Is getting certified in word and power point really necessary?

If you want to be a freelancer, a certification on every Microsoft Office application can boost your credentials. Otherwise, a certification may not be necessary. I beg to disagree on your comment "just knowing how to use the tools should be enough". There may be other tools that you have not realized and discovered which could facilitate your work. As such, I urge you to know more of the facilities before you when using these applications, including Excel.

I think Word is most use in any job position. Companies hire people who have basic knowledge in computer. Even students use this in writing their proposals or any projects. Powerpoint is best use in presentations.