Microsoft Office Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist LogoThe Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification gives students and institutions of higher learning the tools they need to chart their own course, fulfill their ambition, and realize their potential.

MOS includes four levels of certification:

Office Specialist

Showcase that you have the skills in one of the Office Associate applications. (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, or Word Associate)

Office Specialist Associate

Demonstrate that you have the skills needed to get the most out of Office suite by earning certification in 3 or more Office Specialist programs.

Expert

Prove that you have the advanced skills needed to get the most out of a specific Office program. (Excel Expert or Word Expert).


Office Expert

Achieve the highest certification level within the Microsoft Office program by earning two of the Expert exams.

Certification can help validate your skills and enhance your academic and professional journey. Use the resources below to learn about available certification options, review exam objectives, and prepare for your exam.

Excel for Accounting Associate (Microsoft 365)

Based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)*, this certification validates the ability to use Microsoft Excel to manage financial data, perform calculations, and generate reports—ideal for individuals pursuing roles in bookkeeping, auditing, and entry-level accounting.

Excel Associate (Microsoft 365)

Builds and validates foundational Microsoft Excel skills, including creating and formatting spreadsheets, using basic formulas and functions, and visualizing data with charts—ideal for individuals starting careers in business, data analytics, human resources, marketing, and other major industries.

Excel for Business Finance (Microsoft 365)

This certification validates the ability to use Microsoft Excel to manage and forecast financial data, perform calculations, and generate reports for financial analysis – ideal for individuals pursuing careers as financial analysts or in other finance-related positions.

Excel Expert (Microsoft 365)

Showcases advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including complex formulas, pivot tables, data analysis tools, and automation with macros—designed for individuals who need to solve complex problems and drive data-informed decisions.

Outlook Associate (2019)

Demonstrates competency to customize the Outlook user interface format message content, create or insert graphic elements, and send and respond to emails and meeting requests. The exam covers the ability to enhance professional correspondence, create calendars, and schedule appointments.

PowerPoint Associate (Microsoft 365)

Proves the ability to create, edit, and enhance presentations, including the ability to use slide layouts, transitions, animations, multimedia, and collaboration tools to deliver engaging and visually effective presentations.

Word Associate (Microsoft 365)

Demonstrates foundational skills in creating, formatting, and managing professional documents - ideal for administrative, academic, and business roles.

Word Expert (Microsoft 365)

Validates advanced skills in managing long and complex documents, including references, custom styles, forms, macros, and collaboration tools to create professional-grade reports, proposals, and publications.


Students can certify at all levels. They should try to obtain the highest level possible. The market demands—and caters to—those who possess the most education and skills.

Available Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications

MOS Associate Badge
  • Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • Microsoft Excel for Accounting Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • Microsoft Excel for Business Finance Associate (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • Microsoft Excel Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • Microsoft Word Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • Outlook Associate (Outlook 2019)

 


Video

Using GMetrix for MOS@SMU

Students who are required to take the Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams at SMU must first walk through GMetrix. Learn how to login and plan your study time.