Certification Overview

To earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Expert (Office 2016) certification, candidates must pass one required exam.

📌 Important

  • This is an expert-level MOS certification.
  • There are no mandatory prerequisite certifications, although Microsoft recommends strong experience using Word.
  • The certification focuses on advanced document management and formatting using Word 2016.

Track Details & Exam Requirements

🔹 Expert Exam (Required)

77-725: Word 2016 Expert – Creating Documents for Effective Communication

This exam measures the ability to create and manage complex documents, apply advanced formatting, manage references, and implement collaboration tools.

Exam Details

  • Exam Code: 77-725
  • Exam Name: Word 2016 Expert – Creating Documents for Effective Communication
  • Exam Duration: ~50 minutes
  • Exam Type: Performance-based certification exam
  • Delivery: Certiport authorized testing centers
  • Certification Level: Expert
  • Certification Program: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Validity & Recertification

With the Word Expert (Office 2016) certification, you demonstrate the ability to:
  • Manage complex and long Word documents
  • Implement advanced styles, themes, and templates
  • Create tables of contents, references, and indexes
  • Use advanced collaboration features
  • Automate document formatting and layout processes
  • These skills help professionals produce professional documentation and manage advanced document workflows efficiently.

Exam Skills Measured

The Word Expert (Office 2016) exam evaluates several advanced Word skill domains.

1. Manage Document Options and Settings (15–20%)

Candidates must understand how to:

  • Configure document properties and settings
  • Manage document protection and restrictions
  • Optimize document usability

2. Design Advanced Documents (20–25%)

Candidates should be able to:

  • Use advanced formatting and styles
  • Apply themes and templates
  • Create structured document layouts

3. Manage References (25–30%)

This domain focuses on:

  • Creating tables of contents
  • Managing citations and bibliographies
  • Creating indexes and footnotes

4. Manage Custom Document Elements (15–20%)

Candidates must understand how to:

  • Create forms and content controls
  • Manage templates and building blocks
  • Insert reusable document elements

5. Manage Document Collaboration (15–20%)

Candidates must understand how to:

  • Use Track Changes and comments
  • Manage document reviews and revisions
  • Control collaboration workflows

Certification Validity

Microsoft Office Specialist certifications do not expire, because they validate proficiency in a specific product version (Office 2016).

Who Should Pursue This Certification?

This certification is ideal for professionals such as:

  • Administrative professionals managing complex documentation
  • Technical writers and documentation specialists
  • Business professionals creating detailed reports
  • Office managers and coordinators
  • Professionals responsible for document publishing

Career Benefits

  • Demonstrates expertise in advanced document creation and management
  • Validates skills in Word automation, templates, and collaboration
  • Recognized globally as a Microsoft Office Specialist credential
  • Supports careers requiring professional documentation and reporting

Summary

The Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Expert (Office 2016) certification validates advanced Microsoft Word skills for managing complex documents.

Key points

  • Requires one exam: 77-725 (Word 2016 Expert)
  • No prerequisite certification required
  • Focuses on advanced document formatting, references, and collaboration features
  • Expert-level certification in the Microsoft Office Specialist program.