Certification Overview
To earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: PowerPoint (Office 2016) certification, candidates must pass one required exam.
Important
- This is a single-exam certification.
- There are no prerequisite exams or certifications required.
- The certification focuses on presentation creation, design, and delivery using PowerPoint 2016.
Track Details & Exam Requirements
MOS Exam (Required)
77-729: PowerPoint 2016
This exam measures the ability to create and manage presentations, apply slide design principles, and incorporate multimedia elements.
Exam Details
- Exam Code: 77-729
- Exam Name: PowerPoint 2016
- Exam Duration: ~50 minutes
- Exam Type: Performance-based certification exam
- Delivery: Certiport authorized testing centers
- Certification Level: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
Validity & Recertification
With the Microsoft Office Specialist: PowerPoint (Office 2016) certification, you demonstrate the ability to:
- Create and manage professional presentations
- Design and format slides and layouts
- Insert and manage images, charts, and multimedia
- Apply animations and slide transitions
- Deliver presentations effectively
- These skills help professionals present information clearly and effectively using visual communication tools.
Exam Skills Measured
The 77-729 exam evaluates several presentation design and management domains.
1. Create and Manage Presentations (25–30%)
Candidates must understand how to:
- Create and manage presentation files
- Apply presentation templates and themes
- Manage slide layouts and sections
2. Insert and Format Slides and Content (25–30%)
Candidates should be able to:
- Insert text, images, shapes, and SmartArt
- Format slide content and layouts
- Use design tools to improve visual presentation
3. Create Charts and Visual Elements (20–25%)
This domain focuses on:
- Creating charts and diagrams
- Adding tables and graphics
- Presenting data visually in slides
4. Apply Transitions and Animations (15–20%)
Candidates must understand how to:
- Apply slide transitions
- Add animation effects to slide objects
- Manage presentation timing and delivery
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:
- Office administrators
- Business professionals creating presentations
- Marketing and sales professionals
- Trainers and educators
- Students learning presentation design tools
Career Benefits
- Demonstrates expertise in presentation design and communication
- Validates skills in visual storytelling and slide design
- Recognized globally as a Microsoft Office Specialist credential
- Helps professionals improve presentation and communication effectiveness
Summary
The Microsoft Office Specialist: PowerPoint (Office 2016) certification validates a candidate’s ability to create and manage professional presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.
Key points
- Requires one exam: 77-729
- No prerequisite certification required
- Focuses on presentation design, multimedia integration, and delivery
- Entry-level certification in the Microsoft Office Specialist program.



