Value of a MOUS ?

[energy4life]

I currently teach an Introduction to IS class that covers MS Office applications (plus some hw sw os background, internet overview, etc). Since "subject matter expertise" is the name of the game nowadays, I've been debating whether there's ANY credibility or market value for Microsoft's Office User Specialist cert? As an IT Program Manager, I'm wondering about the MOUS cert for TRAINING in college or other contract settings (versus the value of the cert in admin/office asst type positions). Thoughts?

 

[CajunCenturion]

I think that obtaining that certificate would be a waste of both time and money for several reasons.

First, in general, the value of certifications is degrading quickly. Unlike several years ago, today the IT market is saturated and is highly competitive, and the minimum standards bar is well above the certificate level. Almost all employers now have the luxury to require a Bachelor's Degree is CS or MIS as a minimum standard.

Secondly, given the pervasive use of the Office Suite of products, it is almost, not complete, but very widely accepted that if you say you are proficient with the Office Suite, it is accepted at face value simply because of the overwheliming pervasiveness of this product.

Thirdly (and least important for sure), I didn't even know there was a MOUS certification until this post, although I'm not surprised. But my point is that if the marketing experts, and the job markets, and industry journals, and so on have not made a big deal on this certificate, to the point that I've never even heard of it, then why should spend money to get it? Now, maybe I am the only one who has never heard it, and if so, disregard this, but even given all of the discussion concerning CERT vs DEGREES within these fora, I don't think I'm alone. Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein