Microsoft | IT MANIACS

MOS Certifications (MOS stands for Microsoft Office Specialist) are still the best credentials one can have to demonstrate their proficiency in using Microsoft Office products. However, there are a lot of exams and certifications (25+ certifications, with 50+ exams), so it's hard to determine which one suits you best. So, in this article, I'll walk you through all of them, and hopefully, I'll answer most of the questions you may have about MOS certifications. What is an MOS Certification? Microsoft Office Specialist - MOS - Certifications are Microsoft's official attestation to a candidate's level of skill & proficiency in using Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access), obtained at the end of a paid assessment process that requires you to successfully pass one or several exams. There are currently 26 MOS certifications across 3 levels: fundamentals, associate and expert. An MOS certification is not free, and typically costs $100USD for each exam in that certification (Some MOS certifications require passing up to 5 exams). Some MOS certifications expire after 3 years, and some of them never expire, so the duration of how long will yours be relevant depends on the certification itself, and whether the concerned office product / program will still be supported or not. You'll find more details about each MOS certification in the following sections. MOS Certification Benefits Students with MOS certifications earn higher GPAs.Students with MOS Certifications graduate at a higher rate.Graduates with MOS Certifications get higher-paying jobs.Expand your knowledge of each Office product's features.Deepen your mastery of office products.Achieve an industry-recognized certification.Learn the office-productivity skills companies are looking for.Boost your resume.Differentiate yourself from other applicants.Gain valuable information, experience and confidence.Increase your earning potential. So, if you were wondering if an MOS certification is worth it? our response would be a resounding YES, since it provides a good return on your investment (which doesn't exceed a few hundred dollars by the way). I mean who in the corporate world never uses PowerPoint presentations, or executes complex calculations and generates reports on Excel, and communicates by mail on Outlook... Anyways, now let's dive into the crux of our subject, the actual MOS certifications: you'll find them listed down below, categorized by level, with all the details you need to know about each one of the 26 certifications. MOS - Microsoft Office Specialist - Fundamental Level Certifications 1- Microsoft Office Specialist Microsoft Access 2016 (77-730) Those who hold this certification demonstrate their understanding of basic database design principles, correct application of Access 2016, creating and maintain database projects that include tables, relationships, data entry forms, queries, and reports. This certification has no strict prerequisites. Candidates must successfully complete the 77-730 exam, which costs US$100 and measures how well they are able to create and manage databases, build tables, create queries, forms, and reports. This credential does not currently have a practice test or Learning Path courses, though candidates may benefit from downloading the exam skills outline to identify all the categories which are covered on the exam and their significance. 2- Microsoft Office Specialist Outlook 2013 (77-423) This certification proves basic knowledge and understanding of Outlook 2013. Candidates must successfully pass the 77-423 exam, which costs US$100. The test measures their skills in managing Outlook, messages, schedules, contacts, and groups. Interested candidates can find the full and detailed list of everything to be covered on the exam and its weighting by downloading the exam skills outline. 3- Microsoft Office Specialist Outlook 2016 (77-731) This credential proves an individual’s basic knowledge of Outlook 2016. Those who hold this certification must've successfully completed the 77-731 exam, where they were tested on their ability to manage the Outlook environment, messages, schedules, contacts, and groups. This exam costs US$100. The exam skills outline can be found here. 4- Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint 2013 (77-422) This credential verifies an individual’s understanding of Microsoft PowerPoint 2013, proving that they can effectively create and manage presentation, insert different shapes, slides, and images, apply transitions and animations, and manage more than one presentation at a time. In order to hold this certification, candidates must pay an exam fee of US$100 and pass the 77-422 exam, which tests how effectively they are able to perform the aforementioned tasks. The exam is available in a large variety of languages, including Arabic, Vietnamese, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Chinese, English, Spanish, German, and more. Candidates can download the exam skills outline here. 5- Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint 2016 (77-729) Those who hold this certification demonstrate their skills in PowerPoint 2016. Candidates can effectively create, edit, and enhance presentations with this program to create professional looking slideshows and maximize productivity. Those interested in this certification must pay the exam fee of US$100 and pass the 77-729 exam. Here, they will be tested on their ability to create