Discussion on:

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

I'm MOS certified in 2003 - Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Have tested for Access and failed it once. I am scheduled to take it again next month. Wasn't as easy to me as the rest. The test exams on Microsoft's site are pretty accurate. Really does give you a feel for what is to come. Preparation is key.
My certs hang on my wall in my office. Co-workers ask if I could help them with a MS Office matter and I proudly state, "Yes, of course, I am certified!" It lookes great on the resume also.
I am looking to become Master certified and eventually instruct the Suite to others.

Now that O07 is out, do you plan to upgrade your certification?

What was your initial motivation for pursuing certification?

Thank.

2007 version of MS Office isn't all that different from 2003, so I don't see a need to upgrade just yet. Most employeers probably won't see the difference as monumental.
I had never heard of MOS (formally MOUS) certification until a friend mentioned it. I thought it would be a need way to prove my skills and stand out amongst the many users of the suite. I was right. Still today, most people don't even know it exsists.
Are you thinking of going for it? Will your company pay? If you answer yes to both of those questions, than what are you waiting for? haha

While my company would pay for my taking the test once, I probably will not try it. I'm not convinced of the value of certification. I've seen too many people with certs whose only apparent skills are test-taking, and with no field experience. I also feel MS tests place too much emphasis on knowing what the exact name of a feature, and on knowledge that often is not used after the test.

The tests for the MOS exam are not "name the feature" type tests. You are presented with real-world scenarios and a simulated application environment and you must perform the task using the application. Most features are enabled, so unless you are specifically directed to use a menu, you may complete the task using any method you know - right-click, menu, toolbar, etc. These tests are designed to measure your ability to DO, not to memorize feature names.

I am am Master Instructor to the 2003 level and have been since Office 2000, on Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, so I've taken many of these tests.

Go for it. Looks great on a resume!

I have the MOUS cert (Office 2000). I was out of work and looking to land something in the computer field. I interviewed about 50 to 75 times. MOUS was on my resume. I never even saw an employer that knew what MOUS meant. Was it a waste of my time? No, only because I use it for myself every day.

Don't abbreviated it or hang initials after your name. Spell out the full certification title. Potential employers may be more impressed that way. At least they'll have a better idea of what you're capable of.

I have just graduated and am considering getting the certification.

On a resume ALWAYS spell out something special like that. You are right, the employer may not know what the acronym means and be to embarrassed to admit it or, they may 'brush by' it, but if it is spelled out they may take more notice of it and may even ask about it.

My main question is because I am on a very small disability income: is it worth me geting into more debt to take the exams?

I agree with your comments that many certifications reflect knowledge not skill proficiency. Knowledge meaning knowing how to pass the test; skill meaning knowing how to use the product. If you know how to use the product, then go for it. A certification will open many doors that are locked. Your skill proficiency need a banner waving high and proud.
PS. I just complete my ASTD CPLP certification. I had to pass a 350 question knowledge test, plus submit 20 minute video of my training skills, plus two scenario-based essay questions. Now that is a certification. For more info about ASTD CPLP cert please see http://www.astd.org/astd/Competency/Certification+Institute.

Can anyone tell me what's the difference between MOS & MCT?
If I want to go for either one, do I need to attend the class in the training centre, or I can simply take the online test?

MOS means you know how to use Office.

MCT certification means you know how to teach Microsoft classes to Microsoft's standards. It's for people who want jobs as trainers at facilities authorized to teach MS course content. Many of these facilites often require an MCT in addition to certification in the subject you're teaching. An MCT without an accompanying specializtino certification is pretty useless. I don't think you're even allow to take the MCT test without a previous cert, and not all certs qualify.

If you aren't going to attend a class, I would highly recommend getting a couple of study guides before you attempt any MS certification test.

Curious how you prepared for the exams. Did you take a particular course or courses?
Can you recommend a preparation route?
Thanks,

Steve

Having a basic knowledge of the applications is necessary. If you're a book learner Microsoft recommends: Microsoft Office Specialist Study Guide ? Office 2003 Edition. I had a hard time finding a copy in the library. I also love the "Dummies" books. Microsoft now offers E-learning which I haven't checked out yet. Most local colleges offer MS courses. With courses or books, simply ask beforehand if this will prepare you for the exam (I think you'll find most will). The Expert exams do not delve that deep into an application so minimal training is all you need. Best of luck!!

http://tinyurl.com/ynjwyz

I found a number of used ones for sale, but none are a bargain, considering Amazon's price of a new copy is $23.99. Oddly, Powells was even higher. Cheapest at ebay was that high once you add in the s/h.

Thanks for the info. I never located a copy, therefore, am unsure if it is even any good. Have you? If so, is it easy to understand - would you recommend it as a sufficient study guide? Thanks!

I have been an instructor since Lotus and Wordperfect were the big names. When my firm decided that they wanted everyone to have at least 1 MS MOS certification and would pay for the testing, I took them up on it.

Preparing for the test was not extremely difficult. I found it best to review the topics mentioned in the study guides and the prep tests were very valuable in showing you exactly how the test would be conducted.

