mechanism for all types of users, regardless of their motivation, to prove their competency in the family of Microsoft Office applications. Whether you are a student with little real-world experience or a highly trained professional with a top-level staff position, you may find that it is beneficial to add the Microsoft Office User Specialist designation to your portfolio.
Office 2000 Track
Word 2000 Core; Excel 2000 Core; PowerPoint 2000 Core; Access 2000 Core; Outlook 2000 Core; Word 2000 Expert; Excel 2000 Expert
Office XP Track
Word 2002 Core; Excel 2002 Core; PowerPoint 2002 Core; Access 2002 Core; Outlook 2002 Core; Word 2002 Expert; Excel 2002 Expert
Office 2003 Track
Excel 2003 Specialist, Excel 2002 Expert
About the Exams
Candidates who want to become MOS designated have a number of options. You can either get your Core or your Expert certification by taking one exam on one of the Office programs: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook. You can also get your Master certification in Office 97 or 95 by passing five or four exams, respectfully. For more information on the exams and requirements, open the preceding "Exam Chart and Sybex Products" section.
The MOS exams are performance based, and require the test-taker to perform specific tasks. You are graded on whether you can finish the task or not. For instance, you may be asked to open a specific file in Word, cut a specific block of text, and paste it into another document.
For more information on the MOS program, visit the related page on Microsoft's Web site.
A Note about MOS and Office XP
Note that you can currently get your MOS certification in Office 2000, 97, or 95, and there are different requirements for each. Also, Nivo and Microsoft are expecting to release exams for Office XP in the near future.
Taking the Exams
You can receive information about a local Authorized Testing Center (ATC) by calling 800-933-4493 or by visiting the Web site of Certiport Inc., the company that is managing the testing, at www.certiport.com. Not every city has a testing center, but the number of centers is growing rapidly; there probably is one within a couple hours' drive if not right in your city. Although some centers allow walk-in test-takers, it's best to call first to make sure.
Each test you take has a fee associated with it. You can usually pay by check or credit card; check on payment arrangements when you call to register. Be sure to bring a picture ID (driver license, passport, credit card, etc) to the testing center with you.
Notes
Certification requirements and exam objectives are subject to change at any time without prior notice from the sponsoring organization. Sybex recommends that you visit the web site of the sponsoring organization for the latest information prior to signing up for any exams.
The information provided on this Web site is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with Microsoft. Sybex is an independent entity from Microsoft Corporation, and not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation in any manner. Microsoft is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.
