IS&T faculty researchers Tyson Riskas, Jan Bentley, Cynthia Krebs, and DeDe Smith earn a "Meritorious Paper" award at the 2025 ISCAP annual conference held in Louisville, KY.

Title: Factors Influencing Student Participation in Excel MOS Certification

 

Abstract: This study examines the factors influencing student participation in the industry-based Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel certification exam(s) at a Mountain West University. Although MOS certification offers several career benefits, including increased job prospects and salaries, many students in business and information technology courses at the University opt out of taking the exams, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a quantitative descriptive design, this research explores how factors such as awareness, preparedness, convenience, career goals, and peer influence affect student participation in the certification process. Data was collected through surveys completed by students enrolled in two courses focused on Excel, Information Management (IM) 2010 and IM 2600. Students enrolled in these two classes may take the MOS Excel Specialist exam, the MOS Excel Expert exam, or both exams. Results indicate that while many students initially intend to pursue certification, factors such as time constraints and lack of awareness about the certification process contribute to non-participation. The findings offer valuable insights for educators to address barriers and to improve student certification rates, ultimately reinforcing career readiness. Implications for future research are provided.