Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) Certification and Training
The Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification has been renamed the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification. MOS training can prepare you for various levels of the MOS certification exam. Find out about program options and the topics commonly covered.
What Programs Are Available to Prepare Me for Microsoft Office Specialist Certification?
<p>Certificate programs are available to prepare you for taking the MOS certification exams at three different levels. These certifications are Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Office Specialist Expert, and Microsoft Office Specialist Master.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Certification</b></td><td> Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), MOS Expert, MOS Master</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Microsoft Word and Excel</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Recommended Order</b></td><td> Begin with MOS certification before pursuing the expert or master</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> Administrative assistant, office manager, help desk specialists</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 8% growth (<i>for all computer support specialists</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---HowAreTheseCertificateProgramsStructured">How Are These Certificate Programs Structured?</h3>
<p>Each program is comprised of classes that prepare you for examination in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Access, MS PowerPoint, MS SharePoint, or MS OneNote depending on the level of certification. An MOS Expert, for example, will study for two tests each in MS Word and MS Excel. Microsoft Office Suite 2013 is the latest software edition to offer certifications. However, you can still receive certifications in the 2007, and 2010 software suites.
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<h3 id="section---CanICompleteThisTrainingProgramOnline">Can I Complete This Training Program Online?</h3>
<p>Some schools permit you to complete your MOS training online, with all of your course materials delivered over the Internet. You will only need a broadband Internet connection and browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. You should also have access to Microsoft Office software.
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<h3 id="section---WhatCanThisCertificationDoForMyCareer">What Can This Certification Do For My Career?</h3>
<p>MOS certification confirms your proficiency in software tasks, whether at a basic or advanced level. Attaining certification can be useful in seeking advanced administrative positions in a competitive job market. For example, according to data collected by <i>PayScale.com</i> as of May 2021, administrative assistants with a MOS certification earned a median hourly wage $18. The same data shows that office managers with MOS certification earned $14 an hour and administrative support specialists earned $17 hourly.</p>