1. What is the Microsoft 77-731 Exam, and what skills does it validate?
The Microsoft 77-731 exam, titled “Outlook 2016: Core Communication, Collaboration and Email Skills,” is a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification. It validates a candidate’s fundamental understanding of the Outlook 2016 environment and their ability to apply its main features. This includes creating and editing professional email messages, managing calendars across time zones, and scheduling tasks for various purposes and situations.
2. Who is the ideal candidate for the Microsoft 77-731 certification?
This certification is best suited for individuals who regularly use Microsoft Outlook 2016 in a professional or academic setting and possess at least six months of hands-on experience with the program. It’s designed for business users who want to demonstrate their proficiency in managing communications, scheduling, and organizational tasks efficiently within the Outlook environment.
3. What is the format of the Microsoft 77-731 exam, and how long is it?
The Microsoft 77-731 exam is typically a performance-based assessment, meaning you’ll complete tasks within the Outlook 2016 application rather than answering multiple-choice questions about features. It is a proctored exam and is not open book. The exam duration is generally 50 minutes.
4. How are Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams, like 77-731, scored?
MOS exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 1,000, with a passing score typically set at 700. Unlike traditional tests, this is a scaled score, meaning it doesn’t directly equate to a percentage of correct answers. The passing score is determined by subject matter experts based on the knowledge and skills required to demonstrate competence and the overall difficulty of the questions. There is no penalty for guessing; points are only awarded for correct responses.
5. What is the retake policy for the exam if I don’t pass on my first attempt?
If you don’t pass the Microsoft 77-731 exam on your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before retaking it. For a second failed attempt, a waiting period of 2 days (48 hours) is imposed before subsequent retakes. Notably, unlike some other Microsoft certifications, there is no annual limit on the number of attempts for the same MOS exam. Each retake attempt generally requires a new registration and payment.
6. Can I take the Microsoft 77-731 exam in a language other than English?
Yes, Microsoft Certification exams, including 77-731, are available in several languages. However, if you are required to take the exam in English but it is not your native language, you may be able to request an accommodation for additional time through the English as a Second Language process. Approval for such accommodations is granted on a case-by-case basis and must be requested in advance.
7. How can I best prepare for the Microsoft 77-731 exam?
Effective preparation involves understanding the skills outlined in the official exam objectives. Microsoft Learn provides resources and a skills outline that details the topics covered. Many candidates benefit from hands-on practice with Outlook 2016, utilizing study guides, practice tests, and potentially instructor-led training or online courses that focus on the exam objectives.
8. How soon will I receive my exam results for the exam, and how can I access them?
For MOS exams taken with Certiport, your final score and pass/fail status are typically displayed on-screen immediately after you complete the exam. Your results will also be available in your Microsoft Learn profile or Certiport dashboard within 24 hours. Your score report will provide a numeric score and a bar chart showing your performance in each skill area, indicating strengths and weaknesses.
9. What are the key skill areas measured in the Microsoft 77-731 exam?
The Microsoft 77-731 exam assesses proficiency across four primary skill areas:
- Manage the Outlook Environment for Productivity: Customizing settings, printing and saving information, and performing search operations.
- Manage Messages: Creating, formatting, attaching files, customizing message options, tracking, recalling, and resending messages.
- Manage Schedules: Working with the calendar, creating appointments, scheduling meetings, and printing the calendar.
- Manage Contacts and Groups: Creating and managing contacts and contact groups.
10. Does achieving the Microsoft 77-731 certification expire, or do I need to renew it?
Once you earn a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification, it generally does not expire. MOS certifications are valid indefinitely. However, to stay current with the latest software versions and features, you may consider pursuing newer MOS certifications as Microsoft releases them.
