Microsoft 365 Suite Tests: Common Questions
The Microsoft 365 tests are a group of fast, adaptive skills assessments designed to measure a candidate’s proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. They assess a range of tasks from basic to advanced levels, helping you identify job-ready candidates and reduce training time. The tests include multiple-choice questions and, in the case of Excel, interactive simulations.
General
Do the Microsoft 365 tests assess functions in the online or app version of these programs?
Do the Microsoft 365 tests assess proficiency across Google applications (i.e., Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)?
However, it is worth noting that Microsoft applications include more advanced features and functionalities than their Google counterparts. Therefore, the Microsoft 365 assessments will assess knowledge and skills that may be unknown to users who predominantly use the Google applications. As such, while it may provide a general indication, the Microsoft 365 tests should not be considered a one-to-one test of proficiency across the Google applications.
Can I use a mix of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft 2016 or 2013 tests in a test battery?
Please note however that you cannot add the Excel 365 test and the Excel 365 Interactive tests to the same test battery.
Where can I go to learn more?
Not sure which version of the Microsoft tests to use? Here are the key differences between these assessments.
If you have any additional questions about our skills tests please feel free to reach out to your Customer Success Manager or our Support Team for advice and assistance.
Candidate Experience
Are candidates who are more familiar with using a Mac at a disadvantage when completing the test?
The Excel 365 simulations provide candidates with a stripped back version of the Excel user interface and do not include any commands that are unique to either Windows or Mac. The simulation tasks do not require any specific Excel knowledge that is unique to Windows or Mac.
The multiple choice questions (MCQs) assess core knowledge and skills that are applicable across both operating systems. While many of the MCQs are image based questions, and these show the Windows user interface, they are not asking about specific Windows functionality. Some questions ask about keyboard shortcuts, which are different across both Windows and Mac, however, in these cases we have explicitly stated the keyboard shortcut used across both systems.
Can my candidates use keyboard shortcuts to complete the Excel simulation tasks?
Because of the complexity around shortcuts, we have not supported the use of most cell selection (e.g., Ctrl + Shift + Arrow) and command (e.g., Ctrl + C) shortcuts in the Excel simulation tasks. However, candidates can use the arrow keys to move the active cell, and the Enter key to execute formulas. Some multiple choice questions ask about keyboard shortcuts, however, in these cases we have explicitly stated the keyboard shortcut being referred to.
The instructions for each simulation task advises candidates that keyboard shortcuts are not supported.
Why do the Excel 365 test simulations only show the Home tab?
Our research indicates that including the other tabs can confuse candidates, who may not understand why they are not able to access that area of the ribbon menu. (In the test, the tab would not be accessible if it is not needed to complete the task.)
This saves the candidate time, which they only have a limited amount of, to complete each simulation, and improves their overall experience of the test.