In today’s competitive job market, passing the Microsoft Excel Certification can be the difference between getting a job offer and waiting for the phone to ring. Nearly every position in every industry uses Microsoft Excel to track figures, calculate data, or review performance.
When you earn a Microsoft Office Specialist Intermediate or Expert certification in Excel, you instantly become a more attractive candidate, and if you already have a job, you open new doors toward promotions. Hiring managers trust Microsoft exams and certifications because they know you can contribute to the team immediately.
Did you know?
The Excel Certification Tests provide two different certifications: (1) basic/intermediate and (2) expert. Passing scores on each test vary, but it is approximately 70%. To be successful, you must display your Excel abilities across a number of different tasks during an interactive simulation.
You can get either an Intermediate or Expert certification in Excel 2016 or Excel 2019. The certificates are cumulative; you must first pass a basic test before being eligible to take the Intermediate certification, and you must have Intermediate certification before taking the Expert certification exam.
Preparing for the test is your best bet for success. Even if you’ve used Excel every day for the last decade, test prep courses will remind you of features and formulas that you haven’t needed in years.
So practice. And take the test. Because the best part of your career is still to come.
iPrep provides a top-notch preparation course for all the levels of MOS Excel certification. This is an affordable alternative, comparable to any other online course. The course includes full-length certification test simulations that strictly follow the MOS curriculum and in the same interactive format as the MOS certification test. Check the curriculum tab for more details.
Test Features
The Microsoft Excel Certification test is an interactive test. You’ll be given 26-35 questions from several different domains which need to be completed in 50 minutes.
The test is administered in a computer lab at an authorized Certiport testing center. Results of the test are available immediately following completion of the test.
The questions on each test are unique, so if you are taking the test for a second (or third time) you can expect to see different questions each time.
The following table details the domains involved in each Microsoft Excel Certification test.
Certification
Excel 2016
Excel Expert 2016
Exam Official Name
Excel 2016: Core Data Analysis, Manipulation, and Presentation; Exam 77-727
Excel Expert 2016: Interpreting Data for Insights Exam 77-728
Objective Domains
– Create and manage worksheets and workbooks – Manage data cells and ranges – Create tables – Perform operations with formulas and functions – Create charts and objects
– Manage workbook options and settings – Apply custom data formats and layouts – Create advanced formulas – Create advanced charts and tables
Exam Duration
50
50
No. of Projects and Questions
Total of 35 questions. 7 Projects, each having 4-7 tasks to perform
Total of 26 questions. 5 Projects, each having 4-7 tasks to perform
Did you know?
If needed, you may go back and restart a project during the test, but this should be done with caution as the timer does not reset.
Certification
Excel Associate 2019/365
Excel Expert 2019/365
Exam Official Name
Microsoft Excel (Excel and Excel 2019): Exam MO-200
Microsoft Excel Expert (Excel and Excel 2019): Exam MO-201
Objective Domains
– Manage worksheets and workbooks – Manage data cells and ranges – Manage tables and table data – Perform operations using formulas and functions – Manage charts
– Manage workbook options and settings – Manage and format data – Create advanced formulas and macros – Manage advanced charts and tables
Exam Duration
50
50
No. of Projects and Questions
Total of 35 questions. 7-8 Projects, each having 1-7 tasks to perform
Total of 25 questions. 5-6 Projects, each having 1-7 tasks to perform
Technical Facts
The exam is given on a computer. There is a timer on-screen, which you can choose to show or hide. Once the test begins, it can’t be stopped.
The test consists of a number of projects. You’ll be asked to do specific tasks to complete those projects. Successfully completing the project will result in correctly answering the question, while failure to do so will be marked as incorrect.
After completing each project, you’ll click submit, and start the next project. You can go back and make changes to projects that have been submitted until you finish the exam or run out of time. Once you select Finish Exam you can no longer make any changes.
Before taking the test, you must show a photo ID. You may not bring pens, pencils, cameras, phones, laptops, or any type of recording or communication device into the testing room.
There is a fee to take the test, which may change in different locations. In the United States, the test costs $100. Retakes of the test also cost $100.
Passing the Certification Exams
In the next section, you’ll read about the different parts of the 2016 and 2019 Excel certification tests. You should expect the projects in the certification test to cover many of the elements listed below. Success on the certification test depends largely on your ability to use the software correctly.
If you are currently in a work environment that uses Excel 2016, taking the 2016 certification course makes sense. However, if you are a student or trying to break into the job market, we recommend taking the Excel 2019 certification.
Both tests are similar. However, the new Excel 2019 certification puts more focus on managing workflows and information, while the 2016 version of the test has greater emphasis on creating different Excel elements.
