By Dr. Matthew Loux and Bryce Loux | 01/05/2026
In nearly all professions, learning how to become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) can elevate your professional capabilities and aid your career development. Most people use Microsoft Office software products like:
- Microsoft Word®
- Microsoft Excel®
- Microsoft PowerPoint®
- Microsoft Outlook®
However, obtaining Microsoft Office certification provides you with structured training and additional skill sets that enhance productivity and support more efficient workflow practices. The professional certification verifies your proficiency in various applications.
The Benefits of Getting Microsoft Office Certifications
For anyone aiming to improve professional development, the Microsoft Office Specialist certification provides a range of significant benefits:
- Professional development – Employers appreciate the value of the MOS certification, and it supports continued professional growth by helping candidates deepen their understanding of Microsoft Office applications.
- Visible proof of your skills – The certification demonstrates to potential employers that you can use the Microsoft Office programs to address business challenges and perform a variety of tasks needed to make an impact in the workplace. Along with other new skills and certifications, this certification can be included in a CV or resume, a LinkedIn® profile, and other professional documents.
- Increased efficiency – Certified MS Office specialists usually work faster and more accurately than their peers. This ability is particularly useful when repetitive tasks must be completed.
The MOS certification maintains consistent standards. As a result, anyone looking to progress in their technical development or work for an approved Microsoft Office partner can pursue certification.
Types of Certifications
Microsoft offers many certifications, and each exam will focus on a specific application and level:
- Microsoft Office Specialist – This credential validates your basic expertise in one application.
- Microsoft Office Expert – This expert certification indicates that you have advanced skills and can perform complex tasks in either Word or Excel.
- Microsoft Office Master – This certification is the highest certification you can obtain from Microsoft. It shows that you possess advanced skills and can perform complex tasks in multiple applications.
You can achieve the first level, then progress to the next level. Over time, you’ll develop the work skills needed to progress through the certification process.
Selecting Your Certification Path
To start, consider which Microsoft Office certifications you want to acquire. Think about your career goals and current skill level. Also, give thought to which software most closely aligns to your job or studies.
To discover the skills and competencies evaluated in the certification program, review the exam objectives for each certification from Microsoft or Certiport.
Understanding the Exam Criteria and Objectives
There are specific objectives for each certification exam to indicate which skills and tasks will be evaluated. For instance, the Microsoft Word Expert exams encompass tasks such as:
- Formatting professional documents
- Table creation
- Reference management
- Style manipulation
If your goal is to become a Microsoft Excel expert, you’ll be tested on:
- Data entry forms (and how to format data)
- Formulas (including how to create advanced formulas)
- Functions
- Database management
- Data formulas
- Data analysis
- Chart creation (including how to manage advanced charts and to manage workbook options)
Exam Readiness
While you’re studying for the exam, proper time management and purposeful organization will help you be better prepared in your attempt to pass the required exams. There are several study methods that can assist you, including:
- Self-study – Practice using the official Microsoft Office software programs to become familiar with their capabilities and learn the tasks listed in the exam objectives. Get familiar to know the interface, its features, and various keyboard shortcuts. You may also choose to create a regular study schedule to manage your time and keep your studies on schedule.
- Online courses – Take advantage of online courses. These courses typically come with hands-on exercises, exam prep videos, and assessments, and you can often work at your own pace.
- Textbooks and study guides – Obtain official Microsoft Office Specialist study guides. These guides give step-by-step instructions along with exercises and review questions to help study for the exam.
- Practice exams – Use the internet to find and take practice exams that will expose you to the exam format and the length of time you will have to complete it.
- Instructor-led training – Training providers and educators offer instructor-led Microsoft Office Specialist courses with practical guidance and support for students.
Take the time you need to study and practice the areas where you are less confident. Continue to practice completing the tasks within the time limits to improve your speed and precision.
Registering for the Exam
Once you reach the level of self-study where you feel confident, you may be ready to register for the Microsoft Office Specialist exam through Certiport. Here’s how to go about scheduling your exam:
- Create a candidate account on the Certiport website.
- Find a testing center that offers the MOS exam. Most schools, colleges, and training organizations provide these exams.
- Select the exam you wish to take (such as MOS Word or MOS Excel) and choose a date and time.