I took them all and I am very glad I did. I am a Certified MS Master Instructor. While this has not directly affected my income (I am still with the same firm), it has certainly helped in my everyday dealings with MS programs. I ended up being the only one in the firm to get a Master Certification. Most of the staff dropped out of the process entirely.

A few years back there was a World Excel Test site, where I ranked 75th in the world in Excel knowledge and application of that knowledge. I am sure the MOS testing assisted me in that testing event.

The best advice I can give in preparing for the tests is use the guides and the practice tests, but more importantly know the programs. As you are taking the tests you will not have time to study the question. You will need to know the answer and complete the steps quickly.

Looking at the Certification from that perspective, it really does mean that you know the prgrams and you are not just a good "test taker". For everyone who has passed the tests - a big congratulations. You've more that earned it.

Brag, brag...Congratulations on being 75th.

Can anyone tell me where to find the best exams and study guides to become certified in MOS for Office 2007

I started out with WordStar 3 on a CPM machine, then went with Word and Excel on Win3.0, back when they were distributed on floppies (Excel 4.0, I think). The core concepts of Office have stayed on-track and it has been easy to expand my ability as new versions appear.
My organization tried to get all administrative staff into MOUS Certification when we used Office 2000 (we are now on 2003 Pro). We are a testing center and went through about 40 exams. I have about a dozen staff certified in basic Word or Excel.
I passed Word & Excel basic and advanced exams, then PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and (On the second try) MS-Project. I've used various pre-exam testing and training-to-test software in staff evaluation and believe those who do well in pre-testing and exams are more valuable and efficient in these applications.
Too many users only use 10% of the product's capabilities, maybe because they are uncomfortable with or even unaware of those other capabilities. Without broad evaluation and training, many struggle on moderately challenging tasks and the damage is greater when collaboration is involved.
I will probably hold off on any 2007 testing, focusing instead on the SharePoint area of the product and maximizing information reuse and mining.

I am Master Certified in 2000 as well as Expert Certified in some of the 97s.

This Certification has certainly helped my credibility with employers (I do spell it out on my resume) and my students.

I think this Certification is mostly invaluable on the resumes of those of us teaching and doing support. It is definitely a good goal for others, but I wouldn't expect to get a raise or a new job based on it, unless it's central to your job description or you have no computer skills to speak of at this point.

I definitely question the percentage evaluations mentioned in the article. You'll see if you follow the link that the percentages are phrased as "up to" on the MS site.

I have no plans to certify further in MOS unless it is demanded of me. The 2000 stands well with the current version (2003, I don't recognize 2007 as a viable Office package).

The tests are pretty well thought out and reasonable scenarios, apart from the occasional ambiguity, and sometimes not recognizing you obtained the same result by using an alternate route. There are not enough of these to prevent a qualified applicant from passing.

The test was $575 that last time I looked. I dont think the cert is worth it if you have to pay for it. It might have helped as a newbie. But for anyone else you wont get a raise out of having it.

I really had no idea that it was so expensive. That really does price it right out of consideration for many. I suppose it's an expensive way for employers to insure that their developers and specialist really do know what they claim to know -- but still, very expensive route to go.

Maybe I'm wrong, but i don't think many employers give a hoot if their specialists and Developers are MOUS certified.
I'm not knocking the cert, I know plenty who have it, and they have learned what they needed to know. However, the MOUS is more for Admins, or Trainers..(and plenty others) who need to know how to use Office Applications as part of thier daily job.

I'd like to think an employer would rather his developers have MCAD, MCSD, or other MCP exams.

Expensive..500 bucks??? I wish..I'm doing MCAD right now..4,800 Euros. Then will be upgrading to MCDBA, andother 4,000 euros.
And I'm paying for it all myself..(which is why when i get my cert in a couple months i will be leaving my employer, for one who appreciates that staff need a bit of training once in a while...had they kicked in 200 i would have been happy)

I hope your dedication pays off, but wow! That's a huge blow to your wallet!

I'm afraid I just have to object on principle -- I can see no reason for these tests to be so expensive. Does it involve some training or is it strictly a test?

that price gets me the MS textbooks, and a computer lab, so i can work on the stuff, videoed lectures and access to "certified trainer"

I have to pay 120 euros to write each exam...need 3 for MCAD..so thats another 360 euros on top of the course.

Of course I could just get the test material and memorize it all to write the exams..but i want to learn as well..so doing it the hard way

I see -- you're paying that to take a course to prepare for the test. Okay, that makes sense. Thank you for clarifying.

MOSC is a vide range appraisable certification but here in Pakistan it does not value to the holder.

Does it hold any value for people who are in non technical roles, such as Office Admin?
Or just generally is it not worth anything to anyone?

I am in an admin role in the IT department where my MOS certs are proudly displayed. It's encouraging when a 'geek' comes to you for assistance with a Word or Excel issue.

Management views my certs as as a stepping stone to professional improvement - it shows dedication and motivation.

As far as the price, it was only $75 for each exam and my company paid for it. How can you go wrong?

That does like a win-win for both you and your employer. Also, I like that price.