M.O.U.S.

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Certification Information

In order to become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist, you must first take and pass one or more examinations. There are certification tests for all the products in the Microsoft Office suite, as well as tests for products such as Microsoft Outlook and Project. In some cases, such as for Microsoft Word and Excel, there are two certification levels - Specialist (Proficient) and Expert. The level of certification you receive in these two products depends upon which level of test you take. You do not need to take the lower level Specialist test to take the higher level Expert test. For the other programs in the Microsoft Office suite, the Specialist certification is the only certification available.

Individuals may start by becoming certified in a single program, such as Microsoft Word. Certifications in additional programs can be added as they work through the additional programs in the Microsoft Office Specialist Suite.

The highest level of certification an individual can achieve is the Master Certification. This certification demonstrates outstanding skills in the entire Microsoft Office suite of programs. The candidate must successfully pass three required exams: Word Expert, Excel Expert and PowerPoint Expert and one elective exam: Access Specialist or Outlook Specialist.

Testing is available on the MiraCosta College Oceanside campus through the Computer and Information Sciences department. MiraCosta is a Microsoft Office Specialist Authorized Testing Center. The Testing Center is located in the Library and Information Hub, Building 1200, on the Oceanside campus. Tests are administered by appointment only Monday-Friday during the hours listed in the table below. The cost is $75 per test. Tests must start during the times listed. In order to take a test, you must pay for the test at the Cashier's office located in Building 3200, room #3202. The Cashier's office closes promptly at 4 p.m., so if you are taking a test later in the day, please make sure you pay for the test before 4 p.m. that day or on a previous day. The test facilitators cannot accept any money. E-vouchers are also accepted. Present the e-voucher to the test Proctor at the start of your exam. Please bring photo ID such as a Student ID card, Faculty ID card, Corporate ID card or a Driver's License with you to the test along with the receipt you receive from the Cashier or your e-voucher. For more information or to schedule an exam, call (760) 757-2121, ext. 6529 or send an email to mous@miracosta.edu.

Testing Hours - Fall/Spring

Testing Hours - Summer

Tests can also be scheduled and taken at any other Authorized Testing Center, or ATC. To locate the ATC nearest you, visit the Microsoft Web Site, microsoft.com. Once you have located the nearest ATC, you can make an appointment to take one or more tests. In most cases, you will need to arrange for payment in advance. Certification exams usually cost between $65.00 - $75.00 per test, although some testing centers may discount this price. There is no refund for missed test appointments, so schedule your test dates and times carefully.

Tests are administered "hands on" - that is, you will be seated in front of a computer with a copy of Microsoft Office 2003 installed and asked to perform tasks within the program for which you are being tested. You will not be able to utilize notes, books, or other resources. You will be tested for both knowledge and efficiency, so you will need to work quickly and accurately. There is no time on the test for trying out menu commands to see if they will work - you need to know what you are doing!

Once you have completed your test, your results will be printed out for you. Included with your score and whether you passed or not is a list of the topics addressed on the test and how you scored on each topic. If you passed the test, the results will be forwarded to Microsoft, who will then send you your certification. If you do not pass the test, you will be able to take the test again as many times as you like. However, you will be required to pay for each new test you take. There are no refunds for failed tests! Once again, you need to know what you are doing before you take the test. That is where MiraCosta College's Microsoft Office Specialist program comes in. By taking courses at MiraCosta College, you know that you will be prepared to pass the certification exams.