Excel is the most commonly used business analysis program on the market today. 81% of organizations use Excel, so it's critically important that your job applicants have solid Excel knowledge. They won't be able to function effectively with customers and co-workers if they don't have those skills.
There are literally hundreds of Excel tools in the program. 475+ formulas and functions. Multiple charts and graphs (bar, scatter, pie and many more), plus editing and formatting tools. Some are simple to use (Print, Bold, etc). But most features of the program require prior job experience or prior training to know. Even creating simple graphs can be challenging, if you don't know how to do it. That's why, even though Excel tests have been overlooked in the past, Excel tests should be a standard part of any hiring process.
One simple Excel error can cost your company thousands of dollars. If the wrong formula is entered, reports will show incorrect information, which can impact your business decisions. Wrong price quotes = lost customers. Wrong analysis on purchases. Many things will go wrong if your employees are making preventable Excel errors. That's why it's important for your new employees to have solid Excel skills when they are hired. They need to be productive on Day 1.
Interested in learning more? We discuss the importance of Excel tests in more detail on our blog.
Our interactive Microsoft Excel tests are designed to test job applicants on the most common business uses of Excel. The tests cover everything from Excel basics to advanced skills and you can pick which level you want, based on the needs of your job. (Use form to get a free test sample or watch the quick video above). Our interactive Excel questions require the user to perform the desired task in the simulated Excel worksheet. The user answers questions using the toolbars, shortcut keys or menus, whichever method they know best, where applicable. The tests are available in Excel 365 (2019), 2016, and earlier versions. The test taker doesn't even need Excel installed on their computer. Our tests work in a regular web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox) and nothing needs to be installed on the test taker's computer (no plug-ins or scary downloads).
We also have dozens of other pre-employment tests, including attention to detail tests, cognitive tests and other Microsoft Office tests (Word test, Outlook test) and basic skills tests.
Using pre-employment tests, such as the Microsoft Excel test, is one way to avoid bias in the hiring process. Bias can be conscious or unconscious and recruiters may not be aware that they have them. But using research-based, validated pre-hire tests reduces bias that may come from work or educational experience.
The most commonly used Excel test is our "Intermediate" level, which gives an overall "snapshot" of Excel skills. The Beginner Excel test includes basic editing and formatting tasks. The Advanced Excel test has questions on pivot tables, advanced customization, data validation and advanced charts. While important, Advanced is less often used than Beginner or Intermediate level. You can use any level you need, as your job openings change. You can customize tests to meet the exact requirements for the job (minimums may apply) and we have timed versions too.
- Formatting - Borders, Columns, Paper Size and more
- Editing - Insert Rows, Find/Replace, Undo and more
- Functions - Pivot Tables, Autosum and more
- Tools - Protecting Cells, Ranges, Zoom and more
- Charts & Graphs - Creating, Using Different Types, and more
Our system instantly generates the score report which is then emailed to the test administrator as soon as each test is completed. The test taker doesn't see the results. These reports are highly detailed and include percentage correct (topics, skill level and overall) and time taken per question.
It's simple. You'll email a test session link to the applicants from our easy-to-use admin dashboard. The applicant clicks on the link to start the test session. The test session can include either a single test or multiple tests, based on your needs. Tests are taken either in your office or from your applicants' home/office, at any time--day, night or weekends. Our team is available if you or the applicants need help at any time.
With our TestBuilder tool, we can customize tests from our question bank. A 25 credit purchase ($450) provides one custom test, built to your specs. You can purchase TestBuilder separately to create your own custom tests from the question bank
We have two pricing plans, "per test" and an annual license. If you're testing fewer than 100 people per year, the "per test" pricing is often better for you. "Per test" pricing starts around $20 per test. If you're testing more than 100 applicants? An annual plan may be better. Either way, you have access to not only the Excel tests, but also our entire list of 100+ tests, and your test credits are valid for a year from purchase.
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