Some of the MOUS exams seem to present difficult tasks early in the examination. This common testing ploy can create a real sense of anxiety. However, that does not appear to be the case with the PowerPoint exam. The PowerPoint exam seemed to be one of the more balanced exams, with the difficulty level for each task balanced well throughout the test. Many of the questions have multiple parts and scoring is on a part-by-part basis for each of the 32 questions. Thus, it is possible to complete one portion of the question incorrectly but to still receive points for the portion completed correctly. If you are unsure of an answer, it is a good idea to attempt the task. You are not penalized for the attempt and you may receive partial credit for your answer. At the end of the test, results are available to be printed and the percentage correct for each skill set is displayed.

There are eight skill sets with 52 exam objectives provided by Microsoft, and the exam closely follows the objectives. Most of the questions are straightforward, but you will want to be prepared for differences in terminology during the exam. The help files are enabled so if you need to refer to them during the test, you may access them using either the Office Assistant or the Help Window.

The key skill sets covered in this exam are:

• Creating a presentation:
  Key items to prepare for are creating a specified type of slide, inserting and modifying headers and footers, and creating presentations from templates. In preparing for the questions in this skill set, it will be helpful to review all of the Auto Layout slide types and become familiar with their names so you can quickly create the specified type of slide. Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Header and Footer dialog box (View, Header and Footer). You may be asked to apply various options from the dialog box. Most of the tasks for this skill set are straightforward but be sure you are familiar with formatting text within headers and footers. An excellent way to practice for this task is to create a presentation, apply a header and footer, and then view the Slide Master. One of the toolbars you will want to use to format the headers and footers will be the WordArt toolbar. The Free Rotate button will allow you to easily rotate the placeholder if needed. Also, be sure you are comfortable with applying formatting, editing text, and positioning headers and footers.

• Modifying a presentation
  Key items to prepare for include modifying the Slide Master, using the Slide sorter to change slide order, and applying design templates.

• Working with text
  The text skill set is one of the larger elements of the exam and you will want to be comfortable with manipulating text formats. Text alignment, font format, and using the Format Painter are all key items to know for this set of questions. One of the new features of the Microsoft Office 2000 suite is the Office Clipboard and you will need to know how to copy and paste using the Office Clipboard for the exam. You will also want to familiarize yourself with promoting and demoting text using the outline and slide sorter views.

• Working with visual elements
  Be sure you are comfortable with adding pictures from the ClipArt Gallery, applying formatting to auto shapes, and creating tables. You will want to be familiar with the Format Picture dialog box and especially the Size tab for scaling and sizing changes. Be sure you are comfortable with repositioning ClipArt and rotating objects.

• Customizing a presentation
  The customization tasks are uncomplicated but you will want to take the time to read each task thoroughly when asked to animate the text and objects. Be sure you select the correct slide and the correct animation. You may be asked to apply different animations to individual slides within a presentation. Be sure to practice with multiple slides using the custom animation feature (Slide Show, Custom Animation). You will also want to be familiar with adding speaker notes and adding bullets.

• Creating output
  The key task for this skill set is printing the slides in a variety of formats. You will want to familiarize yourself with the Print dialog box (File, Print) and make sure you know how to select what to print, how to frame slides, scale to fit paper, and print in pure black and white.

• Delivering a presentation
  Be sure you are comfortable running a slide show for this skill set. You will want to be able to begin a slide show on a specified slide and know how to end the slide show on specified slides. In addition, you will want to know how to use the pen feature during a presentation and how to select a pen color.

• Managing files
  The objectives for the file management skill set focus on being able to save presentation changes and save presentations as new. The tasks for this objective were straightforward. You will want to be familiar with publishing presentations to the web.

Some Final Thoughts and Suggestions

The following are some suggestions to help make your testing experience easier:

• Prepare for the test; arrive early
  Try to allow a little extra time to relax and mentally prepare for the exam. Make sure you are seated comfortably and relaxed before beginning the exam. Remember to bring along a picture id (driver's license or passport).

• Read all instructions thoroughly
  Take a moment to think through the instructions before beginning the task. Do only what the instructions call for and nothing more. Close any open windows, help files, and dialog boxes unless instructed to leave them open. Make sure you have completed all parts of the task before hitting the next button. Once you have gone on to the next question, you will not able to return to a previous task.

• Familiarize yourself with the PowerPoint toolbar and keyboard shortcuts
  This will make it easy to quickly locate the commands needed to complete a task. Key dialogue boxes to be familiar with are: Format Picture, Header and Footer, Print, and Custom Animation.

• Attempt to answer each question
  Exam scores are based on the result, not the method you use to get the result. Partial credit is given if you complete part of the task correctly, so it is best to make an attempt on each task even if you are unsure. The Microsoft PowerPoint Help files are enabled during the exam but do keep an eye on the clock. It is easy to waste precious test time searching for answers and in some cases; it may be best to move on to the next task.

• Study Effectively
  Utilize more than one resource to ensure you get a diverse coverage of information. There are free articles, forums, and online chats available on this site. Consider forming a study group with other test takers. Another good way to prepare for the exam is to create a list of possible test questions based on the exam objectives. There are some excellent books and testing guides available. Many can be used as reference materials long after you have completed certification.

• Don't panic
  If you encounter a problem during the testing, stop immediately and contact a test administrator. In most cases, the exam can be restarted and data will not be lost. Although Nivo International sets equipment standards for the testing facilities, quality of testing resources may vary. In previous certification testing experiences, I found some of the facilities computers to be of very poor quality. If possible, it is always a good idea to try to visit the testing facility before scheduling your exam. Also, once you have completed the exam, notify the administrator so a copy of your score can be printed.

MOUS.net - The official Microsoft Office User Specialist Site
Nivonet.com - Exclusive provider of the MOUS program
MOUS Certification Exam Demo - A terrific demo of the format of MOUS exams. If you have not taken a MOUS exam, this will help you become comfortable with the feel of the tests.

This test seems to be one of the most nicely balanced of the MOUS exams. The questions are well written and clear. It is straightforward and follows the required exam objectives. There are no real surprises with this exam. If you are comfortable using PowerPoint, this exam should not present any problems for you.