Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)–a way for everyone to gain certification in IT

Recently I wrote a post on how Sawtry Community College has used Microsoft Office Specialist exams (MOS), to challenge and further their student’s education. However it can also be used as an alternative to AS levels. Depending on the student, the option to take the MOS exam could be more suited.
A great example is from West Park , an 11-16 Maths & Computing Specialist School on the outskirts of Derby. My colleague Greg Pearson, UK Lead, Microsoft Learning recently spoke to Jean Moss, Community Developer at West Park with regards to MOS and how it has helped some of their pupils.
‘’All pupils take the BTEC First Certificate for ICT Practitioners (equivalent to two GCSEs).  Those who complete the work early have the option to take an AS in ICT.  However this is not suitable for all pupils, and so last year as a trial, we introduced the Microsoft Office Specialist Examinations through Certiport.  Pupils can practice and take the exams during normal lessons.  After a slow start the interest of the pupils was engaged.  A key factor was having the results of the examination immediately and receiving a printed certificate to show what has been achieved.
One outstanding pupil was Alice.  Alice took her first examination on 21^st March 2011 and by 17^th May 2011 had become a Microsoft Office Specialist 2007 Master.  This is impressive for many reasons.  One is that Alice did not have access to Outlook at home or at school.  She became proficient through the e-learning available through our IT Academy membership.’’
  
More information on MOS exams and Certiport can be found here

Source from Site Home by Ellie G Jones