2016 Excel Intermediate Certification Test
The 2016 Excel intermediate test challenges test takers to complete projects that cover the following areas:
Create and manage worksheets and workbooks
Create worksheets and workbooks
Navigate in worksheets and workbooks
Format worksheets and workbooks
Customize options and views for worksheets and workbooks
Configure worksheets and workbooks for distribution
The 2019 Excel expert test challenges test takers to complete projects that cover the following areas:
Manage workbook options and settings
Manage workbooks
Prepare workbooks for collaboration
Use and configure language options
Manage and format data
Fill cells based on existing data
Format and validate data
Apply advanced conditional formatting and filtering
Create advanced formulas and macros
Perform logical operations in formulas
Look up data by using functions
Use advanced date and time functions
Perform data analysis
Troubleshoot formulas
Create and modify simple macros
Manage advanced charts and tables
Create and modify advanced charts
Create and modify PivotTables
Create and modify PivotCharts
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Results Scale and Interpretations
The Microsoft Excel Certifications are scored between 1 to 1,000. Passing scores vary on each test, but they are approximately 700, or 70%. There is no penalty for getting an answer wrong, so if you are not sure, it doesn’t hurt to guess.
Source: Microsoft
You will receive your results on screen immediately after completing the test. The report includes the following:
Numeric score
Pass/Fail result
Bar chart showing performance on skills tested
The information in the bar chart will show you areas where you are stronger, and areas that you might want to improve on, especially if you fail and want to take the test again.
If you passed the test, you’ll receive an official certificate in the mail within approximately 2-3 weeks of taking the test.
MOS Excel Certification Sample; Source: Microsoft
If you failed the test, Microsoft requires a 24-hour waiting period before retaking it. Each additional failed test requires a 2-day waiting period before trying again. There are no limits to the number of tests you can take.
Microsoft Excel Certification FAQs
What are the benefits of being certified in Excel?
Having a Microsoft Office Specialist certification makes you a more qualified job candidate than those who lack certification. It will help your resume stand out, especially if you are looking for an entry level position and have limited experience. Furthermore, Microsoft claims that an entry-level candidate with MOS Excel Certificate will earn more money than someone who doesn’t have the certification.
What is the best way to prepare for the Excel Certification test?
Earning an Excel certification requires that you know that software really well. However, taking practice tests like those offered by iPrep will help identify areas of weakness, and ensure that you are familiar with features in the program that you don’t use very often.
Do you have any tips for passing a Microsoft Office Specialist Excel certification test?
Pay close attention to the details within the question. Be sure to read the question carefully before performing the task required. Reading the question wrong could cause you to lose valuable points.
Is Certiport the only Excel Certification?
Certiport is the only administrator of Microsoft Office Specialist Excel certifications. However, there are a number of other Excel certifications available, including eLearn Excel, Isograd TOSA Certifications, and Go Skills. The test prep package created by iPrep will help you succeed at any of these Excel certification tests.
What is the Certiport Excel Test?
Certiport is the administrator of the Microsoft Excel Certification test.
What is the GMetrix practice tests for Excel assessments?
The GMetrix Excel test is the official practice test for MOS certifications. They help students build familiarity with the testing environment, as it builds confidence for future tests.
How often can I retake the Microsoft Excel Certification test?
Microsoft allows you to retake the test after 24 hours. Each additional test requires a 48-hour waiting period. There are no limits to the number of retakes you can try, but you will need to pay for each retake. The price changes based on your location. In the United States, each test costs $100.
There are a number of tips you can use to pass the Excel certification test:
Pay close attention to details in the question
Read the Certiport Exam Tutorial, which details the exam environment and what you can expect to see on the test
Read each question carefully.
Take practice simulation tests, like those offered by iPrep
Review the domains listed for your certification, and familiarize yourself with those tasks
Use Microsoft resources to learn about areas where you are weaker.
Administration
Test Location: Test can be taken at any Certiport testing center.
Test Schedule: You can schedule the Microsoft Excel Certification test at your convenience.
Test Format: Computerized Simulation
Test Materials: Test taken on computer
Cost: Prices vary based on country where it’s taken. In the United States it costs $100 per attempt.
Retake Policy: First retake after 24 hours. Subsequent retakes require 48-hour waiting period. There are no limits to the number of retakes you can take.
Test Provider
The Microsoft Excel Certification test was created by Microsoft, and administered by Certiport. It can be taken at any Certiport testing center. It is used by job candidates and employees looking to distinguish themselves in their job search or career advancement efforts.
Disclaimer – All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with Certiport or Microsoft.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
(14 Ratings)
The course was created by MS Excel experts to ensure one thing – that you will pass the certification test with flying colors.
15 Hours Access343 Questions343 Video How-Tos3 Practice Tests
iPrep’s course will provide you with the following tools and benefits:
An affordable GMetrix alternative: More questions. Better experience. Half the price.
A benchmark test to determine your current level of Excel proficiency.
