Microsoft Excel Certification

Students at the Cotsakos College of Business are eligible to pursue the Excel Associate - Microsoft Office Specialist for Microsoft 365 Apps: Exam MO - 210 and Microsoft Excel Expert: certifications free of charge.

To be eligible students must:

  • Be currently enrolled in the College of Business
  • Complete all prerequisites required by the Global Business & Finance Institute.

Students may complete the program in-person or remotely.

What are the Excel Certification exams? 

The Excel certification exams are project-based, simulation exams. Upon successful completion of the exam users will receive confirmation of completion and be able to post their unique certificate to LinkedIn using a third party, Credly. There are no multiple choice questions. Students are assigned tasks within projects and perform the tasks within the Excel environment. Tests are meant to provide realistic and practical application-based training. Each test is 50 minutes long with a passing score of at least 700 out of 1000.  

The exams are endorsed by Microsoft and provided by Certiport. 

Test takers must wait 24 hours to repeat an exam after the first failed attempt and 48 hours for subsequent attempts. 

Which Excel Tests are Offered Through GBFI 

Office 365 – Excel Associate (MO 210) 

Office 365 – Excel Expert (MO 211)

What are the Steps to Complete the Exam? 

Steps for In-person Option: 

1. Training –Training will be available via in-person workshops. Instructor-led workshops.

Students can complete the training portion of the Excel certifications by attending 2 of our in-person workshops. Dates for in-person workshops can be found on our website.

Estimated time: 3 hours

2. Pass one GMetrix Practice Exam in TESTING MODE. Students are also encouraged to practice in Training Mode. Training Mode will provide Hints on how to complete a problem and can be a helpful learning tool.

Additional information will be sent after successfully completing Step 1.

Estimated time: 4 hours

3. Schedule a time with GBFI to take the official exam. This can only be done after all prerequisites have been completed. Tests may be taken in-person or remotely.

Estimated time: 2 hours

Steps for Remote Option 

1. Training –Training will be available via in-person workshops and online using the GBFI created training videos linked in the Excel workbook.

Online (for WP Online courses)

Students may elect to complete the training portion of the course using the Excel template file emailed to them or requesting the file using the following form. This is your file only and cannot be shared with other users. Students must complete ALL CHAPTERS in this file. You will need to show all work, including formulas. Once completed, students will upload the completed Excel file using the links below. Upload the completed Excel file. All formulas and related edits should be in the file. A GBFI representative will review your submission and provide either an acceptance or rejection of your submission within 2 business days. 

Upload the completed Excel file. All formulas and related edits should be in the file. A GBFI representative will review your submission and provide either an acceptance or rejection of your submission within 2 business days.

Estimated time: 4 to 6 hours 

2. Pass one GMetrix Practice Exam in TESTING MODE. Students are also encouraged to practice in Training Mode. Training Mode will provide Hints on how to complete a problem and can be a helpful learning tool.

Additional information will be sent after successfully completing Step 1.|

Estimated time: 4 hours

3. Schedule a time with GBFI to take the official exam. This can only be done after all prerequisites have been completed. Tests may be taken in-person or remotely.

Estimated time: 2 hours

Important Notes on Test Taking (In-person) 

Arrive 10 minutes prior to scheduled exam with Government issued or WPU ID. We still have to schedule a time for the exam, however, there are more options available. Walk-in or email gbfi@wpunj.edu 

Important Notes on Test Taking (Remote) 

Remote test takers must have a working camera for the exam and Government issued or WPU ID.  Remote test takers must review ALL policies and requirements for remote testing on the Certiport website carefully.  

  • We cannot restart or reschedule once the test is started.  
  • If you miss an online exam test time, we do not reschedule the exam.  
  • Your computer language must be set to English.  
  • You cannot have multiple monitors plugged in.  
  • You cannot have any other applications open and you may only have one browser tab open for the test.  
  • The test is 50 minutes and we schedule a one hour block on a virtual server so you cannot be late to the exam.  

If any of the occurrences above occur the exam will crash and time does not restart limiting the test takers total time for the exam. All tests are subject to availability and a GBFI representative will proctor all exams.  

Import Note for Mac Users 

All exams are Windows based. Candidates may prepare on a Mac but all questions and testing will be done using Windows commands and protocols. It is therefore highly recommend candidates complete this program using a PC. 

Support Options 

Phone: 973-720-3765

Email: gbfi@wpunj.edu

Tutoring (TBA)

Live Chat (during business hours)

Frequency Asked Questions

  • Do I need to register for the instructor-led workshops?

  • Yes. Please register on our website.

  • I previously started the process and was interrupted. Do I need to redo everything?

  • No. Your GMetrix code will need to be reinstated but we will honor completed exams. If you have yet to upload your templates you can still do so.

  • How long are the exams?

  • Each Excel exam is 35 Questions and users have 50 minutes to complete the exam. Students must score at least 70% to pass the exams.

  • If I do not pass, how long do I have to wait to retake the exam?

  • Exam Testing and Retake Policies Please refer to the Certiport exam policies on their website. Students must wait at least 24 hours before retaking an exam. If a student needs to retake an exam more than once they will need to wait at least 48 hours before taking additional exams.

  • Will the Cotsakos College of Business provide me with a certificate of completion? 

  • Students who pass the exams will receive their Microsoft Excel Expert certification from Certiport and may register for a LinkedIn personal badge from Credly.

  • When will I get my code to take practice exams?

  • After successful completion and upload of the Excel templates only.

  • Will live sessions be offered?

  • Instructor-led training sessions for each semester will be posted after drop / add periods.

  • Can I still use the lab to complete my training / take GMetrix practice exams / Certiport exams?

  • Yes.