When selecting the Microsoft Office Specialist certification(s) level that you would like to pursue, you should assess the following:
The Office program ("program") and version(s) of that program with which you are familiar
The length of time you have used the program
Whether you have had formal or informal training in the use of that program
Candidates for Specialist-level certification are expected to successfully complete a wide range of standard business tasks, such as formatting a document or spreadsheet. Successful candidates generally have six or more months of experience with the program, including either formal, instructor-led training or self-study using Microsoft Office Specialist-approved books, guides, or interactive computer-based materials.
Candidates for Expert-level certification are expected to complete more complex, business-oriented tasks utilizing the program’s advanced functionality, such as importing data and recording macros. Successful candidates generally have one or more years of experience with the program, including formal, instructor-led training or self-study using Microsoft Office Specialist-approved materials.