Hundreds of practice exercises, which cover 100% of the MOS certification syllabus, classified according to the objective domains of the MOS Excel certification test, including multi-project questions exactly like the real certification test.
Unlimited access to each and every exercise (unlike competing services) within your training hours. You will be able to re-access questions you have struggled with after learning how to solve them.
Practice environment that simulates the official Microsoft testing platform and interface, so there are no surprises on test day.
Complete video solutions to all the questions to make sure that you fully understand how to approach and solve each and every problem.
Two final mock certification assessments that follow the exact format, curriculum, and level of difficulty of the real certification test – you will know for sure where you stand before taking the real test.
A full-year of complete software updates with new and updated questions that follow changes to the certification program.
By the end of this course, you will be able to take the certification tests fully confident and stress-free. You will be knowledgeable and comfortable with the MOS Excel certification test.
Knowledge and familiarity with the test are the two most significant factors that can help you maximize your score and improve your chances of success.
iPrep preparation suite includes the following number of questions:
Manage WorksheetsFormat Data and LayoutUse Functions and FormulasCreate Charts and Tables
Before You Start
A few things to take into account before you start preparing for your test:
You must have Excel installed on your computer in order to use iPrep’s Excel preparation suite. Our course does not simulate the Excel software. It utilizes the Excel software you have already installed on your personal computer.
Our software is built for Microsoft Windows OS only (not Mac, not Linux).
iPrep’s software adapts to your installed version of MS Excel. The actual test may be taken using a different version. Mostly, the differences between versions are in the UX and not in the functionality, which is 95% identical. However, if you have an outdated version of Excel installed on your computer (Excel 2010 or earlier), we recommend that you make sure that you are familiar with the current layout of the software.
Curriculum
How to Access Your Course
2. Excel 2016 Core (77-727):
Create and Manage Worksheets and Workbooks
Manage Data Cells and Ranges
Create Tables
Perform Operations with Formulas and Functions
Create Charts and Objects
3. Excel 2016 Expert (77-728):
Manage Workbook Options and Settings
Apply Custom Data Formats and Layouts
Create Advanced Formulas
Create Advanced Charts and Tables
4. Excel 2019/Office 365 Associate (MO-200):
Manage Worksheets and Workbooks
Manage Data Cells and Ranges
Manage Tables and Table Data
Perform Operations by using Formulas and Functions
Manage Charts
5. Excel 2019/Office 365 Expert (MO-201):
Manage Workbook Options and Settings
Manage and Format Data
Create Advanced Formulas and Macros
Manage Advanced Charts and Tables
Financial Functions
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TEST4U
TEST4U is a leading training, practicing and assessment platform. They developed our interactive Excel course, which is patterned after the user testing experience for MOS-Certiport certifications. Their program allows you to control the pace of learning, to ensure that you fully understand the material being covered.
Test4U began in 2003, and has over 700,000 satisfied users.
Excellent training and testing online for Microsoft Excel. There was a demo video for any answer I was unsure of and also a dashboard of my tests results. Very comprehensive.
Hi Adria, The is a test preparation course, not an Excel learning platform. It targets those who know basic Excel and would like to experience and get ready for the test before taking it. The course provides videos that explain hundreds of test questions and answers and as such provides a good learning experience, though it is not designed to teach Excel per se.
The practice is really good and I like that it repeats questions that you are struggling with. I really dislike that the checking system is very unsophisticated. I typed in Indirect(I7,False) but this was marked as incorrect as the formula that they were looking for is Indirect(I7). The marking of incorrect is wrong because the syntax default for this function is “False” by default and the value returned is the same.
Thank you for trusting our software for your training.
It is true that our software only accepts the solution “=INDIRECT(I7)” as correct but this was made to em[hasize a point.
The second argument exists mainly for compatibility with sheets that use R1C1 cell naming and will only add unneeded complexity to the function, so we recommend omitting it.
The function (if you decide to include the second argument) should be “=INDIRECT(I7, TRUE)”, and not FALSE.
Regardless, we have updated our software to accept this solution as well, since it produces the correct result. This addition will be available to the next version of the software.
The video solution will still omit the second argument since its usage is not recommended in modern worksheets.
Money really well spent. The fact that the interface realistically represents the test environment is a great bonus as are the solution videos. I was a bit apprehensive about the 15 hour limit but it’s not an issue. I prepared for the exam and passed the actual Microsoft certification exam with 6 hours still left on the iPrep course clock. If you are thinking about taking the exam I’d highly recommend you purchase this training first. Its only 20% of the actual Microsoft test cost so invest it in yourself and best of luck with your exam.
Get a taste of the Excel Certification Test by practicing with the following sample questions.
** Column B titled “Faculty” with the respective contents – Arts, Physics, Economics, etc.
** Column C titled “University” with the respective contents – Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, etc.
What is the main function you should use?
Text to Columns
Split Columns
Insert Column Break
The correct answer is A.
