How to Prep for and Pass the MOS (Microsoft Office) Certification Exam

The job market is only getting more competitive and standing out is more challenging than ever. That's why taking a Microsoft Office Specialist exam and becoming MOS certified speaks volumes on a resume. In the US alone, 82% of middle-skill jobs require Microsoft Office and other digital literacy skills.

The Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Program is renowned for its rigorous project-based testing. With a MOS certification, you're not just proving your expertise but showcasing your commitment to top-tier work quality.

So, if you're ready to ace your MOS certification exam, here's what you need to know.

What Is the MOS Certification Exam?

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification exams are different from your typical written test. Instead, these are performance-based assessments of skills where candidates are evaluated on their ability to perform specific tasks using Microsoft Office software. So, you'll need ample hands-on experience to pass and become MOS certified.

Your task is to execute the provided instructions within the software, all within a 50-minute timeframe. You don't need a perfect score—70% is considered passing.

Microsoft offers a range of MOS certifications catering to various expertise levels, including Microsoft Office Specialist, Expert and Master.

MOS Certification Exam Registration Eligibility

All you need to register for a Microsoft Office specialist exam is a high school diploma or equivalent. While exam vouchers are $100 for each MOS Certification Exam, MedCerts students have an advantage—the cost of the exam is already included in tuition.

MOS Certification Exams and Content

MOS certifications are performance-based tests designed to assess a candidate's expertise in specific Microsoft Office programs. Instead of traditional written examinations, candidates are presented with project scenarios and a set of instructions to execute within the software.

Word 2019

The Word 2019 exam (Exam 77-725) is designed for candidates adept at using the primary features of Word 2019 to craft and modify documents ranging from two to three pages, including professional reports, multi-column newsletters, résumés and business correspondences.

Some of the key skills measured on the Word 2019 exam include the following:

Create and Manage Documents (25-30%)

• Document Creation - Generating blank documents, utilizing templates, editing PDFs within Word and incorporating text from external sources.

• Navigation and Formatting - Search text, insert hyperlinks, create bookmarks, move to designated locations or objects, modify page setups, apply themes and style sets and integrate headers/footers and page backgrounds.

• Customization, Printing and Saving - Changing document views, adjusting zoom levels, customizing the Quick Access Toolbar, splitting windows, managing document properties, adjusting print settings, saving in various formats, printing specific sections and inspecting documents for hidden properties, accessibility concerns and compatibility issues.

Format Text, Paragraphs and Sections (25-30%)

• Text and Paragraph Insertion - Replace text, use AutoCorrect, insert special characters and apply font formatting.

• Text Grouping - Format text in columns, insert breaks and modify section-specific page setups.

Create Tables and Lists (20-25%)

• Table Creation - Convert text to tables, apply table styles and modify tables.

• List Creation - Generate numbered/bulleted lists and customize list formats.

Create and Manage References (5-10%)

• Reference Markers - Insert footnotes, endnotes, bibliography citations and figure/table captions.

• Simple References - Insert and update a standard table of contents and add cover pages.

Insert and Format Graphic Elements (20-25%)

• Graphic Insertion - Add shapes, pictures, screenshots, text boxes and SmartArt graphics.

• Graphic Formatting - Apply effects, format objects, wrap text, position objects and ensure graphics are accessible.

Excel 2019

The Excel 2019 exam (Exam 77-727) is tailored for candidates adept at creating and modifying workbooks with multiple sheets and can utilize graphic elements to visually represent data. Examples of workbooks include professionally crafted budgets and financial statements.

Here are some of the skills measured in the Excel 2019 exam:

Create and Manage Worksheets and Workbooks (30-35%)

• Worksheet and Workbook Creation - Generating workbooks, importing data and adding or modifying worksheets.

• Navigation and Formatting - Searching within a workbook, navigating to specific elements, managing hyperlinks, adjusting worksheet properties, modifying page setups and handling workbook themes.

• Customization and Configuration for Distribution - Managing worksheet and workbook views, customizing the Quick Access Toolbar, adjusting magnification, setting print areas, saving in various formats and inspecting workbooks for potential issues.

