Excel Certification

Study Resources

Gmetrix SMS

GMetrix Skills Management System is an application simulates the exam environment, however it is not exactly the same the official exam. GMetrix version 6 is recommended for Office 2016 practice tests.

You will need to create your own account with GMetrix. You can create an account from within the software (using the "Sign up now" link in the lower right corner) or at www.gmetrix.net. 

You will also need a GMetrix access code to take a full length practice test. Email ExcelTest@seattleu.edu from your SeattleU email account to get an access code, or you can visit the Albers Front Desk in person to request a code. The code is good for 100 practice test sessions per person.

GMetrix includes three distinct tests and each test is available in two modes, Testing or Training:

• Testing mode is the closest approximation of Microsoft's Excel certification exam, it is a timed test and no feedback is given until the test is finished and submitted. After the practice test is completed your results are displayed with a score for each of the major topic areas (listed below). Use these results as guideline to which areas you should focus on.
• Training mode gives feedback immediately after each project is submitted, indicating which tasks were incorrect. It also includes a light bulb icon that will display the instructions for each task.

You may take any of the practice or training tests as many times as you want, it is recommended that students complete all three practice tests at least once. Students who complete all three practice tests are usually successful on their first attempt to pass the official exam.

GMetrix can be found on the virtual desktop, which is provided on all computers in the computer labs and Lemieux Library. Windows users with Office 2016 installed can also download the exam software to their own computers from GMetrix.net. If you use a Mac or do not have Office 2016 on your own computer, you can access GMetrix by visiting http://desktop.seattleu.edu, downloading the VMWare client if necessary, and connecting to the Seattle University Virtual Desktop. GMetrix is found under Albers Applications.

Lynda.com

Lynda.com provides video-based tutorials with downloadable exercise files for you to follow along and perform the same tasks demonstrated in the videos. Seattle University students can use their Seattle Public Library card to access Lynda.com, if you do not have an SPL library card you can apply online. Then visit the SPL lynda.com login page to get access.

You can search for "Excel 2016" to see all available Excel 2016 courses, Excel 2013 Essential Training covers a wide variety of exam topics.

Study Guides

The SU Campus Store carries the Microsoft Office Excel 2016 Core Certification Guide from CCI Learning (ISBN: 978-1-55332-473-7)

For experienced Excel users Microsoft Press offers a more abbreviated study guide outlining the topics covered: MOS 2016 Study Guide for Microsoft Excel.

Microsoft Office Support

Microsoft offers an extensive library of training videos arranged by topic on the Office Support website. Links to specific videos and articles are also provided below in the list of Skills Measured.

Create and manage worksheets and workbooks (30-35%)

• Create worksheets and workbooks
  • Create a workbook, import data from a delimited text file, add a worksheet to an existing workbook, copy and move a worksheet
• Navigate in worksheets and workbooks
  • Search for data within a workbook; navigate to a named cell, range, or workbook element; insert and remove hyperlinks
• Format worksheets and workbooks
  • Change worksheet tab color, rename a worksheet, change worksheet order, modify page setup, insert and delete columns or rows, change workbook themes, adjust row height and column width, insert headers and footers
• Customize options and views for worksheets and workbooks
  • Hide or unhide worksheets, hide or unhide columns and rows, customize the Quick Access Toolbar, change workbook views, change window views, modify document properties, change magnification by using zoom tools, display formulas
• Configure worksheets and workbooks for distribution
  • Set a print area, save workbooks in alternative file formats, print all or part of a workbook, set print scaling, display repeating row and column titles on multipage worksheets, inspect a workbook for hidden properties or personal information, inspect a workbook for accessibility issues, inspect a workbook for compatibility issues

Manage data cells and ranges (15-20%)

 

• Insert data in cells and ranges
  • Replace data; cut, copy, or paste data; paste data by using special paste options; fill cells by using Auto Fill; insert and delete cells
• Format cells and ranges
  • Merge cells, modify cell alignment and indentation, format cells by using Format Painter, wrap text within cells, apply number formats, apply cell formats, apply cell styles
• Summarize and organize data
  • Insert sparklines, outline data, insert subtotals, apply conditional formatting

 

Create tables (15-20%)

 

• Create and manage tables
  • Create an Excel table from a cell range, convert a table to a cell range, add or remove table rows and columns
• Manage table styles and options
  • Apply styles to tables, configure table style options, insert total rows
• Filter and sort a table
  • Filter records, sort data by multiple columns, change sort order, remove duplicate records

 

Perform operations with formulas and functions (10-15%)

 

• Summarize data by using functions
  • Insert references, perform calculations by using the SUM function, perform calculations by using MIN and MAX functions, perform calculations by using the COUNT function, perform calculations by using the AVERAGE function
• Perform conditional operations by using functions
  • Perform logical operations by using the IF function, perform logical operations by using the SUMIF function, perform logical operations by using the AVERAGEIF function, perform statistical operations by using the COUNTIF function
• Format and modify text by using functions
  • Format text by using RIGHT, LEFT, and MID functions; format text by using UPPER, LOWER, and PROPER functions; format text by using the CONCATENATE function

 

Create charts and objects (15-20%)

 

• Create charts
  • Create a new chart, add additional data series, switch between rows and columns in source data, analyze data by using Quick Analysis
• Format graphic elements
  • Resize charts, add and modify chart elements, apply chart layouts and styles, move charts to a chart sheet
• Insert and format objects
  • Insert text boxes and shapes, insert images, modify object properties, add alternative text to objects for accessibility