Excel Skills Self-Assessment Questionnaire

Excel skills self-assessment

Fifteen questions, one answer each. Pick the option that matches what you can do today without help, and the result tells you your level and which course covers the gaps. No sign-up, nothing is sent anywhere.

1. 1Navigation and speed

   I mostly use the mouse and basic copy and paste.I use common shortcuts, Autofill and Freeze Panes.I'm keyboard-driven: Go To Special, named ranges, Flash Fill and Fill Series.
2. 2Cell references

   I reference single cells but rarely use $A$1.I know relative versus absolute references and use $ to lock cells.I use mixed references (A$1, $A1) and structured references in Excel Tables.
3. 3Formatting and data types

   I apply bold, italics and basic number formats.I apply date and number formats and built-in conditional formatting.I write custom number formats and conditional formatting rules with formulas.
4. 4Core functions

   I use SUM and AVERAGE.I use IF, COUNTIF, SUMIF and basic TEXT functions.I nest functions: IFS, SUMIFS, COUNTIFS and advanced TEXT formulas.
5. 5Lookups

   I search manually or filter to find values.I use VLOOKUP for exact matches.I use XLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH, including approximate matches and match modes.
6. 6Sorting, filtering and tables

   I use Sort and Filter on simple ranges.I convert ranges to Excel Tables and remove duplicates.I clean and shape data with Power Query (Get and Transform).
7. 7PivotTables

   I haven't created a PivotTable.I can build a basic PivotTable or PivotChart.I group dates, add calculated fields and design dashboard-ready views.
8. 8Dates and text

   I enter dates and text manually.I use LEFT, RIGHT, MID, TEXT, DATE and TODAY.I use FIND, SEARCH, LEN, NETWORKDAYS, EOMONTH and TEXTSPLIT.
9. 9Charts

   I insert simple column or line charts.I format charts, add labels and use secondary axes or combination charts.I build dynamic charts tied to Tables or named ranges, and use Sparklines.
10. 10Data validation and protection

    I rarely use validation or protection.I create drop-down lists and protect sheets.I build dependent drop-downs and custom rules, and protect workbook structure.
11. 11Dynamic arrays

    I haven't used functions like UNIQUE or FILTER.I've used some dynamic array functions in simple cases.I regularly use UNIQUE, FILTER and SORT with LET and LAMBDA for reusable logic.
12. 12Automation

    I don't use macros.I can record and run a macro.I write or edit VBA, or use Office Scripts, to automate tasks.
13. 13External and connected data

    I copy and paste from CSV files or emails.I import text or CSV files and use Text to Columns.I build refreshable connections to databases or the web using Power Query.
14. 14Error handling and auditing

    I fix errors manually when I see them.I use IFERROR to catch errors.I use IFNA and ISERROR, and the auditing tools (Trace Precedents and Dependents).
15. 15Modelling and performance

    I work with small files and basic formulas.I use Tables, minimise volatile functions and adjust calculation settings.I build multi-sheet models and use Power Pivot, DAX or scenario modelling.