Introducing the New Microsoft 365 Apps Exams

Over the summer, Microsoft released its latest versions of the Microsoft Office Specialist exams: Microsoft 365 Apps Associate and Microsoft 365 Apps Expert. Starting this semester, anyone interested in certifying with OIT will be offered the Microsoft 365 Apps exam, with the exception of the Outlook Associate exam, which is currently only available in the 2019 version. Microsoft Associate badge Continue reading Introducing the New Microsoft 365 Apps Exams

SMU’s MOS Certification Program Reaches 5,000 Certifications

Amanda MarusterThis Spring, OIT celebrates another significant milestone with our Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification program. We are pleased to announce the 5,000 certification holder—Amanda Maruster.  Amanda is a sophomore majoring in Accounting with a minor in Statistics and Psychology. She completed both her Excel Associate and Excel Expert Certification alongside 310 students assigned one or more exams for ITOM 2308. Continue reading SMU’s MOS Certification Program Reaches 5,000 Certifications

Summertime and the Learnin’ is Easy: Summer Training Now Available!

Looking to freshen up your skills this summer? We have just what you need! Check out our training courses for Sitecore, MOS certifications, and Canvas LMS, plus Canvas Boot Camp returns this August! Select courses have online options, as well.

Continue reading Summertime and the Learnin’ is Easy: Summer Training Now Available!

Issues with GMetrix in Apporto? Here’s How to Fix!

GMetrix logoFrom time to time we hear our MOS students are trying to access GMetrix practice exams using Apporto and are unable to access various features from the Microsoft Office ribbon as they are greyed out. Here’s a quick troubleshooting tip that should easily resolve the issue: Continue reading Issues with GMetrix in Apporto? Here’s How to Fix!

Psychology Student Awarded SMU’s 3,000th Cert and Wins MOS3K Contest

In 2017, a student walked into my office and said, “I heard that you are Microsoft Certified, and my professor mentioned I can get certified in Excel. Do you know how I can do that?” I cringed when I heard that question again as I would recommend another interested party visit a neighboring  institution of learning that was offering the exams.

That conversation prompted me to collaborate with my colleagues in OIT Customer Service to make this program available here on campus. After a long whiteboarding session, discussing funding options and program ideas, we decided to launch a pilot program to test the waters and determine if there was strong enough interest on campus to make Microsoft Office Certifications (MOS) readily available. Little did I know then how quickly the program would take off.

On Friday, December 3, 2021, we hit a significant milestone when issuing our 3,000th certification to Elizabeth Bell. Elizabeth carries a major in Psychology with minors in Statistics, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, and Women and Gender Studies. As part of the 3,000th certification issued, Elizabeth was awarded our MOS3K Study Prize Pack, a perfect addition to getting her ready for final exams. Continue reading Psychology Student Awarded SMU’s 3,000th Cert and Wins MOS3K Contest