How to Become Microsoft Certified in PowerPoint

Attaining a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification in PowerPoint provides proof of your skills to create presentations, using all the tools and features of the software. MOS certification can increase your earning and advancement potential. And don’t forget to add it to your resume! Read on to learn what it takes to get your MOS certification in PowerPoint.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• PowerPoint
• Desire to become Microsoft Office Specialist Certified

1. To gain your certification, you must take an exam. The exam covers four skill sets: Creating Content, Formatting Content, Collaborating, and Managing and Delivering Presentations. See “PowerPoint Exam Areas” in Resources (a) below for a detailed list of what you need to know within each skill set.
2. The exam, which is around 60 minutes in duration and will cost at least $75 (depends on testing location), needs to be taken at an Authorized CertiPort Exam Center. See Resources (b) below for a link to find the exam center closest to you.
3. The exam requires you to complete a series of tasks. See Resources, (c) Exam Format, for details of the exam, and Resources (d) for a study guide. TIP: Since the test is timed, you may not have the luxury to rummage around trying to figure out an answer. Be prepared before you schedule the exam. Know PowerPoint inside and out: Click on each button of all the toolbars, click each of the resulting menu links, click every button on every dialogue box. You need to know everything there is to know about PowerPoint.
4. There are practice tests you can purchase to install on your computer. The software will provide you on-screen displays that mimic what you will see on the actual exam. There are practice areas in the software as well timed areas where you can truly test your skills. You can search the Internet for self testing software, like at www.indtraining.com or perhaps through ads around this article.
5. On the day of your exam, you should allow around 10 minutes to have the testing area setup for you after you arrive. A technician will start the computer and set it up for the specific exam you need to take. You will probably be in a room with others who are also taking tests. Each computer station has dividers so you can’t see what the person next to you is doing. You will be required to leave your purse, school bag, etc., in a locker outside the testing room (locker with key is provided). Before you click the begin test button, make sure you are physically comfortable: is the chair the right height? The room you are in will have a window to the room the technician is in so he/she can monitor you. When you finish taking the exam, either signal the technician that you are finished, or make your way to the door, which will take you into the technician’s room to exit. Be courteous of others who may still be taking their exam.
6. Results are provided within minutes of completing the exam. The technician will print out your results. The exam report is one page and has a bar chart indicating what the minimum score is to pass and what your score is. There’s an additional breakdown by the skill sets mentioned in Step 1 to let you know where you need improvement and where you excelled. Good luck!!