Excel Test

The Excel test uses scenario-based MCQ questions to evaluate a candidate's ability to work with large datasets in Excel, navigate multiple spreadsheets, use advanced formulas and create reports. The test screens for the ability to sort/filter data, analyze data using PivotTables, create dashboards using charts, provide forms for user inputs, and record/ modify/ write macros.

Covered skills:

Basic formulas (MATCH; INDEX)
Math formulas (SUM; MIN; AVG)
Advanced formulas (IF; VLOOKUP; HLOOKUP)
Data types
Analyzing data (Pivots; Filters;)
Visualizing data (Charts; graphs)
Working with dates and times
Data validation
Error handling
Inserting and formatting tables
Sparklines and data bars
User form controls
3-Data Consolidation
Automation with macros

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About the Excel Assessment Test

The Excel Test helps recruiters and hiring managers identify qualified candidates from a pool of resumes, and helps in taking objective hiring decisions. It reduces the administrative overhead of interviewing too many candidates and saves time by filtering out unqualified candidates at the first step of the hiring process.

The test screens for the following skills that hiring managers look for in candidates:

Ability to use basic formulas such as MATCH and INDEX to perform data lookup and retrieval
Ability to use math formulas like SUM, MIN, and AVG for data analysis
Ability to use advanced formulas like IF, VLOOKUP, and HLOOKUP for complex calculations
Ability to work with various data types to manipulate and analyze data
Ability to analyze data using tools like Pivot Tables and Filters
Ability to visualize data using charts and graphs
Ability to work with dates and times in Excel
Ability to validate data to ensure accuracy and consistency
Ability to handle errors and exceptions in formulas
Ability to insert and format tables for data organization
Ability to use sparklines and data bars for visual representation of data
Ability to work with user form controls for interactive data input
Ability to consolidate data from different sources using data consolidation techniques
Ability to automate tasks using macros in Excel

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Non-googleable questions

We have a very high focus on the quality of questions that test for on-the-job skills. Every question is non-googleable and we have a very high bar for the level of subject matter experts we onboard to create these questions. We have crawlers to check if any of the questions are leaked online. If/ when a question gets leaked, we get an alert. We change the question for you & let you know.

How we design questions

These are just a small sample from our library of 15,000+ questions. The actual questions on this Excel Test will be non-googleable.

🧐 Question
Medium MATCH INDEX LOOKUP	Solve
Some friends live in adjacent apartments in a building in Central Perk, New York. We want to write a function to search the apartment number by name. Which of the following functions should we use?
Medium Organization data Data transformation Duplicate Data Removal Remove Duplicate Values	Solve
We have two Excel files with organization data. One file has Organization ID and Organization Name fields, whereas the second file has Organization ID, Organization Name and Country fields. We wrote a query to retrieve the data from both files. Here’s a sample of the data retrieved: We want to ensure Organization ID field is unique. Which of the following is the ideal solution that ensures Organization ID field is unique while retaining Country data? A: Select the Organization ID and Country columns, and then click Keep Duplicates. B: Select the Organization ID and Country columns, and then click Remove Duplicates. C: Use Group BY function to group the rows by Organization ID. Specify output columns for Organization Name and Country using MAX operation. D: Select Organization ID column and then click Remove Duplicates. Then specify output columns for Country using MAX operation.
Medium Student scores Data formatting Data Transformation Data Manipulation	Solve
Here’s a sample Excel data source: Here’s the expected data format: Which of the following is the correct way to transform the data from the query editor to achieve the result? A: Columns to Select: Student Only B: Columns to Select: Student and Student ID C: Columns to Select: Primary and Secondary D: Command to Use: Pivot Column E: Command to Use: Reverse Rows F: Command to Use: Unpivot Columns
Medium VLOOKUP blood donor Lookup Functions Data Manipulation	Solve
We are looking to find the contact number of the only blood donor with blood group O-. Which function should we use to look up the correct contact number? Here's the documentation for VLOOKUP: =VLOOKUP(lookup value, range containing the lookup value, the column number in the range containing the return value, Approximate match (TRUE) or Exact match (FALSE)). A: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 3, TRUE) B: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 3, FALSE) C: =VLOOKUP("O-", D1:D10, 4) D: =VLOOKUP("O-", D1:D10, 3) E: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 4, TRUE) F: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 4, FALSE) G: =VLOOKUP("Kane", A1:E10, 4)

