Microsoft Business Certification

The Microsoft Business Certification program consists of two credentials:

Both credentials feature Web-based pretests, application-specific certification exams, and a series of Microsoft Press step-by-step books that help you demonstrate expertise in accomplishing essential job tasks across multiple applications. After earning an MCAS or MOS 2003 certification, you receive access to a private Web site where you can print transcripts to demonstrate proof of certification and receive a certificate that verifies your successful completion of the exam. Additionally, professionals who earn the MCAS certification gain access to a unique certification logo that they can display on their resume and other business materials.

Why get certified?

By earning a Microsoft Business Certification credential, you can prove your expertise in using the latest Microsoft Office programs and the Windows Vista operating system. Certification can help you differentiate yourself in today's competitive job market, broaden your employment opportunities by displaying your advanced skills, and result in higher earning potential. Certification can also lead to increased job satisfaction. Research indicates that certified individuals have increased competence, productivity, and credibility with their employers, co-workers, and clients.

For employers, the certification program provides skill-verification tools that not only help assess a person's skills in using Microsoft business programs but also the ability to quickly complete on-the-job tasks across multiple applications in the Microsoft Office system.

Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS)

The Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) credential validates skills in using the 2007 Microsoft Office system and the Windows Vista operating system, meeting the demand for the most up-to-date skills on the latest Microsoft technologies. Candidates who successfully complete the program by passing a certification exam show that they can meet globally recognized performance standards.

Candidates must pass one certification exam in order to earn the MCAS credential.

Note For information about Microsoft Office Project certification, visit the following pages:

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program offers certification tracks for Office 2003, Office XP, and Office 2000. To earn an MOS certification for Microsoft Office, you must pass one or more certification exams. MOS certification exams provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise by evaluating your overall comprehension of Microsoft Office or Office Project programs, your ability to use advanced features, and your ability to integrate Office programs with other software.

United States military personnel and veterans may qualify for reimbursement for Microsoft Office Specialist exam fees.

MOS exam requirements by certification level

Microsoft Office 2003 track

Microsoft Office XP track

Microsoft Office 2000 track

Microsoft Office 2007 Master

Demonstrate your master-level expertise with Microsoft Office programs. The Microsoft Office 2007 Master certification shows employers that you have more than a working knowledge of Office programs. It shows that you have the technical skills to efficiently use the full features of the 2007 Office system, making you valuable to organizations that want to reinforce their technology investments with accelerated productivity and improved organizational performance.

To earn the Microsoft Office 2007 Master certification, you must pass the following MCAS exams:

After you successfully complete the exams, you receive your Microsoft Office 2007 Master certificate, and the credential appears on your digital transcript.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master certification demonstrates an individual's overall comprehension and expertise of Microsoft Office programs. Microsoft Office Specialist Masters have more than a working familiarity with Office programs—they are technically skilled to take advantage of the breadth of Office features efficiently and effectively.

To earn the MOS Master credential, you must pass the following MOS exams:

After you successfully complete the exams, you receive your Microsoft Office Specialist Master certificate, and the credential appears on your digital transcript.

General

Challenging an exam question