Testing is offered weekly at times that are mutually convenient.
| Q |
What is The Microsoft Office Specialist Program? |
| A |
1. An industry-recognized standard of mastery in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.
2. A clear demonstration of your abilities to a prospective employer; employers know you are ready to be productive from day one.
3. A competitive edge in a tight marketplace.
4. A step toward career advancement. |
| Q |
What sets Microsoft Office Specialist (Office Specialist) candidates apart from their peers? |
| A |
Office Specialist certification gives both job applicants and employees the advantage of proven productivity in a competitive market for jobs and advancement. |
| Q |
What types of Office Specialist certifications are available at Massasoit? |
| A |
The Office Specialist program offers certifications for programs in the following Microsoft Office suites at Massasoit:
Microsoft Office 2003 Certification
Two types of Office Specialist certification are available for Office XP programs: core and expert. A Master certification is also available.
Microsoft Office 2000 Certification
Two types of Office Specialist certification are available for Office 2000 programs: core and expert. A Master certification is also available for those wishing to demonstrate the breadth of their ability by obtaining a combination of core and expert certifications in Office 2000 programs. |
| Q |
Who benefits from the Office Specialist program? |
| A |
Office Specialist certification distinguishes users of Microsoft Office products as truly knowledgeable—a designation that attracts attention in the competitive job market. Office Specialist certification also demonstrates employee competence, helping managers with job placement and advancement. Hiring or promoting candidates with Office Specialist certification also reduces the amount of training needed to enable new employees to contribute to the overall level of organizational effectiveness. |
| Q |
What is the exam format? |
| A |
Office Specialist certification exams are not written exams. Instead, the exams are performance-based, which means each is conducted within a "live" Microsoft Office program. Using the actual program, exam candidates are asked to perform a series of tasks to clearly demonstrate their skills. For example, a Microsoft Word exam might ask a user to balance newspaper column lengths or keep text together in columns. |
| Q |
How long does a typical exam take? |
| A |
A typical Office Specialist exam takes one hour or less. Examinees are measured on both knowledge and efficiency. |
| Q |
What kind of preparation is necessary? |
| A |
Although exam candidates may prepare on their own, outside training and training materials can provide the support, resources, and practice needed to become Office Specialist certified. When selecting training materials, ensure the courseware carries the approved courseware logo and the instructor has passed the appropriate exams. |
| Q |
Where can I take a Office Specialist exam? |
| A |
All exams are administered at your nearest iQcenter — MASSASOIT COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Questions about exam schedules should be directed to the iQcenter where you will take the exam. Most iQcenters require preregistration. To register, contact the center directly. |
| Q |
Where can I find my exam results? |
| A |
Exam results are displayed as soon as the exam is completed. An official certificate is mailed to successful candidates in approximately two to three weeks. |
| Q |
Can I take an exam more than once? |
| A |
There is no limit on the number of times a given Office Specialist exam can be taken. However, the same fee applies to each exam unless you purchase the exam with a retake option (see above pricing for details). |
