Exams list:
(Live-in-the-application)*
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Word Expert
- Excel Expert
See the Exam Releases page for planned exam release dates.
System requirements/recommendations
*The MOS 365 Apps exams are only delivered with the Compass for Windows delivery system.
Supported Office Versions:
- Microsoft 365 Apps (formerly Office 365 ProPlus) versions 2202 or later (32 or 64-bit). Note: Versions prior to and including 1808 are compatible with the MOS 2016 exams. Versions from 1808 to 2202 are compatible with the MOS 2019 exams. We recommend version 2302 in the Semi-Annual Enterprise update channel, but also support the Monthly Enterprise update channel; see the Office 365 FAQ for more info.
Supported Microsoft Subscriptions:
- Microsoft 365 A3/A5/E3/E5/G3/G5
- Office 365 A3/A5/E3/E5/G3/G5
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Education
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Education (Device)
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise (Device)
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Faculty
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Students
*Note: All Live-in-the-application Microsoft Office Specialist exams delivered with Compass for Windows require a complete, local installation of the Office software, and only one Office Suite version may be installed per machine.
Microsoft 365 Apps: If you are using a cloud-based subscription to install the Office software, please see the Office 365 FAQ as it relates to delivering MOS exams with our Compass system.
Office Shared Computer Activation and Device-based License: As documented in the Compass for Windows User Guide, CATCs using shared computer activation or device-based license of the locally installed Microsoft Office software required for Live-in-the-Application testing will be prompted for action when administering MOS exams. These actions may include activating the software (if opened for the first time), or signing in to the application. Compass opens the software and addresses any one-time or other prompts from the application prior to the exam to avoid anything that may cause an interference during actual testing.
- Technical Info: If you should encounter any errors launching a MOS exam in a traditional (native) classroom environment using the shared license model please contact Technical Support.
Important: The following requirements are in addition to any requirements specified in the
Compass for Windows section.
Item |
Required / Minimum |
Recommended |
Processor |
1.6 GHz or faster, 2-core |
Core i5 or equivalent |
RAM |
4 GB RAM; 2 GB RAM (32-bit) |
8 GB |
Hard Drive: (Free Space after Office and Windows install) |
5 GB |
5 GB on a Solid State drive |
Screen Resolution |
1280 x 800 |
1920 x 1080 |
Keyboard & Mouse |
Yes |
Yes |
Internet Connection Speed |
256 kbps or DSL |
High Speed Internet |