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By Vadim Mikhailenko

TOP 50 QUESTIONS WITH

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS

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© Online Training for Everyone LLC

COPYWRIGHT NOTICE
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information contained in this book.

Author: Vadim S. Mikhailenko

Cover Design: Online Training for Everyone LLC

Publisher: Online Training for Everyone LLC

© 2023, Online Training for Everyone LLC. All rights reserved.

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 About the Author
Vadim Mikhailenko, MBA, is an experienced Information
Technology consultant with over 20 years experience. He
used Microsoft Excel and many other productivity tools
helping people get prepared for Interviews and Assessment
Tests to get them hired for the dream job.

Vadim holds MBA from Keller Graduate School of

Management and Masters Degree in Computer Science
from Belorussian State University.

Follow Vadim Mikhailenko and Online Training for Everyone:

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Table of Contents
COPYWRIGHT NOTICE............................................................................................................ 3
About the Author .................................................................................................................. 4
Follow Vadim Mikhailenko and Online Training for Everyone: ...................................................... 4
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................. 5
Excel Assessment Test Overview.......................................................................................... 19
Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Why Companies Test Job Candidates Excel Skills? ....................................................................... 19
How Employers Test Candidates for Excel Skills? ......................................................................... 20
Methods to Test Candidates Excel Skills? ..................................................................................... 20
Complexity Levels of Excel Employee Assessment Tests? ............................................................ 22
Types of Excel Assessment Tests .......................................................................................... 23
Basic Excel Assessment Test ......................................................................................................... 23
Basic Excel Test: Skills that are Being Evaluated ...................................................................................... 23

What Candidate is Expected to Know ........................................................................................................ 24

List of Jobs where Basic Excel Test is used .............................................................................................. 24

Intermediate Excel Assessment Test ............................................................................................ 26

Intermediate Excel Test: Skills that are being evaluated. .......................................................................... 26

What candidates are expected to know? ................................................................................................... 27

List of Jobs for which Intermediate Excel Test ........................................................................................... 27

Advanced Excel Assessment Test ................................................................................................. 28

Advanced Test: Skills that are being evaluated ......................................................................................... 28

What candidates are expected to know? ................................................................................................... 28

Advanced Test typically be used to test candidates for following jobs ...................................................... 28

What is the Typical Format and types of questions asked on Excel Assessment Test? ............... 30
Multiple Choice Excel Assessment Questions ........................................................................................... 30

Multiple Answer Excel Assessment Questions .......................................................................................... 31

True/False Excel Assessment Questions .................................................................................................. 32

Interactive Excel Software Simulator Questions ........................................................................................ 33

Testing Candidates with Ad-Hoc Questions by the interviewer .................................................................. 34

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Strategies to Successfully Pass Excel Assessment Test .......................................................... 35
Tips and Tricks to Pass Excel Assessment Test ............................................................................. 35
Preparation. Understand what you need to know. ...................................................................... 35
Hands on Experience is the best way to get ready .................................................................................... 35

Using Practice Test to prepare for a Test .................................................................................................. 36

How to use this eBook to get prepared for Assessment Test .................................................................... 37

Preparing for the Test Day ............................................................................................................ 37

On the day of the Test .................................................................................................................. 37
During the test .............................................................................................................................. 38
General Tips to Pass Excel Assessment Tests ............................................................................... 39
Tips and Tricks to Answering Multiple-Choice Questions .......................................................................... 39

Tips and Tricks to Answer True/False Questions ...................................................................................... 40

Tips and Tricks to answer Multiple Answer Questions ............................................................................... 40

Tips and Tricks to answer Interactive Simulator Questions ....................................................................... 41

Excel Assessment Test Questions ......................................................................................... 43

Top 50 Excel Interview and Assessment Test Questions .............................................................. 43
1. Determine what is the correct name for the areas, highlighted in red in the image below? ............... 43

2. What is the correct name of the area outlined in yellow on the screen print below ............................ 44

3. What is the difference between Microsoft Excel 2019 (Office 365) and Excel Online ........................ 45

4. What are the key components of Excel User Interface? .................................................................... 46

5. What are Excel Tables and when you might consider using them? ................................................... 47

6. What is Excel Range. And how is Excel Range different from Excel Tables? ................................... 48

7. What is VLOOKUP formula Syntax and Typical Usage? ................................................................... 48

8. What is XLOOKUP formula? .............................................................................................................. 49

9. What are the tools available to analyze Transactional Data in Excel? ............................................... 49

10. What is Excel PowerQuery and how you can use it? .................................................................... 50

11. If you know that particular functionality exists in Excel but you are not sure on which
Ribbon tab it is available how can you use it quickly? ............................................................................... 50

12. What is a Pivot Table and when should you use them in Excel? ................................................... 51

13. What is Excel Pivot Chart and when should you use it? ................................................................ 51

14. What is Excel Dashboard and when should you consider using it? ............................................... 51

15. How can you save your Excel data into PDF file? ......................................................................... 52

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 16. What is the function of Format Painter in Excel? ........................................................................... 53

17. What is the difference between absolute and relative reference in Microsoft Excel? .................... 54

18. What is the concept of “spilling data” in Excel? ............................................................................. 56

19. How can you lookup real time stock, mutual fund or ETF prices in Excel?.................................... 57

20. How can you lookup data for cities, states and countries in Excel?............................................... 59

21. What is the Excel VBA and when do you use it? ........................................................................... 60

22. How can you protect Workbook in Excel and why you might consider doing it? ........................... 60

23. How can you protect Worksheets in Excel and why you might consider doing it? ......................... 61

24. What is SmartArt in Excel and when would you use it? ................................................................. 63

25. What are the tools in Excel to Remove data duplicates?............................................................... 64

26. How would you use Excel Freeze Panes concept and why you might consider doing
it? 64

27. How can you duplicate Excel Workbook? ...................................................................................... 65

28. How can you duplicate Excel Worksheet? ..................................................................................... 66

29. If you are trying to print Excel Worksheet but data doesn’t fit onto the page, what are
the option to make it fit? ............................................................................................................................. 67

30. If you are trying to print Excel Worksheet but data doesn’t fit onto the page, what are
the option to make it fit? ............................................................................................................................. 68

31. How to make Pivot Table using multiple sources of data? ............................................................ 68

32. How user can check whether the Pivot Table is modified or not?.................................................. 68

33. How to update data on a PivotTable after changing the data in database?................................... 68

34. What is the purpose of LEFT formula? .......................................................................................... 68

35. What is the purpose of RIGHT function? ....................................................................................... 68

36. What is the purpose LEN Function? .............................................................................................. 69

37. What is the purpose of FIND function? .......................................................................................... 69

38. What is the purpose of SEARCH function? ................................................................................... 69

39. What is the purpose of SUBSTITUTE function? ............................................................................ 70

40. What is the purpose of CONCATENATE and & functions? ........................................................... 70

41. What is the purpose of TEXT formula?.......................................................................................... 70

42. Using which function you can convert data in upper case letter? .................................................. 71

43. Using which formula you can convert values in a cell into lower case? ......................................... 71

44. What statement below is relevant to Pivot Table? ......................................................................... 71

45. What is the shortcut key combination of Paste special? ................................................................ 72

46. What is the purpose of data validation in Excel? ........................................................................... 72

47. What is the purpose of flash fill? .................................................................................................... 74

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 48. On which tab you can locate Grouping and Ungrouping option? ................................................... 75

49. Which of below path should we follow to locate the option select “Visible cells” only? .................. 76

50. Which formula can be used to calculate total sales which we can find by multiplying
individual unit sold by unit price for every row across the range C2:D17? ................................................. 77

Bonus Materials .................................................................................................................. 78

Basic Intermediate Excel Assessment Test Questions and Answers ............................................ 79
True/False Questions and Answers .............................................................................................. 80
When selecting the “Margins” your selection is only applicable to the left and right side of the
Worksheet.................................................................................................................................................. 80

You can rename the Excel Sheet on the bottom left corner. ...................................................................... 81

You can make text bold or italic in Excel cell? ........................................................................................... 82

Cell values can include numbers, text or formulas? ................................................................................... 83

An Excel file is called a workbook? ............................................................................................................ 84

If you press the “Tab” key it moves one cell to the left. .............................................................................. 85

Using “Wrap Test” function automatically adjusts row height to accommodate the size of data
in a row. ..................................................................................................................................................... 86

You can insert a row by right clicking a column heading............................................................................ 90

A SmartArt graphic provides an audible representation of information. ..................................................... 92

The “Fill handle” is a small square in the lower-left corner of a selected cell or range of cells. .................. 93

Entering =A7+A9 into cell will subtract the two cells? ............................................................................... 94

When you have selected a range of cells and then you press CTRL+P. Excel will automatically
print the selected range. ............................................................................................................................ 95

Excel offers the “Spell Check” function? .................................................................................................... 96

You can move a chart in a workbook from one sheet to another. .............................................................. 97

One method you can use to change a worksheet name is to go to the cells group on the
Format tab, click Format and choose Rename Sheet. ............................................................................... 98

To delete a worksheet all you have to do is close the current workbook and it is then deleted. ................ 99

Before printing a worksheet, you should preview it and check for spelling errors. Completing
these tasks before you print can save time and paper. .............................................................................. 99

You cannot copy a formula using “AutoFill”. .............................................................................................. 99

You can modify the size of an image in Excel.......................................................................................... 100

Multiple Choice Questions and Answers .................................................................................... 101

Which of the following statements about the Print Preview is true? ......................................................... 101

What is the correct name of the area outlined in yellow on the screen print below .................................. 102

What will happened if you select column C and press icon outlined in red? ............................................ 103

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 Which function can you use to capture the contents of an open windows application and insert
it into Excel? ............................................................................................................................................ 104

What is the name best describes area outlined in red in the screen print below...................................... 104

What is the name of area, highlighted in red, in the screen print below? ................................................. 106

What is the name of the area, highlighted in red, in the screen print below: ............................................ 107

What is the address of the cell in the image below .................................................................................. 108

Determine what is the correct name for the areas, highlighted in red – see image below? ..................... 109

What is the name objectives of the section, outlined in red, in the image below...................................... 110

What is the function of the small area, highlighted in red in the image below (Red arrow points
to the red area): ....................................................................................................................................... 111

