What Criteria says
- Two versions. "Excel 365" is multiple choice only. "Excel365 Interactive" adds three simulations. An employer can't put both in the same assessment.[1][2]
- 12 multiple-choice questions in about 5 to 7 minutes, drawn from a large bank, so candidates don't all get the same questions.[1]
- Topics: formulas and functions, formatting cells, sorting and filtering, charts, macros and VBA, PivotTables, and data validation.[1][3]
- The employer gets a score relative to other test-takers and a proficiency rating from Beginner to Advanced.[1][3]
- The simulations use a stripped-back version of the Excel interface. Most selection and command shortcuts (such as Ctrl + Shift + arrow, or Ctrl + C) are not supported; arrow keys and Enter work. The simulations show only the icons a task needs, and many tasks use only the Home tab.[2]
- Criteria also offers Excel tests for the 2013 and 2016 versions.[3]
What that means for practice
- Pace yourself at about half a minute a question. Twelve questions in five to seven minutes leaves no time to work things out slowly.
- Recognise formulas at a glance. Multiple-choice questions often show a formula and ask what it does. Writing formulas yourself, many times, is what makes that quick.
- In the simulations, don't count on shortcuts. Know where Sort, Filter, the number formats and AutoSum sit on the Home tab, and how to do each step with the mouse.
- The topic list is wider than formulas. Charts, data validation, PivotTables and macros have no challenge on this site yet. Try each once in Excel itself.
Skills to have ready
Each is a free challenge that takes a few minutes. For the full list by role, see what Excel tests check.
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