	🧐 Question	🔧 Skill
	Medium MATCH INDEX LOOKUP	2 mins Excel	Solve
Some friends live in adjacent apartments in a building in Central Perk, New York. We want to write a function to search the apartment number by name. Which of the following functions should we use?
	Medium Organization data Data transformation Duplicate Data Removal Remove Duplicate Values	3 mins Excel	Solve
We have two Excel files with organization data. One file has Organization ID and Organization Name fields, whereas the second file has Organization ID, Organization Name and Country fields. We wrote a query to retrieve the data from both files. Here’s a sample of the data retrieved: We want to ensure Organization ID field is unique. Which of the following is the ideal solution that ensures Organization ID field is unique while retaining Country data? A: Select the Organization ID and Country columns, and then click Keep Duplicates. B: Select the Organization ID and Country columns, and then click Remove Duplicates. C: Use Group BY function to group the rows by Organization ID. Specify output columns for Organization Name and Country using MAX operation. D: Select Organization ID column and then click Remove Duplicates. Then specify output columns for Country using MAX operation.
	Medium Student scores Data formatting Data Transformation Data Manipulation	2 mins Excel	Solve
Here’s a sample Excel data source: Here’s the expected data format: Which of the following is the correct way to transform the data from the query editor to achieve the result? A: Columns to Select: Student Only B: Columns to Select: Student and Student ID C: Columns to Select: Primary and Secondary D: Command to Use: Pivot Column E: Command to Use: Reverse Rows F: Command to Use: Unpivot Columns
	Medium VLOOKUP blood donor Lookup Functions Data Manipulation	2 mins Excel	Solve
We are looking to find the contact number of the only blood donor with blood group O-. Which function should we use to look up the correct contact number? Here's the documentation for VLOOKUP: =VLOOKUP(lookup value, range containing the lookup value, the column number in the range containing the return value, Approximate match (TRUE) or Exact match (FALSE)). A: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 3, TRUE) B: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 3, FALSE) C: =VLOOKUP("O-", D1:D10, 4) D: =VLOOKUP("O-", D1:D10, 3) E: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 4, TRUE) F: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 4, FALSE) G: =VLOOKUP("Kane", A1:E10, 4)

	🧐 Question	🔧 Skill	💪 Difficulty	⌛ Time
	MATCH INDEX LOOKUP	Excel	Medium	2 mins	Solve
Some friends live in adjacent apartments in a building in Central Perk, New York. We want to write a function to search the apartment number by name. Which of the following functions should we use?
	Organization data Data transformation Duplicate Data Removal Remove Duplicate Values	Excel	Medium	3 mins	Solve
We have two Excel files with organization data. One file has Organization ID and Organization Name fields, whereas the second file has Organization ID, Organization Name and Country fields. We wrote a query to retrieve the data from both files. Here’s a sample of the data retrieved: We want to ensure Organization ID field is unique. Which of the following is the ideal solution that ensures Organization ID field is unique while retaining Country data? A: Select the Organization ID and Country columns, and then click Keep Duplicates. B: Select the Organization ID and Country columns, and then click Remove Duplicates. C: Use Group BY function to group the rows by Organization ID. Specify output columns for Organization Name and Country using MAX operation. D: Select Organization ID column and then click Remove Duplicates. Then specify output columns for Country using MAX operation.
	Student scores Data formatting Data Transformation Data Manipulation	Excel	Medium	2 mins	Solve
Here’s a sample Excel data source: Here’s the expected data format: Which of the following is the correct way to transform the data from the query editor to achieve the result? A: Columns to Select: Student Only B: Columns to Select: Student and Student ID C: Columns to Select: Primary and Secondary D: Command to Use: Pivot Column E: Command to Use: Reverse Rows F: Command to Use: Unpivot Columns
	VLOOKUP blood donor Lookup Functions Data Manipulation	Excel	Medium	2 mins	Solve
We are looking to find the contact number of the only blood donor with blood group O-. Which function should we use to look up the correct contact number? Here's the documentation for VLOOKUP: =VLOOKUP(lookup value, range containing the lookup value, the column number in the range containing the return value, Approximate match (TRUE) or Exact match (FALSE)). A: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 3, TRUE) B: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 3, FALSE) C: =VLOOKUP("O-", D1:D10, 4) D: =VLOOKUP("O-", D1:D10, 3) E: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 4, TRUE) F: =VLOOKUP("O-", A1:E10, 4, FALSE) G: =VLOOKUP("Kane", A1:E10, 4)

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Why you should use Pre-employment Excel Test?