You can cut and paste data from one cell into another. Instead of using the mouse to do the
cut and paste, you can use the keyboard. To cut press _________; to paste, press
__________. ............................................................................................................................................ 112

What is the default file extension when you save a workbook for Excel 2016 and 2019? ....................... 113

What happens if you select a text in the cell and use CTRL+U keyboard shortcut? ................................ 114

How would you minimize the ribbon with single mouse click ................................................................... 115

What would be the value returned by the formula.................................................................................... 116

Which formula can you use to calculate total amount of orders, shipped in November ........................... 117

How can you ensure the column C [Email] in below screen print is visible and not cut off? .................... 118

Below listed formula will extract user id from the email address (User ID is the part of the email
located before @ symbol)? ...................................................................................................................... 119

What happens if user selects cell D3 and clicks Wrap Text button in the ribbon? ................................... 120

Where on the Ribbon can you find options to Delete Cells, Delete Sheet Rows, Delete Sheet
Columns and Delete Sheet? .................................................................................................................... 121

How can you ensure that all the rows in an address list you created in Excel are the same
height? ..................................................................................................................................................... 122

What is the order of operations used to evaluate formulas in Excel? ...................................................... 123

You have received Excel 2007 file from via email. How can you open Excel 2007 file in Excel
2016 or Excel 2019 for editing? ............................................................................................................... 123

Select which of the following lists most accurately represent functions found in the Backstage
View in Excel (Backstage view is displayed when you click File tab on the Ribbon): .............................. 125

Selecting multiple columns, especially if they run into the hundreds or thousands, can take a
long time if you do this the manual way by using your mouse. What is a shortcut for quickly
selecting a range of contiguous columns? ............................................................................................... 126

Which of the following functions are you likely to find under the Insert tab on the Ribbon? ..................... 127

The Recent Workbooks list located in the Backstage View shows all workbooks recently
opened. What action can I take to ensure a workbook remains on this list regardless of how
many workbooks I opened subsequent to opening this workbook? ......................................................... 128

What is the keyboard shortcut to select a row of active cells? ................................................................. 129

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 Most workbooks in Excel contain multiple worksheets (noted on the tabs at the bottom right-
hand side of the Excel screen). Which of the following is the keyboard shortcut to for switching
between worksheets in Microsoft Excel? ................................................................................................. 130

Jason has a workbook open that his colleague created. The workbook is titled: "Management
Budget". John wants to use this workbook as a base for creating a workbook called "Project
Management". Which of the following is the correct sequence of actions for him to take? ...................... 131

What happens when you select cells and press Ctrl+2?.......................................................................... 132

The following shortcut key combinations will allow you to Open, Close and create a New
workbook, respectively:............................................................................................................................ 133

What is the keyboard shortcut for reversing (undoing) your last action? ................................................. 134

Mikhala made some changes to a workbook called "Sept 2018". She then clicked Save As,
typed "Sept_2018_New" in the File Name box and clicked Save. Which of the following
statements are true? ................................................................................................................................ 135

Which of the following functions is NOT associated with the Review Tab on the Ribbon? ...................... 136

Allen is using a colleague's PC. He is curious as to how much his colleague earns and when
he sees a folder with the title "Budget", he decides to snoop. He opens the folder and views a
few of the workbooks in this folder. Will his colleague be able to know he snooped, and if yes,
how? ........................................................................................................................................................ 137

Which shortcut key combination can be used to insert the current date into a cell? ................................ 138

What happens when you press the shortcut combination Ctrl+i while you have cells,
containing content such as text or numbers, selected? ........................................................................... 139

A client emails you and informs you that they were unable to open a workbook you sent them
as they still use MS Excel 2010. Which of the following options will quickly resolve this issue
and allow the client to open the workbook? ............................................................................................. 140

What is the shortcut key to save a workbook? ......................................................................................... 141

The shortcut key to “undo” an action in Excel 2016 is: ............................................................................ 142

Excel provides the following functions to be used except: ....................................................................... 144

If you look at a worksheet and cannot see certain columns, it is probably because the
worksheet has ___ columns. ................................................................................................................... 145

Which of the following tabs you will find on Excel’s ribbon?..................................................................... 146

What is the function of Format Painter in Microsoft Excel? ...................................................................... 147

Which of below options can you use to remove formatting from Excel Worksheet? ................................ 148

What is the function of the two buttons outlined in red in the screen print below? ................................... 149

How can you increase the font size for the selected cell in Excel from size from current size to
105? ......................................................................................................................................................... 150

What are the correct steps to use the Format Painter to replicate the formatting from one cell
to many different cells? ............................................................................................................................ 151

Intermediate Excel Interview and Assessment Test Questions............................................ 153

How to Use this Excel Interview Questions Guide...................................................................... 153
General Excel Overview Questions ............................................................................................. 154

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 What is Microsoft Excel ?......................................................................................................................... 154

What is the latest version of Microsoft Excel ?......................................................................................... 155

What is Excel Spreadsheet? .................................................................................................................... 155

What is Excel workbook? ......................................................................................................................... 157

What is Excel worksheet .......................................................................................................................... 157

What are the key elements of Excel User Interface? ............................................................................... 158

What is Excel Ribbon? ............................................................................................................................. 160

What are the Key Features of Excel Ribbon: ........................................................................................... 160

What is the difference between Microsoft Excel for Desktop and Excel Online ....................................... 162

What is Range in Excel ............................................................................................................................ 165

What is Macro in Microsoft Excel? ........................................................................................................... 165

What is cell reference in Excel? ............................................................................................................... 165

What are most commonly used Microsoft Excel Data Formats?.............................................................. 166

What is the difference between a function and a formula in Excel? ......................................................... 167

What is the difference between absolute and relative cell references in Excel? ...................................... 167

What is 'Format Painter' in Excel? ........................................................................................................... 168

Which option do we use to adjust the text to fit within a cell? .................................................................. 169

What is the keyboard shortcut to put the filter on data in Microsoft Excel 2016 or Excel 2019? .............. 171

Excel Concepts Questions ........................................................................................................... 172

What is Excel VBA? ................................................................................................................................. 172

What are charts in MS-Excel? ................................................................................................................. 172

What is the concept of wrapping text in Excel?........................................................................................ 172

How can you sum up the Rows and Column number quickly in the Excel sheet? ................................... 174

What is the concept of conditional formatting in Excel? ........................................................................... 174

Specify the order of operations used for evaluating formulas in Excel?................................................... 175

What is the use of NameBox in MS-Excel? ............................................................................................. 175

What are the pivot tables and its uses. .................................................................................................... 175

Why would you Freeze Panes in MS-Excel? ........................................................................................... 175

Why would you need workbook protection types in Excel........................................................................ 175

Which are the typical ways to protect workbook in Excel? ....................................................................... 176

When would you use charts in MS Excel? ............................................................................................... 176

When would you use Freeze Panes in MS-Excel? .................................................................................. 176

What filter will you use, if you want more than two conditions or if you want to analyze the list
using database function? ......................................................................................................................... 176

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 What is the benefit of using formula in Excel sheet? ............................................................................... 176

What does a color marking represent at the top right of a cell indicate? .................................................. 177

What is the order of execution of mathematical operation in Excel?........................................................ 177

What are the typical use for Comments in Excel? ................................................................................... 178

What are the typical errors in Excel? ....................................................................................................... 179

Which formula is use to convert an Error cell into a blank cell? ............................................................... 180

What is meant by absolute reference and relative reference? ................................................................. 180

Types of absolute reference? .................................................................................................................. 180

What is the short key to lock cell and provide absolute reference? ......................................................... 180

How to lock a cell referencing to create absolute referencing? ................................................................ 180

How to lock column? ................................................................................................................................ 181

How to lock Row? .................................................................................................................................... 181

How to insert picture at background of sheet? ......................................................................................... 181

How to apply Header or footer on the page? ........................................................................................... 181

How to add custom list in excel? .............................................................................................................. 181

How to highlight a value in sheet by using colors while having conditions? ............................................. 182

How to highlight duplicate values using conditional formatting? .............................................................. 183

How to highlight specific text or word from conditional formatting?.......................................................... 184

How to remove formatting from any table without deleting values? ......................................................... 184

Excel How-To Questions ............................................................................................................. 185

How can you wrap the text within a cell? ............................................................................................ 185

How would you hide or show the ribbon? ................................................................................................ 185

How to remove leading / trailing spaces in a text in Excel? ..................................................................... 186

How to remove Non-Printable Characters from the text in Excel ............................................................. 186

How to prevent someone from copying the cell from your worksheet? ........................................... 187

How to hide formula from formula bar?............................................................................................... 188

How to name a range and table to be use in formula? ....................................................................... 188

What is the purpose of Data Validation in Excel? ............................................................................... 189

What is the purpose of Developer Tab and how it can it display on ribbon? ................................... 191

What is the purpose of hyperlink and how it can applied? ................................................................ 191

How can you add a new Excel worksheet?.............................................................................................. 191

How can you resize the column? ............................................................................................................. 191

How can you merge cells in Excel? ......................................................................................................... 193

What are three report formats types available in Excel? .......................................................................... 193

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 How can user create shortcuts to Excel functions? ................................................................................. 193

How can you apply the same formatting to every sheet in a workbook in Excel? .................................... 194

How to quickly to return to a particular area of a worksheet? .................................................................. 194

Which function would you use to determine the day of the week for a date?........................................... 195

How would you reduce the file size in Excel? .......................................................................................... 195

How to make text invisible in Excel? ........................................................................................................ 196

How would you add comments to a cell? ................................................................................................. 197

How to highlight cells with errors? ........................................................................................................... 198

How to prevent someone from changing, moving or deleting data in worksheet? ................................... 199

How would you clear all the formatting without removing the cell contents?............................................ 200

How to sum up the rows and column number quickly in the Excel sheet? ............................................... 201

How to highlight cells with negative values? ............................................................................................ 202

How to highlight cells with duplicate values? ........................................................................................... 203

How to remove duplicates in Excel? ........................................................................................................ 204

How to remove leading / trailing spaces in a text in Excel? ..................................................................... 205

How to remove Non-Printable Characters from the text in Excel ............................................................. 205

