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Ctrl + 1Format cellsOpen the Format Cells dialog to set number, currency, date and percentage formats. Formatting is listed in nearly every general test.
Excel TestExcel Assessment TestExcel Interview TestExcel Skills Test
Excel Test for Jobs:
What Employers Ask and How to Practice
An Excel test for a job is usually a short, timed online test, sent by email during hiring. Some are multiple choice. Others are simulations where you complete tasks in a copy of Excel. What is tested depends on the role, so start by finding out which test you are getting.
Shortcuts you will master in this article
Ctrl + Shift + L / Alt + = / F4 / Ctrl + 1
What employers test at each level
General tests for office roles cover tables, managing data, and basic to intermediate formulas. Advanced tests add complex formulas, reports and charts. eSkill’s Excel simulation, for example, lists six areas: customizing spreadsheets, editing, formatting, functions, managing workbooks and managing worksheets.
In a simulation you are scored on doing the task, so knowing what a feature does is not enough. Ask the recruiter which provider they use, which version of Excel it follows, and how long it runs. Then practice the tasks below until you can do them without searching the ribbon.
Tasks to practice for an Excel assessment test
These cover the areas test publishers list most often. Work through them in order, and stop at the level the job needs.
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Ctrl + Shift + LSort and filter dataTurn filters on for a table, then filter and sort by a column. Expect at least one task like this on a general test.
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Alt + =Totals with SUMInsert a SUM for the selected range. Then write AVERAGE, COUNT and IF by hand, since a general test will often ask for them.
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F4Absolute referencesPress F4 while editing a formula to add $ signs. Without this, a formula copied down the column will point to the wrong cells.
Tip: On many laptops you need Fn + F4.
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Ctrl + DCopy a formula downSelect the cell with the formula and the cells below it, then fill down. It is quicker than dragging, and a timer rewards that.
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=XLOOKUPLookupsFor roles that work with reports, practice looking up a value from another table with XLOOKUP and VLOOKUP. Some tests use older versions of Excel, so learn both.
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Alt + N + VPivot tablesSummarize a table with a pivot table for analyst or reporting roles. In Microsoft 365 this opens a small menu, where you choose From Table/Range.
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Alt + F1ChartsCreate a chart from the selected data on the same sheet, then edit its title and axis. Charts are more common on advanced tests.
Excel Shortcut Practice
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Reading alone won't make them stick. Use KeyboardGym's Excel practice mode to actually type the shortcuts from this article and build lasting muscle memory.
Before you start the test
Find out the provider, the Excel version and the time limit.
Check whether you can skip a question and come back to it.
Use a full keyboard and a mouse if you can. F-keys on a laptop may need Fn.
Read each task to the end before you start. Small details decide if it is marked correct.
Related Shortcuts
Visit each shortcut detail page to see key positions and usage tips.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl + 1 | Format Cells Dialog |
Ctrl + Shift + L | Toggle AutoFilter |
Alt + = | AutoSum |
F4 | Toggle Reference Type |
Ctrl + D | Fill Down |
Ctrl + Z | Undo |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is on an Excel test for a job?
A. General tests cover tables, data management, formatting and basic to intermediate formulas. Advanced tests add complex formulas, reports and charts. Lookups and pivot tables are worth learning for reporting roles, though the content varies by provider.
Q. Is an Excel assessment test multiple choice?
A. It can be either. Some tests use multiple choice, and others are simulations where you complete tasks in a copy of Excel. Prepare by doing the tasks, since that covers both.
Q. How long does an Excel test take?
A. It depends on the provider. As one example, Criteria’s Microsoft Suite assessment gives 10 minutes for Excel. Basic tests from other providers run about 20 minutes.
Q. Can I practice for an Excel test for free?
A. Yes. KeyboardGym’s Excel simulator runs in your browser with no sign-up. You complete tasks on a simulated sheet using the same keys as Excel. It is practice and does not give a certified score.
Q. Does KeyboardGym use the same questions as the real test?
A. No. KeyboardGym is not connected to any test provider. It trains the keyboard skills these tests depend on.