Microsoft Excel is spreadsheet software that’s used for data management, analysis, modeling, and visualization, among other purposes. Excel is fairly straightforward to learn and is a helpful tool for numerous careers, including roles in finance, business, healthcare, and government, to name a few. That’s because this spreadsheet software enables users to quickly and easily store and manipulate data for a variety of purposes, from tracking demographic information about clients to conducting robust calculations about business earnings.

If you’re already well-acquainted with Excel and ready to grow your skills, you’re in the right place. The discussion below outlines some additional tools that individuals can learn to take their data management, analysis, or visualization skills to the next level.

What is Excel?

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application created by Microsoft in 1985. Excel is a powerful and valuable resource for organizing data and numbers using functions and formulas. It also comes with graphing tools to help visualize data findings, a programming language known as Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) used to create macros, and advanced calculation capabilities. Excel works on both Mac and Windows operating systems.

The cells within an Excel spreadsheet each contain data, like formulas, numbers, or text, which can be organized and analyzed. Excel is a useful tool for performing various calculations on spreadsheets. It can calculate statistics, perform repeated and advanced calculations, analyze data, and create graphical representations of the data, such as graphs, charts, and PivotTables.

Read more about what Excel is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Excel?

Excel has hundreds of features and tools that help users organize, manage, analyze, and visualize data. The following are just a few of the tools and features that make Excel the go-to for professionals around the globe:

• In Excel, users can add or average numbers in cells, locate high, median, or low values, count cells containing numbers, and find a product by multiplying cells. It’s also possible to delete extra white space and truncate numbers by removing fractions.
• Excel can learn your patterns the more you use it so that it can organize your data and ultimately save time.
• Users can share workbooks with others in real-time to ensure that all collaborators have the most up-to-date version.
• It’s possible to work on Excel files from the web and mobile and desktop devices.
• Users can now add data right into Excel from a photo. The Excel app enables users to take a picture of printed data with their iPhone or Android, then convert this image into an editable Excel table. This helpful trick helps users avoid manually entering hard copy data and is made possible through Excel’s image recognition capabilities.
• Financial transactions can be imported into Excel so that users can organize and review their financial information and receive helpful insights toward making more informed financial decisions.
• Excel’s PivotTables help users perform analysis and summaries of datasets, regrouping spreadsheet data for more effective comparisons. By seeing data from different perspectives, it’s possible to get a more comprehensive picture of revenue sources and other vital information.

VBA

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is similar to the programming language that powers Excel, Visual Basic. Learning how to write and debug VBA code is particularly helpful for Excel users who regularly perform repetitive actions. Individuals who know how to use VBA can also alter code in Visual Basic Editor to run macros, which automates these repetitive tasks so you can spend time on more thought-provoking work.

How to Learn VBA

You can teach VBA yourself by seeking online tutorials and resources. Some individuals may also benefit from learning in a more structured environment, such as enrolling in an in-person or live online course.

Noble Desktop offers an Excel VBA and Macros Level 1 course, which teaches students how to use Macros to automate Excel. After establishing a foundation in VBA, students can then move on to Noble’s Excel VBA and Macros Level 2 course, building upon the Macro skills gained in Level 1 of the course. Noble also offers an Excel Programming with VBA course, which covers similar topics.

Tableau

Those who particularly enjoy using Excel for data visualization might consider learning Tableau. While you can create charts and graphs in Excel, Tableau takes these to the next level by making more visually stunning, higher-quality graphics and interactive visualizations. Individuals who are just getting started learning Tableau can practice by using the public version of the software, which is free.

How to Learn Tableau

Because Tableau is fairly intuitive, many people learn how to use this tool through self-study. Individuals may also learn Tableau while completing internship work. This is particularly true for individuals in a role that deals with a large amount of data. What better way to wow an internship supervisor than by building a compelling, interactive, and attractive data dashboard that summarizes important data?

Noble Desktop also offers Tableau classes. Individuals who would like to learn as much about Tableau as possible may consider enrolling in the school’s Tableau Bootcamp course which meets for 12 hours. In this class, students learn the fundamentals of data visualization, including how to connect to datasets, analyze and filter data, and create compelling visualizations. This includes using geographic data to make visualizations on maps.

