In today's fast-paced and tech-savvy world, possessing highly sought-after skill sets can make all the difference in one's academic and professional journey. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel, is vital for students, educators, and professionals alike. With an increasingly competitive job market, possessing these skills has become more critical than ever for students to succeed in their academic pursuits and future careers.
In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of Microsoft Excel, one of the most widely used office tools in the education sector, and how Excel certifications can benefit students in their academic and professional endeavors.
Microsoft Excel, An Industry Standard
The benefits of Microsoft Excel extend far beyond the classroom walls. As students transition into the workforce, they will find that Excel proficiency is a highly sought-after skill across many industries. Excel's versatility in organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data makes it an essential tool for data-driven decision-making in finance, marketing, healthcare, and beyond. Employers seek candidates with expertise in Excel to streamline their data analysis processes, reduce errors, and ultimately make informed business decisions.
A study by Capital One and Burning Glass Technologies found that 82% of middle-skill positions require productivity software proficiency, and certified Excel skills have been shown to increase the likelihood of promotions and earnings by an average of 12% compared to non-certified users.
Tosa’s Microsoft Excel Certification
Earning a certification in Microsoft Excel takes a student's skills to the next level and makes them more competitive in today’s job market. Excel certifications are formal credentials that validate the holder's knowledge and proficiency in the program. These certifications, like the one offered by Tosa, require successful completion of an exam that tests the student’s proficiency in Excel functions, features, and applications.
The Tosa Microsoft Excel Certification evaluates students’ skills in four key domains: methods, functions, formatting, and data manipulation, to provide a well-rounded evaluation of skill. The exam consists of 35 questions, including multiple-choice, interactive, and live in-application questions. It adapts to the candidate's true skill level by adjusting the difficulty of the questions in real-time during the test. Test takers can expect to be tested on some of the following skills:
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Excel Methods: Software environments like window elements, ribbon customization, Quick Access Toolbar, etc. |
Excel Functions: Simple formulas (computing a sum, performing a simple test) and complex formulas (database functions, VLOOKUP, INDEX, etc.). |
Excel Formatting: Cell formatting (alignment, font, styles), advanced number formatting (sorting, charts, advanced filters), and conditional formatting. |
Excel Data Manipulation: Formatting data (basic cell formatting, conditional formatting, dates, advanced numeric formats, etc.), charts, and pivot tables. |
Tosa's proficiency-based scoring model provides students with an accurate and honest evaluation of their skills, which serves as a benchmark for progress. Upon completion of a certification, students can earn a Productive, Advanced, or Expert level digital badge, backed by Credly. These badges are recognized by recruiters, employers, and continuing education institutions, giving students a competitive edge in the job market and future academic pursuits.
Microsoft Excel Certifications in the Workplace
As of February 2022, over 800,000 companies in the United States use Excel and other tools in the Microsoft 365 Suite. Certification demonstrates not only their skills mastery but also their willingness to embrace new technologies and their commitment to lifelong learning and growth. Data suggests that employers regularly use certifications as a criterion for hiring. New hires who are certified reach full productivity a month sooner than non-certified hires, and they have more opportunities for advancement.
Students who obtain Excel certifications can apply their skills in a wide range of job types. Some of the top career roles that benefit from Excel mastery include Financial Analyst, Accountant, Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Project Manager, Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, and Human Resources Manager. By obtaining an Excel certification, students are equipped with a versatile skill set that can be applied across various industries and job roles.
Conclusion
As an educator, you have a critical role in preparing your students for success in their academic and professional endeavors. By equipping them with the right tools and skills, you can give them a competitive edge in the job market and further enhance their career readiness. Microsoft Excel, one of the most widely used Office tools, has emerged as a vital skill set for students and professionals alike.
By encouraging and supporting your students in pursuing an Excel certification, you can help them achieve their academic and career goals and set them on a path toward a fulfilling and successful future.
Learn more about Tosa’s Microsoft Excel certification and explore this complimentary practice test to learn the rigor behind Tosa’s testing credibility.
