Microsoft Office Specialist

Objectives

This program was created for individuals who are interested in working in an environment or position that requires advanced skills using Microsoft Office. The goal is successful completion of the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification for Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Office Specialist Job Description

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is the globally recognized standard for validating expertise with the Microsoft Office suite of business productivity programs. Earning Office Specialist certification acknowledges you have the expertise to work with Microsoft Office programs. Office Specialist-certified individuals report increased competence and productivity with Microsoft Office programs as well as increased credibility with their employers, co-workers, and clients. Office Specialist certification sets you apart in today's competitive job market, bringing employment opportunities, greater earning potential, and career advancement - in addition to increased job satisfaction.

Certification

The courses prepare the student for Microsoft Office Specialist: Word 2003 and Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel 2003. Exams measure the student’s ability to productively use Microsoft Word 2003 and Microsoft Excel 2003.

Prerequisites

Students should have a High School diploma. Some experience using Microsoft Word is a plus. The majority of successful candidates for Word certification will have:

  • Basic computer skills
  • Had more than one year experience using the application in an applied setting (i.e., on the job, in school, and/or at home) prior to their exam experience
  • Spent no less than 20 hours in exam specific preparation
  • Chosen practice tests/assessments, instructor-led training, self-study/books guides, or computer-based training as their primary preparation methods, and
  • Used the following methods of preparation in combination:
    • practice tests/assessments,
    • self-study books/guides,
    • computer-based training, and/or
    • instructor-led training

Courses

The program is broken down into four segments: training, test preparation, internship, and job search. The entire program should take 10 months or less to complete. The schedule is as follows:

  • Training: 10 weeks
  • Test Prep: 8 weeks
  • Internship: 16 weeks
  • Job Search: 8 weeks