Excel in Your Career: Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Elevate your academic journey and advance toward professional success. The Microsoft Office Specialist Excel Certification is your edge in today’s competitive job market.

  1. Albers School of Business & Economics
  2. Undergraduate Programs
  3. Excel Certification
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Free Summer Exams

If you passed the Excel exam, you can take other Microsoft Office exams for free during summer! Non-Albers and grad students can take free summer exams by paying a one-time $50 fee.

Free Exam Details

Enhance your career prospects by obtaining a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification. It's essential for Albers undergrads to pass the Excel 2019 Associate Certification (MO-200 exam) to advance in your BABA or BAE degree.

Starting Fall 2019, new candidates must take the Excel 2016 or 365/2019 exam. Certifications for Excel 2013 are valid if obtained before September 1, 2019. However, certifications for Excel 2010 or earlier are not accepted.

Discover more about the certification process and exam preparation on Microsoft's Exam Details page.

Typically, students register in a scheduled exam session linked to their BUAN 3150 (formerly IS 3150) course or select from open sessions on our Eventbrite page. Those needing ADA accommodations should apply through Certiport and once approved, coordinate with the Excel Proctor for an exam time.

Remember, registration with Certiport is necessary to take any Microsoft Certification Exam.

Currently we're only offering in-person Excel exams in Pigott 328. This setting offers a premium exam experience with larger screens and more control over the exam computers.

Exam Details for New Candidates:

  • Exam Attempts: You can take the Excel certification exam multiple times until you pass. Each paid exam session includes one free retake.
  • Waiting Period: You must wait 24 hours after your first attempt and 48 hours after subsequent attempts before retaking the exam.
  • Passing Score: You need a minimum of 700 out of 1000 to pass.
  • Exam Cost: The fee is $50, covering the cost of Certiport and GMetrix site licenses and Albers' administrative costs.

Your Certificate

A printed certificate is only mailed to you if you take the exam using a voucher (at a cost of about $100). You can order a printed certificate for $10 (plus shipping) from Certiport by signing in to the website and clicking My Transcript; or click the orange PDF link on My Transcript to download the certificate and print it yourself.

  1. Study for the Exam
  2. Exam Registration and Accommodations
  3. Register for an exam session
  1. 1

    Study for the Exam

    There are many resources available to prepare for the exam. We highly recommend GMetrix CertPrep practice tests because they simulate the official exam environment.

    GMetrix can be accessed on Redhawk Labs or in any computer lab on campus. Students with a Windows computer and Office 365 or Office 2019 installed can also download the exam software to their own computers from GMetrix. If you use a Mac or do not have Office 365 or Office 2019 on your own computer, you can only access GMetrix via Redhawk Labs or campus computer labs.

    You will need a GMetrix access code to take a full length practice test. Email ExcelTest@seattleu.edu from your SeattleU email account withe the subject line #gmetrixexcelrequest to get an access code emailed to you. Please make sure there are no spaces before or after the text in the subject line. The code is good for 100 practice test sessions per person.

    More information about GMetrix as well as other study resources is available in the Study Resources section.

    Create a GMetrix Account

    GMetrix CertPrep practice tests are the most important study resource to use when preparing for the Excel exam.

    Register Now

Study Resources

GMetrix Skills Management System is an application simulates the exam environment, however it is not exactly the same the official exam. You must use the GMetrix SMS software to run Office practice exams, they cannot be run from the GMetrix website. GMetrix version 7 is recommended for Office 2019 practice tests.

GMetrix can be accessed on Redhawk Labs or in any computer lab on campus. Students with a Windows computer and Office 365 or Office 2019 installed can also download the exam software to their own computers from GMetrix.net. If you use a Mac or do not have Office 365 or Office 2019 on your own computer, you can only access GMetrix via Redhawk Labs or a campus computer lab.

You will need to create your own account with GMetrix. You can create an account from within the software (using the "Sign up" link below the Sign In button) or at gmetrix.net. As of January 1, 2025 we are requiring students to use their SeattleU email address when they register with GMetrix, and may disable non-SU email accounts activating the current access code.

If you already have an existing GMetrix account set up with a non-SU email, you can send an email to ExcelTest@seattleu.edu with the subject "Email exception" and include both your SU email and the email on your GMetrix account in the message.