How to prevent someone from copying the cell from your worksheet? .................................................... 206

How to remove leading / trailing spaces in a text in Excel? ..................................................................... 206

How to prevent someone from copying the cell from your worksheet? ........................................... 206

How to remove Non-Printable Characters from the text in Excel ............................................................. 206

How to hide formula from formula bar?............................................................................................... 208

How name any range and table to be use in formula? ....................................................................... 208

What is the purpose of data validation? .............................................................................................. 208

What is the purpose of developer tab and how it can it display on ribbon? .................................... 208

What is the purpose of hyperlink and how it can apply? ................................................................... 208

Why $ sign is used with Column or Row in a cell reference? (as mention in the below picture
$F$3) ....................................................................................................................................................... 210

Why you might consider pressing F4 key three times after selecting a cell reference. ............................ 211

How to add custom list in excel, so then we can use it repeatedly? ........................................................ 212

How to apply Header or footer on the page which will be used in printing? ............................................. 213

Through which tab we can insert a background image? .......................................................................... 214

Excel Keyboard Shortcuts Questions .......................................................................................... 215

What is the keyboard shortcut to put the filter on data in Microsoft Excel 2016 or Excel 2019? .............. 215

Which keyboard shortcut would you use to move to the previous worksheet and next sheet? ................ 215

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 What is the keyboard shortcut to Hide/Show Ribbon in Excel? ............................................................... 215

What is the short key of paste special?.................................................................................................... 216

What is the short key to show all formulas? ............................................................................................. 216

What is the keyboard shortcut to paste data down from the above cell? ................................................. 216

What is the keyboard shortcut to insert columns in Excel? ...................................................................... 216

What is the keyboard shortcut to insert row? ........................................................................................... 217

What is the keyboard shortcut to print page?........................................................................................... 217

What is the keyboard shortcut to find and replace? ................................................................................. 217

Extra Bonus: Excel Tutorials ............................................................................................... 222

Excel Interview and Assessment Test Preparation (Step by Step Tutorials) .............................. 224
Tutorial: Learn Basic Excel Skills in 25 Steps ............................................................................... 225
Expand Columns B and C to Fit the Content ........................................................................................... 227

Change Font Style in the Row 3 .............................................................................................................. 228

Change Font Size in the Header To 12.................................................................................................... 228

Format Price And Sales Columns As Currency ....................................................................................... 230

Calculate Manufacturing Costs (Units Sold * Manufacturing Price) ......................................................... 230

Calculate Profit (Gross Sales - Manufacturing Costs).............................................................................. 231

Save File with Different File Name ........................................................................................................... 233

Center Data in Rows D through G ........................................................................................................... 234

Change Color For The Header Row ........................................................................................................ 235

Add Borders to the Table ......................................................................................................................... 236

Make Text in Header Row Bold ............................................................................................................... 237

Insert Clustered Column Chart to Show Unit Salt Per Product ................................................................ 238

Change Charts Title to Product Sales ...................................................................................................... 238

Change Chart Type to Bar Chart ............................................................................................................. 239

Change Chart Styles ................................................................................................................................ 240

Wrap Text in Cell D3 ................................................................................................................................ 241

Duplicate Current Worksheet into a New One ......................................................................................... 242

Merge and Center “Product Sales” Title................................................................................................... 244

Sort Data Descending Based On Units Sold............................................................................................ 245

Select Print Area to Print Only Data Table ............................................................................................... 246

Change Page Orientation to Landscape .................................................................................................. 247

Run Spell Check ...................................................................................................................................... 248

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 Set Narrow Margins ................................................................................................................................. 249

Print Worksheet to Fit One Page ............................................................................................................. 250

Save Excel Document as PDF File .......................................................................................................... 251

Basic/Intermediate Tutorial: Excel Formulas and Functions ...................................................... 253

Excel Formulas and Functions................................................................................................................. 253

Excel Functions ....................................................................................................................................... 255

SUM Function ......................................................................................................................................... 255

MIN Function .......................................................................................................................................... 258

MAX Function ......................................................................................................................................... 259

COUNT Function .................................................................................................................................... 260

AVERAGE Function ............................................................................................................................... 260

Advanced Excel Tutorial: Pivot Table in Excel Overview ............................................................ 263

Creating a Pivot Table ................................................................................................................. 263
Pivot Table with Fixed Range on a New Sheet....................................................................................... 263

Pivot Table with a Table or an Existing Sheet. ....................................................................................... 265

Pivot Table with Fixed Range on a New Sheet....................................................................................... 268

Pivot Table with a Table or an Existing Sheet. ....................................................................................... 270

Understanding Pivot Table.......................................................................................................... 273

Pivot Table Fields .................................................................................................................................... 273

Pivot Table Areas .................................................................................................................................... 274

Business applications of Pivot Table ........................................................................................... 274

Pivot Table: Example 1 ............................................................................................................................ 274

Pivot Table: Example 2 ............................................................................................................................ 277

Pivot Charts ................................................................................................................................. 279

Creating a Pivot Chart.............................................................................................................................. 279

Pivot Table Assessment Test Questions/Answers ...................................................................... 281

Pivot Table: Question 1............................................................................................................................ 281

Pivot Table: Question 2............................................................................................................................ 281

Pivot Table: Question 3............................................................................................................................ 282

Pivot Table: Question 4............................................................................................................................ 282

Pivot Table: Question 5............................................................................................................................ 283

Advanced Excel Tutorials: VLOOKUP .......................................................................................... 284

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 Excel VLOOKUP arguments .................................................................................................................... 284

lookup_value............................................................................................................................................ 285

table_array ............................................................................................................................................... 287

col_index_num......................................................................................................................................... 287

range_lookup .......................................................................................................................................... 288

VLOOKUP Applications ............................................................................................................... 289

VLOOKUP in Excel from other sheets.................................................................................................... 289

VLOOKUP in Excel from other Workbooks ........................................................................................... 291

Using Named Ranges with VLOOKUP ......................................................................................... 292

VLOOKUP Assessment Test Questions ....................................................................................... 295
Question: Find working version of VLOOKUP formula ............................................................................ 295

Question: Identify example of VLOOKUP which will solve below business problem ............................... 296

Question: Identify VLOOKUP formula with correct syntax ....................................................................... 297

Question: How Approximate VLOOKUP match results are sorted........................................................... 297

Question: Which values can VLOOKUP formula return? ......................................................................... 298

Question: Identify VLOOKUP with correct syntax .................................................................................... 299

Advanced Excel Tutorials: INDEX and MATCH Functions Overview ........................................... 300
INDEX and MATCH together – why INDEX and MATCH ............................................................ 300
INDEX Syntax .......................................................................................................................................... 300

MATCH Syntax ........................................................................................................................................ 301

Using INDEX and MATCH ............................................................................................................ 302

Example INDEX & MATCH...................................................................................................................... 302

Using INDEX and MATCH as HLOOKUP ...................................................................................... 303

Why don’t we just use VLOOKUP ............................................................................................... 304
Lookup Left or Right without worrying..................................................................................................... 304

Insert or delete columns safely ............................................................................................................... 305

Higher Processing Speed ........................................................................................................................ 305

INDEX & MATCH: Sample Assessment Test Questions............................................................... 305

INDEX & MATCH: Exercise Question 1 ................................................................................................... 305

INDEX & MATCH: Exercise Question 2 ................................................................................................... 306

INDEX & MATCH: Exercise Question 3 ................................................................................................... 306

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Appendixes ....................................................................................................................... 309
Appendix A: Microsoft Excel Shortcuts ............................................................................... 310
Excel Shortcuts ............................................................................................................................ 310
Frequently Used Shortcuts. ........................................................................................................ 310
Excel Formatting Shortcuts ......................................................................................................... 310
Excel Function Key Shortcuts ...................................................................................................... 311
Excel Navigation Shortcuts ......................................................................................................... 312
Excel Columns and Rows Shortcuts............................................................................................ 313
Excel CTRL Shortcuts ................................................................................................................... 313
Appendix B. Microsoft Excel Test Exam Objectives for Pre-employment Assessment .......... 315
Create Worksheets and Workbooks: .......................................................................................... 315
Navigate in Worksheets and Workbooks: .................................................................................. 315
Format Cells and Ranges: ............................................................................................................ 315
Enter and Edit Data: .................................................................................................................... 315
Perform Basic Calculations: ........................................................................................................ 315
Apply Formulas and Functions:................................................................................................... 316
Create and Modify Charts and Graphs: ...................................................................................... 316
Sort and Filter Data: .................................................................................................................... 316
Manage Page Layout and Printing: ............................................................................................. 316
Protect and Secure Workbook and Worksheets: ....................................................................... 316
Utilize Conditional Formatting: ................................................................................................... 316
PivotTables and PivotCharts: ...................................................................................................... 316
Data Validation: .......................................................................................................................... 317
Collaboration and Sharing: ......................................................................................................... 317
Excel Features and Functions: .................................................................................................... 317
Appendix D. Additional Excel Assessment Test Resources .................................................. 318
About the Author ........................................................................................................................ 318

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Follow Vadim Mikhailenko and Online Training for Everyone: .................................................. 318

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Excel Assessment Test Overview
Overview
Excel skills are an asset in today's job market. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced
user, this eBook will equip you with the knowledge and preparation strategies to excel in Excel
assessments and stand out as a top candidate for your dream job.

Microsoft Excel is a widely used tool in many organizations, and employers want to ensure that
job candidates possess the necessary Excel skills. To evaluate candidates effectively, hiring
organizations often rely on external providers for testing procedures. This eBook will explore
how companies conduct Excel skills tests, provide sample questions from Excel Assessment
Tests, and offer resources to help you prepare efficiently.

Preparing for the Excel Assessment: Access valuable resources and study materials to fast-track
your Excel skills development. In this guide, you'll discover:
- The Importance of Excel Skills Assessment: Learn why Excel proficiency is vital for
job success and how assessments help employers find the right candidates.
- Recent Feature Developments in Microsoft Excel: Stay updated on the latest
advancements in Excel to showcase your up-to-date knowledge during the
assessment.
- Excel Skills Test Format: Understand the typical format of Excel tests, including
multiple-choice questions, practical exercises, and real-world scenarios.
- Sample Questions and Exercises: Review sample questions and exercises that
candidates may encounter during Excel assessments.

