Microsoft Office Specialist Qualification

Boost your CV and learn new IT skills that will benefit your studies and working life with Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), a globally recognised IT qualification available for free to current students and staff.

 

The resources you need to pass are available online. With this self-study programme, you can practice in your own time, at your own pace.

What certifications are available?

Get certified in one or more of the following applications:

  • Word 365
  • Excel 365
  • PowerPoint 365 
  • Outlook 2019

Challenge yourself further with an Associate certification, and Expert certification in Word and Excel.

Who is MOS aimed at?

Gaining MOS certification requires a wide-ranging knowledge of your chosen application/s. 

Its GMetrix training software assumes a basic knowledge of the Microsoft applications. Its practice exams test and strengthen your existing knowledge, with tasks made up of a random mix of basic and intermediate skills.

Beginners can join the MOS programme, but if you find that the learning curve is too steep, then we recommend you sign in to LinkedIn Learning and search for its range of Microsoft 365 Essential Training courses as a starting point. It also offers MOS Certification preparation courses. For help with accessing LinkedIn Learning watch our video, How to access LinkedIn Learning at the University of Salford.

How to access the training software

Online training - Download GMetrix - free online training software – to your Windows devices, or use on networked computers on campus [Not available for Macs]. It offers practice tests in training and testing modes which simulate real MOS exams. Further details are available on registration.

eWorkbooks - Microsoft approved workbooks, which map directly to exam objectives, are available on Blackboard.

You're ready when...

You've consistently scored more than:

70%

The pass mark for MOS exams is 70%. When you consistently achieve 70-80% pass marks in the GMetrix practice tests, you can book an exam place.

How to book an exam place

Book a place on one of our invigilated exam sessions below - they currently take place online at least twice a month, with additional sessions scheduled nearer summer graduation. Remember, you must gain 70% or more before you book a place.

  • Microsoft Office Specialist - Exams
    • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam session (On Campus)

      Starts: 20 Nov 2024, 2:00 pm
      Finishes: 20 Nov 2024, 3:00 pm
      Venue: Frederick Road Campus, Allerton, C811
      Remaining places: 1
      This one-hour EXAM SESSION for MOS certification takes place ON CAMPUS. At the time of booking, you must have scored over 70% in GMetrix's 'Testing' mode for your chosen application. Bookings not meeting this criterion will be cancelled.
    • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam session (On Campus)

      Starts: 27 Nov 2024, 3:00 pm
      Finishes: 27 Nov 2024, 4:00 pm
      Venue: Frederick Road Campus, Allerton, C811
      Remaining places: 0
      This one-hour EXAM SESSION for MOS certification takes place ON CAMPUS. At the time of booking, you must have scored over 70% in GMetrix's 'Testing' mode for your chosen application. Bookings not meeting this criterion will be cancelled.
    • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam session (On Campus)

      Starts: 28 Nov 2024, 3:00 pm
      Finishes: 28 Nov 2024, 4:00 pm
      Venue: Frederick Road Campus, Allerton, C811
      Remaining places: 0
      This one-hour EXAM SESSION for MOS certification takes place ON CAMPUS. At the time of booking, you must have scored over 70% in GMetrix's 'Testing' mode for your chosen application. Bookings not meeting this criterion will be cancelled.
    • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam session (On Campus)

      Starts: 5 Dec 2024, 3:00 pm
      Finishes: 5 Dec 2024, 4:00 pm
      Venue: Frederick Road Campus, Allerton, C811
      Remaining places: 11
      This one-hour EXAM SESSION for MOS certification takes place ON CAMPUS. At the time of booking, you must have scored over 70% in GMetrix's 'Testing' mode for your chosen application. Bookings not meeting this criterion will be cancelled.
    • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam session (On Campus)

      Starts: 11 Dec 2024, 3:00 pm
      Finishes: 11 Dec 2024, 4:00 pm
      Venue: Frederick Road Campus, Allerton, C811
      Remaining places: 12
      This one-hour EXAM SESSION for MOS certification takes place ON CAMPUS. At the time of booking, you must have scored over 70% in GMetrix's 'Testing' mode for your chosen application. Bookings not meeting this criterion will be cancelled.

    How much does it cost?

    This free programme is only available to current students and staff.

    How do I sign up?

    Complete the form below to register for the MOS programme.

    You can then access links to further information on getting started, and view our detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), guides and workbooks.

     

    We will occasionally contact registered members via email to highlight MOS workshops, upcoming exam dates, or changes to the programme.

    Contact studentdigitalskills@salford.ac.uk if you have any further questions.

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