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).
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MOS is 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.
About the GMetrix training software
The first step is to join the MOS programme, and the online registration form is at the end of this page. Our GMetrix user guide will explain how to download and install the GMetrix training software and how to get started with your GMetrix practice.
GMetrix online training - GMetrix is the free online training software that prepares you for your MOS exam/s. You can download and install it 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 official MOS exams.
eWorkbooks - Microsoft approved workbooks, which map directly to exam objectives, are available on our Blackboard MOS page.
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 (MOS) Exam session (On Campus)
Starts: 15 Jan 2025, 3:00 pmFinishes: 15 Jan 2025, 4:00 pmVenue: Frederick Road Campus, Allerton, C811Remaining places: 12This 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 Jan 2025, 3:30 pmFinishes: 28 Jan 2025, 4:30 pmVenue: Frederick Road Campus, Allerton, C811Remaining places: 12This 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 (Online)
Starts: 12 Feb 2025, 3:30 pmFinishes: 12 Feb 2025, 4:30 pmVenue: MOS Exam - Certiport exam providerRemaining places: 15This is a one-hour online EXAM SESSION for MOS certification. 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.
The form's ‘Thank you’ page provides a link to our Blackboard MOS page, which includes a step-by-step user guide for the GMetrix training software and the GMetrix Access Code for this academic year.
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.