How to Become a Microsoft Office Specialist

Microsoft Office Specialist, MOS, is a certification for Microsoft desktop applications. It is the only approved certification for these applications by Microsoft. A certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist can boost your career and your status as an authority on Microsoft Office Products.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Determine which Microsoft certification is the best fit for you. Several are available depending on the office suite in which you are proficient. There is Office 2000, 2003, XP and Microsoft Projects available.

2. Find your skill level. The core level certification will test you on standard business skills. The expert level test you on more complex task, such as formatting and functionality, as well as the standard skills.

3. Break your test down into sections to study. Each certification has several different Microsoft products that your proficiency is tested. The Office 2003 master certification requires you be tested in Word, Excel and PowerPoint with electives of Access and Outlook. The expert level is a test of higher proficiency in either Word or Excel. Study guides will help you with specific tasks you will need to know.

4. Locate a testing center near you. You can find these on the Microsoft website. Many of the testing centers will also offer prep classes or allow you to register for the test online.

5. Take your practice exams. These can be located at Microsoft's website. If you have opted to take classes, they will have practice exams and guidance for you.

6. Take the exam. If you have studied and taken practice exams, you are more than ready to take your certification.

7. Make it known that you are a Microsoft Office Specialist. Include your certification in your resume and inform your employer that you are now certified. It might just help your career.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider taking a class even if you have been using an office suite for sometime. They may have testing information or cover areas you are unfamiliar with.
• Microsoft certification testing has a fee. Be sure you are ready to take the exam. To take it again, you have to pay again.

Resources

• Certiport has testing demos and locations.
• Microsoft offers study guides and other information.

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