Microsoft Learning:

Exam excel2000:

Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel 2000

Published:September 16, 2002
Language(s):English
Audience(s):Information Workers
Technology:Microsoft Excel 2000
Type:Proctored Exam
About this Exam
The Microsoft Office Specialist certification exam for Microsoft Office Excel 2000 is now available at Authorized Testing Centers.
Candidates qualifying for Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits may receive reimbursement for the cost of Microsoft Office Specialist exams.
Microsoft Office Specialist certifications have been recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) for college credit. Candidates who achieve certification can apply for college credit through participating ACE member institutions.

Performance-based
This Microsoft Office Specialist exam is performance-based, requiring you to perform a series of tasks using Microsoft Excel 2000.

Scenario-based
Many of the questions in this Microsoft Office Specialist exam require you to complete a series of tasks to create or modify a typical business document. For example, you might be instructed as follows:
Modify the Store Inventory worksheet by completing the following tasks:
  • Enter a formula in cell F26 to average the values in cell range F3:F25 to calculate average purchase price.
  • Use AutoFilter to display the records for items with a retail price greater than or equal to 100.00.

Exam Controls
During the exam you will see the exam controls across the bottom of the screen. Each of the exam controls and their functions are described below.
  • COUNTER: The Counter tracks how many questions you have completed and how many remain.
  • TIMER: The Timer starts when the first question appears on your screen. The Timer displays the remaining exam time. If the Timer is distracting, click the Timer to remove the display. Note: transition time between questions is not counted against total allotted exam time.
  • ZOOM: The Zoom icon enables you to increase or decrease font size of the question text by clicking “+” or “-“.
  • RESET: The Reset button enables you to restart work on a question if you think you have made an error. Note: the Reset button will not restart the entire exam nor extend the total allotted exam time.
  • NEXT: When you complete a question, click the Next button to move to the next question. Note: It is not possible to move back to previous exam questions.

Scoring
One to three points are possible per question, depending on the number of specified tasks. At the conclusion of an exam your final score is derived by converting the task score to a 1000-point scale.
While some questions involve more tasks than others, each question is scored on a total-score basis (i.e.; number correct) rather than on a pass/fail basis. For example, a 20-question exam may have 34 possible points; one point for each task.

Concurrent Exam
This exam uses the actual Microsoft Excel 2000 program. All menu items, keyboard shortcuts and right-click options will be available to complete the tasks. The help menu, including use of the Office Assistant, is not available in any of the exams.

Number of questions
This exam has from 30-36 multi-task questions. The number of questions depends on the exam form you are administered.

Completion time
This exam has a maximum allowed time of 45 minutes.

Success Profile and Preparation Tips
Experience using Microsoft Excel 2000 is the most effective method of preparation.
The majority of successful candidates for Office Excel 2000 certification:
  • Have had more than one year experience using the application in an applied setting (i.e., on the job, in school, and/or at home) prior to their exam experience, 
  • Spent no less than 20 hours in exam specific preparation, 
  • Chose practice tests/assessments, instructor-led training, self-study/books guides, or computer-based training as their primary preparation methods, and 
  • Used the following methods of preparation in combination: 
    • practice tests/assessments, 
    • self-study books/guides, 
    • computer-based training, and/or 
    • instructor-led training.

Passing standard (cut-score)
Multiple forms (or versions) of this certification exam are produced to maintain exam security. The passing score for this exam, accordingly, depends upon the form that is administered.

Test-Taking Rules
  • Exam security: Certain security measures are in place to protect the integrity of Office Specialist exams. For example, all examinees are required to present personal identification at the testing center and to consent to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before taking an exam. Finally, additional rules and procedures are in place for Microsoft Office Specialist Authorized Testing Centers and examinees to combat cheating and misuse of exams.
  • Retake policy: Candidates may retake the same exam one time without restriction. However, candidates who wish to retake the exam a second or subsequent time must wait a minimum of seven days before retaking the exam. Candidates participating in exam beta-testing may take each beta exam only once.