Manage Data Cells and Ranges (15-20%)

• Data Insertion - Replace, cut, copy, or paste data and utilize Auto Fill.

• Cell and Range Formatting - Merge cells, modify alignment, apply number formats and use cell styles.

• Data Summarization - Insert sparklines, outline data and apply conditional formatting.

Create Tables (15-20%)

• Table Management - Create and modify Excel tables.

• Table Styles and Options - Apply styles, configure options and manage total rows.

• Table Filtering and Sorting - Filter records, sort data and manage duplicates.

Perform Operations with Formulas and Functions (10-15%)

• Data Summarization with Functions - Utilize functions like SUM, MIN, MAX, COUNT and AVERAGE.

• Conditional Operations - Use functions like IF, SUMIF, AVERAGEIF and COUNTIF.

• Text Formatting with Functions - Format text using functions like RIGHT, LEFT, MID, UPPER, LOWER, PROPER and CONCATENATE.

Create Charts and Objects (15-20%)

• Chart Creation - Generate new charts, modify data series and utilize Quick Analysis.

• Graphic Element Formatting - Resize and modify chart elements.

• Object Insertion and Formatting - Insert text boxes, shapes and images and modify object properties.

Microsoft Outlook 2019

The Microsoft Outlook 2019 exam (Exam 77-731) is designed for candidates proficient in creating and editing professional email messages, managing calendars across different time zones and scheduling tasks.

You'll need to demonstrate the following key skills on the Outlook 2019 exam:

Manage the Outlook Environment for Productivity (20-25%)

• Customization - Adjust reply messages, text formats, the Navigation Pane, review and manage multiple accounts.

• Printing & Saving - Print and save various Outlook information, manage message attachments and export messages.

• Search Operations - Create search folders, perform advanced searches and search within various Outlook items.

Manage Messages (35-40%)

• Mail Settings - Adjust fonts, signatures, rules, automatic replies and manage Junk Email and Clutter settings.

• Message Creation - Craft messages, manage attachments, tracking and voting options and utilize features like flagging and recalling.

• Message Formatting - Format text, insert hyperlinks, apply themes and manage signatures.

Manage Schedules (35-40%)

• Calendar Management - Create, view, modify and manage multiple calendars and share them.

• Appointments, Meetings, & Events - Schedule and manage calendar items, utilize the scheduling assistant and manage the status of calendar items.

• Appointment, Meeting, & Event Organization - Set importance, forward items, configure reminders and manage participants.

Manage Contacts and Groups (10-15%)

• Contact Management - Create, delete, import, edit, share contacts and manage address books.

• Contact Group Management - Create, manage and update contact groups.

Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2019

Candidates aiming for the Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2019 exam (Exam 77-729) should be adept at creating, editing and enhancing presentations and slideshows. Examples of such presentations include professional-grade sales pitches and employee training modules.

You should be prepared to use the following key skills for the PowerPoint 2019 exam:

Create and Manage Presentations (30-35%)

• Presentation Creation - Generate new presentations, utilize templates and import Word document outlines.

• Slide Insertion & Formatting - Manage slide layouts, backgrounds, headers, footers and page numbers.

• Slide Modifications - Adjust the slide master, create and modify slide layouts and manage handout and notes masters.

Insert and Format Text, Shapes and Images (20-25%)

• Text Insertion & Formatting - Insert and format text, apply WordArt styles and manage lists.

• Shapes & Text Boxes - Insert, resize and format shapes and text boxes.

• Image Management - Insert, resize, crop and style images.

Insert Tables, Charts, SmartArt and Media (20-25%)

• Table & Chart Management - Create, modify and style tables and charts.

• SmartArt Graphics - Create and modify SmartArt graphics.

• Media Management - Insert and configure audio and video clips.

Apply Transitions and Animations (10-15%)

• Slide Transitions - Insert and set transition effects.

• Slide Content Animation - Apply animations to objects and text.

• Transition & Animation Timing - Set durations and configure start and finish options.

Manage Multiple Presentations (5-10%)

• Merge Presentations - Insert slides from other presentations, compare presentations and manage comments.

• Finalize Presentations - Protect, inspect, proof and export presentations.

