Microsoft Business Certifications Frequently Asked Questions

The Microsoft Business Certification program is made up of two credentials, the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist, and the Microsoft Certified Application Professional.

The Microsoft Business Certification program is the successor program to the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program. It focuses on the 2007 Microsoft Office system, Windows Vista, and professional skill sets.

Yes, the MOS program will continue to be available and the certifications you have earned remain valid. Currently, certifications are available in the following Microsoft Office products

Achieving a Microsoft Business Certification credential validates important skills and demonstrates the candidate's commitment to growing and documenting her or his skills.

Certification distinguishes business workers as truly knowledgeable—a designation that attracts attention in the competitive job market. Certification also demonstrates employee competence, which helps managers make job placement and advancement decisions. Managers who hire or promote candidates with a Microsoft Business Certification credential reduce the amount of training new employees need to be ready to contribute to the overall level of organizational effectiveness.

Certification exams are developed and reviewed by a team of experts who have extensive experience using Microsoft applications in diverse business and educational settings. Additionally, every exam undergoes a pilot test and rigorous analysis before it is released. The purpose of this process is to eliminate exam questions that do not meet standards for technical accuracy, clarity, relevance, and fairness.

The exam format varies. MCAS exams are primarily performance-based exams conducted in a "live," or simulated, environment. Exam candidates are asked to perform a series of tasks to clearly demonstrate their skills. For example, an Office Word 2007 exam might ask a user to balance newspaper column lengths or keep text together in columns.

MCAP exams contain several short tests, each consisting of a business/technical scenario and several exam items based on that scenario. Exam items may be answered by performing tasks in a live or simulated application, or by selecting a response to a multiple-choice question.

A typical MCAS exam takes up to 90 minutes. MCAP exams may be longer. Individual efforts are measured for both knowledge and efficiency.

Although exam candidates may prepare on their own, outside training and training materials can provide the support, resources, and practice needed to become certified.

Additionally, each exam has a preparation guide that includes specific resources for preparing for that exam.

All exams are administered by Microsoft Certified Exam Providers. Questions about exam schedules should be directed to the location where you will take the exam. Most exam providers require pre-registration.

There are localized exams for the MCAS credential. Currently, there are no localized exams for the MCAP credential.

Exam results are displayed as soon as the exam is completed. Those who pass will be mailed an official certificate in approximately two to three weeks after the exam.

Refunds are not available for failing exam scores or missed exam appointments.

Yes. In the event you believe a particular exam question is not valid, you may request an evaluation of the question.

No, the Microsoft Office Help Menu will be disabled during your exam.

Candidates may retake the same exam one time without restriction. However, candidates who want to retake the exam a second or subsequent time must wait a minimum of seven days before retaking the exam. This waiting period between exam retakes discourages memorization of exam content. Candidates must pay the exam fee or offered discount fee for all exam retakes. Candidates participating in exam beta testing may take each beta exam only once.

As a part of our ongoing effort to enhance the value of the Microsoft Business certification, certain security measures are in place to protect the integrity of certification exams. For example, all examinees are required to present personal identification at the testing center and sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before taking an exam. An exam retake policy has also been implemented to restrict the number of times an examinee can retake an exam in a week. Finally, additional rules and procedures are in place for Microsoft Certified Exam Providers and examinees to combat cheating and misuse of exams.

Acceptance of the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) by examinees protects exam content by creating a legally enforceable obligation to keep exam-related information confidential.

If an examinee is found to have violated testing rules and procedures, the examinee may lose any existing Microsoft certifications and may be made permanently ineligible of additional Microsoft certifications. Microsoft Certified Exam Providers are authorized to take appropriate measures to prevent cheating.

If you have additional questions, please visit the pages in the following list:

If your issue is not addressed in this FAQ or the previously listed pages, please contact Microsoft Certified Business Credential Customer Services.