What is a MOS Certificate used for? Is the MOS Certificate equivalent to the Certificate of information technology application in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, what is a MOS Certificate (Microsoft Office Specialist) used for?
A MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) Certificate is an international certification issued by Microsoft, used to confirm proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite software such as:
- Microsoft Word (word processing)
- Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (presentations)
- Microsoft Outlook (email management)
- Microsoft Access (databases)
The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certificate is divided into 3 main levels, each reflecting different proficiency levels with applications in the Microsoft Office suite, specifically including:
1/ MOS Specialist: Is the most basic level, certifying the ability to use the main and basic functions of a Microsoft Office application.
2/ MOS Expert: Certifies advanced skills in using Microsoft Office tools. Candidates for the Expert certificate are required to have the corresponding Specialist certificate.
3/ MOS Master: The highest level. Requires passing 4 examinations including Word Expert, Excel Expert, PowerPoint and one of the two exams: Outlook or Access, which candidates may choose.
Note: This content is for reference only!
What is a MOS Certificate used for? Is the MOS Certificate equivalent to the Certificate of information technology application in Vietnam? (Image from the Internet)
What is the certificate of information technology application in Vietnam?
Under Clause 1, Article 2 Joint Circular 17/2016/TTLT-BGDDT-BTTTT:
The certificate of information technology application (hereinafter referred to as Certificate) means a certificate of national education system certifying levels of ability and skills of individuals in using technology in conformity with IT skill standards prescribed in Circular 03/2014/TT-BTTTT dated March 11, 2014 of the Minister of Information and Communications.
Is the MOS Certificate equivalent to the Certificate of information technology application in Vietnam?
The certificate of information technology application confirms the proficiency and ability to use IT according to the IT skill standard.
Under the provisions of Article 1 and Article 2 of Circular 03/2014/TT-BTTTT, there are two IT skill standards: the basic standard and the advanced standard. To be considered as meeting the standard, one must fulfill all module requirements for each standard. Specifically:
- The basic IT skill standard includes the following 06 modules:
+ Skill Module 01 (Code IU01): Basic IT understanding (Table 01, Appendix 01).
+ Skill Module 02 (Code IU02): Basic computer use (Table 02, Appendix 01).
+ Skill Module 03 (Code IU03): Basic word processing (Table 03, Appendix 01).
+ Skill Module 04 (Code IU04): Basic spreadsheet use (Table 04, Appendix 01).
+ Skill Module 05 (Code IU05): Basic presentation use (Table 05, Appendix 01).
+ Skill Module 06 (Code IU06): Basic Internet use (Table 06, Appendix 01).
- The advanced IT skill standard includes the following 09 modules:
+ Skill Module 07 (Code IU07): Advanced word processing (Table 01, Appendix 02).
+ Skill Module 08 (Code IU08): Advanced spreadsheet use (Table 02, Appendix 02).
+ Skill Module 09 (Code IU09): Advanced presentation use (Table 03, Appendix 02).
+ Skill Module 10 (Code IU10): Database management system use (Table 04, Appendix 02).
+ Skill Module 11 (Code IU11): Two-dimensional graphic design (Table 05, Appendix 02).
+ Skill Module 12 (Code IU12): Image editing (Table 06, Appendix 02).
+ Skill Module 13 (Code IU13): Webpage editing (Table 07, Appendix 02).
+ Skill Module 14 (Code IU14): Information security and safety (Table 08, Appendix 02).
+ Skill Module 15 (Code IU15): Project planning software use (Table 09, Appendix 02).
In contrast, the MOS Certificate primarily focuses on Microsoft Office use:
- Basic: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Advanced (Expert): Word Expert, Excel Expert.
The MOS Certificate does not test skills outside of Microsoft Office (such as Internet use, information security, or graphic design).
For comparing the MOS Certificate with the IT skill standard, it can be observed:
- For the basic IT skill standard: The MOS Certificate may partially equate to modules IU03, IU04, and IU05 (word processing, spreadsheet use, presentation use). However, it does not include the content of IU01, IU02 (basic computer use and basic IT understanding), and IU06 (basic Internet use).
- For the advanced IT skill standard: The MOS Expert Certificate may partially equate to IU07 (advanced word processing), IU08 (advanced spreadsheet use), and IU09 (advanced presentation use). However, it does not cover other modules like IU10 (database management) or IU15 (project planning software).
Therefore, the MOS Certificate and the certificate of information technology application are two different certifications, and the MOS Certificate cannot be used to demonstrate sufficient IT skill standards according to Circular 03/2014/TT-BTTTT.
However, in practice, some agencies and units may accept the MOS Certificate as a substitute for the basic IT skill standard or some modules of the advanced standard.
Therefore, equivalence certification may still depend on the regulations of each agency or organization. To ensure full compliance with legal standards, individuals should directly take the IT standard exams according to the aforementioned Circular if there are specific requirements.