and manage presentations, insert and format different texts, shapes, and images, as well as tables, charts, SmartArt, and media, apply transitions, and manage multiple different presentations at the same time. Although there are no specific Learning Path courses or official practice tests for this credential, candidates can prepare through first-hand experience and downloading the exam skills outline to ensure they have all the necessary skills and knowledge prior to scheduling their test. 6- Microsoft Office Specialist Excel 2013 (77-420) This certification proves a candidate’s basic understanding of Excel 2013. They have successfully completed the 77-420 exam where their ability to create and manage worksheets/workbooks, cells and ranges, tables, charts, objects, and apply formulas and functions were tested. The exam can be taken for a fee of US$100. Those who are interested may prepare by gaining first-hand experience and downloading the exam skills outline. 7- Microsoft Office Specialist Excel 2016 (77-727) Those that hold this credential prove their understanding of the Excel environment, effectively creating and editing workbooks, using graphics to represent data, create professional looking budgets, statements, and charts, and make the most of Excel 2016. Candidates should be proficient at creating and managing worksheets and workbooks, managing data cells and ranges, creating tables, performing operations, and creating charts and objects in order to successfully complete the 77-727 exam and subsequently earn the certification. The exam costs US$100, and there are no official requirements prior to taking it. Candidates may benefit from downloading the exam skills outline to verify that they understand and are knowledgeable on all the areas which will be covered on the exam. 8- Microsoft Office Specialist Word 2013 (77-418) This certification proves a candidate’s basic understanding of Word 2013. This includes the ability to create and edit documents, create professional reports, newsletters, resumes, and other business requirements. This certification is regularly pursued by students, clerical workers, instructors, and more. Candidates must pass the 77-418 exam, where they will be tested on how well they are able to create and manage documents, format texts, paragraphs, and sections, create tables and lists, apply references, and insert objects. The exam costs US$100 to take, and interested individuals can download the exam skills outline here. 9- Microsoft Office Specialist Word 2016 (77-725) This certification allows individuals to demonstrate their Word 2016 skills, including correct application of features, creating and editing professional-looking documents, reports, newsletters, business correspondence, and resumes. Those who are interested in pursuing this credential should feel confident formatting text, paragraphs, and sections, creating tables and lists, managing references, and inserting graphic elements with correct formatting, as these are the areas which will be covered on the 77-725 exam. There are no prerequisites needed in order to pursue this certification, nor are there official practice tests or Learning Paths. Still, candidates can ensure that they are sufficiently knowledgeable in all the areas that will be covered on the exam by downloading the exam skills outline. 10- Microsoft Office Specialist OneNote 2013 (77-421) Those that hold this credential demonstrate their ability and understanding of Microsoft OneNote 2013. Those interested should be able to create, edit, and share notebooks to facilitate their work. In order to earn this certification, candidates must pay the exam fee of US$100 and pass the 77-421 exam. This exam tests how individuals manage OneNote, share and collaborate with other users, organize and find their notes, and edit and link content within the program. Candidates can download the exam skills outline here. There are currently no Learning Path courses or official practice tests for this certificate. Microsoft strongly encourages first-hand experience to be successful on the exam. 11- Microsoft Office Specialist Access 2013 (77-424) This credential verifies an individual’s basic understanding of the Access 2013 environment. Obtaining this credential is simple, as candidates will have to prove their ability to create and manage databases, build tables, and create queries, forms, and reports in the 77-424 exam. Candidates can find a full and detailed list of the objectives in this exam by downloading the exam skills outline. The exam itself costs US$100. Since there are no Learning Path courses or official practice tests for this certification at the time being, the best course of action to prepare is to dedicate some time to Access 2013 directly and gain first-hand experience. MOS - Microsoft Associate Specialist - Associate Level Certifications 1- Microsoft Office Specialist Outlook Associate 2019 (MO-400) This certification demonstrates a candidate’s ability to enhance professional correspondence, which includes the creation of calendars, scheduling appointments, coordinating resources and sending messages to plan meetings and future actions. Those interested should be able to correctly apply the principal features of Outlook to effectively carry out these tasks by themselves. Candidates must pay the exam fee of US$100 and pass the MO-400 exam in order to obtain this credential. The exam will test candidates on their ability to manage Outlook