This page was created to help answer any questions you might have about Microsoft Office Certification. If you have more questions please complete the form at the left and a representative will contact you.

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.

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. Find out more about what Office Specialist certification provides for individuals and businesses on the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Benefits page.

Can I use the Office Specialist logo on my resume or business cards?
A. Although individuals who pass Office Specialist exams are encouraged to reference this fact in their resume and business cards, individuals may not reproduce the Office Specialist logo. The Office Specialist logo is copyrighted by Microsoft. Unauthorized duplication or use of any likeness is prohibited, unless written authorization has been granted by Microsoft.

What types of Office Specialist certifications are available?
A. The Office Specialist program offers certifications in the following Microsoft Office versions:

Microsoft Office 2003 Editions
Microsoft Office XP
Microsoft Office 2000
Microsoft Project

I noticed Microsoft Office 97 certification exams are no longer offered—is my Office 97 certification still valid?
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 programs, Microsoft Office 2003 Editions.

What processes are in place to ensure high quality exam questions?
A. All Office Specialist 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.

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" or simulated Microsoft Office program. Using the actual program or simulation of the 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.

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.

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. Review the Steps to Microsoft Office Specialist Certification page for complete preparation information.

I used to be able to use the Office Help feature during exams. Why can't I use these features anymore?
A. The purpose of Office Specialist 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 Office Specialist certification. Read more about the removal of Help menu access.

Where can I take an Office Specialist exam?
A. All exams are administered at your nearest IQ center. Questions about exam schedules should be directed to the IQ center where you will take the exam. Most IQ centers require pre registration. To register, contact the center directly.

For general information about testing centers, contact Office Specialist Customer Services by telephone at (888) 222-7890.

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.

If I don’t pass an exam, can I get a refund?
A. Refunds are not available for failing exam scores or missed exam appointments.

Can I challenge an exam question?
A. Yes. In the event you believe a particular exam question is not valid, you may request an evaluation of the question. Read more about challenging an Office Specialist exam question.

What is the retake policy for Microsoft Office Specialist exams?
A. Candidates may retake the same exam one time without restriction. However, candidates who wish to retake the exam a second or subsequent time must wait a minimum of seven days before retaking the exam. Candidates participating in exam beta-testing may take each beta exam only once.

Why is a retake policy necessary?
A. A waiting period between exam retakes discourages memorization of exam content.

What security procedures are in place for Microsoft Office Specialist exams?
A. As a part of our ongoing effort to enhance the value of the Microsoft Office Specialist program, certain security measures are in place to protect the integrity of certification exams. For example, all examinees are required to present personal identification at the testing center and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before taking an exam. An exam retake policy has also been implemented to restrict the number of times an examinee can retake an exam in a week. Finally, additional rules and procedures are in place for Microsoft Office Specialist Authorized Testing Centers and examinees to combat cheating and misuse of exams.

Why am I required to accept the NDA before I can take an exam?
A. Acceptance of the NDA by examinees protects exam content by creating a legally enforceable obligation to keep exam-related information confidential.

What happens if someone is caught cheating on a Microsoft Office Specialist exam?
A. If an examinee is found to have violated testing rules and procedures, the examinee may lose any existing Microsoft certifications and may be made permanently ineligible of additional Microsoft certifications. Microsoft Office Specialist Authorized Testing Centers are authorized to take appropriate measures to prevent cheating.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
A. If you have additional questions complete the form to the left and a representative will contact you.

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