Easy Steps to Getting Microsoft Office Specialist

Microsoft offers two versions of the prestigious Microsoft Office certification. He is Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS). The version of authentication a person should pursue depends on the version of Microsoft Office you use and wants to authenticate. This article will focus on Microsoft Office Specialist certification.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is for individuals who want to get certified on Microsoft Office 2003 products. Seven possible MOS exams are available. There are two possible titles or designations from the seven exams the person taking the MOS exam can earn. The positions are Microsoft Specialist and / or Master Microsoft Office Specialist.

If you take any of the above exams, you become a Microsoft Office Specialist in that product. Therefore, if you pass the Microsoft Word 2003 Expert Exam, you will be sent a certificate from Microsoft, which states that you are a Microsoft Office Specialist in Word 2003 Expert. If you take the Outlook core exam, you will be given a certificate stating that you are a Microsoft Office Specialist in the Outlook 2003 Core. After passing one of the above exams, you are certified as a "Microsoft Office Specialist" and you can use the Microsoft Office Specialist designation after your name at that time, as well as the MOS logo on business cards, resumes, etc.

When you pass four specific MOS exams you will earn a Master Microsoft Office Specialist certification / designation. The exams required for Master MOS status are:

Word 2003 Expert

Excel 2003 expert

PowerPoint 2003 core

Outlook 2003 core or Access 2003 core

When you clear the on top of four required exams, Microsoft will mail you a certificate that says Master Microsoft Office Specialist. This certificate will also say which of the four required exams you pass. If you have decided that this is the certification for you because you use Microsoft Office 2003 and want to validate your skills, then you should take the following steps.

Step one is training - through training, you will get to know the applications of 2003 and the skills you will be testing. When looking for training is for programs that start with application basics and also cover advanced topics. The tests are tough, so you want to make sure that the training you choose is comprehensive and that it covers the exam objectives. You have to look for training that includes hands-on performance. All specialist exams are hands-on exams. When taking the test, there are questions that become visible at the underneath of the page. The application you are testing will open at the top of the screen and you will have to "do" the tasks required to answer the questions. The exam is also time bound. Each exam is of 50 minutes, so you want to make sure that you can complete the objective of each exam. Training that includes hands-on practice will help you learn and retain information.

Step to Have Practice Exams - Many vendors sell Microsoft Office Specialist practice exams. These practice exams simulate the exam environment. This allows you to become familiar with the types of questions they will ask you, the way questions are asked, expected responses, and is a great way to hone your skills before taking the actual exam.

Phase three is the actual examination - the examination is conducted only through official certificate testing centers. To take the test you will need to visit a physical location. You can find a test center online through the Certificates website, and then call the test center to schedule and pay for the test. Beware, Microsoft does not offer Online Office 2003 exams. You have to go to the physical testing center and pass the certification exam to be "certified".