settings and processes, messages, schedules, contacts, and tasks. Although there are currently no Learning Path courses nor practice tests for this certification, individuals may find it beneficial to download the exam skills outline to review the areas which will be covered on the exam. 2- Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint Associate 2019 (MO-300) This credential demonstrates an individual’s ability to create, edit, and enhance presentations and slideshows using PowerPoint. Microsoft recommends that interested candidates are comfortable and confident with creating and managing presentations, inserting and formatting shapes and slides, creating content, applying transitions and animations, and more. All in all, candidates will typically have about 150 hours of first-hand experience with PowerPoint in order to complete all the aforementioned tasks effectively and independently. Attaining this certification means the successful completion of the MO-300 exam, which tests how well individuals are able to manage presentations and slides, insert different texts, shapes, images, tables, charts, 3D models, media, and smartArt, as well as apply transitions and animations. For a complete and detailed list of all the testing categories, download the exam skills outline to ensure all requirements are met prior to scheduling the exam. 3- Microsoft Office Specialist Excel Associate 2019 (MO-200) This credential is ideal for those who wish to demonstrate their ability to create and edit a workbook with multiple sheets, using graphic design elements to represent data in a visual format. Candidates should be able to create professional budgets, performance charts, sales invoices, financial statements, and data entry logs to demonstrate their ability to correctly apply features of Excel. In order to obtain this certification, candidates will have to pass the MO-200 exam, which measures how effectively they are able to manage worksheets, workbooks, data cells, ranges, tables, table data, charts, and perform operations through the use of formulas and functions. The exam costs US$100. Interested individuals may download the exam skills outline to review a detailed list of all the areas covered on the test. 4- Microsoft Office Specialist Word Associate 2019 (MO-100) This certification verifies that individuals have impressive Word 2019 skills, creating professional reports, documents, newsletters, and resumes whilst using the correct application of Word’s principal features. Candidates should have about 150 hours of experience with Word 2019 for highest success rates with this certification, however, there are no official requirements. To attain this credential, candidates must pass the MO-100 exam, proving their ability to effectively manage documents, insert text, paragraphs, and sections with proper formatting, manage tables and lists, create and manage references, manage document collaboration, and insert graphic elements with appropriate formatting. This exam is available in a wide range of languages and costs US$100. Interested candidates may further verify which areas will be covered on the final exam by downloading the exam skills outline. 5- Microsoft Office Specialist Associate 2019 (MO-100, MO-200, MO-300, MO-400) This certification demonstrates that individual’s have impressive skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or Outlook 2019. They should thus be able to create professional looking reports, charts, slideshows, and messages. This certification requires that candidates successfully complete three of the following four exams, all of which cost US$100. MO-100 tests how individuals manage documents, insert and format text, paragraphs, and sections, manage tables and lists, create and manage references, insert and format graphic elements, and manage collaborations. Candidates can find the full exam skills outline here.MO-200 covers how candidates create and edit workbooks with multiple sheets, using graphic elements, manage cells, ranges, tables, charts, and data, and perform operations through the use of formulas. Download the exam skills outline for a full list of the objectives of this exam.MO-300 tests a candidate’s PowerPoint skills, how they manage presentations, slides, texts and shapes, 3D models, and apply transitions. The exam skills outline is available here.MO-400 which measures how candidates manage Outlook settings, messages, schedules, contacts, processes, and tasks. For a full list of the skills this exam covers, download the exam skills outline. There are currently no Learning Path courses or official practice tests for this certification. Microsoft recommends first-hand experience for preparation. MOS - Microsoft Office Specialist - Expert Level Certifications 1- Microsoft Office Specialist Excel 2013 Expert (77-427, 77-428) This certification demonstrates that those who hold it have advanced Microsoft Excel 2013 skills, including creating, managing, and distributing professional spreadsheets for unique organizational purposes and increasing productivity. Those who seek to pursue this certification path should feel comfortable creating custom business templates, financial charts, amortization tables, and inventory schedules. Candidates are required to pass two certification exams: 77-427, which measures how effectively candidates are able to manage and share workbooks, apply custom formats and layouts, and create advanced formulas, charts, and tables. This exam costs US$10077-428, which tests candidates across the same categories as the second part of the exam, and also costs US$100. There are currently no practice tests or Learning Paths for this particular certification, but candidates benefit from downloading the exam skills outline to review and practice all the areas which will be covered on the exams. 