SQL

Another tool individuals may consider learning after Excel is SQL, which is a database programming language. Individuals can use SQL to interact with data stored in relational database management systems. To put it in slightly simpler terms, SQL enables users to quickly store, retrieve, and analyze data without sifting through individual tables or sheets, making it a great alternative to Excel if you’re trying to access huge amounts of data.

How to Learn SQL

If you have previous experience coding, you may consider trying to teach yourself how to code with SQL. Similarly, individuals who currently have roles in programming may be able to learn “on the job” (or in an internship) if doing so would be helpful to their current position.

You can also learn SQL by enrolling in a bootcamp through Noble Desktop. The school’s SQL Bootcamp teaches students how to create queries with SQL so they can access whatever information they need from a database. In this class, students also learn how to build subqueries, work with dates using timestamps, and import/export data. Noble also has an SQL Server Bootcamp that teaches SQL basics, including how to create your own SQL database.

Python

Python is an object-oriented programming language that’s extremely versatile. It can be used in numerous roles, including positions like Data Scientist and Software Developer. That’s because Python is frequently used for machine learning and automation. Excel users will also appreciate that you can use Python code to analyze large datasets within Excel. Given this language’s versatility and intuitive nature, you can’t go wrong with learning how to code with Python.

How to Learn Python

Because Python uses open-source code, many people learn how to use this language through self-study. There are numerous resources online for those looking to learn this language, including forums and tutorials. Additionally, Python has a large community of developers, making it relatively easy to ask for feedback or troubleshoot problems as they may occur.

Individuals pursuing further education may also be able to learn Python at colleges and universities. For example, someone pursuing a Computer Science degree may choose to enroll in a course that teaches Python. Alternatively, Python may be taught as part of other course curriculums, such as Data Science or Software Development.

You can also learn Python by enrolling in an online or in-person course through Noble Desktop. Several Python-specific courses exist, including Python for Data Science Bootcamp, a Python Developer Certificate, and Python Programming Bootcamp. When choosing the best Python course for you, consider the ultimate reason you’re trying to learn this programming language and then choose the relevant bootcamp or certificate course.

Key Insights

• While Excel is a solid way to analyze, manage, and visualize data, you don’t need to limit yourself to just this spreadsheet system.
• A wide variety of other tools, from software like Tableau to programming languages like Python, can help you take your skills to the next level.
• For a comprehensive introduction to some of the tools listed above, students may also consider enrolling in Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate. This course prepares individuals for careers as Data Analysts or Business Analysts and teaches Excel, Python, SQL, and Tableau.

Learn Excel with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Are you looking to learn how to use Microsoft Excel, the industry-standard spreadsheet application? If so, Noble Desktop currently offers a variety of Excel courses in NYC and live online. Classes are available for those new to Excel and for learners who regularly work with this spreadsheet application and wish to improve their skills. In addition, in-person and live online Excel courses are available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered, ranging in duration from three hours to two days and costing between $229 and $1,099.

Noble Desktop’s Excel Bootcamp provides an excellent option for those who want to master core Excel concepts, such as working with PivotTables and What-If Analysis. Students who enroll in this rigorous, 21-hour course can elect to study in person in Manhattan or learn in the live online environment. This small class comes with the option of a free retake and covers a variety of Excel concepts applicable to the business world.

Excel Certifications and Certificates

If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your Excel skills, you may be overwhelmed by the different certificate programs and certifications available. You might also have a lot of questions, such as what certifications are available in Excel and if they will help you stand out to employers. This article aims to answer these questions so you can choose the best path toward Excel certification. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Excel?

Excel is an interactive spreadsheet application that was originally developed in 1985 by Microsoft. Excel can perform a variety of calculations and computations on data. The Excel interface includes a series of cells arranged into rows and columns. After data is entered into the cells, it can be organized and analyzed based on the user’s needs and specifications. The data can also be displayed visually in charts, histograms, and line graphs, among other visualization forms. Excel also provides users with graphing tools as well as a programming language, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). With the help of VBA, Excel users can create macros and advanced numerical methods. Excel is included with subscriptions to the Microsoft 365 suite of professional applications.

