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Microsoft needs no introduction, I hope.
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Standard disclaimer: Whether or not any certification is "worth it" is an individual decision. You alone must decide what your career goals and needs are. Look at certifications from a cost/benefit or Return On Investment (ROI) basis. If they help you get a better paying job or make more money at your current job, they are obviously "worth it." The problem is, there is no real way of measuring how much you can expect your income to go up as a result of any given certification. It also depends on non-related job search skills such as how well you network. |
The Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification was begun in 1997 to help people certify their expertise with Microsoft Office programs. This suite of programs are the standard with most users, from individuals at home to major corporations.
The programs are:
I could not find any explicitly explained difference between the core and expert levels, so we must rely on common sense the very specific exam objectives that are explained in detail on Microsoft's site.
To pass the core level test you will want to have at least a functional working knowledge of that particular program. To pass the expert test you will want to know the program well, including the advanced features. This may be easier said than done. I've had software I've for years that I'm sure I could not pass an expert test on, and maybe not even a core test. Because I learned how to do what I wanted to do and never bothered to learn what I didn't know how to do. I'm sure I have a lot of software with potential I don't even dream of.
You won't want to pay to take the MOUS tests just for your own personal satisfaction however. They are for office professionals.
You are not required to take any courses. You learn the program through any course or book or software or video or CD Rom or online training. You sign up for the test, pay for it, take and -- of course -- pass it.
And then you get that job or promotion you want.