Why Companies Test Job Candidates Excel Skills?

There are many reasons employers choose to test candidate’s knowledge during job interview. Many
positions, like administrative, finance, data analysis, and project management, require regular Excel
usage, making it essential to test candidates' proficiency. Excel's wide usage for data organization,
manipulation, and analysis prompts employers to evaluate candidates' ability to handle data effectively
and create accurate reports.

Proficiency in Excel leads to increased work efficiency, streamlined processes, and better data analysis,
enhancing overall productivity. Excel's role in data-driven decision-making makes it crucial for
candidates to demonstrate their data analysis, reporting, and presentation abilities. Excel skills and
knowledge showcase problem-solving aptitude through the application of functions and formulas for
complex tasks. Accurate data management and attention to detail are crucial for business operations,
reducing errors and ensuring data integrity.

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As Excel is a versatile tool applicable in various job roles, testing candidates' Excel skills aids employers
in assessing their adaptability to different tasks. Excel proficiency is also vital for generating clear,
concise reports and visual data presentations, facilitating effective business communication.
Additionally, proficient Excel users can manage time efficiently when handling data-related tasks,
ensuring timely task completion.

Excel skills also help in optimizing resources like budget allocation and resource planning, contributing
to cost-effectiveness. As Excel is frequently used in collaborative projects, employers look for candidates
who can work effectively in teams, especially during data sharing and analysis. Lastly, Excel skills
indicate candidates' technical competency, a valuable attribute in today's digital and data-driven work
environment.

How Employers Test Candidates for Excel Skills?

Employers use various methods to test candidates for Excel skills, ensuring they have the
necessary proficiency for the job. These testing methods can range from simple assessments to
more complex scenarios.
There are multiple providers that conduct the tests and each one of the tests is a little different.
Most of the time employers use below providers to conduct the tests.
- Kenexa Prove It Excel Test
- Criteria Excel Skills Test
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel Certification
- eSkill Excel Test
- Brainbench Microsoft Excel Assessment
- Indeed Assessments Excel Test
Employers choose these testing systems based on factors such as the level of detail required,
the number of candidates to assess, and the specific skills they want to measure. These tests
help employers identify candidates with the right Excel skills and ensure that they can handle
the data-related tasks required for the job effectively.

Methods to Test Candidates Excel Skills?

Here are some common ways employers test candidates for Excel skills:
1. Excel Proficiency Test: This is a standardized test specifically designed to evaluate
candidates' Excel skills. It typically includes questions on basic formulas, functions,
formatting, data manipulation, and data analysis.
2. Practical Excel Exercises: Candidates may be given practical exercises that involve
working on real-world Excel tasks, such as creating spreadsheets, analyzing data, and
generating reports.

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 3. Spreadsheet Review: Employers may ask candidates to submit their previous Excel work
or sample spreadsheets for review, allowing them to assess the candidate's level of
expertise.
4. Online Skill Assessment Platforms: There are online platforms that offer Excel skill
assessments with various difficulty levels. Employers can use these platforms to
administer tests to candidates remotely.
5. Excel Interview Questions: During interviews, employers may ask candidates specific
Excel-related questions to gauge their knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
6. Case Studies: Candidates may be presented with Excel-based case studies, where they
have to use Excel to analyze data and solve business-related problems.
7. Excel Simulation Exercises: Candidates might be asked to complete simulated Excel
tasks within a controlled environment, allowing employers to observe their
performance in real-time.
8. Excel Add-in Assessments: Some employers use Excel add-ins that can track and analyze
candidates' Excel actions in real-time during the assessment.
9. Excel Projects: Candidates may be given an Excel-related project to complete, which
involves using advanced Excel skills to solve complex business problems.
10. Group Excel Exercises: During assessment centers or group interviews, candidates may
collaborate on Excel exercises to demonstrate their ability to work as a team and use
Excel effectively.

Each employer might use a slightly different variation of the Excel test. The Excel Assessment
Test typically broken down into a multiple-choice section and an interactive portion.
Some tests are timed but some of them do not have a limit on how long applicant can take to
answer the questions, but there might be exceptions.
Employers use various testing systems and tools to conduct these assessments. Some common
testing systems for evaluating candidates' Excel skills include:
- Multiple Choice Questions,
- Multiple Answer Questions,
- True/False Questions
- and Interactive Questions
It is rare that only one type of question is used during the test – most of the time questions are
part of the large pool and testing software randomly selects certain number of questions from
the pool and presents them to the candidate.

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Complexity Levels of Excel Employee Assessment Tests?
Microsoft Excel employment assessment tests are designed to evaluate candidates'
Excel skills based on the complexity of tasks they are likely to encounter in their
respective job positions. These assessment tests are tailored to match candidates with
roles where they can effectively leverage their Excel expertise. As Excel offers a wide
range of functionalities, the evaluation ensures candidates' technical proficiency aligns
with the complexity of tasks they will encounter in their job positions.

Excel's recent feature developments, such as dynamic arrays, XLOOKUP function, and
improvements in data connectivity and collaboration, may also be part of the
assessment to ensure candidates are up-to-date with the latest Excel capabilities.

Candidates at the advanced level are expected to have advanced formula skills and
confidence in creating custom formulas to adapt to any situation. They should be well-
versed in handling complex data analysis and decision-making tasks using Microsoft
Excel.

- Microsoft Excel Basics Test: This test assesses candidates' skills in performing
fundamental Excel functions, such as printing, formatting cells, and basic
calculations. It is suitable for entry-level or experienced candidates applying for
positions like Administrative Assistants, Retail Store Managers, Sales
Representatives, and Accountants.
- Intermediate Microsoft Excel Test: The intermediate test requires more than
basic knowledge but is not as complex as the advanced level. Candidates should
study and practice using various Excel tools, and practical experience in solving
problems with Excel is beneficial. This level is intended for professionals like
Business Analysts, Project Managers, and Architects.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel Test: This test is designed for positions that require a
deep understanding of Excel's advanced features. Candidates will be evaluated
on their proficiency with Excel Tables, Pivot tables, data importing, generating
reports, creating macros, and using advanced functions like IF, IFS, VLOOKUP,
SUMIFS, and VBA. This level is typically aimed at Senior Professionals, Executives,
Financial Analysts, and Scientists.

See Appendix B to learn about complete list of Excel Assessment objectives.

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Types of Excel Assessment Tests
Employment Assessment test helps employers to quickly evaluate candidate's skills and abilities.
Working with employers can send skills tests to candidates via email to determine see how candidates
perform in relation to others that have taken the same assessment to decide if they would like to move
forward in the interview process.

Some employers have opted into including Excel Assessments Tests in their jobs requirements. This
means that all candidates applying for the job will be required to pass the test, and candidates that
didn’t pass the test will not be considered for the position. Based on this information, an employer
might invite the candidate to take an assessment directly, as part of the interview process, at company’s
location.

Most of Excel Assessments can be completed on a mobile device. Those that require the use of a laptop
or desktop computer – such as Typing – include notices to switch devices.

While the length of Excel Assessment test can vary, most test modules take an average of 10 min or
less. Based on guidelines Indeed provides in their FAQ, if an employer has opted to combine two 10-
minute test modules, your assessment could take you a total of 20 minutes to complete.

There are 3 different types of Excel Employment Assessment tests

Basic Excel Assessment Test

As part of the Basic Excel Skills employment assessment test, candidates are evaluated on their ability to
efficiently navigate the Excel user interface and perform simple tasks. The test will include multiple-
choice questions based on Excel spreadsheets, charts, tables, and images of Excel buttons and tools.

The Basic Excel Skills test focuses on essential Excel functions that are commonly used in various job
roles. Employers seek candidates with a solid understanding of Excel's foundational features to perform
data entry, basic analysis, and reporting tasks accurately and efficiently. Having these skills is beneficial
for a wide range of job positions, including administrative roles, data entry positions, and entry-level
business analysis tasks. It is essential for candidates to practice and familiarize themselves with Excel's
user interface, shortcuts, and basic formula usage to excel in this assessment and showcase their
proficiency in handling Excel tasks.

Basic Excel Test: Skills that are Being Evaluated

The following Excel skills will be tested as part of Basic Excel Assessment Test:

- Applying Simple Fill Patterns, Formatting, and Styles: Candidates are assessed on their
proficiency in applying fill patterns, formatting, and styles to cells to enhance the appearance of
the data.
- Identifying Keyboard Shortcuts: Candidates need to recognize the appropriate keyboard
shortcuts to accomplish tasks more quickly, improving their productivity.

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 - Transforming Spreadsheets: Candidates will be required to follow the correct steps to make one
spreadsheet look like another, demonstrating their ability to manipulate and customize data
presentation.
- Using Formulas and Cell References: Candidates will be tested on selecting the right formulas
and cell references to perform automatic calculations accurately.
- Performing Basic Tasks: Candidates will be asked to perform basic tasks like hiding rows,
preventing cell overflow, and pasting data efficiently.
- Time Management: Since each question comes with a strict time limit, candidates' ability to
quickly format, isolate, and manipulate data under pressure will also be measured.

What Candidate is Expected to Know

The Basic Excel Skills test aims to evaluate candidates' foundational Excel abilities to ensure they possess
the following skills:

- Navigating and Modifying Workbooks: Candidates should be able to identify common tools,
apply basic keyboard shortcuts, and manipulate columns and rows effectively.
- Sorting, Filtering, and Basic Functions: Candidates need to demonstrate their proficiency in using
basic sorting, filtering, and statistical functions to explore and summarize values in Excel.
- Customizing Workbook Appearance: Candidates are expected to customize the look and feel of
workbooks using cell formatting tools to create visually appealing and organized spreadsheets.

List of Jobs where Basic Excel Test is used

The Basic Excel Test evaluates their ability to perform essential functions, navigate the user interface,
and apply formatting to present data effectively.