2- Microsoft Office Specialist Excel 2016 Expert (77-728) This certification, ideal for accountants, financial analysts, data analysts, or commercial bankers, verifies an individual’s advanced understanding of Excel 2016 which allows them to create, manage, and distribute professional spreadsheets customized to the project needs of the organization in which they are employed. Interested candidates should be able to create custom business templates, multiple-axis financial charts, amortization tables, and inventory schedules. Candidates are required to pass exam 77-728, where they will be tested on their ability to manage workbook options and settings, apply custom data formats and layouts, create advanced formulas, and create advanced charts and tables. This exam exists in a variety of languages and costs US$100. Although there are currently no Learning Pathways or practice test for this certification, candidates can check their test preparedness by downloading the exam skills outline. 3- Microsoft Office Specialist Excel 2019 Expert (MO-201) To hold this credential, candidates must prove their advanced Excel 2019 skills. Typically, Microsoft encourages that individuals have about 150 hours of experience with the software in order to ensure they are fully comfortable and familiar with its tools. Candidates are required to successfully complete the MO-201 exam where they will be tested on their proficiency in managing workbook options and settings, formatting data, creating advanced formulas and macros, and managing advanced charts and tables. Those interested can find the exam’s complete list of objectives and required skills here. 4- Microsoft Office Specialist Word 2013 Expert (77-425, 77-426) This credential proves an individual’s advanced ability and skills with Microsoft Word 2013. Those who are interested in pursuing this certification should know how to effectively create, manage, and distribute professional documents. Interested candidates must pass a two-part exam, exam 77-425 and 77-426, where each part costs US$100. Each exam will measure how individuals are able to manage and share documents, design advanced documents, and create advanced references and custom Word elements. As it stands, there are no official practice tests or Learning Path courses for this credential. Candidates may prepare by downloading the exam skills outline and otherwise gaining real-world experience with the software. 5- Microsoft Office Specialist Word 2016 Expert (77-726) Those who hold this credential demonstrate their advanced skills in Word 2016, meaning that they are able to create and manage professional documents of significant length for many purposes, customizing to meet requirements and increase productivity. This certification is ideal for editors, project managers, business information workers, trainers and educators. In order to receive this credential, candidates must first pass the 77-726 exam, meaning that they have sufficiently proved their skills in managing document options and settings, designing advanced documents, and creating advanced references and custom Word elements. The exam costs US$100. To ensure that candidates meet all the skill requirements prior to taking the exam, they may download the exam skills outline. 6- Microsoft Office Specialist Word 2019 Expert (MO-101) This certification proves a candidate’s advanced skills in Word 2019. Those who are interested in this credential should have about 150 hours of first-hand experience with the software so that they are confident and capable of creating professional documents, business plans, brochures, and more. To earn this certification, individuals must pass the MO-101 exam, where they will be tested on their ability to manage document options and settings, use advanced editing and formatting features, and create custom elements. Those who are interested may download the full exam skills outline here. The exam itself is available for a fee of US$100. 7- Microsoft Office Specialist Access 2019 Expert (MO-500) The individuals who hold this credential effectively prove their advanced Access 2019 skills. Although there are no official prerequisites, it is recommended that potential candidates have about 150 hours of first-hand experience with Access to ensure that they are effective and comfortable with creating and maintaining tables, data entry forms, reports, and queries. Candidates are required to successfully complete the MO-500 exam, which costs US$100. Here, they will be tested on their ability to manage databases, create and modify tables and queries, and modify forms and reports in layout view. For a full and detailed list of the objectives in the exam, candidates may download the exam skills outline. 