5/22/2001 -- Microsoft has decided to replace the MOUS AI program with a new certification: MOUS Master Instructor.

The new title will be a part of the existing MOUS Master program and, as such, will have the same exam requirements as the current MOUS Master:

MOUS Master 97 Instructor

• Microsoft Word 97 Expert
• Microsoft Excel 97 Expert
• Microsoft Access 97 Expert
• Microsoft PowerPoint 97 Expert

MOUS Master 2000 Instructor

• Microsoft Word 2000 Expert
• Microsoft Excel 2000 Expert
• Microsoft Access 2000
• Microsoft PowerPoint 2000
• Microsoft Outlook 2000

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.