What is MOUS certification? MOUS is an acronym for Microsoft Office User Specialist. There is a range of different applications within Microsoft Office. These are Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheet), PowerPoint (presentation), Outlook (combination of email, contact database, and scheduling), and Access (database). Many offices tend to purchase the Microsoft Office package, which contains all of these different applications. These different applications are designed to work well with each other, and buying the whole tranche of applications tends to be a very economical. While basic functions are relatively easy to pick up, many people are unaware of the full range of utilities offered. A structured program can take students through every aspect of each program so that he or she is fully aware of the functionality and scope available to them.

What is the importance of certification? Most people can work their way round most word processing packages. Once the basics have been mastered, most people can "muddle through" some of the other applications. While a passing familiarity may be enough for a lot of jobs, increasingly, employers require proficiency. Excel, in particular is a very powerful tool, and most self-taught users are completely unaware of its many uses and functionalities. MOUS certification ensures than students have a through grounding in how to use these tool efficiently. With this qualification, an employer can see at a glance that an employer has attained and practiced MOUS skills and knowledge to a standard level. MOUS certification on an applicant's resume, can remove doubt about his or her proficiency with office tools.