The next step is to enroll in Microsoft Office courses. Although individuals can teach themselves how to use Microsoft Office programs, college-level courses and workshops offer professional training that can teach a student about the proper way to use all the features of a program, which is information that is usually covered on certification tests. Colleges and universities typically offer courses under different skill levels: basic, intermediate and advanced. Each class usually covers only one Microsoft Office software program, such as Word, Excel, Access, Outlook or PowerPoint. To achieve MOS certification, the next step is to choose a software program to become certified in.

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Individuals can obtain certification for all Microsoft Office programs, but certification for each software program requires passing a different exam. Workers who create and update documents, such as newsletters, invitations, press releases or manuals, would benefit most by obtaining MOS Word certification. Those workers in charge of managing and creating databases might consider earning a MOS Access certification. For professionals who frequently give presentations, MOS PowerPoint certification would be a good choice. MOS Outlook certification may be useful for a professional who works in a company that uses Microsoft Outlook as a closed and secure e-mail system. The final step is to take the certification exam or exams. MOS certification exams are only administered through testing centers authorized by Microsoft.

Each certification exam takes about 90 minutes to complete. Exam questions ask applicants to complete a task using the appropriate tools within the software program. For example, the MOS PowerPoint certification exam might ask exam takers to make a slideshow with embedded video links. Test takers are able to immediately view their results after completing the exam. Those who pass the exam are recognized as officially certified and will receive an MOS certification certificate through the mail. Those who do not pass the exam have the opportunity to challenge answers marked incorrect or retake the exam.

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Jobs seldom require this certification, but it can certainly boost an applicant's employment potential. Examples of jobs for which this certification can be helpful include paralegal and secretary, or administrative assistant. Paralegals and legal assistants earned a mean annual salary of $52,390, according to May 2015 salary data from the U.S. Buckle down california standards.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Secretaries and administrative assistants earned an average of $35,200 as of the same year, also per the bureau. Research the requirements to become a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). Learn about the job description and duties and read.

Certifications as a Microsoft Office User Specialist are earned at the specialist, expert, or master level, and candidates must. Microsoft Office Specialist certifications are optional credentials that can demonstrate competence in Microsoft Office. In less than 90 minutes each, a candidate may take a computerized exam to earn one of the three levels of certification in.