SureSkills is a Microsoft Gold Partner and a Microsoft Certified Partner Learning Services. We offer a broad selection of accredited training for both the IT professional and end user, providing leading edge training programs and industry certification - including the Microsoft Certified Partner Learning Services (CPLS).
MOS FAQ
Q. What are the Microsoft Business Certification credentials?
A. The Microsoft Business Certification program is made up of two credentials, the Microsoft Certified Application Professional, and the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist.
• The Microsoft Certified Application Professional (MCAP) credential
This credential certifies business professionals in essential business skill sets that extend across industries and job roles. By demonstrating their ability to use the 2007 Microsoft Office system and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server sites, MCAP candidates can be certified in Managing Budgets, Managing Content, Managing Presentations, or Supporting Organizations.
• The Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) credential
This credential certifies business professionals in the use of specific products in the 2007 Microsoft Office system and in Windows Vista. MCAS candidates can be certified in Microsoft Office Word 2007, Microsoft Office Excel 2007, Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007, Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, Microsoft Office Access 2007, and Windows Vista.
Q. What is the difference between the Microsoft Business Certification program and the Microsoft Office Specialist program?
A. The Microsoft Business Certification program is the successor program to the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program. It focuses on the 2007 Microsoft Office system, Windows Vista, and professional skill sets.
Q. Are Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications still available?
A. Yes, the MOS program will continue to be available and the certifications you have earned remain valid. Currently, certifications are available in the following Microsoft Office products
• Microsoft Office 2003
• Microsoft Office XP
• Microsoft Office 2000
• Microsoft Project 2000
Q. What distinguishes individuals with Microsoft Business Certification credentials from their peers?
A. Achieving a Microsoft Business Certification credential validates important skills and demonstrates the candidate's commitment to growing and documenting her or his skills.
Q. Who benefits from the Microsoft Business Certification program?
A. Certification distinguishes business workers as truly knowledgeable—a designation that attracts attention in the competitive job market. Certification also demonstrates employee competence, which helps managers make job placement and advancement decisions. Managers who hire or promote candidates with a Microsoft Business Certification credential reduce the amount of training new employees need to be ready to contribute to the overall level of organizational effectiveness.
• Learn more about MCAP certification
• Learn more about MCAS certification
Q. What processes are in place to ensure high quality exam questions?
A. Certification exams are developed and reviewed by a team of experts who have extensive experience using Microsoft applications in diverse business and educational settings. Additionally, every exam undergoes a pilot test and rigorous analysis before it is released. The purpose of this process is to eliminate exam questions that do not meet standards for technical accuracy, clarity, relevance, and fairness.
Q. What is the exam format?
A. The exam format varies. MCAS exams are primarily performance-based exams conducted in a "live," or simulated, environment. Exam candidates are asked to perform a series of tasks to clearly demonstrate their skills. For example, an Office Word 2007 exam might ask a user to balance newspaper column lengths or keep text together in columns.
MCAP exams contain several short tests, each consisting of a business/technical scenario and several exam items based on that scenario. Exam items may be answered by performing tasks in a live or simulated application, or by selecting a response to a multiple-choice question.
Q. How long does a typical exam take?
A. A typical MCAS exam takes up to 90 minutes. MCAP exams may be longer. Individual efforts are measured for both knowledge and efficiency.
Q. What kind of preparation is necessary?
A. Although exam candidates may prepare on their own, outside training and training materials can provide the support, resources, and practice needed to become certified. For complete exam preparation information, please review the following pages:
• Review the steps to achieve the MCAS credential
• Review the steps to achieve the MCAP credential
Additionally, each exam has a preparation guide that includes specific resources for preparing for that exam.
Q. Where can I take a MCAP or MCAS exam?
A. All exams are administered by Microsoft Certified Exam Providers. Questions about exam schedules should be directed to the location where you will take the exam. Most exam providers require pre-registration.
• Find an exam provider near you
Q. In which languages and countries are Microsoft Certified Application Professional (MCAP) and Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) exams offered?
A. Search the complete lists of localized exams.
• Search MCAP exams
• Search MCAS exams
Q. Where can I find my exam results?
A. Exam results are displayed as soon as the exam is completed. Those who pass will be mailed an official certificate in approximately two to three weeks after the exam.
Q. If I don't pass an exam, can I get a refund?
A. Refunds are not available for failing exam scores or missed exam appointments.
Q. Can I challenge an exam question?
A. Yes. In the event you believe a particular exam question is not valid, you may request an evaluation of the question.
• Read more about challenging an exam question
Q. What is the retake policy for Microsoft Business Certification exams?
A. Candidates may retake the same exam one time without restriction. However, candidates who wish to retake the exam a second or subsequent time must wait a minimum of seven days before retaking the exam. This waiting period between exam retakes discourages memorization of exam content. Candidates must pay the exam fee or offered discount fee for all exam retakes. Candidates participating in exam beta testing may take each beta exam only once.
Q. What security procedures are in place for Microsoft Business Certification exams?
A. As a part of our ongoing effort to enhance the value of the Microsoft Business certification, certain security measures are in place to protect the integrity of certification exams. For example, all examinees are required to present personal identification at the testing center and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before taking an exam. An exam retake policy has also been implemented to restrict the number of times an examinee can retake an exam in a week. Finally, additional rules and procedures are in place for Microsoft Certified Exam Providers and examinees to combat cheating and misuse of exams.
• Learn more about the exam retake policy
• Learn about the Non-Disclosure Agreement
Q. Why am I required to accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before I can take an exam?
A. Acceptance of the by examinees protects exam content by creating a legally enforceable obligation to keep exam-related information confidential.
• Learn about the Non-Disclosure Agreement
Q. What happens if someone is caught cheating on an exam?
A. If an examinee is found to have violated testing rules and procedures, the examinee may lose any existing Microsoft certifications and may be made permanently ineligible of additional Microsoft certifications. Microsoft Certified Exam Providers are authorized to take appropriate measures to prevent cheating.
Q. Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
A. If you have additional questions, please visit the pages in the following list:
• Learn more about MCAP certification
• Learn more about MCAS certification