An Excel skills test asks candidates to complete real tasks in a working spreadsheet, rather than describing their skills on a CV. This guide explains why self-rated spreadsheet skills are unreliable, how a hands-on test works, a generic task example, and how employers can use SheetCheck.

Why self-rating isn't enough

"Advanced Excel" is one of the most common claims on a CV, and one of the hardest to check at interview. People often rate their own skills by the features they have used, not by how accurately they use them. And spreadsheet errors are common: Panko's review of spreadsheet research found that errors in real-world spreadsheets were widespread, even among experienced users [1].

For roles in finance, operations, administration and analysis, a spreadsheet mistake can be costly. A hands-on test shows what someone can actually do.

How SheetCheck works

SheetCheck (Excel Skills Test) gives candidates hands-on tasks in a working spreadsheet that looks and works like Microsoft Excel. At Core level there are 24 tasks in 35 minutes, and every task is checked automatically. Core and Advanced levels are available, and the report shows score bands by skill area, so employers can see strengths and gaps, not just an overall score.

SheetCheck is delivered on iTestHub, Viewpoint's sister testing platform. Contact us and we will set it up for you.

A worked task example

The following is a generic illustration written for this article, not a task from SheetCheck.

A sheet lists 200 orders, with the region in column B and the order value in column C. The task: "In cell F2, calculate the total value of orders from the North region."

One correct approach is =SUMIF(B2:B201,"North",C2:C201). Common mistakes include summing the whole column without the condition, using the wrong range so some rows are missed, or typing the total by hand after filtering, which gives the right number today but breaks when the data changes.

Because tasks are checked automatically, the test can tell whether the result is correct and whether it was produced in a way that will keep working.

Using an Excel skills test well

For employers, choose the level that matches the role: Core for everyday spreadsheet work, Advanced for roles that build models or analyse data. Use the skill-area bands to focus interview questions and training. For example, a candidate strong in formulas but weaker in data handling may need support with sorting, filtering and lookups.

For candidates, try the example questions first so the environment feels familiar. Read each task carefully, check your result makes sense, and use formulas rather than typed values wherever the task involves calculation.

See the SheetCheck page, our DocCheck (Word Skills Test), or all our work skills tests.

Frequently asked questions

How long does SheetCheck take?

The Core level has 24 tasks in 35 minutes.

Do candidates need their own copy of Excel?

No. The test runs in a working spreadsheet in the browser that looks and works like Excel.

How is it scored?

Every task is checked automatically, and the report shows score bands by skill area.

Where is it delivered?

On iTestHub, Viewpoint's sister testing platform.

References

1. Panko, R. R. (1998). What we know about spreadsheet errors. Journal of End User Computing, 10(2), 15–21.