Microsoft Office Access 2019

Candidates aiming for the Microsoft Office Access 2019 exam (Exam 77-730) should understand basic database design principles. You'll need to be proficient in creating and maintaining essential Access database objects, such as tables, relationships, data entry forms, multi-level reports and multi-table queries.

Here are some of the key skills needed for the Access 2019 exam:

Create and Manage a Database (20-25%)

• Database Creation & Modification - Create databases from scratch, templates, or by importing data and managing database objects.

• Relationships & Keys - Manage relationships, primary keys, foreign keys and referential integrity.

• Database Navigation - Navigate records, modify navigation forms, set startup options and change object views.

Build Tables (25-30%)

• Table Creation - Create tables, import data, link tables and utilize templates.

• Table Management - Manage table fields, records and descriptions.

• Field Creation & Modification - Add, modify and delete fields, set validation rules, default values and input masks.

Create Queries (20-25%)

• Query Creation - Run, save and create various types of queries.

• Query Modification - Rename, add, remove, hide, sort and format fields within queries.

• Calculated Fields & Grouping - Add calculated fields, set filtering criteria and group data.

Create Forms (15-20%)

• Form Creation - Create forms using various methods.

• Form Control Configuration - Manage form controls, labels and sub-forms.

• Form Formatting - Modify tab order, print settings, record sorting, themes, positioning, backgrounds, headers, footers and images.

Create Reports (15-20%)

• Report Creation - Create reports based on queries or tables using different methods.

• Report Control Configuration - Group, sort, modify and add report controls and labels.

• Report Formatting - Format reports, add calculated fields, control positioning, change orientation, insert headers, footers, images and apply themes.

How To Register For the MOS Certification Exam

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the registration:

• You can schedule your exam on Microsoft's registration page.

• Candidates can have a maximum of two Microsoft Certification exams scheduled simultaneously. Once you've taken (or canceled) one of these exams, you're free to register for another.

• You can book your certification exams up to 90 days in advance.

Set Yourself Up For Success: Take An Online MOS Certification Course

For those looking to ace the MOS certification exam, MedCerts offers a comprehensive microsoft certification program. The online MOS certification course tailored to mastering the core applications of Microsoft Office.

The course includes expert-led video training, competency assessments, practice tests and the cost of your exams. To enroll, you’ll need:

• A High School Diploma or GED

• A web browser with an internet connection

• Course registration & payment

• A working version of Microsoft Office 2019 or Microsoft Office 365

• A WINDOWS Operating System.

MOS Certification Exam FAQs

What is a MOS Microsoft Office Specialist?

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is a globally recognized credential that certifies proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. It covers tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and others, with exams being performance-based.

There are different levels of MOS certifications: Specialist, Expert, and Master. Earning this certification offers professional advantages, validates one's Office skills, and can lead to increased productivity.

How much do MOS certifications cost?

Microsoft Office certification costs $100 per exam. For MedCerts students, the MOS certification cost is included in the cost of tuition, so there is no additional cost at the time of registration.

How long do MOS certification exams take?

MOS exam times are 50 minutes. To pass, candidates need to score at least 700 out of 1000 points.

What score do you need to pass the MOS exam?

Candidates need to score 70% or higher to pass MOS exams.

Can I take MOS from home?

Wondering where to take the MOS certification exam? You can take the MOS certification exam online in the comfort of your home or at a Pearson VUE authorized testing center.

What happens if you fail a MOS exam?

If you fail to pass the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam on the first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before retaking it. If they don't pass on the second attempt, a waiting period of 2 days (48 hours) is required before each subsequent retake.

What are some Microsoft Office Certification jobs after the exam?

• Office / Administrative Assistant - This role involves administrative tasks in an office setting. The average salary is approximately $43,000.

• Executive Assistant - An Executive Assistant provides skilled administrative support to a company executive or professional staff. The average salary for this role is around $65,000.

Begin Your Microsoft Certification Program to Become a MOS Specialist Today

Proficiency in Microsoft Office is more than just a resume booster—it's a fundamental skill that can set you apart in the competitive job market. And just like any exam, preparation is key.

Our comprehensive preparation course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to ace the MOS certification exam. Don't leave your success to chance—prepare yourself with MedCerts' Online Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Course.