I was certified as a Microsoft Excel Expert in 2013. However, I did not pass the exam the first time because I thought that I knew everything Excel inside and out. As a result, I took the exam unstudied.
Due to my “non-passing” experience, I now know how to become an Excel Expert. Obviously, the first step is to study for the exam.
I also became a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master demonstrating that I have advanced skills in key Office programs such as Microsoft Excel. This certification is now referred to as Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert instead of MOS “Master.”
“If you pass the Microsoft Word Expert Exam or the Microsoft Excel Expert Exam, you will receive a MOS Expert certification – the keyword here is expert..”
Requirements of the Excel exam are on the Microsoft Learning website and exams can be taken for Office 2010, 2013 or 2016.
The Process to Become an Excel Expert
Most, if not all, Excel exams have study guides which I highly recommend before sitting for any exam. Also, exams cannot be taken online and they are timed, so I confidently advise a study plan before taking an exam.
“I believe the time limit for an exam is 150 minutes..”
As of today, the Excel Expert exam is free for my region. In 2013, I paid $115 for a Microsoft Technology Associate exam in Database Administration Fundamentals.
I remember that the Excel exam cost was about the same, but again, it looks like they are free today in 2019.
Excel exams are scheduled through Certiport and they are proctored. So, after you study and feel confident with test questions and mock exams, you schedule your exam through Certiport.
“A proctored exam is an exam that is supervised by an approved, neutral person (a proctor) who ensures the identity of the test taker and the integrity of the test taking environment.”
I Thought that I Knew Everything Excel
I worked in Excel for at least 10 years before I took the Expert exam. However, as I stated, I did not pass the exam the first time so before my second attempt, I studied for the exam as guided on the exam site.
I learned a lot more about Excel while studying for the exam. The study guide in 2013 was an online portal instead of eBooks.
“Studying for the exam was value added..”
One function that I learned while studying for the exam was the index function. I already knew key functions like true/false, if or and statements, calculating present value (PV), and v- and h- lookups.
However, as time went on I began learning about right and left joins and other prime functions that are essential for data mining and any other component of business intelligence, finance or accounting.
Excel is a very powerful tool and an Accountant’s reverie. It is beneficial to any individual contributor or leader of an organization.
How I Work in Excel with the Keyboard
This is a short video of how I work in Excel. I am a keyboard user rather than a mouse user. Means, I navigate primarily with Excel keyboard shortcuts at least ~80% of the time instead of the mouse.
Expert Exam Essentials
This is sample content for the Microsoft Excel Expert 2016 Exam and the detail can be downloaded on the “Microsoft Press Store by Pearson” website, posted by Paul McFedries:
Chapter 1 — Manage and share workbooks
1.1 Manage workbooks
1.2 Manage workbook review
Chapter 2 — Apply custom formats and layouts
2.1 Apply custom data formats
2.2 Apply advanced conditional formatting and filtering
2.3 Apply custom styles and templates
2.4 Prepare workbooks for internationalization and accessibility
Chapter 3 — Create advanced formulas
3.1 Apply functions in formulas
3.2 Look up data by using functions
3.3 Apply advanced date and time functions
3.4 Perform data analysis and business intelligence
3.5 Troubleshoot formulas
3.6 Define named ranges and objects
Chapter 4 — Create advanced charts and tables
4.1 Create advanced chart elements
4.2 Create and manage PivotTables
4.3 Create and manage PivotCharts
Conclusion
I believe that all of us are aware that Excel is a powerhouse. I hope that I can help you with tools, tips and tricks in the coming days and months; and hopefully learn more about the software myself.
So far my agenda includes how to become an Excel expert, the use of Excel keyboard shortcuts and creating advanced pivot tables.
In the meantime, please feel free to leave me a comment or ask me any question. I am here to engage any conversation as it relates to Excel!
Truth..
#lifetimetruth
