Microsoft Office Specialist (Office Specialist)
exams evaluate your overall comprehension of Microsoft Office or Microsoft
Project programs, your ability to use their advanced features, and your ability
to integrate them with other software programs. This step–by–step guide walks
you through the certification process.
The first step is to identify your personal goals for certification. For
example, do you want to take one exam to demonstrate a strong knowledge of the
word processing tools in Microsoft Word, or do you want to set a long-term goal
to become Office Specialist certified at the master level by successfully
completing a series of Microsoft Office exams? To help you better define your
goals, click on the titles below to learn more about which Office Specialist
certification is best for you.
Two types of Office Specialist certification are available for Office XP
programs: core and expert. Master certification will soon be available for those
wishing to obtain a combination of core and expert certifications in Office XP
programs.
Two types of Office Specialist certification are available for Office 2000
programs: core and expert. Master certification is available for those wishing
to obtain a combination of core and expert certifications in Office 2000
programs.
Office Specialist certification is available for Microsoft Project 2000 and
Microsoft Project 2002.
The Microsoft Office Specialist Master certification is
the highest level certification you can earn in the Office
Specialist program. Office Specialist Masters demonstrate a
breadth of productivity skills on key desktop programs by
passing a combination of required and elective Office
Specialist exams.
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Assess Your Skills
The second step toward certification is to assess your existing knowledge of the
desktop program based on experience, training, and personal needs. In selecting
the appropriate Office Specialist certification exam, consider the following:
- The amount of time you have used the Office or Microsoft Project program.
- The frequency and depth of your experience with the program.
- The version of the program with which you are most familiar.
Generally core certification exams test your ability to complete a wide range of
standard business tasks with ease. The expert certification exams test your
ability to complete complex assignments requiring advanced formatting and
functionality, in addition to standard business tasks.
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Prepare for the Exams
The third step is to prepare for the exams. You may want to supplement practice
with training. The
exam objectives will help you identify the key areas to
study.
Find study materials and practice exams that will advance and confirm your
mastery of desktop program skills. In addition, professional training is
available The Fourth R.
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Take the Exams
The fourth step is to take the exams to become certified.
Register for your exam at The Fourth R (contact
information). Then, review the exam-day information and exam tips to help you prepare
further.
Contact The Fourth R (a Microsoft
Office Specialist Authorized Testing Center and iQcenter) to register and take an exam.
Learn what to expect on the day of an exam and how to make the most of your
Office Specialist certification experience.
Discover tips and tricks for exam procedures with this helpful information.
(Test
Tips in pdf format)
The policy as it pertains to the retake
of an exam.
Policy for accommodation of
disabilities and the procedures to
request an accommodation.
Review the Non-Disclosure Agreement
(NDA) and General Terms of Use for
Microsoft Office Specialist
Certification Examinations
Review the frequently ask
questions and answers for Microsoft
Office Specialist program security
procedures
Familiarize yourself with the format and functionality of Office Specialist
exams by viewing a demonstration exam.
Procedures to follow in the
event you believe a particular
exam item is not valid and you
want to request an evaluation of
the item.
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Use Your Credential
Make your Office Specialist certification known by using the credential that
proves your expertise and productivity with Microsoft Office products. Add it to
your resume, show it to your manager, and tell your colleagues.
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