"Exam objectives" are categories of examination tasks, identified by subject matter experts, which certify an individual's ability to productively use Microsoft Office applications. These objectives or categories are organized into "skill sets" representing the more fundamental aspects of using each Microsoft Office application.

Exam objectives and skill sets for each currently available Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) exam are provided below to assist you in your exam preparation. Training centers and courseware providers authorized by the MOUS program tailor their instruction to these criteria.