Definition
The term Microsoft Office Specialist refers to a series of programs designed for candidates wishing to demonstrate their expertise in Office applications. This series of three certifications include the foundational Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) designation, and progresses through the MOS Expert and MOS Master programs.
Explanation
The Microsoft Office Specialist, or MOS, is a series of certification programs that assesses the candidate's knowledge of, and advanced skills in, Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, SharePoint and OneNote. The series progresses from the basic MOS designation through Expert and Master certifications as indicated below:
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): candidates must pass examinations in all of the following Office applications to receive their certification: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, SharePoint, and OneNote.
MOS Expert: in addition to holding the MOS certificate, candidates must pass Expert examinations in all of the following Office applications: Word and Excel.
MOS Master: in addition to holding the MOS Expert certificate, candidates must pass Master examinations in all of the following Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook in addition to passing an examination in one of the following: Access, SharePoint, or OneNote.
Examinees are given 90 minutes to complete each test. Exams are conducted in a simulated environment where the candidate is asked to perform a series of tasks that will assess their skills in each of the Office applications. The results of the examination are scaled such that a passing score is 700 or higher. If a candidate does not receive a passing score, they may retake the test in 24 hours. If a passing score is not achieved on the second attempt, the candidate must wait seven days before making subsequent attempts. After the fifth unsuccessful attempt, the candidate must wait 12 months before starting the exam retake process again.
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