Microsoft Excel Test

Microsoft Excel tests are designed to assess a candidate's level of proficiency using this spreadsheet software.

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What is a Microsoft Excel test?

A Microsoft Excel test allows a recruiter to assess the ability of a candidate to use Excel spreadsheets. It is designed to ensure all candidates have the required proficiency using Microsoft Excel.

This could include basic functions such as inputting and analyzing data that might be required for an office-based role, such as formatting cells and inserting tables or creating charts.

More advanced Microsoft Excel skills might also be tested, such as switching between relative, absolute and mixed references, creating pivot tables, custom tables and other more advanced functions.

About the Microsoft Excel Test

Microsoft Excel is part of the Microsoft Office suite and is the industry standard for spreadsheets. It would be unusual for a candidate to have never used Microsoft Excel in some capacity in the workplace, but experiences vary – so it's crucial that candidates are able to accurately demonstrate their skills.

A Microsoft Excel test allows recruiters to assess a candidate's level of proficiency with Excel, to ensure they shortlist only the most suitable candidates.

Sample Microsoft Excel Test question Test your knowledge!

What formula would you use to remove spaces before and after text in cells?

  • CLEAN
  • FIXED
  • TRIM
  • MID

Why should you use a Microsoft Excel test for recruiting?

It can be difficult for recruiters or hiring managers to assess a candidate's Microsoft Excel skills. An applicant may state on their resume that they have intermediate skills in Microsoft Excel – but what does that mean, and how can you be sure?

A Microsoft Excel test removes this question by being administered equally to all candidates whose skills and abilities can then be compared. This allows the recruiter to choose between a set of candidates who might have the same basic skills and need further differentiation, or, simply to ensure that all candidates who progress to the next round are able to carry out relevant tasks.

A Microsoft Excel test allows you to objectively and accurately compare a large pool of applicants, ensuring you shortlist the individuals with the knowledge and skills that best fit your needs. This can be useful to help distinguish between candidates who have a seemingly similar level of experience.

Job roles for which basic Microsoft Excel proficiency might be a prerequisite include:

Job roles for which more advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency might be a prerequisite include:

View a sample report

Results for the Microsoft Excel Test along with other assessments the candidate takes will be compiled to produce a candidate report.

The report is automatically generated and available both online and as a downloadable pdf so they can be shared with other team members and employees alike.

App screenshot

How our test assesses Microsoft Excel skills

In Neuroworx's Microsoft Excel test, candidates will need to answer a range of questions targeting an intermediate level of proficiency, from demonstrating knowledge across various Microsoft Excel features and functions to troubleshooting questions.

Understanding tasks such as creation of financial models, budgeting and analysis, various Excel-based reports, performance dashboards, data analysis, and excel automation is extremely useful.

The Excel test is designed to indicate how well a candidate understands Microsoft Excel based on a final test score, which can then be compared to the scores of other applicants.

The multiple-choice questions consist of one correct answer and two to four distractors. The distractors are generic mistakes or misconceptions, which makes the test challenging and helps measure a candidate's proficiency more accurately.

During the development process, the test was rigorously analysed to maximise reliability and validity in line with industry best practices. It was created and tested by experienced data analysts and psychometric experts, and field-tested with a representative sample of job applicants who have varying levels of Microsoft Excel experience, just like you might find in a talent pool.

Each test is reviewed by a panel of individuals representing diverse backgrounds to check for any sensitivity, fairness, face validity and accessibility issues. This ensures each candidate has a fair chance of demonstrating their true level of Microsoft Excel proficiency.

Our software tests are monitored to ensure they are up-to-date and optimised for performance.

Our test platform

Our platform offers an extensive library of hundreds of tests, giving you the flexibility to select and combine them in any way that suits your hiring needs. From understanding specific role requirements to assessing general cognitive abilities, our diverse library ensures you can tailor your assessment process precisely.

Multi-format.
Our test questions come in various formats, including multiple-choice, true and false, ranking and situational judgment, all ensuring comprehensive candidate assessment.
Role-specific simulations.
Experience real-world scenarios with our role-specific simulations, providing accurate insights into candidates' performance, readiness and fit for the position.
Adaptive scoring.
Our adaptive scoring system evaluates responses in real-time, by adjusting to the candidate's ability level, enhancing accuracy and reliability.

Curated by our
team of experts

Expert 1 Expert 2 Expert 3

Scientifically validated by psychometric specialists

  • Our team of assessment experts is made up of I/O psychologists, psychometricians, and subject matter experts who work closely together to ensure each test is accurate and reliable.
  • Our subject matter experts are rigorously vetted and typically have several years of experience working in their industries and hold advanced credentials.

Frequently asked questions

What is typically on an Excel test?

Candidates would typically need to answer a number of questions to demonstrate knowledge of the software, e.g. producing charts and tables to reflect a set of prescribed data, or finding a specific answer using spreadsheet calculations.

What are the basic Excel skills?

Basic Excel skills include being able to carry out calculations using SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and COUNT and then formatting the cells – for example changing a currency, adding new columns, number formatting and creating basic charts and tables. Candidates should also be able to save files in multiple formats and format data so that it is visually appealing.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, sign up (no credit card required) and we'll give you a 7-day trial completely free. You'll get unlimited access to create as many jobs and test as many candidates as you like. You can cancel any time and you won't be charged anything.

What is the cost for Neuroworx's Microsoft Excel test?

We believe in simple, transparent pricing. We operate monthly and annual subscriptions so you can pick the perfect plan for you. Don't worry if you're not sure: you can always upgrade or downgrade later, or speak to us to discuss the option of a custom made plan to fit your needs. This is all you ever pay – no set-up or hidden fees.

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