In today’s digital era, owning an international IT certification such as MOS, IC3, or ICDL not only demonstrates digital competency but also meets academic and professional requirements. However, many candidates still wonder: Do these certifications have an expiration date? This article provides the latest updates on the validity and recognition of Vietnam’s three most popular international IT certifications.

1. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) is a globally recognized certification that assesses proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. The exam is developed by Certiport (USA) and administered in Vietnam by IIG Vietnam, which is authorized to organize exams, issue certifications, and provide official training resources.

MOS Certification Levels

• Specialist: Validates basic skills in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
• Expert: Certifies advanced proficiency in Word and Excel (Word Expert and Excel Expert).
• Master: Represents the highest level of Office expertise, requiring four exams: Word Expert, Excel Expert, PowerPoint, and one of either Outlook or Access.

Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 700/1000 in each exam module. Each module can be taken separately, and a certification will be issued for each completed module.

Exam fee (Reference): 920,000 VND/module (Fees may vary by testing center and promotional period).

Certification issuance time: Within 30 days from the exam date.

Certification validity:
According to Certiport’s latest update, MOS certifications obtained from September 23, 2025 onward will be valid for five (5) years from the date of issue. Certifications achieved before this date remain permanently valid.

2. Digital Literacy Certification (IC3)

IC3 (Digital Literacy Certification) is an international program that measures fundamental computer and internet skills essential in today’s digital environment. Developed by Certiport (USA), IC3 is widely recognized across many countries, including Vietnam.

IC3 Exam Structure
To get the IC3 certification, candidates must pass three core modules with a minimum score of 700/1000 in each:

• Computing fundamentals – Basic computer knowledge
• Key applications – Essential software applications
• Living online – Internet and online communication skills

Exam fee (Reference): 750,000 VND/module (Fees may vary depending on test center and promotion.)

Certification issuance time: Typically 4–8 weeks after passing all three modules.

Certification validity:
According to Certiport, the IC3 certification remains permanently valid. Once achieved, it does not expire or require renewal.

3. International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL)

ICDL (International Certification of Digital Literacy) is a prestigious European-standard IT certification program with over 20 years of global recognition, managed by the ICDL Foundation under the auspices of CEPIS (Council of European Professional Informatics Societies).

In Vietnam, ICDL is the first international IT certification officially recognized by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) under Circular No. 03/2014/TT-BTTTT. To date, this remains one of the most legally valid documents for defining IT skill standards nationwide – a distinct advantage for ICDL compared to many other certifications.

Popular ICDL Core Modules:

• Documents (Microsoft Word)
• Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel)
• Presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint)
• Computer Essentials
• Online Essentials

Exam fee: Contact ICDL Vietnam or the nearest Accredited Testing Center (ATC) for detailed information.

Certification issuance time: Hard-copy Certifications are delivered within 5–30 days, depending on the test center.

Certification validity:
The ICDL Certification is permanently valid and globally recognized. Once achieved, candidates do not need to renew or retake the exam to maintain validity. Each candidate’s record is securely stored and updated based on completed modules.