- Pay the exam fee, which differs depending on the exam type and location. It is advisable to confirm the prices with your testing center.
Certain centers provide the option of remote proctoring so that the exam can be taken online while you remain at home.
The Day of the Exam
Make sure to get to the exam center or remote exam location 15 minutes in advance. Be sure to bring your materials and identification as required. The MOS exam focuses on a single computer application and is not a multiple-choice text.
The certification exam requires users to execute and complete real-world tasks like document formatting, chart creation, or data analysis within a 50-minute timeframe. The tasks are assessed and the result is conveyed through real-time feedback upon completion.
Receiving Your Certification
Passing the exam awards you the right to a Microsoft Office Specialist certification that is downloadable and printable. You also earn a digital badge, which can be placed on your LinkedIn profile, resume, or portfolio website.
If you do not pass, you are permitted to sit for the exam again after completing the required waiting period. The score report provides detailed feedback to guide your preparation for your next attempt.
Tips for Exam Success
- Get accustomed to the exam structure – The hands-on MOS exam needs you to execute tasks immediately. As you work in the actual applications, you receive your score in real time.
- Use authorized tools – Microsoft and Certiport provide official study guides, practice exams, and tutorials, which are all designed specifically for the exam objectives.
- Devote extra time to weak points – Assess which of your skills require development and spend extra study time on those areas.
- Practice completing questions within the required timeframe – Make sure that you can complete all tasks within 50 minutes. Practice the completion of sample tasks.
- Keep your composure – It’s critical to examine all tasks on the test and to take your time. Both speed and precision are equally important.
Maintaining and Upgrading Your MOS Certification
Recognizing new features in Microsoft Office applications will help you understand how to use the software more effectively and help you complete new tasks. Your MOS certifications will be relevant in the job market as you choose to upgrade to new versions of Microsoft Office applications.
FAQs
Q: Is it possible to take the exam online?
A: Many Certiport testing centers allow you to take the MOS exam from home online. Check with your local center to see if this option is available.
Q: What is the cost of the Microsoft certification exam?
A: While the cost of the exams depends on your location and which exam you are taking, they typically tend to be between $100 and $150. There are group discounts and bundled packages.
Q: Do I need any prior experience with Microsoft Office to take the exam?
A: Previous experience certainly helps, but anyone can take the MOS exam. However, keep in mind that thorough preparation will be necessary to ensure that you will be ready and capable of passing.
Q: When do these Microsoft specialty certifications expire?
A: The certifications are indefinite. But since Microsoft Office Suite applications are frequently updated, you should update your certification with each new version of the software.
Q: What if I don’t pass the exam?
A: You can retake the exam after a waiting period. You will receive a score report, which can be used as a guide to focus on improving the parts that need the most work.
Why Microsoft Certifications Are Worth the Investment
Achieving the Microsoft Office Specialist certification is an effective way to demonstrate your capabilities, improve your chances of employability, and boost your productivity. This certification is a valuable investment in your future, whether you are just starting out or seeking to make a change in your current position.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at APU
Adult learners interested in computer science, software engineering, and other relevant topics may be interested in the online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at American Public University. With courses taught by expert faculty members, this degree program features courses in programming, operating systems, networking, and program design and development. Other courses include digital systems and the principles of programming languages.
For students who want a shorter route to Microsoft Office Specialist certification, the undergraduate certificate in MS Office Applications may also be of interest. This six-course certificate is designed to prepare adult learners for Microsoft Office Specialist certification in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook.
For more information, visit APU’s information technology degree program page.
Note: This degree program has specific admission requirements.
Note: Completion of the certificate program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.
Microsoft Office is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft Office Word is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft Office Excel is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft Office PowerPoint is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft Office Outlook is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
LinkedIn is a registered trademark of the LinkedIn Corporation.
Dr. Matthew Loux is a criminal justice faculty member for the School of Security and Global Studies at American Public University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Central Missouri State, a doctoral degree in management from Colorado Technical University, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and administration from Aspen University.
Dr. Loux has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years. He has a background in fraud and criminal investigation, as well as hospital, school, and network security. Dr. Loux has researched and studied law enforcement and security best practices for the past 10 years.