As more and more businesses take advantage of new technologies, the workplace need for Microsoft Office system skills is expected to dramatically increase. Based on globally recognized standards, the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is an important and distinguished credential for students when applying for jobs or applying for college.

Microsoft Office Specialist certification is a qualification that both graduate schools and employers look for. Graduate admissions boards see certification as an indicator of motivation and digital literacy. Hiring managers view it as a real-world, recognized credential, providing a standard that helps them fill openings quickly and maximize the return on resources and technology.

Moreover, research shows that a comprehensive level of skill proficiency is directly linked to an immediate increase in on-the-job performance, regardless of the actual job function.* Knowing the value that the certification holds for hiring managers increases the student's motivation to complete coursework in advance.

Goldey-Beacom College has partnered with Certiport, to provide certification testing for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams.

2007 Exams Available

• MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2007 - Exam (77-601)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Word Expert 2007 - Exam (77-850)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Excel 2007 (77-602)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Excel Expert 2007 - Exam (77-851)
• MOS: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007- Exam (77-603)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 - Exam (77-604)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Access 2007 - Exam (77-605)
• MOS: Windows Vista for the Business Worker - Exam (77-600)

2010 Exams Available

• MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010 - Exam (77-881)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Word Expert 2010 - Exam (77-887)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Excel 2010 - Exam (77-882)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Excel Expert 2010 - Exam (77-888)
• MOS: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010 - Exam (77-883)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Outlook 2010 - Exam (77-884)
• MOS: Microsoft Office Access 2010 - Exam (77-885)

Students can begin preparing for the certification tests by taking the following courses at the College:

• ITG 148 - Desktop Applications - MS Word
• ITG 149 - Desktop Applications - MS Excel
• IT 253 - Presentation Design
• ITG 325 - MIS with MS Access

Testing is provided by scheduling an appointment with the Office of Information Technology. Exams are normally scheduled from 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment or to request more information, contact Wanda Caban at wanda@gbc.edu.

* Microsoft Office Specialist: Improving the Workplace, Robert Hunt, Ph.D., and Sean P. Gyll, Ph.D., 2001.