Below are some job categories of employment and specific use cases on how Microsoft Excel is being
used to help you better understand the areas you may need to study:

- For business supervisors and managers, Excel aids in decision-making by analyzing business data
and generating reports.
- Operations supervisors and managers benefit from Excel's data analysis capabilities to optimize
processes and improve efficiency.
- Instructors and teachers use Excel for grade management, data analysis for educational
research, and creating interactive spreadsheets for students' engagement.
- Financial analysts and accountants rely on Excel for financial calculations, budgeting, and
generating financial reports.
- Scientists and researchers use Excel for data analysis, graphing, and statistical calculations,
especially in conducting experiments and presenting research findings.
- IT professionals leverage Excel for data organization, project tracking, and generating reports
related to their technical projects.

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In these roles, a strong understanding of Excel's basic features is vital, as it forms the foundation for
more complex Excel tasks required in higher-level positions. Excel proficiency is an essential skill that
enhances productivity and decision-making capabilities for professionals across various industries.

Specific jobs where Basic Excel Test is Used:

- Business Supervisor or Business Manager: Excel skills are crucial for business supervisors and
managers as they often deal with data analysis, budgeting, and financial reports.
- Operations Supervisor or Operations Manager: Excel is used to track and manage operational
data, performance metrics, and process optimization, making it essential for operations
professionals.
- Instructor or Teacher: Educators use Excel for grade tracking, data analysis in research, and
creating interactive spreadsheets for teaching purposes.
- Financial Analyst: Financial analysts rely on Excel for financial modeling, data analysis, and
creating financial reports and projections.
- Accountant: Accountants use Excel for bookkeeping, financial analysis, preparing financial
statements, and managing budgets.
- Scientist or Researcher: Scientists and researchers utilize Excel for data analysis, statistical
calculations, and presenting research findings.
- Information Technology (IT) Professional: IT professionals use Excel for data management,
tracking project progress, and generating reports.

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Intermediate Excel Assessment Test

The Intermediate Excel Test presents candidates with a series of timed questions designed to
assess their knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Since questions are timed, candidate has a time limit
to answer each question. Excel Assessment Test Questions contain images that represent
spreadsheets, charts, and graphs, and require candidates to analyze values, formulas, and
buttons in order to determine what actions will produce a specific outcome. Typically
Intermediate Excel Assessment Test is used to ensure that candidates can do below listed use
cases in Microsoft Excel:

Intermediate Excel Test: Skills that are being evaluated.

The Intermediate Excel Test focuses on evaluating candidates' proficiency in handling more complex
Excel tasks beyond the basics. Employers seek candidates who can efficiently analyze data, draw
meaningful conclusions, and make informed decisions using Excel's advanced features.

- Data analysis involves using functions to calculate, filter, and summarize data efficiently,
enabling candidates to glean valuable insights from large datasets. Working with Pivot Tables
allows candidates to present data in a dynamic and organized manner for comprehensive
analysis.
- Data validation ensures data accuracy and consistency, reducing the risk of errors in data entry.
The use of lookup and reference functions allows candidates to access information from
different parts of the spreadsheet without manual searching.
- Text and date functions enable candidates to manipulate text strings and work with date and
time data effectively, essential in various reporting and data processing tasks.
- Conditional logic and IF functions enable candidates to automate calculations and decision-
making processes based on specific conditions, enhancing workflow efficiency and accuracy.

Intermediate Excel Test evaluates candidates' ability to perform data analysis, use advanced formulas,
and manipulate data effectively, making it a valuable skill for various job roles involving data
management and decision-making. Below are specific use cases for intermediate Excel Assessment Test
being evaluated:

- Ability to visualize trends and patterns: Candidates will be tested on their capability to use
conditional formats and standard charts to analyze data and identify trends in Excel
spreadsheets.
- Writing Cell Formulas: Candidates will demonstrate their proficiency in writing cell formulas to
evaluate conditional statements, perform calculations using data from multiple worksheets, and
manipulate fields formatted as dates, values, or text.
- Manipulating Cell Reference Types: Candidates will be assessed on their ability to use different
cell reference types (e.g., absolute, relative, mixed) to apply formulas across multiple cells
efficiently.
- Advanced Data Analysis: Candidates may encounter tasks that involve using Excel functions like
SUMIFS, COUNTIFS, AVERAGEIFS, and other statistical and logical functions to perform data
analysis and generate meaningful insights.

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 - Working with Pivot Tables: Candidates might be asked to create and manipulate Pivot Tables to
summarize large datasets and extract useful information.
- Data Validation: Candidates will demonstrate their ability to set up data validation rules to
control the type and format of data entered into specific cells.
- Lookup and Reference Functions: Candidates might be tested on using functions like VLOOKUP,
HLOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCH to search for and retrieve data from different parts of the
spreadsheet.
- Text Functions: Candidates may encounter tasks that involve using text functions (e.g.,
CONCATENATE, LEFT, RIGHT, MID) to manipulate and extract information from text strings.
- Date and Time Functions: Candidates might be asked to use functions like DATE, TODAY, and
EOMONTH to work with date and time data effectively.
- Conditional Logic and IF Functions: Candidates will be assessed on their ability to use IF
statements and logical functions (e.g., AND, OR) to create conditional calculations and automate
decision-making processes.

What candidates are expected to know?

To pass Intermediate Excel Test candidates must possess all skill required to pass Beginners
Excel Assessment and also below listed additional skills:

 How to enter sales figures and properly apply formulas to generate sales totals by date,
representative, product or region.
 How to conditionally format Excel cells with the goal of highlighting specific dates, values, or
ranges.
 How to create bar graphs and pie charts from large datasets to illustrate critical company data,
performance metrics, and outlook.

List of Jobs for which Intermediate Excel Test

 Help Desk Agent and/or Customer Support Specialist

 Business Administrator
 Business Supervisor or Business Manager
 Operations Supervisor or Operations Manager
 Instructor, Teacher
 Financial Analyst
 Accountant
 Scientist, Researcher
 Information Technology professional

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Advanced Excel Assessment Test

The Advanced Excel Skills Test uses questions to ensure that candidates know how to choose
formulas, functions, or charts to execute specific tasks or format data in Microsoft Excel.
Advanced Excel Test questions include images of sample data in an Excel spreadsheet and
require a candidate to answer which function was used to make the data look a certain way, or
which functions should be used in a formula to perform an action.

The test enables you to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency with Excel formulas, conditional
formatting, and data visualization by testing whether a candidate can:

 Use functions, such as VLOOKUP, SUMIF, COUNTIF, IFERROR, INDEX, MATCH, AND, OR, and
ISTRUE separately or in conjunction.
 Create and understand when and why to create a PivotTable.
 Create or identify formulas for conditional formatting.
 Create a formula to retrieve information from other rows or columns.
 Create a formula to display a value based on data from other rows or columns.

Advanced Test: Skills that are being evaluated

 Ability to analyze data and create reports using PivotTables and PivotCharts
 Ability to nest multiple functions together to create dynamic formulas
 Ability to create custom visualizations using combo charts, form controls, and formula-driven
ranges and formatting rules

What candidates are expected to know?

 How to work with conditional formatting in Microsoft Excel.

 How to use Advanced Excel functions and Excel formulas alone or in combination with each
other.
 How to create formulas to retrieve data or display certain values.
 How to create and utilize a PivotTable.

Advanced Test typically be used to test candidates for following jobs

 Data Analyst
 Project Manager
 Financial Analyst
 Business Supervisor or Business Manager
 Operations Supervisor or Operations Manager
 Dean, Associate Dean, Instructor, Teacher
 Accountant

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  Scientist, Researcher
 Information Technology professional

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What is the Typical Format and types of questions asked on Excel Assessment Test?
Each employer might use a slightly different variation of the test. The Excel exam will be broken
down into a multiple-choice section and an interactive portion. Some tests are timed but some
of them do not have a limit on how long applicant can take to answer the questions, but there
might be exceptions. There are different types of questions typically being presented during the
test like Multiple Choice Questions, Multiple Answer Questions, True/False Questions and
Interactive Questions. It is rare that only one type of question is used during the test – most of
the time questions are part of the large pool and testing software randomly selects certain
number of questions from the pool and presents them to the candidate. Let’s look at the details
of each type.

Multiple Choice Excel Assessment Questions

In this test format applicants are being presented with the question that has multiple options
but only one possible answer. Applicants are typically being asked to select one choice as the
answer for the questions. These types of questions are typically used to
test Beginner or Intermediate skills on Excel Assessment test. Figure 1 shows an example of
multiple choice excel assessment test question:

(Sample multiple choice question as part of Excel Assessment Test)

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Multiple Answer Excel Assessment Questions
In this test format applicants are being presented with the question, which has multiple
potential answers. Applicants are typically being asked to select all answers that are
applicable. These types of questions are typically used to test Intermediate or Advanced
skills on Excel Assessment test (See below image). The multiple-choice questions are typically
pulled at random from a larger pool of questions. This means that you will likely not be asked
the same questions as someone else you know who took the exact same exam.

(Sample Multiple Answer Excel Assessment Test Question)

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True/False Excel Assessment Questions
In this format applicants are being presented with a statement that is either true of false. The
key to answering these questions correctly is in reading the questions in detail and determining
which answer is correct and which one isn’t.

(Sample True/False Question asked as part of Excel Assessment Test)

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Interactive Excel Software Simulator Questions
Interactive test question typically asks candidates to complete specific task or scenario using
Excel Simulator, presented at the bottom. Simulator is different from the regular Excel
software, since it has internal help disabled. Sometimes the entire test might be done using
interactive questions, but most of the times Interactive question type is just one of the types of
questions used during the test.
Below is the example of Excel Interactive Simulator question, candidates might be asked to
complete.

(Sample Interactive Simulator asked as part of Excel Assessment Test)

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Testing Candidates with Ad-Hoc Questions by the interviewer
Sometimes interviewers prefer the test to be interactive with the candidate rather than judging
by some static questions. Since the main objective of Excel test is to determine whether a
candidate can perform Excel function, specific to what employer needs to do, some companies
ask Ad-Hoc questions during the interview to test the candidate and evaluate his skills. In this
approach potential candidates are not being asked to take any computerized tests, but rather
are being asked open-ended questions during the interview. Typically, interviewer ask
questions from memory, but a lot of times they might also prepare questions in advance, based
on functional or technical areas they would like to test the candidate.
Three major categories of questions might be asked in Ad-Hoc approach:
Technical Questions:
 Which function would you use to add all the values in the column?
 How can you import data from the database into Excel?
 What are Excel Formulas used for?
Functional Questions
 What is your experience managing prices in Excel?
 What is your experience doing forecasting in Excel?
 What is your experience planning a budget in Excel?
Challenge questions
 Can you access the values from another worksheet in the same workbook using the
formula?
 How can you project Excel data from modification?
 How can you protect Excel with the password?
 What is the difference between absolute and relative cell references? In which situations
would you use each?