The Excel Test makes use of scenario-based questions to test for on-the-job skills as opposed to theoretical knowledge, ensuring that candidates who do well on this screening test have the relavant skills. The questions are designed to covered following on-the-job aspects:

Basic formulas (MATCH; INDEX) - Ability to utilize basic formulas like MATCH and INDEX to retrieve data from Excel spreadsheets.
Math formulas (SUM; MIN; AVG) - Proficiency in using math formulas like SUM, MIN, and AVG to perform calculations in Excel.
Advanced formulas (IF; VLOOKUP; HLOOKUP) - Familiarity with advanced formulas such as IF, VLOOKUP, and HLOOKUP for complex data manipulation in Excel.
Data types - Understanding and working with different data types in Excel, including numbers, text, dates, and formulas.
Analyzing data (Pivots; Filters) - Ability to analyze and manipulate data using features like PivotTables and Filters in Excel.
Visualizing data (Charts; graphs) - Proficiency in creating and interpreting charts and graphs to visualize data in Excel.
Working with dates and times - Competency in handling and performing calculations with dates and times in Excel.
Data validation - Knowledge of implementing data validation rules to ensure data integrity and accuracy in Excel.
Error handling - Proficiency in identifying and handling errors that may occur in Excel formulas and functions.
Inserting and formatting tables - Ability to create and format tables to organize and present data effectively in Excel.

Once the test is sent to a candidate, the candidate receives a link in email to take the test. For each candidate, you will receive a detailed report with skills breakdown and benchmarks to shortlist the top candidates from your pool.

What topics are covered in the Excel Test?

Basic formulas (MATCH; INDEX): Basic formulas in Excel, such as MATCH and INDEX, allow users to search and retrieve specific values from a range of data. These functions are essential in organizing and manipulating data efficiently. Measuring this skill in the test helps recruiters assess the candidate's ability to navigate and utilize these fundamental formulas effectively.

Math formulas (SUM; MIN; AVG): Math formulas like SUM, MIN, and AVG are vital for performing calculations and summarizing numerical data in Excel. Measuring this skill in the test enables recruiters to evaluate the candidate's proficiency in basic mathematical operations and their understanding of data analysis techniques.

Advanced formulas (IF; VLOOKUP; HLOOKUP): Advanced formulas like IF, VLOOKUP, and HLOOKUP provide more sophisticated data processing capabilities in Excel. These functions allow users to perform conditional calculations, search for specific values, and retrieve data from different parts of a worksheet. Evaluating this skill in the test helps recruiters gauge the candidate's ability to handle complex data manipulations and problem-solving tasks.

Data types: Understanding various data types, such as text, numbers, dates, and times, is crucial in Excel. This skill involves recognizing and correctly formatting different data types to ensure accurate calculations and meaningful analysis. Assessing this skill in the test helps recruiters determine the candidate's proficiency in managing diverse data sets.

Analyzing data (Pivots; Filters;): Pivot tables and filters are powerful features in Excel for analyzing and extracting meaningful insights from large data sets. Having knowledge of how to create and manipulate pivot tables, as well as utilize filters, allows users to identify patterns, trends, and outliers easily. Measuring this skill in the test helps recruiters assess the candidate's ability to derive valuable information from complex data.

Visualizing data (Charts; graphs): Visualizing data through charts and graphs is essential for presenting information in a clear and visually appealing manner. Excel offers a wide range of chart types and customization options, allowing users to create impactful visual representations of their data. Measuring this skill in the test enables recruiters to evaluate the candidate's ability to communicate data effectively through visual elements.

