Become a Microsoft Office Specialist: Get Certified!

In need of a C.V. boost or have employees who are eager for new qualifications? The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is a globally recognised standard that demonstrates the user's proficiency in a range of desktop skills.

Benefits

The MOS certification can benefit both students and businesses alike.

Individuals will be able to provide creditable proof of Office proficiency. MOS certification helps with personal improvement, skills enhancement and career progression. The certification identifies students that are high achievers and really adds weight to a C.V!

From a business perspective the qualification is reported to increase productivity and competency amongst staff. As well as helping with the streamlining of the application screening process, employees benefit through increased moral and confidence in their abilities.

How to Obtain a MOS Certification

The first step is to identify the application that you would like a qualification in:

• Microsoft Word (2003 & XP)
  


• Microsoft Excel (2003 & XP)
  


• Microsoft Outlook (2003 & XP)
  


• Microsoft PowerPoint (2003 & XP)
  


• Microsoft Access (2003 & XP)
  


• Microsoft Project (2002/XP)
  

The next step is to prepare and study for the exam. There is a substantial amount of literature that can be found through e-learning courses online or MOS books. Another avenue would be to undertake instructor lead training at an authorised training centre. Students can benefit from a structured public schedule course or from a more tailored one-to-one approach where trainers would have more time to help with problematic areas.

Finally, once you are happy that you have sufficient training, you will then need to find a suitable location to sit the exam. Each exam cost approximately £55 and you can find a comprehensive list of authorised testing locations on the Microsoft website.

Advanced Certification

Once you have completed one of the MOS exams, you may then be interested in focusing your attention in acquiring the Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification - a real C.V. winner! The Microsoft Office Specialist Master is the highest level of certification that you can earn in the Office Specialist program. It requires a real depth and breadth of Office skills in key desktop application areas.

There is now a large selection of Microsoft training companies that provide regularly scheduled public training courses. If you require training of a more specialised nature, these training companies also provide one-to-one tuition at their premises or at yours. They also have Microsoft accredited training centres where you can sit the exams. The Microsoft Office Specialist certification offers enormous benefit for both individuals and businesses - so why not take the first step to MOS certification today!

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Author is a trainer with a Microsoft Office training company, the UK industry leader in its sector. For more information on MOS examinations, visit www.MicrosoftTraining.net.

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