Microsoft® Office User Specialist Frequently Asked Questions

Following are answers to frequently asked questions about the Microsoft Office User Specialist program. In addition to general information, specific answers are directed toward both test candidates and potential testing centers/courseware vendors.

Anyone can say they know Microsoft Office. But now there's proof!
The Microsoft Office User Specialist program provides benchmarks to validate desktop computer skills in using Office. Test candidates’ skills are compared with the Microsoft proficiency standard to measure true Microsoft Office aptitude. Customers requested a program like this to measure their Office skills and to prove their ability to get the most out of Office. Certification and training resources are available for many Office 95 and Office 97 programs at multiple levels of proficiency.

Microsoft Office Proficient Specialist  
This level indicates that a user can handle a wide range of everyday desktop computing tasks with ease. It is currently available for Microsoft Word 95 and 97 and Microsoft Excel 95 and 97 only.

Microsoft Office Expert Specialist  
This level indicates that a user can also handle more complex assignments that require advanced formatting and functionality. This certification is currently available for Microsoft Word 95 and 97, Microsoft Excel 97 and Microsoft PowerPoint® 97.

This certification will become available with the release of all additional Office products, as well as other products within the Microsoft Office family, such as the Microsoft FrontPage® 97 Web authoring and management tool.

Microsoft Office Expert 
This is the highest level available and indicates that a user has attained Expert Specialist status in each of the five core Office 97 products. Expert status shows that a user has passed the Office 97 Integration exam, demonstrating an ability to synthesize various applications within the desktop.

End Users: 
The Specialist designation distinguishes an end user as truly knowledgeable in using Office products. Having had their skills proven against the Microsoft Office proficiency standard, users ultimately become more competitive in a tight job market. Refined desktop computer skills contribute to individual efficiency in personal endeavors as well.

Permanent and Temporary Employers:  
The Microsoft Office User Specialist program demonstrates employee competency and helps with both job placement and advancement. Hiring Specialists reduces the amount of training needed to bring new employees up to speed and contributes to the overall level of organizational effectiveness. Companies comprised of Office proficient employees also reduce the number of calls to the Microsoft computer assistance Help Desk, contributing to a lower total cost for Office ownership.

Educational Facilities:  
The Microsoft Office User Specialist program offers educational institutions the means to provide real-world experience to students who are entering the workforce or making the transition to new areas of employment. The program also provides a standardized curriculum for teaching computer applications, with skills widely recognized between various institutions.

Training Centers: 
The Microsoft Office User Specialist program enhances current long-term relationships with customers and increases opportunities to sell additional products and services in the future.

Q4. What is the test format?

Exams are not multiple-choice tests, nor do they require that a user rely on strict memorization. Instead, each exam is conducted within the Office product itself. Using an actual document, test candidates are asked to perform a series of tasks that clearly demonstrate their skills. For example, a Microsoft Word Expert Specialist test might ask a user to balance newspaper column lengths or keep text together in columns.

All exams take one hour or less. Some exams take only 30 minutes. Test candidates are measured on the amount of time used to demonstrate their skills.

An Exam Preparation Guide is available at the Microsoft Office User Specialist web site http://www.microsoft.com/office/train_cert. It lists a description of skills necessary to demonstrate both user proficiency and expertise in various Office applications. Example tasks required for each test are also available at the Web site.

Although test candidates may prepare on their own to become a user Specialist, outside training helps ensure that they get the support, resources and hands-on practice they need to become a Proficient or Expert Specialist. Look for books with an "Approved Courseware" logo. In comparing classes, make sure the training company’s courseware is approved and/or the instructor has passed the exam.

To find out the location of the nearest testing center, call (800) 933-4493 or call the Workforce Development Center at Southeast Arkansas college at (870) 543-5947 or 1-888-SEARKTC (toll-free).

All exams are administered by an Authorized Testing Center (ATC). Any questions about exam schedules, test policies or how exams are conducted should be directed to the nearest ATC. Most ATCs require pre-registration. To register contact a local ATC directly. Some ATCs also accept walk-in test candidates, allowing on-the-spot registration and examination.

Exams are currently available in English. Office 97 exams will also be available in Japanese. Additional languages will be added as courseware becomes available. Currently, Microsoft Office User Specialist training materials and certification testing are available in North America and the United Kingdom.

Actual prices vary. Call the Workforce Development Center at Southeast Arkansas college at (870) 543-5947 or 1-888-SEARKTC (toll-free).

Specialist designations are not transferable to other individuals or organizations, even if an employer pays for the test. However, employers who support testing reap the benefits of more highly skilled Office users.

Test results are displayed as soon as the test is completed. With the exception of beta exams, which are offered at a reduced price, participants know immediately upon conclusion of the test whether they have passed or failed. If candidates don’t pass, they are advised of the areas where they should focus more attention. A certificate is sent by mail to successful candidates one to two weeks later.

The entire testing procedure is conducted within a framework of complete confidentiality. To maintain a high level of security, all test data is encrypted, and the actual testing process is closely monitored. Exam results are provided only to the candidate and to Microsoft.

There is no limit to the number of times a given exam can be taken. However, the same fee applies to each time an exam is taken.

Refunds are not available for failing test scores or missed exam appointments. Users must pay for tests in advance by calling 800-933-4493 or their local ATC.

It's not that kind of test – users need to know what they are doing to pass. Test takers are not allowed to use manuals, notes, laptops, or any other aids during the test. Test takers can access the built-in Office Help features, but this may cost them valuable time and result in a failing test score.

Q16.  I am already a testing center. How can I become an ATC?

The Microsoft Office User Specialist program is not reserved exclusively for specialized testing centers. Various types of organizations are encouraged to investigate becoming an Authorized Testing Center (ACT) to learn how to reap significant benefits from administering the program. To find out about becoming an ATC, visit our Web site at http://www.mous.net or call (800) 933-4493.

The Microsoft Office User Specialist program incorporates material developed by Independent Courseware Vendors (ICVs). These third-party courseware companies and publishers develop training materials and textbooks that help prepare test candidates for certification on Microsoft Office products.

An enrollment fee is required to participate in the ICV program. Additionally, for each self-study training product to display the approved courseware logo, the ICV must pay a product review fee. This fee is payable to the review company at the time the product is submitted for analysis.

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