Exam MO-211: Microsoft Excel Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)

Microsoft MO-211: Microsoft Excel Expert exam validates the candidate’s proficiency in creating, overseeing, and distributing advanced spreadsheets and workbooks designed for diverse specialized contexts. The MO-211 exam evaluates your capacity to fulfill Excel settings to:

• Fulfill project requirements.
• Boost efficiency.

Expert Level workbook instances include:

• Customized business templates
• Complex financial charts with multiple axes
• Amortization tables
• Inventory management schedules

Knowledge Requirement:

In pursuing this certification, you should:

• Have roughly 150 hours of guided learning and practical exposure to the software.
• Demonstrate your adeptness at an advanced industry level.
• Be prepared for entry into the workforce.

Exam Details

Passing the Exam MO-211 will help candidates earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps) certification. The exam will have 40-60 questions with a time limit of 50 minutes. The exam is available in English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish Language.

Course Outline

The MO-211 exam covers the following topics:

Topic 1: Managing workbook options and settings (10–15%)

Manage workbooks

• Copy macros between workbooks (Microsoft Documentation: Copy a macro module to another workbook)
• Reference data in other workbooks (Microsoft Documentation: Manage workbook links)
• Enable macros in a workbook (Microsoft Documentation: Enable or disable macros in Microsoft 365 files)
• Manage workbook versions (Microsoft Documentation: View previous versions of Office files)

Prepare workbooks for collaboration

• Restrict editing (Microsoft Documentation: Restrict changes to files)
• Protect worksheets and cell ranges (Microsoft Documentation: Protect worksheets and cell ranges)
• Protect workbook structure (Microsoft Documentation: Protect a workbook)
• Configure formula calculation options

Topic 2: Manage and format data (30–35%)

Fill cells based on existing data

• Fill cells by using Flash Fill (Microsoft Documentation: Using Flash Fill in Excel)
• Fill cells by using advanced Fill Series options (Microsoft Documentation: Fill data automatically in worksheet cells)
• Generate numeric data by using RANDARRAY() (Microsoft Documentation: RANDARRAY function)

Format and validate data

• Create custom number formats (Microsoft Documentation: Create and apply a custom number format)
• Configure data validation (Microsoft Documentation: Apply data validation to cells)
• Group and ungroup data (Microsoft Documentation: Group or ungroup data in a PivotTable)
• Calculate data by inserting subtotals and totals (Microsoft Documentation: Insert subtotals in a list of data in a worksheet)
• Remove duplicate records

Apply advanced conditional formatting and filtering

• Create custom conditional formatting rules (Microsoft Documentation: Highlight patterns and trends with conditional formatting)
• Create conditional formatting rules that use formulas (Microsoft Documentation: Use formulas)
• Manage conditional formatting rules

Topic 3: Create advanced formulas and macros (25–30%)

Perform logical operations in formulas

• Perform logical operations by using nested functions including the IF(), IFS(), SWITCH(), SUMIF(),
  AVERAGEIF(), COUNTIF(), SUMIFS(), AVERAGEIFS(), COUNTIFS(), MAXIFS(), MINIFS(), AND(), OR(),
  NOT(), and LET() functions (Microsoft Documentation: Use nested functions in a formula)

Look up data by using functions

• Look up data by using the XLOOKUP(), VLOOKUP(), HLOOKUP(), MATCH(), and INDEX() functions (Microsoft Documentation: XLOOKUP function, Look up values with VLOOKUP, INDEX, or MATCH)

Use advanced date and time functions

• Reference date and time by using the NOW() and TODAY() functions (Microsoft Documentation: Insert the current date and time in a cell)
• Calculate dates by using the WEEKDAY() and WORKDAY() functions (Microsoft Documentation: WORKDAY function, WEEKDAY function)

Perform data analysis

• Summarize data from multiple ranges by using the Consolidate feature
• Perform what-if analysis by using Goal Seek and Scenario Manager
• Forecast data by using the AND(), IF(), and NPER() functions (Microsoft Documentation: NPER function)
• Calculate financial data by using the PMT() function (Microsoft Documentation: PMT function)
• Filter data by using FILTER() (Microsoft Documentation: Filter data in a range or table)
• Sort data by using SORTBY() (Microsoft Documentation: Sort data in a range or table)

