Tag: Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office Certifications – Are they worth it?

Microsoft Office is one of the most popular and widely used software suites in the world. It includes a variety of programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and more. To demonstrate proficiency in using these applications, Microsoft offers a range of Office certifications. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these certifications, their benefits, and why you might consider earning one.

Overview of Microsoft Office Certifications

Microsoft offers a variety of certifications for its Office suite of applications. These certifications are divided into three main categories: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Office Specialist Expert (MOS Expert), and Microsoft Office Specialist Master (MOS Master).

The MOS certification demonstrates that you have a fundamental understanding of one or more Office applications. The MOS Expert certification demonstrates that you have an advanced understanding of one or more applications. And the MOS Master certification demonstrates that you have a complete mastery of the entire Office suite of applications.

Each certification is earned by passing one or more exams. These exams are designed to test your knowledge of the specific application(s) and to ensure that you can perform tasks related to the application(s) at a high level of proficiency. The exams can be taken online or in person at a testing center.

Benefits of Microsoft Office Certifications

There are many benefits to earning a Microsoft Office certification. Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Improved Employability: Having a Microsoft Office certification on your resume can make you more attractive to employers. It demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge needed to perform tasks related to the application(s) at a high level of proficiency.
  2. Higher Pay: Employees with a Microsoft Office certification can often command a higher salary than those without one. This is because they have demonstrated their proficiency in using the application(s) and are therefore more valuable to the company.
  3. Increased Productivity: By earning a Microsoft Office certification, you will have a deeper understanding of the application(s) and be able to use them more efficiently. This can help you complete tasks more quickly and with fewer errors, which can increase your productivity.
  4. Career Advancement: A Microsoft Office certification can help you advance your career by opening up new opportunities. You may be able to take on more responsibility or work in a different department within your company.

Overview of MOS Certifications

Here is an overview of the MOS certifications:

  1. MOS: Word Associate (Word and Word 2019)

This certification demonstrates that you have a fundamental understanding of Microsoft Word. You will be able to create and edit professional documents, format text and paragraphs, and perform other basic tasks.

  1. MOS: Excel Associate (Excel and Excel 2019)

This certification demonstrates that you have a fundamental understanding of Microsoft Excel. You will be able to create and edit spreadsheets, format cells and worksheets, and perform other basic tasks.

  1. MOS: PowerPoint Associate (PowerPoint and PowerPoint 2019)

This certification demonstrates that you have a fundamental understanding of Microsoft PowerPoint. You will be able to create and edit presentations, insert and format text and images, and perform other basic tasks.

  1. MOS: Outlook Associate (Outlook and Outlook 2019)

This certification demonstrates that you have a fundamental understanding of Microsoft Outlook. You will be able to manage email messages, contacts, and calendars, as well as perform other basic tasks.

  1. MOS: Access Associate (Access and Access 2019)

This certification demonstrates that you have a fundamental understanding of Microsoft Access. You will be able to create and modify databases, as well as perform other basic tasks.

Overview of MOS Expert Certifications

Here is an overview of the MOS Expert certifications:

  1. MOS: Word Expert (Word and Word 2019)

This certification demonstrates that you have an advanced understanding of Microsoft Word. You will be able to

perform complex formatting, create and manage references and citations, and use advanced tools like macros and custom styles.

  1. MOS: Excel Expert (Excel and Excel 2019)

This certification demonstrates that you have an advanced understanding of Microsoft Excel. You will be able to perform complex calculations, use advanced functions and formulas, and create and manage charts and graphs.

Overview of MOS Master Certification

The MOS Master certification demonstrates that you have a complete mastery of the entire Office suite of applications. To earn this certification, you must pass exams for Word Expert, Excel Expert, PowerPoint Associate, and either Outlook Associate or Access Associate.

Are Microsoft Office Certifications Worth it?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career path. If you use Microsoft Office regularly in your job, or if you’re looking to enter a field where proficiency in Office applications is a requirement, then earning a certification may be worth it.

A Microsoft Office certification can provide you with a competitive edge in the job market, especially if you’re just starting out in your career. It can also demonstrate to your employer that you’re committed to professional development and willing to invest time and effort in improving your skills.

However, if you already have extensive experience using Office applications, or if they’re not a major part of your job, then certification may not be as valuable to you. It’s also important to note that earning a certification requires a significant investment of time and money, so it’s important to weigh the benefits against the costs.

Microsoft Office certifications can be a valuable tool for demonstrating proficiency in using Office applications. They can improve employability, lead to higher pay, increase productivity, and open up new career opportunities. However, whether or not a certification is worth it depends on your individual goals and career path. If you’re considering earning a Microsoft Office certification, it’s important to carefully consider the benefits and costs before making a decision.