Microsoft Office Specialist exams are performance-based, which means each is conducted within a "live" Microsoft Office program. Using the actual program, exam candidates are asked to perform a series of tasks to clearly demonstrate their skills. Each program-specific exam evaluates a defined set of computing skills:

Microsoft Word

• Creating and modifying text
• Formatting documents
• Working with graphics
• Workgroup collaboration

Microsoft Excel

• Managing workbooks
• Creating and revising formulas
• Creating and modifying graphics
• Workgroup collaboration

Microsoft Powerpoint

• Inserting and modifying text
• Inserting and modifying visual elements
• Working with data from other sources, managing and delivering presentations
• Workgroup collaboration

Microsoft Outlook

• Creating and viewing messages
• Scheduling
• Creating and managing contacts
• Creating and managing tasks and notes

Microsoft Access

• Creating and using database
• Creating and modifying queries
• Defining relationships
• Integrating with other applications

Microsoft Project

• Creating a project plan
• Communicating project information
• General project management concepts
• Customizing a project
• Multi-project management