As stated above, you will also need a GMetrix access code to take a full length practice test. Email ExcelTest@seattleu.edu from your SeattleU email account with the subject line #gmetrixexcelrequest (including the hashtag) to request an access code. Make sure there are no spaces after the hashtag.

GMetrix provides two Excel Associate 2019 Practice Exams which are available in two modes, Testing or Training:

  • Testing mode is the closest approximation of Microsoft's Excel certification exam, it is a timed test and no feedback is given until the test is finished and submitted. After the practice test is completed your results are displayed with a score for each of the major topic areas (listed below). Use these results as guide for which areas you should focus on.
  • Training mode gives feedback immediately after each project is submitted, indicating which tasks were incorrect. It also includes a light bulb icon that displays the instructions for each task.

You may take either of the practice tests as many times as you want, it is recommended that students complete both practice tests at least once. Students who pass both practice tests in testing mode are usually successful on their first attempt to pass the official exam.

GMetrix FAQ

  • How many times can I redeem the GMetrix code?
    You can only redeem each GMetrix code one time.
  • How many practice tests can I take with one GMetrix code?
    Each code is good for a total of 100 practice tests. All types of tests count toward the 100 test limit: both testing and training mode, and both the CertPrep tests and custom 'Targeted' tests.
  • GMetrix says my code has expired, can I request a new code?
    The GMetrix codes are renewed in January, you can request a new code right after winter quarter starts.
  • I took a practice test previously, but now GMetrix says I don't have any Programs.
    Click the Help button in GMetrix and open a ticket with GMetrix Support.
  • Can I take a practice test on the GMetrix website, or on my Mac?
    No, Microsoft Office (Excel) exams must be taken from the GMetrix App, installed on a Windows computer.

LinkedIn Learning provides video-based tutorials with downloadable exercise files for you to follow along and perform the same tasks demonstrated in the videos. Seattle University students can use their Seattle Public Library card to access LinkedIn Learning, if you do not have a Seattle Public Library card you can apply online. Then visit the LinkedIn learning Library login to get access.

The course titled "Cert Prep: Excel Associate - Microsoft Office Specialist for Office 2019" is specifically targeted at preparing for the MO-200 Excel Associate Exam. You can also search for "Excel 2019" to see all available Excel 2019 courses and locate specific topics (Formulas and Functions, Formatting, Charts, etc.)

The Seattle U Campus Store carries the MOS Study Guide for Microsoft Excel Exam MO-200 (ISBN 9780136627159), which is also available online in both hard copy and digital formats.

Microsoft offers an extensive library of training videos arranged by topic on the Office Support website. Links to specific videos and articles are also provided in the list of Skills Measured.

  1. 2

    Exam Registration and Accommodations

    Before your upcoming exam, follow these essential steps to ensure a smooth experience:

    1. Certiport Registration:
      Register with Certiport before your test date.
      Input your Seattle U ID in the "Student/Employee ID" field during registration.
      Complete the Microsoft registration at the end of the process.
      No need for vouchers at SU; disregard any voucher-related notices.
    2. Exam Group ID (IS-3150):
      If you're taking the exam for credit in IS-3150, log in to Certiport.com and register the exam group ID for your class.
    3. Accommodations for Disabilities:
      If you have a disability that might impact your performance, apply for accommodations with Certiport.
      Make sure to use the same username for both Certiport registration and the accommodations application.
      Approval may take up to two weeks (or longer if additional documentation is requested).
      For extended testing time, contact ExcelTest@seattleu.edu to schedule your exam session.

    Certiport Testing Accommodations

    Accommodations can be requested online using the Reasonable Adjustments Request System (RARS). This is a secure, online system for requesting accommodations and submitting your supporting documentation.

    Info and Application
  2. 3

    Register for an exam session

    If you're currently part of a BUAN-3150 class, your instructor will provide a custom registration link for your class. If not, visit Albers’ Exam Registration page to register and pay for your exam session.

    The cost is $50, covering both the Certiport exam fee and Albers’ administrative expenses.

    Free retake promo code: If you don't pass on your first attempt, you will receive an email with a promo code for one free retake. If you require another retake you will have to pay the additional fee, which will include another free retake.

    NEW: After your fourth attempt (second free retake), additional attempts are free! If you need an additional retake and you have not been contacted, email exceltest@seattleu.edu about updating your promo code.

