CertCities.com | MOS News: MOUS AI To Become MOUS Master Instructor

Previously, AI candidates were required to pass two MOUS exams in their track, as well as meet the program's education requirements. According to Bruce Reemsnyder, senior director of Strategic Accounts for Nivo International (the organization that manages the MOUS program for Microsoft), the new title will have similar educational requirements as AI -- the increased number of exams is the major difference.

"Our Master program is the highest-level [MOUS certification] we offer. It was pointed out to us by both instructor and our partners that some of the students were certified at a higher level than the instructors [because some students were master level]," he explained. "It makes sense that our instructor should have the highest-level certification."

"Blending the concepts seemed to be the natural evolution of AI," he continued. "This new program will offer an increased ROI for participants and in turn a new challenge. We have raised the bar for instructors and the student will continue to benefit through a continuously improving classroom experience."

Reemsnyder told CertCities that current MOUS AIs can use their titles and logos until June 30 of this year -- the date by which AIs would normally need to renew their certification. At that time, the MOUS AI program will be retired, and candidates will need to apply to become MOUS Master Instructors.

Fees for the new program have yet to be worked out, although Reemsnyder said that significant discounts will be given to those previously MOUS certified.

According to Reemsnyder, complete details of the new program will be published on the MOUS Web site within the next two weeks, which would give current MOUS AIs just one month to turn around an application for the new program before their current title expires. New candidates who had attempted to apply to the MOUS AI program during the past few weeks will be on hold until the new certification is implemented.

One such candidate is Eileen Kelly, who found out about the retirement of the MOUS AI last week when she attempted to apply for the program.

At that time, Kelly was only told that the MOUS AI program was being discontinued, which caused her considerable frustration. "Over the last two months I have spent nearly 1500GBP on exam fees, travel and accommodation, study materials, and the recognized Train The Trainer Course and Video assessment," she told CertCities. "In addition to this there is the amount of study time required to pass the Expert exams. Knowing that this expense was for nothing is painful."

When told the about the new program by CertCities, Kelly said that the retirement makes more sense to her now, but that she still isn't happy with the changes. "I am obviously frustrated that the work and expense I put into the MOUS AI program did not deliver any benefits, but at least it wasn't totally wasted. I had intended to progress to Master certification anyway, but the delay will cause me considerable inconvenience," she said.

"The main reason I’m angry at whoever is responsible (be it Microsoft or Nivo) is the fact they gave us no forewarning, letting people continue to pursue this accreditation."

When asked about the short notice given candidates, Reemsnyder replied that he understands the frustration this has caused some MOUS AIs, adding "I wish we could have come out with the details sooner."

As stated above, information on the new MOUS Master Instructor title will be published on the MOUS.net Web site within the next two weeks, and Microsoft has indicated that current MOUS AIs will also receive individual notification via e-mail.

CertCities will report any further details here as they become known. - B.N.

UPDATE (5/24/01): Microsoft/Nivo have published a FAQ about the MOUS AI/MOUS Master Instructor transition on its Web site. Click here to access.

Post your comment below, or better yet, go to our Discussion Forums and really post your mind.



