Stories @ TCAT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville is proud to announce that student Brionna Ogle earned 2nd place in the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Word (Microsoft 365 Apps) category during the 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist Tennessee State Championship Spring Qualifier.

The competition, hosted by Certiport, a Pearson Business and leading provider of performance-based IT certification exams that accelerate people’s academic and career opportunities, recognizes top student performers across Tennessee.

Ogle competed against students statewide to earn this prestigious placement. Students ages 13 to 22 secured eligibility for the Spring Qualifier by submitting passing scores on Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Excel®, or PowerPoint® certification exams by May 1, 2026.

“We have seen amazing results from the MOS program at our school as students learn and validate key workforce skills,” said Bill Bergquist, Instructor. “The MOS U.S. National Championship further motivates them to get certified, and we are proud of these students who have proven to be the best in our state. We know they will go on to make us proud at the MOS U.S. National Championship in June.”

The first-place students will get to represent Tennessee at the upcoming 2026 MOS U.S. National Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. During this event, they will compete in their exam track, network with other top students from around the United States and celebrate their certification success. One winner per track will be named the U.S. National Champion and earn a trip to represent the United States and compete in the 2026 MOS World Championship in Anaheim, California.

“We’re impressed by these students. They have proven they are the best in their state at using Microsoft Office products effectively. Plus, they now have an important distinction to place on their resume that shows a desire to learn and validate in-demand skills,” said Krista Ketchmark, Vice President Certiport and Global IT Business Development, Pearson. “The title ‘Microsoft Office Specialist Champion’ will serve them well in their academic and career pursuits.”

The Microsoft Office Specialist certification is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification for Microsoft Office globally and serves as a powerful instrument for assessing students’ skills and preparing them for real-world application of their knowledge.

For more information about the MOS U.S. National Championship visit www.us.moschampionship.com.

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About TCAT Knoxville

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville is at the forefront of technical education, offering a diverse range of programs that equip students with the skills needed for today’s workforce. As part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system and accredited by the COE, TCAT Knoxville ensures a high-quality educational experience focused on student success and job placement. TCAT Knoxville is led by President Kelli Chaney.

About Certiport 

Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, is the leading provider of certification exam development, delivery,and program management services delivered through an expansive network of over 14,000 Certiport Authorized Testing Centers worldwide. Certiport manages a sophisticated portfolio of leading certification programs including the official Microsoft Office Specialist certification program, the Microsoft Certified Fundamentals certification program, the Microsoft Certified Educator program, the Adobe® Certified Professional certification program, the Autodesk Certified User certification program, the Intuit certification program, the App Development with Swift certification program, the Unity Certified User certification program, the Critical Career Skills certification program, the IC3 Digital Literacy certification, and the Entrepreneurship and Small Business certification program. Certiport reliably delivers millions of tests each year throughout the secondary, post-secondary, workforce, and corporate technology markets in 148 countries and 26 languages worldwide. For more information, visit certiport.com.

"Certiport" is a registered trademark of NCS Pearson, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.