When it comes to showcasing your Excel skills, there are Excel certificates and certifications. Both can showcase your commitment to having learned Excel, and can be beneficial to helping you secure a job or promotion.
Excel Certificates vs. Excel Certifications
There are several differences between Excel certificates and certifications. Excel Certificates: Certificates are awarded by educational institutions after you complete a specific course or program in Excel. You can earn a certificate for completing an Excel training course at a licensed school such as AGI, which indicates that you have acquired a certain level of proficiency in the software, and completed an intensive course of study.
Excel Certifications: In contrast, certifications involve passing an independently administered exam. For Excel, this involve taking a standardized test, such as Microsoft's Office Specialist (MOS) Excel certification.
Is an Excel certificate or certification better
Although they are obtained differently, Excel certifications and certificates are often considered to be synonymous by employers. An employer looking to hire someone with Excel skills often values the completion of an in-depth course of study on Excel as valuable as, if not more valuable than, passing a one-time exam.
Obtaining a Certificate in Excel can help you find a job
A certificate in Excel can significantly enhance your resume and make you more attractive to employers. It demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your ability to handle Excel-related tasks effectively. Many job postings, even for entry-level positions, specify Excel proficiency as a requirement or a desirable skill.
Preparing for Certification Exams
Excel courses often serve as excellent preparation for official certification exams. While Excel courses at AGI provide a certificate, if certification is desired, the comprehensive classes prepare you for an certification test.
Excel courses cover the essential concepts and skills you'll need to excel in the exam. By completing a course and earning a certificate, you gain the confidence and knowledge required to pass the Microsoft Excel Certification.
Is an Excel Certification Required for Certain Jobs
While Excel certifications can be particularly valuable for many job roles, most jobs require Excel skills that can be demonstrated either through a certificate or certification. For jobs where Excel proficiency is critical, having an Excel certificate or certification can set you apart from other candidates. Employers may prefer or even require candidates to have a certificate or certification, especially in competitive fields like finance, data analysis, and business intelligence.
Professions that involve extensive data analysis, such as data analysts, financial analysts, and business analysts, greatly benefit from having in-depth Excel skills. Employers trust professionals who have earned a certificate or certification to handle more complex data tasks efficiently and accurately.
Where to Get Certified in Excel
Several institutions and training providers offer Excel certificate programs. You have options of taking individual courses or enrolling in workshops and bootcamps to speed up the learning process. AGI’s Excel bootcamp and other Excel courses include a certificate issued by a state licensed school. These classes also prepare you for the Excel certification exam at all levels, with introductory and advanced courses that can get you ready in less than one week. These Excel courses are available both in-person or virtual, and you can select the best option for your learning preference.
Obtaining a certificate in Excel enhances your employability and proficiency in this software app that is essential for many jobs. Both certificates and certifications indicate your readiness for Excel-related tasks, opening doors to more opportunities. Whether you choose a certificate or certification path, improving your Excel skills is a wise investment in your professional future.
Excel Certification Test
Although it is not required, if you choose to take the Excel Certification following a training course, the Microsoft Excel Certification Exam MO-200: Microsoft Excel is the official certification exam showcasing basic Excel skills, while the Advanced Excel Certification Exam demonstrates expert level skills. You can take a range of Excel courses to prepare for the exam, such as the Excel bootcamp.
The Excel certification exam costs $100 and covers the ability to create and edit a workbook with multiple sheets and use a graphic element to represent data visually. Workbook examples include professional-looking budgets, financial statements, team performance charts, sales invoices, and data-entry logs. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the correct application of the principal features of Excel and complete tasks independently.
The American Council on Education provides college credit for passing the Excel certification exam.
Excel Certification Exam topics
Skills you will be expected to know on the Excel Certification exam (MS-200) include
Manage Excel worksheets and workbooks
Import data into workbooks
- Import data from .txt files
- Import data from .csv files
Navigate within workbooks
- Search for data within a workbook
- Navigate to named cells, ranges, or workbook elements
- Insert and remove hyperlinks
Format Excel worksheets and workbooks
- Modify page setup
- Adjust row height and column width
- Customize headers and footers
Customize Excel options and views
- Customize the Quick Access toolbar
- Display and modify workbook content in different views
- Freeze worksheet rows and columns
- Change window views
- Modify basic workbook properties
- Display formulas
Configure content for collaboration
- Set a print area
- Save workbooks in alternative file formats
- Configure print settings
- Inspect workbooks for issues
Manage Excel data cells and ranges
Manipulate data in worksheets
- Paste data by using special paste options
- Fill cells by using Auto Fill
- Insert and delete multiple columns or rows
- Insert and delete cells
Format Excel cells and ranges
- Merge and unmerge cells
- Modify cell alignment, orientation, and indentation
- Format cells by using Format Painter
- Wrap text within cells
- Apply number formats
- Apply cell formats from the Format Cells dialog box
- Apply cell styles
- Clear cell formatting
Define and reference named ranges
- Define a named range
- Name a table
Summarize data visually in Excel
- Insert Sparklines
- Apply built-in conditional formatting
- Remove conditional formatting
Manage tables and table data in Excel
Create and format Excel tables
- Create Excel tables from cell ranges
- Apply table styles
- Convert tables to cell ranges
Modify tables
- Add or remove table rows and columns
- Configure table style options
- Insert and configure total rows
Filter and sort table data
- Filter records
- Sort data by multiple columns
Perform operations in Excel by using formulas and functions
Insert references in Excel
- Insert relative, absolute, and mixed references
- Reference named ranges and named tables in formulas
Use Excel to calculate and transform data
- Perform calculations by using the AVERAGE(), MAX(), MIN(), and SUM() functions
- Count cells by using the COUNT(), COUNTA(), and COUNTBLANK() functions
- Perform conditional operations by using the IF() function
Format and modify text in Excl
- Format text by using RIGHT(), LEFT(), and MID() functions
- Format text by using UPPER(), LOWER(), and LEN() functions
- Format text by using the CONCAT() and TEXTJOIN() functions
Manage charts in Excel
Create charts in Excl
- Create charts
- Create chart sheets
Modify Excel charts
- Add data series to charts
- Switch between rows and columns in source data
- Add and modify chart elements
Format charts in Excel
- Apply chart layouts
- Apply chart styles
- Add alternative text to charts for accessibility
Once you have gained proficiency in these exams, you can schedule the Excel Certification Exam online.