Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Microsoft Office Certification Testing

Increae your earning potential by become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist


The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) is a certification available to administrative assistants,office managers or anyone who use an office computer. Individuals can increase their productivity and enhance their resumes with the well respected MOS certification. To become a Microsoft Office Specialist, MOS candidates have to prepare for and pass certification tests administered through Microsoft Authorized Testing Centers.


What is MOS Certicifications


Microsoft Office Certification Testing is related to certifying individuals to be Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). A Microsoft Office Specialist is a person who has demonstrated proficiency at Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook and Project. Individuals can get certified for Word only or all six. The most popular and widely used productivity software are Word and Excel and represent the bulk of MOS certifications.


Why get Certified


Traditionally, Microsoft certifications is for computer engineers looking for certification in programs such as the Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE). MCSEs are individuals who set-up and manage computer and information system at corporate offices. Contrary to this, the MOS is for anyone who use a computer at work, such as administrative assistants and office managers. The Microsoft Office suite of product are office productivity tools where, by getting certified, individuals can increase their productivity at work. Increased productivity supported by a well respected certification means recognition, more promotions, better job offers and more income.


Skill Requirements








MOS candidates can get a MOS certification as an office specialist and expert specialist. Office specialist is available for all six office productivity software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook and Project. Expert is available only in Word and Excel. A Word office specialist must show proficiency in formatting text, paragraphs, creating tables and other basic Word functions. An Excel office specialist must be proficient at formatting cells, worksheets, formulas, working with multiple worksheets and other basic Excel functions. However, as an expert Word or Excel specialist, MOS candidates are required to accomplish more advanced task, such a creating sophisticated tables in Word and creating macros in Excel necessary to automate repetitive task.








The Certification Exam


The MOS exams are hands-on where candidates apply knowledge using simulated Microsoft office programs. No pencil or paper is required; the test is completely computerized. The test are administered at Microsoft Authorized Testing Centers. Test performance is scored immediately and candidates need to get 80 percent right to pass the exam.


Prepare


The best way to prepare for the exam is to first understand the structure and format of the exam. Candidates can do this online at Certiport. Also, candidates can get additional test taking tips at CertCities (see References for both). Next, candidates should learn the objective and goals of the test associated with each application. This is done at the Microsoft Specialist Web site. When ready, candidates can also find locations of Microsoft Authorized Testing Centers at Certiport.

Tags: Microsoft Office Specialist, Word Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office, Office Specialist