Troubleshoot formulas

• Trace precedence and dependence (Microsoft Documentation: Display the relationships between formulas and cells)
• Monitor cells and formulas by using the Watch Window (Microsoft Documentation: Detect errors in formulas)
• Validate formulas by using error checking rules
• Evaluate formulas (Microsoft Documentation: Evaluate a nested formula one step at a time)

Create and modify simple macros

• Record simple macros (Microsoft Documentation: Create or run a macro)
• Name simple macros
• Edit simple macros (Microsoft Documentation: Edit a macro)

Topic 4: Manage advanced charts and tables (25–30%)

Create and modify advanced charts

• Create and modify dual-axis charts (Microsoft Documentation: Add or remove a secondary axis in a chart in Excel)
• Create and modify charts including Box & Whisker, Combo, Funnel, Histogram, Sunburst, and Waterfall charts (Microsoft Documentation: Create a box and whisker chart, Create a waterfall chart)

Create and modify PivotTables

• Create PivotTables (Microsoft Documentation: Create a PivotTable to analyze worksheet data)
• Modify field selections and options
• Create slicers (Microsoft Documentation: Use slicers to filter data)
• Group PivotTable data (Microsoft Documentation: Group or ungroup data in a PivotTable)
• Add calculated fields
• Configure value field settings

Create and modify PivotCharts

• Create PivotCharts (Microsoft Documentation: Create a PivotChart)
• Manipulate options in existing PivotCharts
• Apply styles to PivotCharts
• Drill down into PivotChart details

FAQs: Exam MO-211: Microsoft Excel Expert

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Exam policy

The examination will be monitored by a proctor and is not open to reference materials. Interactive segments may be included as integral parts of the assessment. In the event of an unsuccessful attempt at the certification exam, there’s no need for concern. You are eligible to retake the exam after a 24-hour period from the initial attempt. For subsequent retakes, the waiting period may differ.

Study Guide for Exam MO-211: Microsoft Excel Expert Exam

1. Self-Assessment

Before starting with the preparation, candidates should begin on a thorough self-assessment to enhance their proficiency and identify areas that require improvement. Begin by reviewing the exam details meticulously, ensuring a clear understanding of what each entails. Next, take a look at the current skills and knowledge related to managing workbook options and settings, formatting and manipulating data, creating advanced formulas and macros, and handling complex charts and tables.

2. Get Familiar with the Exam Objectives

In order to adequately prepare themselves for the MO-211 Exam, candidates should familiarize themselves with the exam objectives to ensure thorough readiness. This certification evaluates proficiency in managing workbook options and settings, formatting and managing data, creating advanced formulas and macros, and handling advanced charts and tables. The exam covers a variety of topics, including:

• Manage workbook options and settings
• Manage and format data
• Create advanced formulas and macros
• Manage advanced charts and tables

3. Use Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Learn is a comprehensive platform designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and abilities necessary to learn within the Microsoft environment. Offering a diverse range of complimentary, self-paced learning modules comprising interactive tutorials, hands-on labs, and evaluations, users have the opportunity to delve into various Microsoft technologies. Utilizing adaptive learning paths, the platform guides learners on customized journeys that align with their interests and professional goals.

4. Join Study Groups

Participating in study groups or communities offers a powerful method for enhancing your learning journey. Joining study groups or communities that match your interests or certification goals allows you to engage in discussions, share insights, and learn from other individuals. Moreover, you can benefit from the varied viewpoints and knowledge of other members. These study groups foster a supportive environment where members offer encouragement, aid, and advice to each other. This network of support is particularly valuable during challenging times or when facing obstacles along your learning journey.

5. Take Practice Tests

Utilizing practice tests for the MO-211 exam helps in identifying both your strengths and areas needing improvement. This assessment enhances your ability to handle questions effectively, potentially refining your time management during the actual exam. To ensure optimal readiness, it is recommended to engage in these practice tests after concluding each topic, reinforcing your comprehension of the study materials.