Current user Comments for "MOUS AI To Become MOUS Master Instructor"
5/22/01 - Phoebe says:	I would like to ask still apply MOUS AI before June 30? ?Then how is the application procedure of MOUS MASTER INSTRUCTOR ? ??
5/22/01 - Becky Nagel says:	Hi Phoebe -- They've closed MOUS AI registration, and will open registration for the new program within the next couple of weeks when all the details have been worked out -- that's when we'll know the details of how to register for it. MOUS AI registration will never be reopened.
5/23/01 - Dave says:	Does this mean that the AI cert is dead! What about business cards, letter heads advertising material etc can we still use the logo or will they all have to be reprinted?
5/23/01 - Sondra Mangan says:	My AI instructor packet was sent in LAST week! I sure hope that they don't process the application until the new program is up and running. I am an Office 2000 Master already, so I should easily meet the qualifications--but the short notice is not great!
5/23/01 - Charlie James says:	Once again Microsoft and its fellow money machines have made the bar higher. Jobs in Australia are very few and far between. I have MOUS and MCSE with 3 years experience in Desktop and still I am having trouble getting work. With the world economy the way it is, we still have to keep digging deeper in our pockets to just stay in the race. I'm not beaten, but it would have been nice if they had waited until the world economy had picked up again or even a free transition to existing MOUS Masters.
5/23/01 - Mary Ann Dawson says:	Will current MOUS AI's who have achieved Master certification on Office 2000 and Office 97 be "rolled over" to the new certification? It would make sense....
5/23/01 - Michael says:	First the MCT is changing, then the MCSE, now the MOUS AI. C'mon Microsoft. Those of us supporting you expect the same in return. I would be nice to get a return on your certification before having to do another.
5/23/01 - Nancy says:	Like Kelly in the above article - I have spent a great deal of time and money becomming MOUS Master certified. I have also taken the approved Train-the-Trainer course ($1200). When speaking with a rep from NIVO I was notified that the Train-the-Trainer course will no longer suffice for the education credential of the requirements. Apparently, they will be bumped up to a 4-year education degree or equivalent. What's up with that? I am presently a MOUS Master and an instructor at a training facility - but I've only been here for one year. I am very upset that I have spent so much time and money working toward this certification that now I may not qualify for. What is even more disappointing is that I had a bonus pending on my MOUS-AI status. Uggh!
5/23/01 - Rob Uscroft says:	i too have the master qual however i am very sad that nivo have decided to let the news break in this manner. It would have been basic good manners to have sent emails to all those registered as MOUS AI's explaining what is happening, as it happens. It is not a difficult thing to do with a database of names and email addresses that they have. I have supposedly been a member of this program yet all i have received fom it is a few flimsy bits of paper, and a disgusting green T shirt. I have not yet been informed of a reliable method for potential employers to confirm qualification. I have filled in survey questionnares for the programme and recieved no information in return, in fact the information flow is entirely one way, we give to them they just sit there and do nothing. Is this they American way of looking after customers and what are effectively business partners if so i hope it does not dribble over here to the uK>
5/23/01 - Gretchen Uhas says:	I am a MOUS AI. It upsets me most that we hear about this change from a source other than Nivo/Microsoft!
5/23/01 - banonymous says:	Isn't it interesting how this has developed? I too have invested in Train the Trainer - And while I understand having a high level of excellence for instructors-it is ridiculous that an MCT can qualify-Why would an MCSE want to train Office products? This is no longer a cert for Office from what I can see as the posted requirements-after obtaining a degree in Internet Information-I still will not have a teaching cert, an Education degree, nor have I been employed with 1 employer for 3 years- I am extremely disappointed...
5/23/01 - Dave says:	Microsoft/NIVO need to get their act together, If Nancy is right about the Train the Trainer course that will also kill the MCT dead in it’s tracks as it’s the same course for both the MCT and MOUS AI, There is no way Microsoft can require four years for MOUS and four days for MCT (It’s a four day course for a Certified Technical Trainer) I’ve been through the last “Global economy downturn” and the training budgets are the first to be cut. As the recession starts to bite and the number of new applicants falls, what’s the easiest way for Microsoft/NIVO to generate new income? Simple invalidate your existing customer base then they will all have to re-apply. We should all take a lesson out Microsoft’s book call up everyone we trained last year and tell them their certificates are cancelled, that way we can charge them all over again. Do Microsoft and NIVO think we are that STUPID!!!
5/24/01 - Peter Emmerson says:	As an existing MASTER and a MOUS AI what implications does the change have for me, if any? I would be happy to hear any comments, being in the UK a lot of what is happening passes us by..
5/24/01 - Kyla Pacitto says:	I had checked into becoming a MOUS Certified Trainer but have not moved on it yet. I have 97 Word Expert and 97 Excel Expert and a BA in Organizational Management. So, I do want to be informed when the requirements are set. I filled out a success story and waited for them to send me a certificate for a free exam. I finally got it but it was mailed on April 30 (Monday) and mail takes at least 5 working days which means it got to Daytona by May 7. Then the mail comes from our distribution center and if they get it to the correct Building the first time you could get it May 8 which is Tuesday. I am not sure but I think I got it Thursday. Then it expired on May 15. This is new semester time and I do contracts. No doubt, I have been too busy to do anything but work. I hope that they will extend the time to allow me the 15 days at a more convenient time. It looks as if I am going to need it.
5/24/01 - Alec Zoghaib says:	Am Very Interested in Completing the MOUS/MASTER Program. Please inform if this program can be completed online or in a school nearby at night time.
5/24/01 - Manuel Huertas says:	I'm the First MOUS Master Office 2000 on LatinAmerica, and MOUS Master Office 97. Additional, I'm MOUS-AI, and I aproved this concepts because the people is very important to Certificate in All Programs.
5/24/01 - Well says:	The difference is in excellency. Microsoft requires excellency of their trainer customers, which is understandable however, they need to give the same quality in return. The bottom line of such actions, including the changing of the MCSE and MCT program both of which now require a considerable more time and expense, is that Microsoft know they are the biggest and baddest. Because of this mindset they feel that they can do anything and everything and treat people any which way and get a way with it. I had been planning to take a TRAIN-the TRAINER course in a couple weeks and had already registered even though I hadn't paid yet. The cost is 1099.00! I'm a college student majoring in Business Administration/Accounting. I study technology on my own time. It was such an awesome opportunity to become certified to teach Microsoft technologies without a traditional degree. But Microsoft wants more money, more prestige. They are not thinking about the people. Especially people in other countries besides America where the opportunities don't abound as they do here. Microsoft cannot keep treating people this way and continue to experience the success that they have. Microsoft is the leader in technology today. It is the responsibility of every leader to serve the people. AS LONG AS THE LEARDER SERVES THE PEOPLE,THE PEOPLE WILL SERVE THE LEADER. WHEN THE LEADER SIMPLY SERVES HIMSELF, THE PEOPLE SIMPLY SERVE THEMSELVES. -D. Jason Moore
5/24/01 - Steve Norman says:	Does anyone know how all this relates to Project 2000 "Master AI"? I have the MOUS core for Project 2000, I'm waiting for the Expert exam (it's an long delay mystery from NIVO) I also have a teaching degree. I would like to be an AI for Project. I see Project is not on the list, that's fine with me but where does that lie in the Master AI" grouping? Thanks
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