8- Microsoft Office Specialist 2013 Master (77-420, 77-425, 77-426) Those who have this credential demonstrate their advanced skills and knowledge of Office programs, including Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, and Access 2013 programs. This certification is particularly unique because there are three distinct pathways to earning it: Pathway 1: Word Expert + Excel Core with an elective Required Exams: 77-425, part one of two, which measures how candidates manage and share documents, design advanced documents, create advanced references, and create custom Word elements (exam skills outline).77-426, part two of two, which tests across the same categories as the aforementioned exam.77-420, which measures how well individuals are able to create and manage worksheets and workbooks, create cells, ranges, tables, charts, and objects, and apply formulas and functions. (exam skills outline). Plus, you must choose one of the following exams: 77-421, which measures a candidate’s proficiency in OneNote (exam skills outline).77-422, which measures an individual’s skills in PowerPoint (exam skills outline).77-423, which measures proficiency in Outlook (exam skills outline).77-424 tests skills with Access (exam skills outline). Pathway 2: Excel Expert + Word Core with an elective Required Exams: 77-427, part one of two, which measures how candidates are able to manage and share workbooks, create advanced formulas, charts, and tables, and apply custom formats and layouts (exam skills outline).77-428, part two of two, which measures the same skills as the aforementioned exam.77-418, which tests how candidates are able to create and manage documents, format texts, paragraphs, and sections, create tables and lists, apply references, and insert format objects (exam skills outline) Plus you must choose one of the following exams: 77-421, which measures a candidate’s proficiency in OneNote (exam skills outline)77-422, which measures an individual’s skills in PowerPoint (exam skills outline)77-423, which measures proficiency in Outlook (exam skills outline)77-424 tests skills with Access (exam skills outline) Pathway 3: Word Expert + Excel Expert Required Exams: 77-425, part one of two, which measures how candidates manage and share documents, design advanced documents, create advanced references, and create custom Word elements (exam skills outline).77-426, part two of two, which tests across the same categories as the aforementioned exam.77-427, part one of two, which measures how candidates are able to manage and share workbooks, create advanced formulas, charts, and tables, and apply custom formats and layouts (exam skills outline).77-428, part two of two, which measures the same skills as the aforementioned exam. Each one of the exams mentioned above costs US$100 to take. 9- Microsoft Office Specialist 2016 Master (77-726, 77-728, 77-729, 77-730/77-731) This credential verifies an individual’s advanced skills in Office programs. This certification is unique in that it requires that candidates pass three required exams, and then one of the two elective exams. Those who pursue this certification should be able to effectively create and manage professional documents, spreadsheets, templates, use PowerPoint to present and edit slideshows, and understand Access and Outlook 2016. To obtain this certification, individuals must pass a total of four exams: 77-726, which measures how effectively candidates are able to manage document options and settings, design advanced documents, and create advanced references and custom World elements. This exam costs US$100. Download the full exam skills outline here.77-728, which tests candidates on their ability to manage workbook options and settings, apply custom data formats and layouts, and create advanced formulas, charts, and tables. This exam costs US$100, and candidates can download the exam skills outline.77-729 measures how individuals are able to create and manage presentations, insert and format texts, shapes, images, tables, charts, SmartArt, and media, apply transitions and animations, as well as manage multiple presentations. This exam is also available for US$100, and candidates can find the exam skills outline here. Choose one of: 77-730 tests an individual’s ability to create and manage databases, build tables, and create queries, forms, and reports. Candidates may take it for the exam fee of US$100. Click here for the exam skills outline of this exam.77-731 measures how well candidates are able to manage the Outlook environment for maximum productivity, and manage messages, schedules, contacts, and groups. It also costs US$100 and has an exam skills outline available. There are currently no practice tests or learning paths for this particular credential. 10- Microsoft Office Specialist Expert (MO-101, MO-201, MO-500) Those who earn this certification prove their advanced skills and knowledge of Microsoft’s 2019 Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Each of this certification’s exams cost US$100. As such, candidates are required to pass a total of five certifications. Choose three: MO-100, which tests proficiency in Word (exam skills outline)MO-200 measures advanced skills in Excel (exam skills outline)MO-300 measures skills in PowerPoint (exam skills outline)MO-400 tests abilities in Outlook (exam skills outline) Choose two: MO-101, Expert Word Exam (exam skills outline)MO-201, Expert Excel Exam (exam skills outline)MO-500, Expert Access Exam (exam skills outline) That's it for MOS certifications, I hope this article answered all of your questions. You may want to check my other Microsoft Office related articles, as well as my other articles about Microsoft certifications (Azure certifications paths, Microsoft 365 certifications, Dynamics 365 certifications, Power Platform certifications, MTA certifications).