Versions 2007 – throughout, I will be referring to MS Office version 2007. What is MOS? Fast Facts Why Become Certified? Certification Track Preparation Materials Requirements Skill Standards Exam Sites FAQs College Credit Resources WorkForce WV So, let’s see if YOU have what it takes…
S0…what is M-O-S? [CLICK] But it’s really much more…[CLICK]
Globally recognized standard that validates expertise and skills with MS Office programs The program is meeting the demand for "job ready" people in the global workplace. Certification recognizes and validates expertise and skills with Microsoft Office programs. [CLICK] Many of you may have heard the certification referred to as MOUS or M-O-U-S certification. But in 2002, the “U” was dropped and the Certification is now referred to as Microsoft Office Specialist or Office Specialist, M-O-S. I used to tell people I was a MOUS, M-O-U-S…and that I was working on my “E”! June 1, 2010 the MCAS was rebranded to MOS (explain) Recent analysis sponsored by Microsoft and Certiport on market recognition of the MCAS program name demonstrated that the "MOS" brand is significantly more recognizable by certification candidates and possesses substantially stronger brand equity than "MCAS." The MOS brand, originally launched in 1998, has stronger visible alignment with the Microsoft Office Products, and presents a simpler message for our customers. Microsoft® Office Specialists are a part of a global community of distinguished achievers. This Microsoft credential tells the world you have demonstrated proficiency in the 2007 standard of the world's foremost desktop computing applications. Microsoft certifications (based on globally recognized standards) demonstrate your computing skills and help advance your career prospects in a competitive job market. Microsoft Office Specialist 2007 certifications are primarily for office workers who use Microsoft Office programs as a vital part of their job functions. These certifications cover the entire Microsoft Office Suite, encompassing Word 2007, PowerPoint® 2007, Excel® 2007, Outlook® 2007 and Access® 2007, as well as Windows Vista®.
Certification provides Computer program literacy Measures proficiency Identifies opportunities for enhancement of skills [CLICK] Four levels of certification: Specialist – Pass any 1 exam in any module Expert – Pass 1 Expert exam in Word or Excel Master – Pass 3 required exams: Word Expert, Excel Expert, PowerPoint and 1 elective exam (Access or Outlook) Master Instructor – those who are, or aspire to be, teachers or trainers of Microsoft Office. Must take and pass exams for Master level: Must have Instructional Experience Application Fee
Certification Track shows what you need to complete in order to obtain certification: MOS – Specialist MOS – Master MOS – Expert
Certification Can Work for You Displays your expertise Measures your proficiency Verifies a wide variety of skills
Supervisors say: 85% Office Specialists are more productive because of their certification 89% of Office Specialists are more proficient users of MS Office programs 86% of Office Specialists are more credible than non-certified employees 71% use Office Specialist in hiring, promotion, and advancement decisions Competence + Productivity + Credibility: these are top hiring and promotional qualities supervisors are looking for Let‘s hear how acquiring certification helped this lady [CLICK]
The exams are a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise. It evaluates overall comprehension, ability to use advanced features, and ability to integrate Office programs with other software programs.
Classroom training : Learning Plans Preparing for the Exam Microsoft E-Learning Microsoft Press Books, which I have information on to give you Practice Tests – through third-party paid subscriptions Microsoft Official Academic Course (MOAC) Course : Wiley course includes : A six-month trial copy of Microsoft Office Professional 2007 Instruction materials that emphasize building skills to prepare students for workforce success by using an instruction strategy that provides: Authentic business scenarios Immediate introduction of hands-on practice in each lesson Highlighted skills that apply to the workplace and the MCAS exam MS Office Suite 2007 textbook is $112 MS Office Word 2007 textbook is $77, or $47 for a downloaded e-book Certiport: Has an annual single-user license you can use for one year. Learning Mode provides feedback and step-by-step instruction for each question. Practice Test assesses initial skills or certification-exam preparedness. Full Office 2007 Suite $295 One module is $100 each Bundled options: Word & Excel $159; Word, Excel, PowerPoint $212 Microsoft Online Resources : 2007 Microsoft Office System – Learning Portal: Find special offers and information on training and certification. Product information: Visit the Microsoft Office Word 2007 Web site for detailed product information and download a free trial version of the product. Microsoft Learning Community: Join newsgroups and visit community forums to connect with your peers for suggestions on training resources and advice on your certification path and studies.
List of area exam sites and proctor fee.
What sets Microsoft Office Specialist candidates apart from their peers? Validates important skills; demonstrates commitment to growing and documenting skills Gives the advantage of proven productivity in a competitive market for jobs and advancement. Who Benefits Individuals – Acknowledges expertise with Microsoft Office programs. Increases competence and productivity Increases credibility with their employers, co-workers, and clients. Sets you apart in today's competitive job market, bringing employment opportunities, greater earning potential, and career advancement—in addition to increased job satisfaction Businesses – Employers report increased employee competence and productivity. Simplifies employee selection and hiring process Staffing Agencies – Provides businesses with high quality, more productive job candidates What processes are in place to ensure high quality exam questions? Developed and reviewed by experienced experts Exams are tested and analyzed before they are released
What is the exam format? Exams are performance-based, in a “live”, or simulated environment How long does a typical exam take? 90 minutes; based on individual knowledge and efficiency What kind of preparation is necessary? Prepare on your own Outside training and training materials Let’s take a look at a sample test question [CLICK]
Screen shot of a sample test question
Where can I find my exam results? Exam results displayed upon completion of the exam In two to three weeks, an official certificate is mailed to successful candidates What is the retake policy for Microsoft Office Specialist exams? There is no waiting period for retaking a failed MOS exam. What is the Microsoft Office Specialist Web site? www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mos.aspx
Ultimately, the college or university you attend (or plan to attend) will independently decide whether to grant credit and waive associated tuition requirements West Virginia American Military University Appalachian Bible College Bluefield State College Concord University Davis & Elkins College Fairmont State University including Pierpont Community and Technical College Glenville State College Mountain State University Ohio Valley University Shepherd University Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College University of Charleston West Liberty University WV Northern Community College WV State University WV University Institute of Technology WV Wesleyan College Wheeling Jesuit University
Microsoft® Office Word 2007 Step by Step- Covers all the exam objectives for: • Microsoft Office Word 2007 Core •Microsoft Office Word 2007 Expert •Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Core •Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Expert •Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 •Microsoft Office Access 2007 •Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 Around $25, but you can find it cheaper, and even used. The Microsoft® Certified Application Specialist Study Guide: around $40 Web sites Experience!
Hand out WorkForce WV information sheet.
These are the required questions you must answer in order to qualify for a voucher.
Well, I trust that you have been encouraged to take one of the exams and hopefully, [CLICK] you will soon earn your own certification!