The Benefits and Process of Microsoft Excel Certification

Professionals with a Microsoft Excel Certification demonstrate competency in creating, managing and distributing professional spreadsheets for a variety of specialized purposes and situations.(Microsoft, 2022)  In today’s job market, having a certification in a popular and widely used software like Excel can make you a more attractive job candidate and open up new career opportunities.  Here are five reasons why getting a Microsoft Excel Certification will benefit you professionally.

1)  The Microsoft Excel Certification is a globally recognized credential.  It is advantageous in numerous arenas, such as finance and accounting, as well as marketing and data analysis.

2)  In today’s competitive job market, having a certification can give you an edge over other candidates.  Employers often look for candidates with specific skills and knowledge, and having a certification in Excel can help you stand out from the crowd; therefore, you are more attractive to a wider range of employers. (onlc, 2021)

3)  Having a Microsoft Excel Certification shows that you are proficient in using the software effectively. You are demonstrating to potential employers that you have the skills to use Excel to solve real-world problems and make data-driven, analytical decisions.

4) A Microsoft Excel Certification is an excellent way to equip yourself with the professional skills you need to negotiate a salary increase.  According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, workers with certifications earn, on average, 5%-15%

more than those without a certification.

5) Lastly, a Microsoft Excel certification can provide opportunities for professional growth and advancement.  Once you have your certification, you can pursue additional certifications in other Microsoft Office programs, such as Word and PowerPoint.  This can help you expand your skill set and make you more valuable to your current employer or to potential employers in the future. (ExcelEverest, 2022)

The time it takes to get Microsoft Excel certified depends on how much experience you already have with Excel and how much you prepare for the exam.  The certification is meant to verify that you have approximately 150 hours of instruction and hands-on experience with Excel. (Microsoft, 2022)

As a busy professional, you may wonder how to upgrade your knowledge while juggling work and life responsibilities. Microsoft has thought of the different lives people lead in today’s world.  You may prepare for the exam either at your own pace or through Microsoft’s instructor-led class.

In lieu of official practice exams for the Excel certification, Microsoft offers alternative preparation materials, including:

-Introduction to Microsoft Excel, an instructor-led training course covering simple data entry and formulas that can be completed in under two hours;

-A Guided Project that your instructor will lead you through uploading a document, writing functions and performing basic data analyses in Excel;

-Microsoft’s instructional materials, such as the exam outline, certification support page, and Excel support documentation; as well as

-Microsoft’s “sandbox,” a demo that can help you get a feel for the exam format and the kind of questions the exam will include.  (Coursera, 2023)

An investment of $100 for the fifty-minute, twenty-five question, on-line exam in the United States gives you the option of taking either the Microsoft Office Excel Certification examination that tests your skills with core data analysis, manipulation and presentation or the Microsoft Office Excel Expert that also evaluates your ability to interpret data for insight.  For your convenience, Microsoft also offers the exam with a retake for a fee of $115.  Certifications may be renewed annually at no cost by passing an online assessment of Microsoft Learn anytime during your six- month eligibility window. Once you pass, your certification will be extended one year from the expiration date.  Assessments that focus on recent technological and industry updates are shorter than the original exam and open book. You may take the assessment as many times as you need providing you pass before your certification expires.(Microsoft, 2022)

The return on your investment can be fast.  The Microsoft Excel certification will expand your professional opportunities, boost your knowledge of the program, and provide the necessary tools to increase efficiency in your everyday workflow.  In conclusion, getting a Microsoft Excel certification is worth it for several reasons. It indicates that you have the skills and knowledge to use the software effectively, improves your job prospects, helps you develop new skills and knowledge and provides opportunities for professional growth and advancement.  If you plan to advance your career, consider getting certified in Excel.