MOS Frequently Asked Questions
Updated: 6th November 2007
Q. What sets Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) candidates apart from their peers?
A. MOS certification gives both job applicants and employees the advantage of proven productivity in a competitive market for jobs and advancement.
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A. MOS exams are available in the following Microsoft Office suites at Core, Expert and Master level:
Microsoft Office 2003
Click Here for the Office 2003 exam objectives.
Microsoft Office XP (2002)
Click Here for the Office XP (2002) exam objectives.
Microsoft Office 2000
Click Here for the Office 2000 exam objectives.
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A. Microsoft Office 97 certifications earned before July 1, 2002, will not be retired or otherwise invalidated. However, Office 97 certification holders are encouraged to update their skills by achieving certification on Microsoft's newest and most powerful suite of business productivity applications, Microsoft Office 2003.
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A. MOS certification distinguishes users of Microsoft Office products as truly knowledgeable and proficient in these applications, which is a huge advantage in a competitive job market. MOS certification also demonstrates an employee's competence, helping managers with job placement and that employees career advancement. Hiring or promoting candidates with MOS certification also reduces the amount of training needed to enable new employees to contribute to the productivity of that organisation.
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A. MOS certification exams are not written exams. Instead, the exams are performance-based, which means each MOS exam is conducted within a "live" Microsoft Office application. Using the actual Microsoft Office application, 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.
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A. The purpose of the MOS certification exams is to measure examinees' knowledge and skill with respect to Microsoft Office applications. Office Help grants direct access to that knowledge and skill, which decreases both the reliability of the exams and the value of MOS certification.
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A. The Office 2000 exams last for 45 minutes and the Office XP (2002) and Office 2003 exams last for 50 minutes. Examinees are measured on both knowledge and efficiency.
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A. Although exam candidates may prepare on their own, outside training and training materials can provide the support, resources, and practice needed to become MOS certified. When selecting training materials, ensure the courseware carries the approved courseware logo and the instructor has passed the appropriate exams. Prodigy provides MOS textbooks and MOS Practice Exam software that are ideal preparation tools to help candidates prepare for MOS exams. Please Click Here to for a full listing of this courseware.
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A. MOS exams can be taken at your nearest Prodigy Authorised Testing Centre (ATC). Prodigy ATC's provide training and testing facilities in order for candidates to take MOS exams. Some Prodigy ATCs offer the option of simply taking an MOS exam without doing a training course. This is called 'Walk-In Testing'. Please Click Here to find your nearest Prodigy ATC near you.
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A. Unlike many tests, MOS exams require examinees to perform tasks rather than answer questions. With this method of testing, examinees are never provided with a list of "answers" that can be memorised and distributed.
To further ensure the integrity of exam content, all examinees are required to review and agree to Testing Centre Rules and a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before taking a MOS exam. These documents require examinees to respect the confidentiality of the exam content not only at the testing centre but also following the exam.
Finally, testing centre proctors are required to carefully check two forms of examinee identification (one must be photo identification), to monitor examinees while exams are in progress, and to enforce the Testing Centre Rules.
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A. Testing centre proctors are required to immediately terminate the examination of any examinee who violates the Testing Centre Rules. Examinees who violate the Testing Centre Rules risk nullification of their exam results, nullification of any existing MOS certifications, and permanent ineligibility for participation in the Microsoft Office Specialist certification Programme and other Microsoft certification Programmes.
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A. MOS exams are developed and reviewed by a team of experts who have extensive experience using Microsoft Office applications in diverse business and educational settings. Additionally, every exam undergoes a pilot test and rigorous analysis before it is released. The purpose of this process is to eliminate exam questions that do not meet standards of technical accuracy, clarity, relevance, and fairness.
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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. However, candidates can also view a 'Digital Transcript' of their exam result online immediately after completing a MOS exam. The Digital Transcript can be emailed to a Teacher, Employer or prospective Employer as proof of validation having completed or passed a MOS exam. To view a Digital Transcipt, a candidate must enter in the username and password they used when sitting the MOS exam. If you have taken a MOS exam, Click Here to view your Digital Transcript.
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A. You cannot take a MOS exam more than three times in any twelve month consecutive period.
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A. Refunds are not available for failing exam scores or missed exam appointments.
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A. Yes. In the event you believe a particular exam question is not valid, you may request an evaluation of the question. Please contact Prodigy by email info@prodigy.ie or phone +353-1-2360424 if you have any queries on this subject.
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A. Although individuals who pass MOS exams are encouraged to say they are Microsoft certified on their C.V. and business cards, individuals may not reproduce the MOS logo. The MOS logo is copyrighted by Microsoft. Unauthorised duplication or use of any likeness is prohibited, unless written authorisation has been granted by Microsoft.
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A. If your issue is not addressed in the FAQs above or in the Microsoft Office Specialist section and you have additional questions, please contact Prodigy by e-mail at enquiries@prodigy.ie or by telephone at +353-1-2360424.
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