The most efficient way to perform this action is to use the “Text to Columns” function in the “Data” tab.
Here is a video solution:
The iPrep Excel course contains more than 300 questions with video solutions.
Question 2 of 5
Task 1 – Completely remove the formatting of cells A1:C1
Task 2 – Apply the formatting of cells A2:C2 to cells E1:I1
What is not true regarding the above?
You can clear the formatting of cells A1:C1
Use “format painter” to perform Task 2.
Use “Paste –> Keep Source Formatting” to perform Task 2.
The correct answer is C.
If you use “Paste –> Keep Source Formatting,” you will also copy the content of cells A2:C2 to cells E1:I1.
The most efficient way to perform task 1 is to use the “clear formats” function in the “Home” tab.
The most efficient way to perform task 2 is to use the “format painter” function in the “Home” tab.
Here is a video solution:
Are you looking for a course that provides actual simulation tests?
Question 3 of 5
Sort the table in columns A:C so it looks similar to the image above.
How many columns must be sorted to achieve this?
1 column
2 columns
3 columns
The correct answer is 2 columns.
In order to achieve this, you have to “custom sort” the table.
Here is a video solution:
Are you looking for a course that provides a real excel environment?
Question 4 of 5
Complete the following tasks so your spreadsheet looks similar to the image above:
Task 1 – design column D as in the image.
Task 2 – define the print area to columns D:I
Task 3 – add page breaks between the data cells of each university.
What is not true regarding the design of the texts in cells D3:D22?
It is designed as vertical text.
It is aligned to the middle.
It is centered.
The correct answer is A.
The text is not vertical. It is rotated upward. In “vertical text” design, the letters are not rotated but appear one above the other:
B r o w n
Here is a video solution:
The iPrep Excel course contains more than 300 questions with video solutions.
Summary – the most efficient way to complete tasks 1-3:
Task 1:
Merge and center cells D3:D7, D8:D12, etc. (Home tab)
Copy the names of the universities to the merged cells, add the word “Average” to cell D2
Change the text orientation so it is rotated up (Home tab)
Task 2: Mark columns D:I and use the “Print Area” function (Page Layout tab) Task 3: Use the “Breaks” function to add page breaks. You need to mark the merged cells (from Columbia downwards) and insert a page break.
Wouldn’t you prefer to have solutions with video how-tos?
Question 5 of 5
Calculate in cells E2:I2 the average number of students in each faculty across all universities.
What is the average number of Arts students?
610
970
1022
The correct answer is 1022.
The correct average values are as follows:
The video solution displays one efficient way to achieve this:
And you are looking for the best price in the market, right?
Well done! You have completed the Sample Questions section.
The complete iPrep course includes full test simulations with detailed explanations and study guides.
'...Tests that actually help'
In the first 30 minutes of use I have learned so much more than skipping along the internet looking for free content. Don’t waste you time, pay and get tests that actually help.
Test Features
Wendy Townsend
Richard Rodgers
When I see “course” I expect learning material along with the test. This is only tests. Unless I’m missing something.
Hi Adria, The is a test preparation course, not an Excel learning platform. It targets those who know basic Excel and would like to experience and get ready for the test before taking it. The course provides videos that explain hundreds of test questions and answers and as such provides a good learning experience, though it is not designed to teach Excel per se.
The practice is really good and I like that it repeats questions that you are struggling with. I really dislike that the checking system is very unsophisticated. I typed in Indirect(I7,False) but this was marked as incorrect as the formula that they were looking for is Indirect(I7). The marking of incorrect is wrong because the syntax default for this function is “False” by default and the value returned is the same.
Hello Matthew,
Thank you for trusting our software for your training.
It is true that our software only accepts the solution “=INDIRECT(I7)” as correct but this was made to em[hasize a point.
The second argument exists mainly for compatibility with sheets that use R1C1 cell naming and will only add unneeded complexity to the function, so we recommend omitting it.
The function (if you decide to include the second argument) should be “=INDIRECT(I7, TRUE)”, and not FALSE.
Regardless, we have updated our software to accept this solution as well, since it produces the correct result. This addition will be available to the next version of the software.
The video solution will still omit the second argument since its usage is not recommended in modern worksheets.
Best of luck on your actual test!
GREAT(!!!!!!!) course. Now, if I can just renew my subscription somehow to complete the tests a couple more times, I’ll be golden. 😀
Money really well spent. The fact that the interface realistically represents the test environment is a great bonus as are the solution videos. I was a bit apprehensive about the 15 hour limit but it’s not an issue. I prepared for the exam and passed the actual Microsoft certification exam with 6 hours still left on the iPrep course clock. If you are thinking about taking the exam I’d highly recommend you purchase this training first. Its only 20% of the actual Microsoft test cost so invest it in yourself and best of luck with your exam.