Certiport and Microsoft Announce Retirement of MOS 2003 Certification

Today, Certiport and Microsoft are officially announcing the future retirement of MOS 2003 from the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification family of offerings.

After an incredible run by MOS 2003 over the past years, this announcement comes as the 2003 version of the program declines to less than 5% of overall MOS certification volume globally. As MOS 2010 (and 2007) certification continues to supplant MOS 2003, it's fitting to recognize the unprecedented heights and success MOS 2003 achieved in its time as the flagship version of MOS certification. Over the past several years, MOS 2003 has accounted for millions of exam uploads, and was instrumental in building success, distinction and momentum for Certiport's annual Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office. The 2003 version of MOS will always stand as one of Microsoft Learning's most successful certification programs.

The MOS 2003 Retirement Schedule includes the following key dates:

July 3, 2012

Announcement—Certiport Authorized Testing Center Channel, Customers, General Public

November 30, 2012

Discontinuation of Sales of MOS 2003 "Vouchers with Retake"

December 31, 2012

MOS 2003 Certification Wind-Down Period Begins

  • Certiport concludes active Marketing support of MOS 2003
  • Certiport and Certiport Partners conclude sales of MOS 2003 site licenses (where applicable)
  • Certiport Partners continue sales of existing/remaining MOS 2003 inventory/vouchers until inventory is depleted, or until November 30, 2013—whichever occurs first
  • Exam purchasers are clearly informed that 2003 MOS tests purchased during the Wind-Down Period may not be taken after December 31, 2013

November 30, 2013

Discontinuation of All Sales of MOS 2003

  • Certiport and Certiport Partners conclude sales of any MOS 2003 inventory/vouchers

December 31, 2013

MOS 2003 Certification Wind-Down Period Ends

  • Discontinuation of Certiport Technical and Customer Support of MOS 2003
  • All customers conclude the use of MOS 2003 product
  • MOS 2003 Certification offerings expire globally

If you have questions concerning the retirement of MOS 2003, please contact your Certiport Regional Representative.

Today, the Microsoft Office Specialist certification program is as healthy as it has ever been as MOS 2010 and MOS 2007 forge ahead and promise to advance the program into the future with continued growth and extraordinary success!