Why A Microsoft Excel Certification Is Worth It For Your Career
Last Updated on September 16, 2022
Why A Microsoft Excel Certification Is Worth It For Your Career
Technology evolves quickly. It seems at the speed of light, and we assume that everybody keeps up to date. While some have had years of experience with applications the Microsoft Office suite of PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, and others, many have only basic skills.
Many business majors learn to use Microsoft Excel as part of their curriculum but most degree programs do not require Excel proficiency. Those who have been in the work force for some time may never have had an opportunity to grow their Excel skills.
If you need to get up to speed on the latest Excel features, catching up is not hard. You can learn Microsoft Excel certification via remote, instructor-led courses from your home or office.
Why Get Microsoft Excel Certification?
There is no way for your potential employer to know if you have opened Excel once or if you’ve got an expert certification. Earning a Microsoft Excel certification can set you apart in the job market and shows employers and hiring managers that you have the necessary skills to do the job. In some instances, having an Excel certification may even be a prerequisite to apply for the position. Having the ability to manage complex workbooks, perform large-scale data analysis, create pivot tables, and utilize VBA put you in a tier above many others.
Beyond showing competence with Excel, earning a certification proves that you have made a commitment to the work required to learn and pass the exam. Demonstrating initiative to improve can be the difference that makes you stand out.
Jobs Where A Microsoft Excel Certification Can Matter
Almost every professional career requires some interaction with Excel, but there are several where having an actual certification can make a serious difference.
- Accounting and auditing
- Financial analysts
- Data analysts
- Business intelligence analysts
- Market researchers and analyzers
- Cost estimators
- Digital marketers
Being an Excel expert can set you apart in these career fields and can make your resume stand out from the crowd.
What to Know Before the Test
The Microsoft Office Specialist in Excel (MOS) certification verifies your ability to create and manage worksheets, work with cell ranges and tables, apply formulas and functions and create charts and other objects.
Before attempting the certification exam, you should be comfortable with all of the capabilities that will be tested and take a few practice exams. See the Office Specialist in Excel exam guide for the complete list of competencies required to pass the exam.
MOS Certification exams require you to perform a series of tasks while using the Excel application. The help (F1) key is disabled during the exam requiring you to rely on your accumulated knowledge to complete the assigned task.? This practical approach is unlike some other certifications which use a series of multiple choice questions to assess your skills. In the MOS Certification exam, you need to prove that you know how to perform the required task in Excel.
While many successfully self-study for the certification exam, attending a class provides a structure for your learning experience and may be a quicker road to success. By setting aside dedicated time to attend a class, you give yourself the best opportunity to focus on learning the aspects of Excel needed to earn a certification.
Take the next step in your career and complete your knowledge of Excel by earning the Microsoft Office Specialist – Excel certification.