Test-Taking Tips
  • Entering Information: Enter requested information as it appears in the instructions without duplicating the format. For example, all text and values that you will be asked to enter will appear with bold and underlined text formats, however, you should enter the information without applying these formats unless you are specifically instructed to do otherwise.
  • Dialog Boxes, Task Panes and Toolbars: You must close all dialog boxes, but you do not have to close task panes before proceeding to the next question, unless you are instructed to do otherwise. Closing floating toolbars is optional.
  • Saving: You do not have to save your work before proceeding to the next question, unless you are instructed to do otherwise.
  • Office Help: To ensure a fair and secure testing environment, the Office Help system (including the Office Assistant) cannot be accessed during the exam.
  • Printing: For questions that ask you to print a document, spreadsheet, chart, report, slide, etc., please note that nothing will actually be printed.
  • Scoring: Scoring is based on a combination of the end result of your work and, where specified, the method used, but not the time taken to complete questions or the exam. Extra keystrokes or mouse clicks will not count against your score. Tasks that are not dependent upon other tasks within a question may be completed in any sequence.
  • Computer Interruptions: In the event of a computer interruption, notify the testing center administrator immediately to restart your exam. The examination software will return to the point in the exam where you were interrupted and will retain your score and your remaining testing time.
  • Exam Time: The exam timer works against the time spent answering the questions and does not count the time required by the computer between questions.
Audience ProfileMicrosoft Word 2000 certification is intended for students and information workers whose responsibilities include the use of Microsoft Word at the expert level to create, edit and format documents in organizations of every size
Note This preparation guide is subject to change at any time without prior notice and at the sole discretion of Microsoft. Microsoft exams might include adaptive testing technology and simulation items. Microsoft does not identify the format in which exams are presented. Please use this preparation guide to prepare for the exam, regardless of its format.
Skills Being MeasuredThis exam measures your ability to accomplish the technical tasks listed below.The percentages indicate the relative weight of each major topic area on the exam.
Working with Cells
  • Use Undo and Redo
  • Clear cell content
  • Enter text, dates, and numbers
  • Edit cell content
  • Go to a specific cell
  • Insert and delete selected cells
  • Cut, copy, paste, paste special, and move selected cells
  • Use the Office Clipboard
  • Use Find and Replace
  • Clear cell formats
  • Work with series (AutoFill)
  • Create hyperlinks
Working with Files
  • Use Save
  • Use Save As (different name, location, and format)
  • Locate and open an existing workbook
  • Create a folder
  • Use templates to create a new workbook
  • Save a worksheet/workbook as a Web Page
  • Send a workbook via e-mail
  • Use the Microsoft Office Assistant
Formatting Worksheets
  • Apply font styles (typeface, size, color, and styles)
  • Apply number formats (currency, percent, dates, and commas)
  • Modify row and column size
  • Modify alignment of cell content
  • Adjust decimal places
  • Use the Format Painter
  • Apply AutoFormat
  • Apply cell borders and shading
  • Merge cells
  • Rotate text and change indents
  • Define, apply, and remove a style
Page Setup and Printing
  • Preview and print worksheets and workbooks
  • Use Web Page Preview
  • Print a selection
  • Change page orientation and scaling
  • Set page margins and centering
  • Insert and remove a page break
  • Set print, and clear a print area
  • Set up headers and footers
  • Set print titles and options (gridlines, print quality, and headings for rows and columns)
Working with Worksheets and Workbooks
  • Insert and delete rows and columns
  • Hide and unhide rows and columns
  • Freeze and unfreeze rows and columns
  • Change the zoom setting
  • Move between worksheets in a workbook
  • Check spelling
  • Rename a worksheet
  • Insert and delete worksheets
  • Move and copy worksheets
  • Link worksheets and consolidate data using 3-D references
Working with Formulas and Functions
  • Enter a range within a formula in a drag-and-drop operation
  • Enter formulas in a cell and use the formula bar
  • Revise formulas
  • Use references (absolute and relative)
  • Use AutoSum
  • Use the Paste Function to insert a function
  • Use basic functions (AVERAGE, SUM, COUNT, MIN, and MAX)
  • Enter functions using the Formula Palette
  • Use date functions (NOW and DATE)
  • Use financial functions (FV and PMT)
  • Use logical functions (IF)
Using Charts and Objects
  • Preview and print charts
  • Use the Chart Wizard to create a chart
  • Modify charts
  • Insert, move, and delete an object (graphic)
  • Create and modify lines and objects
Preparation Tools and ResourcesTo help you prepare for this exam, Microsoft Learning recommends that you have hands-on experience with the product and that you use the following training resources. These training resources do not necessarily cover all of the topics listed in the "Skills Measured" tab.
Classroom Training There is no classroom training currently available.
Microsoft E-Learning There is no Microsoft E-Learning training currently available.
Microsoft Press Books There are no Microsoft Press books currently available.
Practice Tests There are no practice tests currently available.
Microsoft Vendor Approved Courseware
Find Microsoft Press Step by Step study materials for Microsoft Office Specialist certification.
Find additional approved courseware for Microsoft Office Specialist certification.
The Microsoft Office Specialist program is committed to providing students and information workers with the opportunity to certify their Microsoft Office skills. Office Specialists enjoy increased competence and productivity with Microsoft Office programs as well as increased credibility with employers, coworkers and clients.
Have Questions? For advice about training and certification, connect with peers: For questions about a specific certification, chat with a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP): To find out about recommended blogs, Web sites, and upcoming Live Meetings on popular topics, visit our community site:
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