Every Indian office utilizes spreadsheets. From the payroll process in Pune to inventory in Chennai, every department relies on them. However, teams are still wasting valuable hours on manual formatting and on repeatedly creating reports from scratch. The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification helps reduce this waste. A hands-on, performance-based exam validates the Microsoft Office skills mentioned on a professional’s resume.
What is MOS Certification?
The term “MOS certification” refers to the performance-based certification offered by Microsoft for applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access in Microsoft 365 Apps and certain versions of Microsoft Office.
To obtain this certification, candidates undergo an examination in which they perform real-world tasks using Microsoft applications in a live environment within a 50-minute time limit.
MOS Associate vs Expert: Changes at Each Level
Now, let us compare the two certifications based on important parameters.
This table shows the differences between the two certifications across the following parameters.
| Parameters | MOS Associate | MOS Expert |
| Level of expertise | Basic understanding of tasks | Full proficiency in using Microsoft programs |
| Microsoft 365 Apps exams | MO-110 (Word), MO-210 (Excel), MO-310 (PowerPoint), MO-410 (Outlook ) | MO-111(Word Expert), MO-211 (Excel expert) |
| Office 2019 exams | MO-100 (Word), MO-200 (Excel), MO-300 (PowerPoint), MO-400 (Outlook) | MO-101(Word Expert), MO-201 (Excel expert), MO-500 (Access expert) |
| Qualification needed | Three certificates of three examinations must be earned; out of these, at least one must be from Microsoft 365 apps | Attain MOS Associate first and then pass two expert certifications in two different areas |
Microsoft Office Skills: Excel, Word and Business Automation
Excel proficiency tests one’s expertise in the software. The exam assesses one’s ability in data organization, numerical calculations, PivotTables, conditional formatting, validation, and macros.
Word proficiency focuses on the ability to handle specific features of lengthy documents. This includes document options, advanced editing, and custom and advanced features such as styles, fields, mail merge, templates, and forms.
Automation is where the hours come back. Just record a macro once and watch the Monday report write itself.
But back to the point: teams that automate repetitive activities stop running from one fire to another. The manager sees the change right away – fewer rework requests, cleaner files, and faster handovers. Which would you rather invest in: yet another set of manual fixes, or a skill that multiplies every month?
How Spoclearn Helps Candidates Get Ready for MOS Exams
The Microsoft Office Specialist 2019 course offered by Spoclearn is 32 hours long. Classes are offered in a live virtual classroom. Companies can create a customized program to meet their employees’ needs. After the course, coaching will be provided so that people can apply the practical skills learned to real work files.
How to Decide on the Microsoft Office Certification Level You Should Get?
Select Associate if you are just starting your career and need to obtain a valid MOS certification quickly. Select Expert if you’re already creating reports, handling complicated documents, or training your coworkers.
Questions and Answers Section
Do you need to have the MOS Associate certification before you can obtain the MOS Expert certification?
Yes, to receive MOS Expert certification, you first need to have the Associate certification and pass the required exams.
How long does it take to sit for the MOS exam?
MOS exams last 50 minutes. Please refer to the official exam page for the number of questions and the passing score for your exam version.
Is Spoclearn providing MOS training in India for the corporate sector?
Spoclearn does have a Microsoft Office Specialist 2019 course that lasts for 32 hours.