What Can You Do with Excel?

Excel has hundreds of features and tools that help users organize, manage, analyze, and visualize data. The following are just a few of the tools and features that make Excel the go-to for professionals around the globe:

• In Excel, users can add or average numbers in cells, locate high, median, or low values, count cells containing numbers, and find a product by multiplying cells. It’s also possible to delete extra white space and truncate numbers by removing fractions.
• Excel can learn your patterns the more you use it so that it can organize your data and ultimately save time.
• Users can share workbooks with others in real-time to ensure that all collaborators have the most up-to-date version.
• It’s possible to work on Excel files from the web and mobile and desktop devices.
• Users can now add data right into Excel from a photo. The Excel app enables users to take a picture of printed data with their iPhone or Android, then convert this image into an editable Excel table. This helpful trick helps users avoid manually entering hard copy data and is made possible through Excel’s image recognition capabilities.
• Financial transactions can be imported into Excel so that users can organize and review their financial information and receive helpful insights toward making more informed financial decisions.
• Excel’s PivotTables help users perform analysis and summaries of datasets, regrouping spreadsheet data for more effective comparisons. By seeing data from different perspectives, it’s possible to get a more comprehensive picture of revenue sources and other vital information.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

If you are deciding whether to pursue a certification or certificate in Excel, there are a few important differences to consider. Certification study typically involves registering for an exam in Excel, which a third party administers. If you pass the exam, you achieve Excel certification. Different tiers of Excel certification are offered, each demonstrating a different level of expertise in working with spreadsheets.

On the other hand, Excel certificates are often completion-based programs. If you pursue an Excel certificate, you will likely study this topic in-depth in the in-person or live online learning environment over the course of several weeks or months. By the time you complete the course, you will have gained a solid foundation in Excel, the skills needed to perform advanced calculations, and the know-how to perform various real-world spreadsheet tasks.

What Certifications are Available in Excel?

There are currently three levels of Excel certification: Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate Certification, Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert Certification, and Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Master Certification.

Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate Certification

If you are interested in earning Excel Associate Certification, you will need to demonstrate that you know core Excel capabilities and functions, like how to create worksheets and workbooks, manage spreadsheet data, and perform basic formatting tasks. This exam also requires students to demonstrate that they can create tables, ranges, objects, and charts and work with basic functions and formulas.

NYIM Training currently offers Excel Specialist Certification. This three-day bootcamp includes three separate Excel courses (Fundamentals, Intermediate, and Advanced), two hours of private training, as well as the Excel Specialist Exam fee (including the option of a free retake). Those enrolled in this certification program will also receive free exam proctoring and will have unlimited access to Excel video courses.

Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert Certification

To achieve Excel Expert Certification, you must demonstrate spreadsheet skills beyond those needed to pass the Associate Certification exam. Test-takers must indicate that they can create, manipulate, and share professional-level spreadsheets, which can have a variety of purposes or situations. Excel Expert Certification shows that you can manage various workbook options and settings, format datasets, create advanced formulas and macros, as well as create and work with advanced charts and tables.

NYIM Training’s Excel Expert Certification is a 21-hour certificate program that prepares participants to take the Microsoft Excel Expert exam. Students enrolled in this rigorous course will receive valuable training on commonly tested concepts, such as functions, formulas, charts, and PivotTables. This certification program also provides flexible scheduling options in which students can schedule three group classes and four hours of private training around their own schedules leading up to their exam date. Classes and private training are available on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends for maximum flexibility.

Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Master Certification

Excel Master Certification is the highest tier of certification available in Microsoft Office. If you achieve this level of certification, you have demonstrated that you’ve mastered not only one Office application but that you have a mastery of four apps. This means that test-takers have to pass Expert-level exams in Excel and Word, in addition to an exam in PowerPoint and one more Office app, such as Access or Outlook.

Should I Get Certified in Excel?

