Today's highly competitive job market demands that job candidates prove their qualifications. Evidence that you possess the appropriate set of skills for the job can be substantiated by educational degrees and certifications. It's nearly impossible to land a job in the Information Technology field without being certified, even a degreed candidate in IT must evidence his or her capabilities by certification. Businesses want qualified candidates and it is up to you to substantiate your qualifications.

MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) is one form of certification geared specifically to the MS Office programs. It measures an individual's level of competency in applying appropriate techniques to complete a series of tasks. MOUS Certification is a globally recognized standard of skills for the Microsoft Suite of Business Applications. Businesses report gains in productivity specifically attributable to MOUS certification among their staff.

What are the benefits to you?
• Qualifies your experience and knowledge
• Shows your ability to "hit the ground running" without the need for training
• Improves your job effectiveness
• Boosts your credibility
• Opens the door to opportunities for advancement

What are the benefits to businesses?
• Improved productivity
• Simplifies employee selection and hiring process
• Sets a standard of performance
• Sets a standard for training efforts

How do I get MOUS Certified?
1. Review the types of certification available
• Core
• Expert
• Instructor
2. Become familiar with the exam objectives for each program. Click here to review the exam objectives.
3. Measure you experience and knowledge against the detailed objectives
4. Assess your skill level
• How long have you been using the programs?
• What is the depth of your experience?
• Do you use the basic features?
• Do you use the advanced features?
• What version(s) of the program have you used?
5. Prepare
• Never take an exam without preparation. Review each objective and try to carry out the tasks that use the features
• Use only approved courseware or training facilities to bring your skill level up to the standards
• Practice, Practice, Practice
6. Take the exams
• Locate and authorized testing center
• Schedule the exam

There are no prerequisites for taking the MOUS exams and it can be taken as often as necessary (with payment each time of course.) The best advice I can give you is to prepare well before taking it. Review each of the objectives and feel confident that you can complete the tasks. Practice each technique. The certification exams are timed so you cannot waste time trying different techniques. Good Luck!

Bella Recommends:
Studying for the MOUS Exams can feel like a daunting task. Where do you find all the information needed successfully pass the exams. Look here for an all in one reference manual that can help you succeed.

Microsoft Office 2000 User Specialist Study Guide

• Paperback: 1008 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 2.35 x 8.99 x 7.49
• Publisher: Sybex; ISBN: 0782125743; Bk&Cd Rom edition (September 1999)

Book Description
Good news for the millions of people who use Microsoft Office as a core part of their job: here is a self-study guide that teaches all the essential skills needed to advance your career and to pass all twelve Microsoft Office User Specialist Certification exams. Approved by Microsoft as an Independent Courseware Vendor, this book covers over 80 proficient and expert skills for Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, FrontPage, and Outlook. This is the only Study Guide that covers all twelve exams--no need to buy multiple books! The companion CD includes projects and exercises, plus valuable productivity software. Don't miss out on the best resume-building investment any Office user can make.


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