Study Tips to Pass an Excel Test
It’s not uncommon for employers to require candidates to take an Excel test during the recruitment process. This assessment tests a candidate’s knowledge of the software, including basic and advanced functions, as well as the ability to use pivot tables. The test may also cover data analysis, including understanding relative and absolute references.
There are multiple companies that design and administer Microsoft Excel tests, and they can be presented as interactive simulations or a variety of other formats. You should ask your recruiter about the format of the Excel test you will be taking and what it involves well in advance so that you can prepare accordingly.
Knowing which type of test you’ll be taking will help you to focus your preparations and ensure you don’t get overwhelmed when it comes time to take the actual assessment. For example, if the test is a multiple-choice exam, it’s likely to be more challenging than an interactive spreadsheet test. In the latter, you’ll be asked to complete a specific task on an Excel simulation, such as adding a row or column into an existing spreadsheet.
Choose the right materials to build your curriculum on
For the most effective results, it’s best to choose classroom materials that have been specifically designed to teach Excel. These will include a paid or free Excel practice test and exercises, as well as explanations of the answers.
Learn the layout of the program
One of the most important study tips to pass an Excel test is to become familiar with the layout of the program, its terminology and where every function can be found. This will allow you to answer questions quickly and accurately when the time comes to select an appropriate response.
Review common formulas and rules
As part of your preparation, you should review all the standard formulas and rules that are used within the software. These include arithmetic rules, which are used to calculate a value, and percentages, which are used to calculate the ratio or amount of something. You should also brush up on keyboard shortcuts, which can save you a lot of time during the test and help to increase your accuracy.
Using Error Checking
It’s important to be able to spot errors and correct them quickly. This will ensure you don’t waste time and energy on the test, resulting in a lower score. You should also familiarize yourself with the various error messages that Excel can generate, and how to identify them.
Make sure you are familiar with the different types of data that can be stored in cells and the different ways they can be accessed by Excel. For example, a cell that contains an error is usually marked by a red triangle at the top right of the cell.
Using Excel as a basis for your curriculum is an excellent way to introduce students to the software and help them gain proficiency in its uses. You can build a strong foundation for your class by choosing a high-quality study guide that covers all the fundamentals of the program and provides practice tests and exercises.