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Strategies to Successfully Pass Excel Assessment Test

How can you determine if you are you ready for the Excel Employment Test? In this section we will
review strategies, tips and tricks to make sure you are prepared for the test and successfully pass it.

When you’re preparing to sit for an Excel Assessment Test, the first thing required is a strong grasp of
the material being tested. Your previous experience with Excel application, any classes and courses you
took in the past are a good foundation in that aspect. But beyond that, there are several things you can
do to tip the scales in your favor and ensure that you increase your odds of success on exam day:

Tips and Tricks to Pass Excel Assessment Test

 Before starting the exam, you must have an updated knowledge of conditional formulas,
different tools of formatting, different methods of data searching from database, basic and
advance formulas and functions for calculation and also have a knowledge of short keys of excel.
 A lot of time interactive portion of the test might be easy when answering questions, since you
will have access to the application and will be able to navigate around, try different things and
validate your answers.
 Some companies will test candidates using custom built software. In this case it will often
involve the use of the actual Excel software and will usually just be the interactive portion.
 Sometimes companies will send you a link and you might be able to take test from home. Even
though it seems like an easier option these tests might be timed, and they might ask you to turn
on the camera to observer your actions.
 For a lot of interactive tests, candidate will face a specifically designed software unlike taking a
test with actual Excel. These interfaces do not auto correct spelling errors, allow for autofill of
formulas, and allow for the use of some shortcuts. Each question only has one answer, even if
there are multiple ways to approach the problem.

Preparation. Understand what you need to know.

Typically, you are limited on time to get prepared and you can’t learn about all functionality available.
For preparation of excel test, the best way is, practice your questions and knowledge again and again
that will help you to become a master and to score better even while having the time limit in test. There
are two types of preparation for the exam you need to consider.

Hands on Experience is the best way to get ready

 Learn by practicing: One of the best ways to learn Excel is to start practicing something using it.
There is a reason why employer wants to test candidates in Excel: it is because the person that
will get hired will be using the application on the regular basis. To practice first make a list of
formulas which are used in firms and corporate office and make scenarios on which you have to
apply a formula.

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  Find a mentor: One of the fastest ways to learn the technology is to find a mentor and together
complete an Excel document stepwise, from start to finish. Your mentor can be someone you
know who already uses the Excel and can even be your High School or College student.
 Follow Step by Step Tutorials: You can practice Excel by following step by step tutorial and
complete required steps in the application. The Tutorial can be an eBook, training course or step
by step video guide. Once you complete the steps with tutorial, then you should try to do it
without the tutorial. This way you can learn how to use different tools and can independently
complete certain functions.
 Online Resources: There are a lot of videos and step by step tutorials available on the internet,
but most of them have been designed for general purpose and are not geared for people, trying
to pass Excel Test. Most of the candidates need materials that can help them get prepared
quickly to master excel, specifically to pass Excel Assessment Test for job application.
 eBook: One of the fastest ways to learn is to use eBook that covers relevant materials. The big
advantage of eBook is that it allows you to focus on the topics you already know and skip ahead
to learn topics that you need to master.
 Excel Training Course: One of the ways to improve your technical skills is to take excel training
course. A lot of quality courses are available that would get you ready by providing proper guide
and might provide multiple mock test to judge your preparation.

Using Practice Test to prepare for a Test

 Normally a Practice test are prepared by industry experts and they have a waste knowledge of
excel, while making the test expert includes those common questions which are important to
get job and normally ask by employer.
 There are many other benefits of attending practice tests and adequately prepared Excel
Employment Assessment. With practice tests, students can get a feel for the types of questions
they should expect to see during the test period, and they will also help them understand areas
they need to improve on. After reviewing their practice test results, however, they can get a
better sense of which areas are weakest: User Interface, Navigation, Formulas, Keyboard
shortcuts, reporting and dashboard preparation or something else. Having this knowledge, they
can then focus on their efforts in a more productive manner.
 Another huge benefit of taking practice tests is the familiarity of materials. Once a candidate
takes a practice test, it essentially helps him to overcome nervousness when answering the
actual questions. They will feel more self-assured and confident because they are already used
to reading and analyzing similar question structures after taking multiple practice tests.
 Timed Excel Assessment Test can be a big problem for candidates who aren't used to having a
strict time limit. By taking practice tests and knowing approximately how long it takes for you to
answer one specific type of question, you can calculate how much time you can spend per
problem. This way, a student can adjust the timing and be prepared for the final.

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How to use this eBook to get prepared for Assessment Test
This eBook provides you a list of questions and answers, you can use to simulate Excel Assessment
Test. Below are the most effective ways to use to get the best result:

1) Go through each question in questions only section and record your answers on the separate
piece of paper (or using electronic notes).
2) Make sure to note how long it takes you to answer all the questions.
3) Validate your answers (using section with the answers).
4) Review detailed explanations section for the questions you have answered incorrectly.
5) Repeat steps 1-3 again until you get all answers 100% correctly

Preparing for the Test Day

 Get plenty of sleep the night before your exam

 Have a full tank of gas in your car (this is important to avoid being late for the exam)
 Set your alarm and have a backup alarm so you get to the exam site early to reduce stress
 Dress comfortably, and in layers, in case it is cold or warm in the test room
 Eating before the test will give you energy and help you focusing. But avoid heavy foods that will
make you groggy

On the day of the Test

 Arrive at least 15 minutes before the appointed time. If you put in a lot of time preparing for
your Excel Assessment Test, don’t ruin first impression by showing up late or without a required
item to the testing center.
 Make sure you have a driver’s license or passport or both as some testing centers require two
forms of ID. It’s best to call the day before your exam to confirm what you must bring with you.
 Excel Assessment Test are not an open book test. You’ll have to leave your belongings (bag,
wallet, cell phone, etc.) in a provided locker before being escorted to a computer by a proctor.
 Bring a sweatshirt. The air conditioning is often on full blast in many of these centers. It’s tough
to focus on your test when your teeth are chattering.
 Be kind to the test administrators. There is no reason to be rude to anyone and when you rude
it changes your emotional state for the worse, decreasing your chances of successfully passing
the test.
 Be prepared to temporary give your belongings to the test center. They may ask to take your
photo. They may check your belongings. They may ask you to turn your pockets inside out. Be
patient. They don’t enjoy this process any more than you do. But they will lose their testing license
if they don’t follow protocol.
 Do not talk to other test takers before the test: test takers or those who are anxious could
sabotage you with negativity and cause you to doubt your knowledge and skills.
 Go to the bathroom before walking into the test room. Although you are allowed to go to the
bathroom during the test, you don’t want to waste time during the test.

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Excel Assessment Test Questions
Top 50 Excel Interview and Assessment Test Questions

1. Determine what is the correct name for the areas, highlighted in red in the image below?

a) These are the Excel Formula Bar addresses.

b) These are the Excel column and row labels.
c) These are the Excel Ribbon function groups.
d) These are Excel Grid headers.
e) All the above options are incorrect.

Answer: The correct answer is b. The horizontal area labelled contains the column labels and vertical
area contains the row labels. The Excel grid is divided into cells and each cell falls within a column and a
row, giving the cell an address based on which column and row it is positioned in.

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 Bonus Materials

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Basic Intermediate Excel Assessment Test Questions and Answers
Instructions: One of the best ways to study is to review questions and answers and then partner with
someone to quiz you, by randomly asking certain questions.

 Take notes on which questions you got wrong

 Review notes independently and do hands on exercises with Excel to understand where you
have made a mistake and reinforce the knowledge
 Go through the process multiple times, until you get your answers correct 100%

To get ready for Excel Assessment Test you need to repeat the process, until you get all answers
correctly.

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True/False Questions and Answers
When selecting the “Margins” your selection is only applicable to the left and right side of the
Worksheet.

A) True

B) False

Answer: The correct answer is False. When changing margins you can change left, right, top or bottom
margin. The image displayed in the question is misleading, since it hides selection for top and button
changes – see full image below

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You can rename the Excel Sheet on the bottom left corner.
A) True

B) False

Answer: The correct answer is True. You can right mouse click on the sheet tab, which contains tab
name to access rename menu – see image below. Another option to rename Excel Sheet is to or double
click on the sheet name

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Excel Job Interview and Assessment Test Questions

How to Use this Excel Interview Questions Guide

Excel Interview questions guide lists typical questions, asked during Microsoft Excel interview. There are
multiple strategies of how you can utilize this guide:

- If you are short on time to get ready for the interview, one of the best strategies might be to just go
and read each question and answers, by going through each of the Excel questions to learn the answers.

If you want to learn about specific topics you can jump to the specific topic of interest, since guide
organizes interview questions and answers, based on topic, click on the topic name from the table of
contents or from below list: this way you can go through all the Excel questions for that topic:

 General Excel Overview Questions

 Excel Concepts
 Excel How-Tos
 Excel Formulas and Functions
 Excel Pivot Tables
 Excel Keyboard shortcuts

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What are the correct steps to use the Format Painter to replicate the formatting from one cell to
many different cells?
a) It is not possible. The Format Painter allows you to insert formatted paintings into MS
Excel
b) Select the text with original formatting and Press Ctrl+Shift+F+P to permanently activate
the Format Painter.
c) Select the text with original formatting and then click the Format Painter once and then
click in cells to apply the format.
d) Select the text with original formatting, double click the Format Painter and then click in
cells to apply the format.

Answer: The correct answer is b. Select the cell that contains the format that you want to copy,
double click the Format Painter and then click in the cells you want to apply the formatting to.
To exit the Format Painter mode, press the Escape key on your keyboard.
Format Painter option is located in Clipboard group on Home tab

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How can you increase the font size for the selected cell in Excel from size from current size to
105?

a) This option is not available since maximum font size in Excel is 72.
b) Press the Increase Font Increase button repeatedly until you reach 95.
c) Change font type to Times New Roman, since this is the only font that supports sizes
above 72.
d) Type 105 into the Font size box and press Enter.

