Frequently Asked Questions: Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

What is a Microsoft Office Certification?

More than ever before, you need a way to tell the world about your expertise in Microsoft Office products which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is an industry standard of excellence, and it's the absolute best way to communicate your proficiency in leading desktop products from Microsoft.  Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is a program offered by Microsoft to show that an individual has attained a certain level of expertise with different Microsoft Office products for Microsoft Office 2010, 2007 and 2003. The certification process involves preparation and study, followed by an examination to measure the competency in the selected product.

NR Computer Learning Center (NRCLC) is an Authorized Testing Center in Orange county and provides service to anyone interested in Microsoft Office Certification exam to certify their knowledge in using the popular Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access.  

What is the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) Certification?

Initially when Microsoft released the certification program for Microsoft Office 2000 -2003, the certifications were referred to as Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2000 or 2003 based on the exam taken. In 2007, Microsoft released Microsoft Office 2007 with major enhancement in the look and feel and added new features and tools to manage large document and data. During the same year, Microsoft also introduces the exam for Microsoft Office 2007 Certification. The new certification for Microsoft Office 2007 were called Microsoft Certification Application Specialist (MCAS) to differentiate Microsoft 2007 exam from Microsoft 2003 exam. However, early 2010, Microsoft changed the MCAS title back to Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2007.

What is the benefit of Microsoft Certification?

The Microsoft Certification measures the expertise in using the Microsoft Office and Windows operating system. The Certificate can help you become more competitive and confident in today’s competitive job market, and result in higher earning potential. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification also helps employee increase their competence, productivity and credibility with their colleagues and clients. As an employer, Certification help them find the right individual for the project quickly with the right skill level and capabilities. Following is a list of benefits of obtaining a Microsoft Certificate:

• Validate your skills of job seekers
• Differentiate yourself from competitors
• Get your resume noticed
• Gain recognition from your employer
• Leverage the power of the Microsoft brand
• Microsoft certified instructors are experts that have the knowledge to teach Microsoft products and technologies.

Are there different levels of MOS Certification?

The MOS certificate consists of 3 levels of certifications: Specialist, Expert and Master.
Following is the list of exam requirements for MOS by certification level:

For more information, refer to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mbc.aspx

What is covered in the MOS 2010 and 2007 Certification exam?

Following links provide the information on the skills that are measured by MOS 2010 Exams:

• Exam 77-881: Microsoft Office Word 2010
• Exam 77-882: Microsoft Office Excel 2010
• Exam 77-883: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010
• Exam 77-884: Microsoft Office Outlook 2010
• Exam 77-885: Microsoft Office Access 2010

Following links provide the information on the skills that are measured by MOS 2007 Exam:

• Windows Vista for the Business Worker
• Microsoft Office Word 2007
• Microsoft Office Excel 2007
• Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007
• Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
• Microsoft Office Access 2007
• Microsoft Office Word 2007 Expert
• Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Expert

To download a study guide for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel and Word 2010 Exam, click here.

What is the process for getting an Microsoft Certification?

It is a six step process:

1. Select the level of certification you wish to achieve (MOS 2010 or 2007)
2. Select the product you wish to certify in (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook)
3. Prepare for the exam
4. Find a Certiport Authorized Testing Center
5. Register for the Test
6. Take the exam

Within four weeks of passing a certification exam, you will receive an official certificate in the mail with Microsoft logo from Microsoft that highlights your accomplishment.

Note: NR Computer Learning Center (NRCLC) is an Authorized Testing Center in Orange county and provides service to anyone interested in Microsoft Office Certification exam to certify their knowledge in using the popular Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access.

How can I become MOS 2010/2007 Master Instructor (MI)?

To achieve MOS 2010/2007 Master Instructor (MI) status, you need to follow the steps given below:

Step 1: You must take and pass all of the exams required to become MOS Master (see above).

Step 2: Satisfy any one of the following teaching credentials:

• A diploma or transcript from an accredited educational institution, verifying you have satisfied the requirements for a teaching or training degree, or a copy of your teaching certificate or post-graduate degree.
• A written letter (on company letterhead) from a current or past employer, verifying you have had at least two years of experience as a competent trainer of Microsoft Office desktop programs.
• A certificate verifying you have successfully completed a Microsoft approved Presentation Skills or Train-the-Trainer course.
• An instructor completion certificate from any of the following vendors: CSO Group, CompTIA, Certified Internet Webmaster, Cisco Systems, Citrix, Lotus, Microsoft (MCT), Novell, Oracle or Santa Cruz Operation.

Step 3: Complete the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Instructor application (login required) and e-mail proof of your instructional experience or credentials to microsoftinstructor@certiport.com

Step 4: When you receive an e-mail asking you to do so, submit your application fee of $95 USD Note: It takes approximately four weeks for the application to be processed.

How do I register for an MOS Certification exam?

To take a test you need a voucher. You can purchase a MOS 2007/2010 voucher from NRCLC website at http://www.nrclc.com/schedule/Scheduling_For_Exam.html or call NRCLC center at (714) 505-3475. When you purchase a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2007 or 2010 Voucher through NRCLC testing center, you will receive the Voucher via email within one business day.

Once you have the voucher, you need to register for the test. If you want to take the test at NR Computer Learning Center, located at 1835 W. Orangewood, Suite 200, Orange, CA, call the center at 714 505-3475 to setup an appointment to take the test. We are open Mon to Sat from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We are close on Wed, Sun and holidays.

The Microsoft exams are approximately one hour long. The score is based on the end result, not on the time taken to complete the test. The test results are displayed immediately and printed as soon as the test is completed.

An official Microsoft certificate with Microsoft logo is mailed by Microsoft to candidates four to six weeks after successfully passing the exam. It’s a valuable credential recognized worldwide and it is a proof that you have the Specialized knowledge in Microsoft Office product that is required to work more productively and efficiently than many of your peers.

Does NR Computer Learning Center (NRCLC) provide any assistance in preparing for the Exam?

NRCLC provides hands-on training at the training facility located in Orange County in California, close to Disneyland. To get more information on our test prep courses, practice test and hands-on scheduled classes, visit our website at http://www.nrclc.com/Schedule.htm. We also provide Corporate training at client site. For more information on Corporate Training, call (714) 505-3475. For people interested in online training, we provide an option to purchase Online Instructor Lead Training (http://www.nrclc.com/Online_Courses.html) starting at $119 per online course. NRCLC also provides an option to a candidate to purchase Exam voucher with an unlimited access to online “MOS 2007 Practice Test” for MOS Exams. For more information, visit http://www.nrclc.com/Schedule.htm. For information on testing center, practice test, voucher, assessment, training, online program, please visit www.nrclc.com, send an email to info@nrclc.com or call us at (714) 505-3475. Join our mailing list to receive timely email notification on free event, webinar, training, workshop, discount, promotion and more. If you have a question or would like to book an appointment for further clarification, please use the button to schedule an appointment or call (714) 505-3475. To download a study guide for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel and Word 2010 Exam, click here.