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
iPrep: Concise. Focused. What you need.
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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
(10 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.
I passed with an almost perfect score thanks to iPrep. The format of the questions mimic the actual questions on the certification exam. None of my other study materials did that. It also helps you learn the material and master it, all within the time constraints of the exam. I am going to take another certification exam and will definitely be using iPrep again.
I passed the EXCEL Exam MO-200 with a score of 92%!
How did I achieve that? I used every single corner of this software (Test4u Excel Associate). I practiced, and I practiced. Also, no time was left on my allowance, I used all! Tip: use wisely your allowance time. Practice units and watch the videos how to do it correctly. Practice your incorrect questions. When you are confident with your statistics (a graph on the right hand corner) above 90%, then take the mini-projects, watch how to solve the questions you didn’t get correct, and them take the assessment. I can guarantee that if you practice every single question twice, practice the mini-projects and take the two assessments available, you will pass!
I am very happy that I passed the exam, really grateful that I have purchased the package, and practiced prior to the exam. Even you are highly skilled, I would recommend you to buy it and to practice as you need to pass the exam, and the questions are different to what you have at work.
Pros
1. more than 200 questions to practice, and get immediately answer if you got it wrong
2. help get familiar with the exam environment (not exactly the same but close enough)
Cons
1. 15 hours does not really give you a lot of time to practice: I was only just able to take the full exercises twice in fast speed. However it is still helpful, as my speed and accurate rate improved a lot after the first round.
2. for some questions, my solution was right, however was marked as incorrect, don’t be so concerned if you encountered the same, cos it is computer test you, it is set with unique answer.
3. I purchased the MOS 201 exercise, it included a chapter of financial functions, which is not part of the requirement of the exam, I skipped this part.
All in all, it is a great tool to set me ready for the exam, I don’t think I can pass the exam without this amount of exercise.
I like the course except I did not read/know it’s 15 hours limit within 12 months limitations. I left it on over night and take breaks, ran out of time the next day. Usually when you do a prep test. it should be unlimited time to practice and repeat the test. I learn my lesson. I guess I will try to read the fine print next time.
I gave you a full refund, so now if you wish, you can repurchase and practice again. As an FYI, the 15 hours limit is stated on the course page sidebar. Good luck on your test!
This just gave me the best prep for my exams. It walked me through all the different modules for the exam and showed me the a different way to get to a solution. I would suggest this to anyone preparing for their exams.
On the Free Practice of 5 questions, it would be easier to just use… =AVERAGEIF($B$3:$B42,$E$1,$A$3:$A42) along Row 2 and just change the $E$1 cell reference accordingly… $F$1, $G$1, etc.
Hi Michael,
The approach that you suggest is both succinct and successful, and it displays an impressive level of proficiency. However, this does not mean that the solution offered here is not as good. In this test, the most important factor is whether you managed to solve the problem or not. Both solutions are equally valid on the test.
Thank you for sharing this and good luck!
This course is extremely useful to prepare you for the actual exam. Even if you very good at excel, you would definitely need this to practice before you book your actual exam with Microsoft.
This is a really good platform for acing your MIcrosoft Excel examinations. The examples are well aligned to the problem sets that you will experience during the testing.
Get a taste of the Excel Certification Test by practicing with the following sample questions.
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.
Richard Rodgers
January 28, 2020 at 7:49 PM
1
2
3
4
5
Current
Review
Correct
Incorrect
Question 1 of 5
1. Question
Split column B into two columns:
** 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?
Correct
Incorrect
Question 2 of 5
2. Question
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?
Correct
Incorrect
Question 3 of 5
3. Question
Sort the table in columns A:C so it looks similar to the image above.
How many columns must be sorted to achieve this?
Correct
Incorrect
Question 4 of 5
4. Question
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?
Correct
Incorrect
Question 5 of 5
5. Question
Calculate in cells E2:I2 the average number of students in each faculty across all universities.
Test Features
Technical Facts
Results Scale and Interpretations
Microsoft Excel Certification FAQs
Excel Certification Test Tips
Administration
Test Provider
Wendy Townsend
Richard Rodgers
I passed with an almost perfect score thanks to iPrep. The format of the questions mimic the actual questions on the certification exam. None of my other study materials did that. It also helps you learn the material and master it, all within the time constraints of the exam. I am going to take another certification exam and will definitely be using iPrep again.
I passed the test with flying colours thanks to iPrep’s prep exams. I scored 95% with plenty of time left on the clock.
Thank you!
I passed the EXCEL Exam MO-200 with a score of 92%!
How did I achieve that? I used every single corner of this software (Test4u Excel Associate). I practiced, and I practiced. Also, no time was left on my allowance, I used all! Tip: use wisely your allowance time. Practice units and watch the videos how to do it correctly. Practice your incorrect questions. When you are confident with your statistics (a graph on the right hand corner) above 90%, then take the mini-projects, watch how to solve the questions you didn’t get correct, and them take the assessment. I can guarantee that if you practice every single question twice, practice the mini-projects and take the two assessments available, you will pass!
I am very happy that I passed the exam, really grateful that I have purchased the package, and practiced prior to the exam. Even you are highly skilled, I would recommend you to buy it and to practice as you need to pass the exam, and the questions are different to what you have at work.
Pros
1. more than 200 questions to practice, and get immediately answer if you got it wrong
2. help get familiar with the exam environment (not exactly the same but close enough)
Cons
1. 15 hours does not really give you a lot of time to practice: I was only just able to take the full exercises twice in fast speed. However it is still helpful, as my speed and accurate rate improved a lot after the first round.
2. for some questions, my solution was right, however was marked as incorrect, don’t be so concerned if you encountered the same, cos it is computer test you, it is set with unique answer.
3. I purchased the MOS 201 exercise, it included a chapter of financial functions, which is not part of the requirement of the exam, I skipped this part.
All in all, it is a great tool to set me ready for the exam, I don’t think I can pass the exam without this amount of exercise.
I like the course except I did not read/know it’s 15 hours limit within 12 months limitations. I left it on over night and take breaks, ran out of time the next day. Usually when you do a prep test. it should be unlimited time to practice and repeat the test. I learn my lesson. I guess I will try to read the fine print next time.
Hi Salina,
I gave you a full refund, so now if you wish, you can repurchase and practice again. As an FYI, the 15 hours limit is stated on the course page sidebar. Good luck on your test!
Thank you very much. I will repurchase and practice all over again. I will pay more attention at the 15 hours limit.
This course is so helpful for people who have not used Excel lately. The exercises were very realistic and the solutions video was helpful.
This just gave me the best prep for my exams. It walked me through all the different modules for the exam and showed me the a different way to get to a solution. I would suggest this to anyone preparing for their exams.
On the Free Practice of 5 questions, it would be easier to just use… =AVERAGEIF($B$3:$B42,$E$1,$A$3:$A42) along Row 2 and just change the $E$1 cell reference accordingly… $F$1, $G$1, etc.
Hi Michael,
The approach that you suggest is both succinct and successful, and it displays an impressive level of proficiency. However, this does not mean that the solution offered here is not as good. In this test, the most important factor is whether you managed to solve the problem or not. Both solutions are equally valid on the test.
Thank you for sharing this and good luck!
This course is extremely useful to prepare you for the actual exam. Even if you very good at excel, you would definitely need this to practice before you book your actual exam with Microsoft.
This is a really good platform for acing your MIcrosoft Excel examinations. The examples are well aligned to the problem sets that you will experience during the testing.