Answer: The correct answer is d

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What is the function of the two buttons outlined in red in the screen print below?

a) Use them to insert reference in the document

b) Use them to change the font type.
c) Use them to increase and decrease font size.
d) Use them to change the font color.
e) Use them to apply bold formatting.

Answer: The correct answer is c. You can use use these button to Increase or Decrease Font
size to make your font larger or smaller.

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Which of below options can you use to remove formatting from Excel Worksheet?

a) Using Format Cells option on Home tab->Cells group ->Format button

b) The Clear Formats option found on Home tab -> Editing group -> Clear button
c) The Delete Formats option found in the Cell Styles gallery.
d) Pressing Shift + Delete on your keyboard.
e) All of the options listed above are correct.

Answer: The correct answer is b. Select the content you would like to clear of formatting and
click the Clear Formats option found on Home tab -> Editing group -> Clear button to remove all
formatting that has been applied – see below image.

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What is the function of Format Painter in Microsoft Excel?

a) It deletes all formatting in a worksheet.

b) It formats excel worksheet by erasing all content.
c) It replicates formatting from one cell to another.
d) It checks what formatting is applied to a cell.
e) It inserts rows and columns.

Answer: The correct answer is c. Format Painter helps replicate formatting from one cell in
excel to another cell or area. You use Format Painter by selecting the cell with the format you
like, click on the Format Painter button and click the cell to which you want to apply the
selected formatting

Format Painter function is available on Home tab in Clipboard group:

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Which of the following tabs you will find on Excel’s ribbon?

a) The Insert tab, the Page tab and the Formulas tab.
b) The Insert tab, Functions tab, Review tab and View tab
c) The Home tab, the Page Alignment tab, the Data tab and the View tab.
d) The Home tab, the Formulas tab and the VBA tab.
e) All the options listed above are tabs on the Excel 2019 Ribbon.

Answer: The correct answer is b. Below is the list of tabs available in default configuration of
Microsoft Excel:

2. File
3. Home
4. Insert
5. Draw
6. Page Layout
7. Formulas
8. Data
9. Review
10. View

11. Help

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If you look at a worksheet and cannot see certain columns, it is probably because the worksheet
has ___ columns.
a) Hidden
b) Unhidden
c) Deleted
d) Cut
e) Deprioritized

Answer: The correct answer is a. You can hide column in excel by selecting the column, and
using Hide option in Right mouse click – see image below, where Hide option on the menu is
outlined in red. You can use Unhide option on the same menu if you select two columns that
border hidden column and clicking Unhide option.

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Excel provides the following functions to be used except:
a) AVERAGE
b) MIN
c) MAX
d) TOTAL

Answer: The correct answer is d. Excel has functions Average, Min and Max – see image below
from Formulas tab

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The shortcut key to “undo” an action in Excel 2016 is:
a) CTRL+PAGE UP
b) CTRL+HOME
c) CTRL+Z
d) CTRL+C

Answer: The correct answer is c. See Appendix A with the list of Excel Keyboard Shortcuts

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What is the shortcut key to save a workbook?

a) Ctrl+Enter

b) Ctrl+Shift+S

c) Alt+S

d) Ctrl+S

Answer: The correct answer is d. Clicking Ctrl+S saves active document in Microsoft Excel. You
can quickly and continually save a worksheet whilst working, without lifting your fingers from
the keys on your keyboard, by using this shortcut to save.

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A client emails you and informs you that they were unable to open a workbook you sent them as
they still use MS Excel 2010. Which of the following options will quickly resolve this issue and
allow the client to open the workbook?

a) They will need to install MS Excel 2010 or use someone else's software in order to open the
workbook.

b) You can use the Save As function to select a Save As Type: Excel 2010 Workbook.

c) If you open the workbook, you can go to the client and copy and paste all the content into
their version of Excel.

d) If you rename your workbook: "Excel 2003", this will allow the client to open the file.

Answer: The correct answer is b.

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What happens when you press the shortcut combination Ctrl+i while you have cells, containing
content such as text or numbers, selected?

a) This italicizes the selected content.

b) This launches the Excel Information and Help dialogue box.

c) This inserts a new row or column depending on the selection.

d) This hides the selected cell range.

Answer: The correct answer is a. Pressing Ctrl+i makes selection italic. You can also use the
shortcut Ctrl+3 to achieve the same result.

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Which shortcut key combination can be used to insert the current date into a cell?

a) Ctrl+D

b) Ctrl+Shift+; (Control+Shift+semicolon)

c) Ctrl+; (Control+semicolon)

d) Ctrl+Shift+D

Answer: The correct answer is c. Holding Ctrl key and pressing ; (semicolon) key at the same
time inserts current date into the spreadsheet. This is a great shortcut for timesheets that
require a user to insert the date into a sheet on a continual basis. The formatting of the date,
for example 01/01/2015 or 1 January 2015, will depend on the formatting applied to the cell in
which the date is inserted.

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Allen is using a colleague's PC. He is curious as to how much his colleague earns and when he
sees a folder with the title "Budget", he decides to snoop. He opens the folder and views a few of
the workbooks in this folder. Will his colleague be able to know he snooped, and if yes, how?

a) No, Ben is safe. Unless his colleague is an IT specialist, he will never find out.

b) Yes, if his colleague presses the Data tab on the Ribbon, this will reveal a list of recently
displayed documents.

c) No, Excel automatically deletes recently access workbook and file history if you close and
shutdown the PC.

d) Yes, if his colleague opens the Backstage View and go to the Recent Workbooks and Recent
Places area.

Answer: The correct answer is d. Unless his colleague first opens and works on a number of
other workbooks / folders that will push the files Ben viewed out of the list, his colleague could
easily see which workbooks and even which files Ben had viewed.

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Which of the following functions is NOT associated with the Review Tab on the Ribbon?

a) The spelling checker.

b) The sort data function.

c) The comment function.

d) The track changes function.

Answer: The correct answer is b. The sort function is associated with the Data tab on the
Ribbon and not with the Review Tab.

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Mikhala made some changes to a workbook called "Sept 2018". She then clicked Save As, typed
"Sept_2018_New" in the File Name box and clicked Save. Which of the following statements are
true?

a) The changes Lucy made to "Sept 2014" will be reflected in the new workbook,
"Sept_2019_New" only.

b) The changes Lucy made will be reflected in both versions, "Sept 2014" and "Sept_2019_New".

c) By using the Save As function Lucy replaced the file "Sept 2014" with "Sept_2019_New". The
original file no longer exists.

d) The changes Lucy made will stay in "Sept 2014" and will not be reflected in
"Sept_2019_New".

Answer: The correct answer is a. When you click Save As, Excel assumes you want to save all
the changes you made to a new workbook. Unless you clicked save in the existing workbook,
none of the changes you made will be saved in the original.

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What is the keyboard shortcut for reversing (undoing) your last action?

a) Ctrl+U

b) Ctrl+Z

c) Ctrl+X

d) Ctrl+Y

Answer: The correct answer is b. Holding down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and pressing the
Z key at the same time will undo the last action you performed in the selected workbook.
Holding down Ctrl and pressing Z repeatedly will undo multiple actions that have been
performed.

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The following shortcut key combinations will allow you to Open, Close and create a New
workbook, respectively:

a) Pressing Alt + O to Open, Alt + C to Close, Alt + N for New.

b) Pressing Control + O for Open, Control + C for Close, Control + N for New.

c) Pressing Control + O for Open, Control + W for Close, Control + N for New.

d) None of the above options are correct.

Answer: The correct answer is c. Holding down the control key on your keyboard whilst
pressing O, W or N respectively will allow you to quickly access the Open dialogue box, close an
open workbook and create a New blank workbook.

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 Appendixes

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Appendix A: Microsoft Excel Shortcuts
Excel Shortcuts
Microsoft Excel Keyboard Shortcuts do a lot of heavy lifting for us as when we are working with a
document, we can frequently use them to avoid having to move the mouse cursor to do an action which
might take more time than just pressing a key or a combination of keys.

Let’s find some of these shortcuts which might come in handy to you.

Please also note that some categories might have overlap in shortcuts as more than one category is
applicable to shortcuts.

Frequently Used Shortcuts.

We are going to list some of the most used shortcuts first, these are your shortcut keys that everyone
uses on the daily basis.

Key Combination Description

CTRL + O Open a Workbook
CTRL + W Close a Workbook
CTRL + S Save a Workbook
CTRL + C Copy a selection
CTRL + V Paste
CTRL + Z Undo last action
CTRL + X Cut the text
CTRL + B Bold
CTRL + N Create a New Workbook
DELETE Remove selected cell contents

Excel Formatting Shortcuts

Key Combination Description

CTRL + 1 Format Box
ALT + E + S + T Copy Format
ALT + H + 0 Increase Decimal
ALT + H + 9 Decrease Decimal
CTRL + SHIFT + 7 Boxing
ALT + O + C + A Fit Column Width
ALT + H + O + R Change Tab Name
ALT + W + F (Un) Split Panes
ALT + W + S (Un)freeze windows
ALT + "=" Sum Function
CTRL + SHIFT + F / Format fonts.
CTRL + SHIFT +P

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 SHIFT + F2 Add/Edit Cell comment
CTRL + ALT + V Paste Special Dialog
CTRL + I Italicize or Un-Italicize cells
CTRL + SHIFT + & Apply outline border to selected cells.
CTRL + U Insert Underlines under the selected text
CTRL + SHIFT + # Date Format
CTRL + SHIFT + $ $ Dollar Format
CTRL+ SHIFT + % % Percentage Format
CTRL + SHIFY + @ Time format hour minute and AM/PM
CTRL + L/ CTRL + T Insert table Dialog

Excel Function Key Shortcuts

Key Combination Description
F1 Excel Help Task Pane
CTRL + F1 Displays/Hides Ribbon
ALT + F1 Creates a chart from the selected Range
ALT + SHIFT + F1 Insert a Worksheet
F2 Activates editing on the selected cell and adds the cursor to the end.
SHIFT + F2 Add/ Edit Cell Comment
CTRL + F2 Print Preview
F3 Displays Paste Name Dialog (Only works if a Named Range is Defined)
SHIFT + F3 Insert Function Dialog
F4 Repeats last action if possible
CTRL + F4 Closes the active workbook window.
ALT + F4 Closes Excel
F5 Go to Dialog
CTRL + F5 Restores Window Size of Active Workbook
F6 Switches between worksheet, Ribbon, Task pane and Zoom Controls. On
workbook that has been split it includes split panes.
SHIFT + F6 Switches between worksheet, Ribbon, Task pane and Zoom Controls.
CTRL + F6 Switches between workbook windows when more than one workbook is
open.
F7 Spelling Dialog
CTRL + F7 Holds the workbook windows when not maximized so you can move it with
arrow keys and fix it to new position by using Enter Key or Cancel it with ESC.
F8 Turns Extend mode on or off
SHIFT + F8 Select non adjacent cell or range by using arrow keys or mouse.
CTRL + F8 Resize the window using arrow keys.
ALT + F8 Displays Macro Dialog
F9 Calculates all Worksheets on an active Workbook.
SHIFT + F9 Calculates active worksheet.
CTRL + ALT + F9 Calculates all open workbooks.
CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + Calculates all open workbook even the cells not marked as needing to be
F9 calculated.
CTRL + F9 Minimizes workbook windows to taskbar.

