Microsoft Office Specialist: Outlook

The Microsoft Office Specialist: Outlook Associate (Office 2016) exam is designed to validate the foundational skills and knowledge of individuals working with Microsoft Outlook 2016, a leading email and personal information management application in the business productivity industry. This certification demonstrates a candidate’s ability to leverage Outlook’s core features—such as creating and editing professional email messages; configuring and maintaining calendars across time zones; scheduling and tracking tasks; and managing contacts and groups—to streamline communication and organization. It’s tailored for administrative professionals, project coordinators, and business users looking to establish credibility in efficient messaging and time management.

The exam focuses on critical aspects of Outlook that drive organizational productivity and collaboration, including managing the Outlook environment for optimal performance; composing, formatting, and organizing messages; coordinating schedules through calendar management and meeting requests; and maintaining contact lists and groups. Candidates are evaluated through performance-based tasks that mirror real-world business workflows—ensuring certified professionals can efficiently handle day-to-day communication and scheduling demands.

Preparing for the MOS Outlook Associate exam requires a strong foundation in Outlook core functionality plus hands-on practice with its primary tools. Studying key workflows—such as configuring account and program settings; applying message rules, flags, and categories; creating and responding to meeting invitations; assigning and tracking tasks; and building and managing contact groups—will help candidates succeed. Earning this certification not only showcases practical expertise but also reflects a commitment to professional excellence in today’s fast-paced, communication-driven workplace. Review the full exam objectives and download the skills outline here