What is an IT Academy Program?

The Microsoft IT Academy program enables academic learning institutions to connect the world of education to the world of work by enabling faculty and students to acquire new technology skills in an academic setting. Microsoft IT Academies benefit from world-class Microsoft curriculum and cutting-edge software tools to experience real-world challenges in the classroom environment.

What is Microsoft Office Specialist?

Microsoft Office Specialist certification (MOS), the premier Microsoft desktop productivity certification, is a globally recognized standard that validates computer desktop skills. The Microsoft Office Specialist program is meeting the demand for "job ready" people in the global workplace.

Why should I get my training at Roosevelt Community Adult School?

Per Microsoft IT Academy guidelines, we have to have a least one instructor that has been certified as a Microsoft Master Instructor (MMI).  That means that you will be getting instructors who are highly qualified to teach the Microsoft Office Suite.  Other schools may not have any MMIs on staff.

How long will it take to get certified?

There is a four course sequence that we encourage you to follow.  Each course takes approximately 60 hours.¹ If you are receiving ten hours of instruction a week, then you should be ready to take the certification test in 24 weeks or 6 months.

The length of time will vary according to the student’s abilities.  Our classes are structured in an individualized lab environment with regular classroom lectures.  This methodology will ensure that faster learners are not held back by slower learners and slower learners have adequate time to fully understand the concepts.

We also have additional preparation classes for Word and Excel which experience students can take to specifically prepare them for the MOS exam.

I have taken and passed all of your required courses.  Does that mean that I am certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist?

No.  You are certified ONLY when you pass the official Microsoft Office Specialist test administered by an authorized Certiport Testing Center.²  Once you pass your test, you will receive an official certificate from Microsoft in about 7-10 days.

Now that I have my certification, how will a Microsoft Office Specialist certification benefit me?

According to information obtain from Certiport, 71% of supervisors use Office Specialist in hiring, promotion, and advancement decisions.

Office Specialist certification sets you apart in today's competitive job market, bringing employment opportunities, greater earning potential, and career advancement—in addition to increased job satisfaction.

How will Microsoft Office Specialist certification benefit my employer or potential employer?

The results of an independent research study of participants in the Office Specialist program indicate Office Specialist certification improves employee competence, productivity, and credibility, including the following:

• Up to 89 percent of employers observe increased competency in their Office Specialist-certified employees.
• Up to 85 percent of employers feel their Office Specialist-certified employees are more productive.
• Up to 77 percent of employers feel Office Specialist certification has a positive effect on employee credibility among co-workers.
• Up to 74 percent of employers feel Office Specialist certification has a positive effect on employee credibility with customers and clients.
• Up to 82 percent of employers believe Office Specialist certification directly benefits an organization.
• Up to 67 percent of employers feel Office Specialist simplifies hiring and advancement decisions.

How much is this program going to cost me?

There is a $25 registration fee and a $65 class materials fee for each course per semester.³ Cost of textbooks will vary by course.  When you are ready to take a Microsoft Office Specialist Test, you can purchase a $85 test voucher directly form Certiport or purchase a test voucher from Roosevelt Community Adult School for $65 and take the test on campus.⁴