A Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) is a person who has obtained certification for his/her skill in one or several Microsoft Office desktop applications such Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, FrontPage, or Project. The “Core” and “Expert” skill levels are the typical thrust of the MOUS program through its certification program. The MOUS program is the sole Microsoft accepted program worldwide for the certification of skills in MS Office and Project. Job-hunters who are bestowed with this certification do have the edge over other job-seekers.

Who are the beneficiaries of the MOUS certification?

Employers

MOUS certification helps employers evaluate the competence of their employees in the covered desktop applications. A combination of proper training and a MOUS certification increases an organization of whatever size the means to improve output and effectiveness by harnessing their employees’ capability to utilize the sophisticated and laborsaving features of MS Office applications. Later on a MOUS certification can enhance the bottom line.

Employees

An MOUS certification is synonymous to employees’ productivity and proficiency in MS Office applications, the most widely used business application globally. To have an MOUS certification affirms the employees’ expertise in utilizing MS Office applications in facing up to and even surpassing the challenges that their work present.

Instructors

For instructors an MOUS certification is a testament to their competence in using these applications and the quality of the knowledge that they impart to their students. A MOUS instructor program is likewise obtainable for those who are keen on imparting their abilities even more.

Students

An MOUS certification sets a student apart from his peers. It is a proof of one’s skill and the efficiency in using such technological tool in completing school tasks and further enhancing productivity. The certification also boosts a student’s confidence thus making him believe in his talent. More importantly, it gives them the necessary skills to get to their chosen career path.

Takers of the MOUS program may acquire three fundamental levels. Getting through an intermediate-level skills test on MS Word or Excel would lead to a Proficient certification. On the other hand, before obtaining an expert certification one must pass an advanced-level skills test on MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Access. The designations are limited to a given product.

To merit the Master level, the highest MOUS certificate being offered, one must go through and pass a grueling test on MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

How difficult is it?
There are guidelines to be followed for each test, which provides an overview the usual competencies to be evaluated. Below are a few of the Word Proficiency test skills:

Add bullets and numbering
Apply character effects (superscript, subscript, strikethrough, small caps and outline)
Align text vertically
Create sections with formatting that differs from other sections
Alternate headers and footers
Create a hyperlink
Create and modify 3D shapes

MOUS Expert test skills:

Use non-breaking spaces
Create watermarks
Format first page differently than subsequent pages
Create master documents
Perform calculations in a table
Create and modify a form
Create and modify a table of contents

Preparation

To be sure, this is not your ordinary examination, like what you always do in school. No papers, matching type or multiple choice questions. You cannot even go back to the previous question. To give you a feel of the application, the test is actually application-based. It opens and the examinee sees a screen divided into two parts. The lower section is for the examination itself. It shows the tasks at hand. On the other hand, the upper section is the actual application window where hands-on work is done. Once finished, click the OK button to advance to the next task.

Idling by is never an option especially for this exam. A long delay in answering will definitely put your score in jeopardy. Again, there’s no turning back for the MOUS exam. Scores are automatically computed and displayed upon completion of the test. The test last for about an hour but can be less depending on the proficiency of the individual taking the test .