Step 1: Obtain Basic Computer Skills

Before becoming a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), individuals must obtain basic computer skills.
MOS certification specifically requires training in Microsoft programs and operating systems. Students may
enroll in a basic computer program if they have little or no computer skills, or they can enroll in a program that
allows them to learn a specific skill, such as how to use the Internet.

Step 2: Enroll in Microsoft Office Courses

The next step is to enroll in Microsoft Office courses. Although individuals can teach themselves how to use
Microsoft Office programs, college-level courses and workshops offer professional training that can teach a
student about the proper way to use all the features of a program, which is information that is usually covered
on certification tests. Colleges and universities typically offer courses under different skill levels: basic,
intermediate and advanced. Each class usually covers only one Microsoft Office software program, such as
Word, Excel, Access, Outlook or PowerPoint.

Step 3: Choose a Certification Program

To achieve MOS certification, the next step is to choose a software program to become certified in. Individuals
can obtain certification for all Microsoft Office programs, but certification for each software program requires
passing a different exam.
Workers who create and update documents, such as newsletters, invitations, press releases or manuals, would
benefit most by obtaining MOS Word certification. Those workers in charge of managing and creating
databases might consider earning a MOS Access certification. For professionals who frequently give
presentations, MOS PowerPoint certification would be a good choice. MOS Outlook certification may be
useful for a professional who works in a company that uses Microsoft Outlook as a closed and secure e-mail
system.

Step 4: Take Certification Exams

The final step is to take the certification exam or exams. MOS certification exams are only administered
through testing centers authorized by Microsoft. Each certification exam takes about 90 minutes to complete.
Exam questions ask applicants to complete a task using the appropriate tools within the software program. For
example, the MOS PowerPoint certification exam might ask exam takers to make a slideshow with embedded
video links.
Test takers are able to immediately view their results after completing the exam. Those who pass the exam are
recognized as officially certified and will receive an MOS certification certificate through the mail. Those who
do not pass the exam have the opportunity to challenge answers marked incorrect or retake the exam.
Jobs seldom require this certification, but it can certainly boost an applicant's employment potential. Examples
of jobs for which this certification can be helpful include paralegal and secretary, or administrative assistant.
Paralegals and legal assistants earned a mean annual salary of $54,500, according to May 2018 salary data
from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Secretaries and administrative assistants earned an average of
$38,030 as of the same year, also per the bureau.