How to Earn an Excel Certification – What to Know about Excel Certification Courses
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- Excel certification requires knowledge of workbooks, functions, and charts.
- There is no level of experience in Excel needed for taking the certification exam.
- Excel certification can lead to higher-paying jobs or career advancement.
Microsoft Excel certification allows professionals to provide proof of skill in using Excel in the workplace. Professionals can add this certification to their resume and use it to find a new in-demand career or advance in their current role. Employers may look for certifications to determine which candidates are the most qualified for a position.
In the following sections, readers can discover the requirements for earning Excel certification, including what courses to take and what skills students often learn. Readers can also find answers to frequently asked questions about certification.
What Are the Requirements for Excel Certification?
To earn Excel certification, professionals must pass the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel exam with a minimum score of 700. Taking the test costs $100.
Candidates do not need a minimum education or experience level to take the Excel certification test. However, professionals with many hours of Excel experience often need less time to study and prepare for the exam.
All test-takers must meet the following technical requirements to take the exam:
- Microsoft Windows Vista SP2 or higher
- Microsoft Office
- .NET Framework 4.0 or higher
- Adobe Flash Player 10.0 or higher
- High-speed Broadband
- Internet Explorer
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What Skills Will I Learn by Taking an Excel Certification Course?
Managing Workbooks:
Many careers — including those in business, healthcare administration, and tech industries — rely on Excel to track important data. Professionals who are proficient in Excel must understand how to manage multiple workbooks, keeping all data organized and accessible for themselves and their coworkers.
Creating Charts and Objects:
Charts and objects allow Excel users to map data in different ways. While Excel is an excellent tool for collecting data, it also helps users analyze their findings and create actionable results. Using Excel's charts function helps professionals better understand their data and create action plans for future tasks.
Applying Formulas and Functions:
Formulas and functions in Excel allow users to quickly perform mathematical equations with data entered into Excel spreadsheets. For example, bookkeepers can easily track expenses and income through Excel functions. Like the Excel chart function, this tool helps professionals analyze and understand their data.
Is an Excel Certification Worth It?
Excel certification gives professionals an edge when searching for a new job or asking for a promotion at their current job. The certification offers proof of competency in a highly desirable area, sometimes leading to a higher salary. As using Excel is common in many workspaces, Excel certification can help professionals across many industries.
Readers can find free online Excel courses to prepare for the certificate or take practice exams on their own.
What Jobs Can I Get With Excel Certification?
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts earned a median annual salary of $81,410 in May 2021. These professionals help businesses decide how to spend money to make the most profit. Financial analysts need a bachelor's degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 6% growth in this industry from 2020-2030.
Administrative Assistant
The BLS reports that administrative assistants earned a median annual salary of $39,680 in May 2021. These professionals need a high school diploma or the equivalent to qualify for this position. Although, employees with an associate degree in administrative management may earn a higher salary. Administrative assistants keep offices organized by managing inventory and assisting with bookkeeping.
Data Analyst
According to Payscale, data analysts earned an average annual salary of $62,830 as of April 2022. These professionals create surveys to gather data on a particular topic. They then analyze the data to determine the best course of action for a company. Data analysts may work alone or as part of a team. They often present their findings using charts and figures created in Excel.
How Much Money Can I Make by Taking an Excel Certification Course?
Microsoft Office specialists can earn a range of annual average salaries from $36,000-$84,000, according to April 2022 Payscale data. Salary outcomes depend on several factors, including the job title, the employee's education and experience level, and the location. Earning an Excel certification can help employees apply for high-paying jobs in a different industry or advance in their current roles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Excel Certification
Which certification is best for Excel?
Readers looking for Excel certification should take the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel exam. Microsoft offers this exam for people to prove a basic understanding of Excel's capabilities and functions. People can take the exam as many times as they want. This certification exam is available in many languages, including English, Chinese, and Spanish.
How much does it cost to get certified in Excel?
The Excel certification exam costs $100. Readers can prepare for the exam for free by studying on their own or finding a free prep course. People can also find paid Excel bootcamps and courses to help them master all facets of Excel before the exam.
Is Excel certification hard?
Excel certification tests proficiency in the program. Often, professionals who frequently use Excel for work do not find the certification exam too hard. Readers with little or no experience using Excel should familiarize themselves with the program before signing up for the test.
