Microsoft Office skills are invaluable in today’s job market. Whether you work in business, education, government, or any other field, being able to effectively use tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential. Not only do these skills make you better at your day-to-day tasks, but they also make you more marketable when it comes time to switch jobs or get promoted.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or devote months of your time to get certified in Microsoft Office. There are affordable options available that allow you to earn accredited certifications in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office programs in just weeks.
Why Get Microsoft Office Certified?
Getting certified in Microsoft Office can benefit your career in several ways:
- Prove Your Skills – Certification shows employers that you have the expertise to complete tasks efficiently and accurately in Office programs. This can give you a competitive edge over other candidates.
- Higher Salaries – On average, tech professionals with certifications earn up to 15% more than those without, according to Global Knowledge.
- Career Advancement – Certification makes it more likely you’ll be considered for promotions and leadership roles that require Office skills.
- Confidence – Testing your abilities and earning certifications can boost your confidence in using Office programs.
Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications
The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) program offers testing and certification in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and other Office apps. Certiport manages the program, which is recognized globally by academia, government, and industry.
There are three certification levels you can achieve:
- Associate: Demonstrates core skills for basic tasks
- Expert: Validates advanced skills and in-depth knowledge
- Master: Recognizes comprehensive expertise across multiple programs
Affordable Exam Prep Options
Rather than spending $1000+ on exam prep courses, there are budget-friendly options to help you get ready for Microsoft Office certification:
Self-Guided Learning
Microsoft offers free online training courses and practice tests to help you prepare for MOS exams. You can go through lessons and materials at your own pace to build skills before testing.
Practice Tests
Full-length practice exams simulate the real testing experience. They expose you to the types of tasks and interfaces you’ll encounter when taking a certification exam. Practice tests usually cost around $30.
Study Groups
Connecting with others who are preparing for Office certification can be extremely helpful. Study groups allow you to ask questions, learn best practices, share materials, and keep each other motivated.
Textbooks
Microsoft Press publishes exam preparation guides and handbooks for under $30. Textbooks provide comprehensive overviews of skills and concepts covered on Office certification tests.
Earn Certification Affordably
With self-discipline and the right prep materials, it’s possible to earn accredited Microsoft Office certifications without expensive prep courses or training. Set aside consistent study time, utilize free and low-cost learning resources, and register for practice tests. This will put you in a position to pass certification exams without spending more than $30.
Investing a few weeks to achieve Microsoft Office credentials can bolster your skills, employability, and earnings potential. The modest upfront costs are well worth it for the long-term payoff. Strengthen your resume and demonstrate your expertise to employers by getting certified affordably today!