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 F10 Turns key tips on/off
SHIFT + F10 Displays shortcut menu for selected
ALT + SHIFT + F10 Displays menu or message for an Error checking button
CTRL + F10 Maximizes/Restores active workbook.
F11 Creates chart from the selected range on a new Chart sheet
SHIFT + F11 Insert a New Worksheet
ALT + F11 Opens VBA Editor
F12 Displays Save as Dialog

Excel Navigation Shortcuts

Key Combination Description
Tab Moves focus one cell to the right
Shift Tab Moves focus one cell to the left
Up Arrow Key Move up one cell
Down Arrow Key Move one cell Down
Left Arrow Key Move one cell to left
Right Arrow Key Move one cell to Right
CTRL + Arrows Go to End of Continuous Range
SHIFT + Arrows Select A Cell Range
CTRL + SHIFT + Highlight A Continuous Range
Arrows
CTRL + SHIFT + END Extend the selection to last used to cell (lower right)
ALT + Tab Switch Programs
CTRL + ALT + 5 Move through shapes, objects like images etc.
Enter Move below
Shift + Enter Move Up
Home Move to Beginning of the Line
CTRL + Home Go to Cell A1
CTRL + End Moved to last used cell
ESC Cancel current operation
Page Up Move one screen up in Worksheet
CTRL + Pg Up/Down Switch Worksheets

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Excel Columns and Rows Shortcuts
Key Combination Description
CTRL + 0 Hide Column
CTRL + 9 Hide Row
SHIFT + CTRL + 9 Unhide Row
SHIFT + CTRL + 0 Unhide Column
SHIFT + Spacebar Highlight Row
CTRL + Spacebar Highlight Column
SHIFT + CTRL + Plus sign Insert Blank Cells
CTRL + Minus Sign Delete Selected Cells
SHIFT + ALT + Left Arrow Group Rows/Columns
SHIFT + ALT + Right Arrow Ungroup Rows/Columns
CTRL + Plus Sign Insert the selected number of columns/ Rows
CTRL + Minus Sign Delete the selected number of columns/ Rows

Excel CTRL Shortcuts

Key Combination Description
CTRL + B Bold
CTRL + C Copy
CTRL + A Select All
CTRL + D Fill Down
CTRL + F Find
CTRL + I Italic
CTRL + N New Workbook
CTRL + O Open
CTRL + P Print
CTRL + R Fill Right
CTRL + S Save Workbook
CTRL + U Underline
CTRL + V Paste
CTRL + W Close Window
CTRL + X Cut
CTRL + Z Undo
CTRL + 1 Format Box
CTRL + SHIFT + 7 Boxing
CTRL + SHIFT + F / Format fonts.
CTRL + SHIFT +P
CTRL + ALT + V Paste Special Dialog
CTRL + SHIFT + & Apply outline border to selected cells.
CTRL + SHIFT + # Date Format
CTRL + SHIFT + $ $ Dollar Format
CTRL+ SHIFT + % % Percentage Format
CTRL + SHIFY + @ Time format hour minute and AM/PM
CTRL + L/ CTRL + T Insert table Dialog

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 CTRL + F1 Displays/Hides Ribbon
CTRL + F2 Print Preview
CTRL + F4 Closes the active workbook window.
CTRL + F5 Restores Window Size of Active Workbook
CTRL + F6 Switches between workbook windows when more than one workbook is open.
CTRL + F7 Holds the workbook windows when not maximized so you can move it with
arrow keys and fix it to new position by using Enter Key or Cancel it with ESC.
CTRL + F8 Resize the window using arrow keys.
CTRL + ALT + F9 Calculates all open workbooks.
CTRL + ALT + SHIFT Calculates all open workbook even the cells not marked as needing to be
+ F9 calculated.
CTRL + F9 Minimizes workbook windows to taskbar.
CTRL + F10 Maximizes/Restores active workbook.
CTRL + Arrows Go to End of Continuous Range
CTRL + SHIFT + Highlight A Continuous Range
Arrows
CTRL + SHIFT + Extend the selection to last used to cell (lower right)
END
CTRL + ALT + 5 Move through shapes, objects like images etc.
CTRL + Home Go to Cell A1
CTRL + End Moved to last used cell
CTRL + Pg Switch Worksheets
Up/Down
CTRL + 0 Hide Column
CTRL + 9 Hide Row
SHIFT + CTRL + 9 Unhide Row
SHIFT + CTRL + 0 Unhide Column
CTRL + Spacebar Highlight Column
SHIFT + CTRL + Plus Insert Blank Cells
sign
CTRL + Minus Sign Delete Selected Cells
CTRL + Plus Sign Insert the selected number of columns/ Rows
CTRL + Minus Sign Delete the selected number of columns/ Rows

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Appendix B. Microsoft Excel Test Exam Objectives for Pre-employment
Assessment
To get better prepared for Excel Assessment test it helps to understand Exam Objectives represented
below as l list of topics applicant are required to know to pass the test:

Create Worksheets and Workbooks:

1. Create a new Excel workbook from scratch.
2. Import data from external sources, such as another spreadsheet or delimited text file.
3. Add new worksheets to an existing workbook.
4. Copy and move worksheets within the same or different workbooks.
5. Rename worksheets to provide meaningful names.

Navigate in Worksheets and Workbooks:

1. Search for specific data within a workbook using Excel's Find and Replace function.
2. Navigate quickly to a named cell, range, or workbook element using Excel's Name Box or Go To
feature.
3. Insert hyperlinks to other cells, sheets, or external URLs within the workbook.
4. Remove hyperlinks and modify hyperlink properties when needed.

Format Cells and Ranges:

1. Apply cell formatting, including font styles, font sizes, colors, and alignments.
2. Format numbers with different decimal places, currency symbols, or percentages.
3. Adjust row height and column width to display data neatly.
4. Merge and unmerge cells to create visually appealing layouts.

Enter and Edit Data:

1. Input data into cells using various data types, such as text, numbers, and dates.
2. Edit and modify existing data in cells.
3. Use AutoFill to quickly fill cells with data patterns, dates, or numerical sequences.

Perform Basic Calculations:

1. Use basic mathematical operators (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to perform
calculations.
2. Utilize formulas to calculate values based on cell references and mathematical operators.
3. Understand the order of operations (PEMDAS) in Excel calculations.

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Apply Formulas and Functions:
1. Use built-in functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, COUNT, and COUNTA to perform data
analysis.
2. Apply logical functions like IF, IFERROR, AND, OR to make decisions based on specified
conditions.
3. Employ text functions like CONCATENATE, UPPER, LOWER to manipulate text data.

Create and Modify Charts and Graphs:

1. Generate various types of charts, such as bar charts, line charts, pie charts, and scatter plots.
2. Customize chart elements like titles, legends, data labels, and axis labels.
3. Modify chart layouts and styles to enhance visual presentation.

Sort and Filter Data:

1. Arrange data in ascending or descending order based on specific columns.
2. Use Excel's AutoFilter to apply filters to data and display relevant information.
3. Clear filters and reapply them as needed.

Manage Page Layout and Printing:

1. Adjust page margins, orientation, and paper size for printing.
2. Add headers and footers to provide additional information in printouts.
3. Control page breaks and print specific ranges of data.

Protect and Secure Workbook and Worksheets:

1. Apply password protection to prevent unauthorized access to workbook or specific worksheets.
2. Lock cells or ranges to restrict editing access for certain parts of the workbook.
3. Protect formulas to prevent accidental changes.

Utilize Conditional Formatting:

1. Apply conditional formatting rules to highlight cells that meet specific criteria.
2. Use data bars, color scales, and icon sets to visualize data trends and patterns.

PivotTables and PivotCharts:

1. Create PivotTables to summarize and analyze large datasets.
2. Group and filter PivotTable data to focus on relevant information.
3. Create PivotCharts to visually represent PivotTable data.

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Data Validation:
1. Set data validation rules to control data entry and ensure data accuracy.
2. Use custom formulas for advanced data validation scenarios.

Collaboration and Sharing:

1. Share workbooks with other users and set permissions for collaboration.
2. Track changes and review comments added by multiple users.
3. Merge and resolve conflicting changes in shared workbooks.

Excel Features and Functions:

1. Understand and utilize advanced Excel features, such as Data Tables, Goal Seek, Solver, and
Scenario Manager.
2. Use array formulas and understand how they differ from regular formulas.
3. Work with Excel tables for improved data management and analysis

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Appendix D. Additional Excel Assessment Test Resources
About the Author

Vadim Mikhailenko, MBA, is an experienced Information

Technology consultant with over 20 years experience. He used
Microsoft Excel and many other productivity tools helping
people get prepared for Interviews and Assessment Tests to
get them hired.

Vadim holds MBA from Keller Graduate School of

Management and Masters Degree in Computer Science from
Belorussian State University.

Follow Vadim Mikhailenko and Online Training for Everyone:

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