    Certiport Retake Policies

    After your first exam attempt you must wait 24 hours before taking the Excel exam again. After your second and any subsequent attempts, you must wait 48 hours before taking the same exam again.

Summer Exams for Free

The Albers Testing Center in Pigott 328 will be open for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams during summer. If you paid the Excel exam fee at least once, you can register for additional Microsoft Office exams for free during summer (between June Commencement and Labor Day*). This opportunity is also open to non-business students and graduate students (must be a current Seattle U student). If you live outside the Puget Sound area and go home during summer, a limited number of remote exams will be available (within the US only). Terms and Conditions apply, see below.
*When the university switches to the semester calendar this end date will switch to the first day of fall quarter.

  • Business Undergraduate students must pass the Office 2019 Excel Associate exam before taking any other exams.
  • All students taking MOS exams through the Albers Testing Center must pay the $50 fee at least once to be able to take free certification exams during summer (fees paid for previous Excel exams apply to this requirement).
  • Exams will only be administered on weekdays when Seattle University is open (no holidays), during normal business hours.
  • You must provide at least one GMetrix practice test taken in Testing Mode with a score of 85% or higher to show readiness.

If demand exceeds the supply of exam licenses, priority will be given in the following order:

  1. Students taking the Excel exam for the graduation requirement
  2. Students attempting to complete a multi-exam certification
  3. Students with a relevant major or minor (primarily business majors/minors)
  4. Students taking an exam for the first time, or with fewer attempts on the same exam

Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications

To earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate certification for Office 2019, pass three of the following exams::

  • MO-100: Microsoft Word (Office 2019)
  • MO-200: Microsoft Excel (Office 2019)
  • MO-300: Microsoft PowerPoint (Office 2019)
  • MO-400: Microsoft Outlook (Office 2019)

To earn a Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert certification for Office 2019, complete the following requirements:

  • Earn a Microsoft Office Specialist Associate certification by passing three of the following Associate exams:

    • MO-100: Microsoft Word (Office 2019)
    • MO-200: Microsoft Excel (Office 2019)
    • MO-300: Microsoft PowerPoint (Office 2019)
    • MO-400: Microsoft Outlook (Office 2019)

  • Pass any two of the following three Expert exams:

    • MO-101: Microsoft Word Expert (Office 2019)
    • MO-201: Microsoft Excel Expert (Office 2019)
    • MO-500: Microsoft Access Expert (Office 2019)

To earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate certification for Microsoft 365 Apps, pass three of the following exams. All three must be in different programs and at least one must be a Microsoft 365 Apps exam.

  • MO-110: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • MO-210: Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • MO-310: Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps)
  • MO-410: Microsoft Outlook (Microsoft 365 Apps) - coming soon
  • MO-100: Microsoft Word (Office 2019)
  • MO-200: Microsoft Excel (Office 2019)
  • MO-300: Microsoft PowerPoint (Office 2019)
  • MO-400: Microsoft Outlook (Office 2019)

To earn a Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert certification for Microsoft 365 Apps, complete the following requirements:

  • Earn a Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate certification for Microsoft 365 Apps certification by passing three of the following exams. All three must be in different programs and at least one must be a Microsoft 365 Apps exam.

    • MO-110: Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
    • MO-210: Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
    • MO-310: Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps)
    • MO-410: Microsoft Outlook (Microsoft 365 Apps) - coming soon
    • MO-100: Microsoft Word (Office 2019)
    • MO-200: Microsoft Excel (Office 2019)
    • MO-300: Microsoft PowerPoint (Office 2019)
    • MO-400: Microsoft Outlook (Office 2019)

  • Pass two of the following Expert exams. Both must be in different programs and at least one exam must be a Microsoft 365 Apps exam:

    • MO-111: Microsoft Word Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)
    • MO-211: Microsoft Excel Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)
    • MO-101: Microsoft Word Expert (Office 2019)
    • MO-201: Microsoft Excel Expert (Office 2019)

Microsoft Office Specialist National Championship

Students between the ages of 13 and 22 (as of December 31, 2025) must earn the highest score in their state to be invited to the National Championship.

There are two qualifying periods:

  • June 16, 2025 - December 15, 2025
  • December 16, 2025 - May 3, 2026

You can enter the contest before you start your exam, or you can enter your score after you have finished the exam by clicking the "World Championship - Register Exam" banner on the Certiport Welcome page after signing in.