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How to prepare for an Excel test for a job
3 November 2026 ยท 2 min read
What pre-employment Excel tests usually cover, how they are scored, and a one-week plan to get ready.
Many employers now check Excel skills before an interview, with an online test or a short task sent by email. Tests differ between employers and providers, so always read the instructions you are sent. But most cover the same core skills, and you can prepare for them in a week.
What these tests usually cover
Basic formulas. SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX and simple arithmetic with cell references.
Conditional totals and counts. SUMIF, COUNTIF and their -IFS versions, such as total sales for one region.
Lookups. VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP or INDEX and MATCH, often with a missing value to handle.
Logic. IF, including IF with AND or OR, such as flagging orders over a limit.
Formatting and data tools. Number formats, sorting, filtering, and sometimes a PivotTable or a chart.
Text and dates. Splitting names, cleaning spaces, and working out days between dates.
How they are usually scored
Most tests check the result in a cell, so a typed-in number can look right on screen but fail. Some also check that you used a formula or a particular function. Speed often matters too, because many tests are timed.
A one-week plan
- Day 1: basics and references. Formulas, order of operations, and absolute references with $.
- Day 2: conditional totals. SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, COUNTIFS and AVERAGEIF.
- Day 3: lookups. VLOOKUP, then XLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH, including missing values.
- Day 4: logic and errors. IF, nested IF or IFS, AND and OR, and IFERROR.
- Day 5: text and dates. TRIM, LEFT, FIND, TEXTBEFORE, date differences and NETWORKDAYS.
- Day 6: data tools. Sorting, filtering, a simple PivotTable and a chart.
- Day 7: a timed practice run. Do a mixed set of tasks against the clock.
On the day
- Read each task twice and note exactly which cell the answer should go in.
- Use formulas, not typed answers, even when the answer looks easy.
- If you are stuck, move on and come back: an unanswered question costs the same as a wrong one.
Our interview practice lessons and timed assessment follow this format, so you can rehearse under real conditions.
Practise it: Interview practice: summaries
Type the formulas yourself in a real spreadsheet, with instant feedback on every answer. Your first five lessons are free.