The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification now extends to all versions of Microsoft Office, including the 2007 Microsoft Office System and Microsoft Office 2010, as well as Windows desktop operating systems. Whether you work with or plan to work with Microsoft Office 2003, Office 2007, Microsoft Office 2010, or another version, you can find the related certification in the MOS family. If you have questions about what this change means for you, how it impacts certifications you have already earned, or how it aligns with your certifications goals, review these frequently asked questions and answers.
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Q. How have Microsoft Office certifications changed?
A.
Instead of using different certification names for different versions of Microsoft Office programs and Windows desktop operating systems, we have updated all of the Microsoft Office certifications to have the same name—Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). This applies to all certifications for Microsoft Office versions, including Microsoft Office 2000, Office XP, Office 2003, the 2007 Microsoft Office System, and Microsoft Office 2010. It also applies to all Windows desktop operating system certifications for Windows Vista and Windows 7. The certifications for the 2007 Microsoft Office System are no longer referred to as Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) certifications. Using the more recognizable MOS certification name can help you gain more recognition from employers.
Q. How does this affect Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications on Microsoft Office 2000, Office XP, and Office 2003?
This update does not impact any MOS certifications already earned. However, you can download new logos if you want to use them on your resume.
Q. What happened to the Microsoft Business Certification program?
The Microsoft Business Certification program has been renamed to the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program, and all Microsoft Office certifications are now MOS certifications.
Q. I am a member of the Microsoft Business Certification Vendor of Approved Courseware (VAC) program. How is that different from the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Vendor of Approved Courseware (VAC) program?
The Microsoft Business Certification Vendor of Approved Courseware (VAC) program has been renamed to the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Vendor of Approved Courseware program. You will receive an updated logo.
Q. Which certifications are available for the 2007 Microsoft Office System and Windows Vista?
Certification
Exam number
MOS: Windows Vista for the Business Worker
MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2007
MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2007 Expert
Exam 77-850*
MOS: Microsoft Office Excel 2007
MOS: Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Expert
Exam 77-851*
MOS: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007
MOS: Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
MOS: Microsoft Office Access 2007
*Exams in development
Q. Can I still earn a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) certification?
No. The certification formerly known as the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) has been renamed Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). You can still earn a certification to demonstrate your skills in using the 2007 Microsoft Office System and the Windows Vista operating system, but the name of the certification is MOS rather than MCAS.
Q. Which certifications are available for Microsoft Office 2010?
MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010
Exam 77-881*
MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010 Expert
Exam 77-887*
MOS: Microsoft Office Excel 2010
Exam 77-882*
MOS: Microsoft Office Excel 2010 Expert
Exam 77-888*
MOS: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010
Exam 77-883*
MOS: Microsoft Office Outlook 2010
Exam 77-884*
MOS: Microsoft Office Access 2010
Exam 77-885*
MOS: Microsoft SharePoint 2010
Exam 77-886*
MOS: Microsoft Project 2010, Managing Projects
Exam 77-178*
Q. Is there a certification available for Windows 7?
Not yet, but check the Windows training portal periodically for special offers and new certifications as they become available.
Q. I earned a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) certification. Is it still valid?
Yes. Your MCAS certification is still valid. Your transcript will be updated to include the new certification name and you will be issued a new certificate. We will send you an e-mail message explaining the next steps. Make sure we have your current e-mail address.
Q. Is my Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) certification still eligible for college credit?
Yes. The Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) certification is still eligible for college credit. The name of the certification has changed to Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), and that change will be reflected on your transcript.