Working with dates and times: Working with dates and times in Excel involves understanding date functions, formatting options, and performing calculations related to time intervals. This skill is essential for handling time-sensitive data accurately and efficiently. By assessing this skill in the test, recruiters can determine the candidate's proficiency in managing temporal data and performing date-based calculations.

Data validation: Data validation encompasses ensuring data integrity and accuracy by applying predefined rules and constraints to input cells. This skill involves setting up validation criteria, creating error messages, and implementing data restrictions. Measuring this skill in the test helps recruiters assess the candidate's ability to establish reliable data entry mechanisms and prevent erroneous inputs.

Error handling: Error handling refers to identifying and resolving errors that may occur in Excel formulas and functions. This skill requires understanding common error types, such as #VALUE!, #DIV/0!, and #REF!, and employing appropriate error-checking techniques. Evaluating this skill in the test enables recruiters to evaluate the candidate's ability to troubleshoot and fix formula-related errors, ensuring accurate data analysis.

Inserting and formatting tables: Inserting and formatting tables in Excel helps in organizing and presenting data in a structured format. This skill involves creating tables, applying formatting options, and customizing table designs. Assessing this skill in the test allows recruiters to gauge the candidate's proficiency in visually enhancing data tables and making them more user-friendly and accessible.

Sparklines and data bars: Sparklines and data bars are visual elements in Excel that provide concise representations of data trends within individual cells. This skill involves creating and customizing sparklines and data bars to convey information effectively. Measuring this skill in the test helps recruiters assess the candidate's ability to use these data visualization tools to enhance data analysis and presentation.

User form controls: User form controls in Excel include various interactive elements, such as buttons, drop-down lists, and checkboxes, that enhance user experience and simplify data input. This skill involves adding, customizing, and linking form controls to automate data entry and processing tasks. Evaluating this skill in the test enables recruiters to determine the candidate's proficiency in creating user-friendly interfaces and optimizing workflow efficiency.

3-Data Consolidation: Data consolidation in Excel refers to the process of combining multiple datasets into a single, unified dataset for analysis or reporting purposes. This skill involves leveraging consolidation tools and functions to merge data from different sources effortlessly. Assessing this skill in the test helps recruiters evaluate the candidate's proficiency in consolidating and managing diverse data sets effectively.

Automation with macros: Automation with macros involves using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to record and create scripts for automating repetitive tasks in Excel. This skill allows users to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and enhance customization capabilities. Measuring this skill in the test helps recruiters assess the candidate's ability to create and implement macros to optimize data analysis and manipulation processes.

Full list of covered topics

The actual topics of the questions in the final test will depend on your job description and requirements. However, here's a list of topics you can expect the questions for Excel Test to be based on.

MATCH

INDEX

SUM

MIN

AVG

VLOOKUP

HLOOKUP

Data Types

Pivot Tables

Filters

Charts

Graphs

Dates

Times

Data Validation

Error Handling

Tables

Sparklines

Data Bars

User Form Controls

Data Consolidation

Macros

Lookup Functions

Logical Functions

Text Functions

Math Functions

Statistical Functions

Financial Functions

Conditional Formatting

Database Functions

Array Formulas

Linking Worksheets

Linking Workbooks

Data Analysis Tools

Conditional Statements

Logical Operators

Charts Formatting

Chart Types

Chart Elements

Data Sorting

Data Filtering

Data Grouping

Data Subtotals

Data Slicers

Named Ranges

Data Tables

Formulas Auditing

Scenario Manager

Goal Seek

Solver Add-In

Recording Macros

Macro Editing

Macro Security

ActiveX Controls

Form Controls

Custom Number Formats

Conditional Formatting Rules

Error Checking

Consolidating Data

External Data Sources

Workbook Protection

Worksheet Protection

What roles can I use the Excel Test for?

Data Analyst
Finance Analyst
Accountant
Business Analyst
Data Entry (Excel)
Administrative Assistant
Sales Manager
Marketing Analyst
Business Consultant
Operations Manager

How is the Excel Test customized for senior candidates?

