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.

Every resource you need to pass is available online. Practice in your own time, at your own pace.

What certifications are available?

Get certified in one or more of the following applications:

  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Outlook
  • Access

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

Who is MOS aimed at?

MOS certification requires a good knowledge of an application. The Specialist exams test for a wide breadth of knowledge and feature tasks that are a random mix of basic and intermediate skills.

Beginners can join the MOS programme, but the learning curve will be steep. We recommend you log into LinkedIn Learning which has MS Office courses for beginners, plus MOS exam 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. 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: 15 May 2024, 3:00 pm
      Finishes: 15 May 2024, 4:00 pm
      Venue: Frederick Road Campus, Allerton, C811
      Remaining places: 7
      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 (Online)

      Starts: 21 May 2024, 4:00 pm
      Finishes: 21 May 2024, 5:00 pm
      Venue: MOS Exam - Certiport exam provider
      Remaining places: 10
      This 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.

    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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