More data is being created each day than ever before. While several applications, tools, and platforms are designed to help with data management and analysis, Excel remains a popular and widely used tool across industries. However, it’s likely that if you haven’t studied Excel since high school, you may not be aware of this software’s current features and capabilities.

Certification in Microsoft Excel is a great way to show employers that you have the training to use Excel’s various functions and tools, such as PivotTables, VBA, and macros. While many jobs list Excel training as a prerequisite, recruiters sometimes want to see more than just a mention of proficiency; they want proof of it. Having an industry-standard certification is one definite way to convey this proficiency. In addition, achieving Excel certification also indicates to employers that you’re willing to invest the necessary time into learning Excel in order to pass at least one exam based on this application.

The decision whether to seek Excel certification depends on a variety of factors, one of which is your profession. Although knowledge of Excel is a useful skill for most professions, not all require employees to have specific certification with this application. For example, professions such as the following consider Excel training to be essential:

• Market research
• Accounting
• Auditing
• Data analytics
• Project management
• Business intelligence
• Digital marketing
• Financial analytics

Professions such as these may value Excel certification in applicants because it demonstrates a solid understanding of how to use a spreadsheet to tackle real-world data tasks.

How to Get Certified in Excel

Microsoft Office (MOS) Certification is available in Excel and core Microsoft applications like Access, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Certification is achieved by passing an exam in which test-takers are asked to complete a set of tasks in the application in which they are being tested and to do so within a time limit. The exams also require that students use only a certain number of clicks on the keyboard to complete tasks. These testing parameters are in place so that the student taking the exam demonstrates a solid understanding of Excel and doesn’t waste time scrolling through menus or searching on toolbars to execute tasks.

Unlike other certifications, there isn’t a standard professional or academic requirement that must be met in order to pursue MOS Excel certification. However, there are a few software requirements all test-takers must have on their computers in order to complete this test:

• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Windows Vista SP2 or higher
• .Net Framework 4.0 or higher
• Adobe Flash Player 10.0 or higher
• High-speed internet connection
• Internet Explorer

Once you apply to take the exam, you’ll be given a test date and practice materials from the Microsoft IT Academy. To prepare for the test, it’s a good idea to review the materials in the study guide and complete practice exams, which are available online. The more practice exams you can complete, the better feel you’ll have for the test’s structure. In addition, it’s prudent to brush up on Excel’s latest features because certification with this app requires that test-takers know how to work with the most current version of Excel.

The MOS Excel exam takes place in a live or simulated environment. It’s a performance-based test in which students must accomplish a series of Excel tasks. This typically involves completing a short project. Those sitting for this exam have one hour to finish. A minimum score of 700 is necessary to pass. Those who successfully pass the MOS Excel exam are sent recognition from Microsoft in the mail as proof of their expertise.

Key Insights

• Microsoft Excel was released initially in 1985 and, in the time since, has become the leading spreadsheet application around the globe.
• Excel has a wide range of professional applications. It helps users more easily spot data patterns, share workbooks in real-time, and keep track of financial transactions.
• Pursuing a certificate or certification is a great way to demonstrate your skills if you want to learn more about Excel to advance your career or professional options. Whereas Excel certificates are generally completion-based programs spanning weeks or months, certification requires passing an exam proctored by a third party.
• Three levels of Excel certification are currently offered: Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate Certification, Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert Certification, and Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Master Certification.

Learn Excel with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Are you looking to learn how to use Microsoft Excel, the industry-standard spreadsheet application? If so, Noble Desktop currently offers a variety of Excel courses in NYC and live online. Classes are available for those new to Excel and for learners who regularly work with this spreadsheet application and wish to improve their skills. In addition, in-person and live online Excel courses are available through Noble Desktop or one of its affiliate schools. A variety of course options are offered, ranging in duration from three hours to two days and costing between $229 and $1,099.

Noble Desktop’s Excel Bootcamp provides an excellent option for those who want to master core Excel concepts, such as working with PivotTables and What-If Analysis. Students who enroll in this rigorous, 21-hour course can elect to study in person in Manhattan or learn in the live online environment. This small class comes with the option of a free retake and covers a variety of Excel concepts applicable to the business world.