For intermediate/ experienced candidates, we customize the assessment questions to include advanced topics and increase the difficulty level of the questions. This might include adding questions on topics like

Sparklines and data bars - Understanding and using sparklines and data bars to visually represent trends and patterns in Excel.
User form controls - Familiarity with creating and utilizing user form controls to enhance the functionality of Excel worksheets.
Data Consolidation - Ability to consolidate data from multiple sources or worksheets into a single worksheet or workbook in Excel.
Automation with macros - Proficiency in creating and using macros to automate repetitive tasks and improve productivity in Excel.
Conditional formatting - Competency in applying conditional formatting rules to highlight and identify specific patterns or values in Excel.
Nested formulas - Understanding and utilizing nested formulas to perform complex calculations and operations in Excel.
Array formulas - Knowledge of working with array formulas to perform calculations on multiple values simultaneously in Excel.
Power Query - Familiarity with using Power Query to transform and import data from various sources into Excel.
Power Pivot - Ability to utilize Power Pivot to create advanced data models and perform complex analysis in Excel.
Data visualization with Power View - Proficiency in creating interactive and visually appealing data visualizations using Power View in Excel.

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Have questions about the Excel Hiring Test?

What is Excel Test?

The Excel Test is designed to assess candidates' proficiency in various Excel functions and features. It's ideal for recruiters who want to evaluate a candidate's ability to handle tasks requiring Excel skills. This test is helpful in identifying individuals with strong Excel capabilities.

Can I combine Excel Test with SQL questions?

Yes, recruiters can request a custom test that includes both Excel and SQL skills. To get more details on how we assess SQL skills, refer to our Excel & SQL Test.

What topics are evaluated in the Excel Test?

The Excel Test covers various topics such as:

Basic formulas (MATCH; INDEX)
Math formulas (SUM; MIN; AVG)
Advanced formulas (IF; VLOOKUP; HLOOKUP)
Data types
Analyzing data (Pivots; Filters)
Visualizing data (Charts; graphs)
Working with dates and times
Data validation
Error handling
Inserting and formatting tables
Sparklines and data bars
User form controls
Data consolidation
Automation with macros

How to use Excel Test in my hiring process?

Use the Excel Test as a pre-screening tool early in your recruitment process. You can add a link to the assessment in your job post or directly invite candidates via email. This helps find skilled candidates more quickly.

What are the main data analysis tests?

If you're interested in data analysis, here are some main tests:

Can I combine multiple skills into one custom assessment?

Yes, absolutely. Custom assessments are set up based on your job description, and will include questions on all must-have skills you specify. Here's a quick guide on how you can request a custom test.

Do you have any anti-cheating or proctoring features in place?

We have the following anti-cheating features in place:

Hidden AI Tools Detection with Honestly
Non-googleable questions
IP proctoring
Screen proctoring
Web proctoring
Webcam proctoring
Plagiarism detection
Secure browser
Copy paste protection

Read more about the proctoring features.

How do I interpret test scores?

The primary thing to keep in mind is that an assessment is an elimination tool, not a selection tool. A skills assessment is optimized to help you eliminate candidates who are not technically qualified for the role, it is not optimized to help you find the best candidate for the role. So the ideal way to use an assessment is to decide a threshold score (typically 55%, we help you benchmark) and invite all candidates who score above the threshold for the next rounds of interview.

What experience level can I use this test for?

Each Adaface assessment is customized to your job description/ ideal candidate persona (our subject matter experts will pick the right questions for your assessment from our library of 10000+ questions). This assessment can be customized for any experience level.

Does every candidate get the same questions?

Yes, it makes it much easier for you to compare candidates. Options for MCQ questions and the order of questions are randomized. We have anti-cheating/ proctoring features in place. In our enterprise plan, we also have the option to create multiple versions of the same assessment with questions of similar difficulty levels.

I'm a candidate. Can I try a practice test?

No. Unfortunately, we do not support practice tests at the moment. However, you can use our sample questions for practice.

What is the cost of using this test?

You can check out our pricing plans.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, you can sign up for free and preview this test.

I just moved to a paid plan. How can I request a custom assessment?

Here is a quick guide on how to request a custom assessment on Adaface.

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Along with scorecards that report the performance of the candidate in detail, you also receive a comparative analysis against the company average and industry standards.

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