What is the difference between Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification and Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) Certification?

If you work with Microsoft Office products, or would like to find a job where you can work with Microsoft software you may want to consider earning a certification that provides a measure of your technical proficiency and expertise. Having a certification may mean the difference between getting called back after an interview, or not getting called at all in today’s competitive marketplace.

The Microsoft Office Specialist, or MOS, was introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the Microsoft Office User Specialist, or MOUS, which was introduced in 1998. Developed by industry experts, the MOS is a certification exam designed to show how well users perform tasks using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook software programs.

The certification has three certification tracks: Master, Expert and Specialist. There are also three Microsoft Office editions for which you can be certified: Office 2003 Editions, Office XP and Office 2000.

The Master certification requires three core exams and one elective exam. These include:

Plus one elective exam:

The Expert certification requires that candidates complete exams for:

The Specialist certification requires that candidates complete exams for:

Unlike most certification credentials, you will not have to work with the software for a specific amount of time before taking the exams. Plus, exams are offered through authorized testing centers worldwide so testing is as easy as finding your local center.

The MOS certification is ideal for people who work with Microsoft software on a daily basis and would like a credential that confirms their skills and knowledge. Having a credential may give you more confidence in your existing job, which may translate to more earning power.

The MOS certification is also good for gaining the skills necessary to enter the workforce. Entry-level workers who don’t have the benefit of years of job experience may gain entrance into the job market more easily with a certification credential on their resumes.

Experience with, and certification for, Microsoft software products can lead you to more exciting career opportunities. The path to higher paying jobs in the high tech arena does not always require a college degree in computer technology. Employers who hire for these jobs look first for job experience, and then they look for proficiency in the latest technologies. Certification is a great way to prove your skills to employers and a proven technique for getting your resume noticed by corporate recruiters.

Get an edge on today’s job market by proving your skills. An MOS certification will give you the confidence and credibility it takes to compete in the job market.

Get the certification you need to advance your career! Check our list of schools and colleges offering computer certification programs.