The North Olympic Library System recently provided testing rooms for Peninsula College Administrative Office Systems (AOS) students and the public to take free proficiency testing for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and Digital Literacy Certification (IC3). Students in the program took the MOS certification exams as part of a capstone requirement.

“I think it’s great that the Washington State Library system is so willing to help out,” said Sherry Sparrowk, AOS program coordinator at Peninsula College. “It is an opportunity for everyone in Clallam and Jefferson counties to increase their credentials.”

MOS certification is the leading IT certification in the world. More than 1 million MOS exams are taken every year in over 140 countries. Testing is used to demonstrate that students have the knowledge, skills and abilities to productivity use Microsoft Office. MOS enables the user to tap the full features and functionality of the Microsoft Office system, resulting in heightened levels of individual performance, confidence and differentiation. IC3 is a global benchmark for basic computer literacy, including operating systems, hardware, software and networks certifications

Normally $125 per test for the MOS exams, the opportunity saved students hundreds of dollars in certification fees. Nine levels of MOS exams and three levels of IC3 exams were offered.

“I think it is wonderful,” AOS student Nicole Criel said of the opportunity for free certification testing. “Many of the students that participated would not have been able to if they had to pay for the exams. The certifications will give AOS students an advantage in the job market.”

Students will have the opportunity to test quarterly for the next two years. Sparrowk gives students one week of practice exams to get them familiar and aligned with the MOS tests. Testing at the Port Angeles Library will be available at the end of each quarter at Peninsula College.

Participants may register at the Washington State Library website at www.sos.wa.gov/library/ before each event.

For more information, contact Sherry Sparrowk at ssparrowk@pencol.edu.

SHS scores well on MOS tests

Sequim High School students are among the top schools in the state for pass rates for Microsoft Office Specialist certifications. During the 2015-2016 school year, SHS students ranked fourth with a 75.1 percent passing rate, behind only Walla Walla (86.4 percent), Foss (82.1) and Moses Lake (80.2).