- If you’re interested in this program and you live within our service area, fill out our application form then follow the prompts to schedule a virtual appointment.
- If you’re unable to reserve a virtual appointment or would rather meet with one of our team members in person to begin your application process, we also accept walk-ins at all of our career centers.
Microsoft Excel Certification Course
Would having an industry-recognized certification in Microsoft Excel help boost your career? Goodwill’s advanced Microsoft Excel Certification course is a free training course that covers the ins and outs of Microsoft Excel and prepares you for the Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate certification exam. This Microsoft Excel Certification course, which we refer to as “Microsoft Office Specialist – Excel,” is a virtual training course that provides participants with approximately 150 hours of lectures, hands-on exercises, check-your-work videos, self-guided studies (MOS Excel study guide), online practice materials and mock exams. In this course, you will learn to:
- Create and manage worksheets and workbooks
- Manage data cells and ranges
- Create tables
- Perform operations with formulas and functions
- Create charts
Upcoming Training Dates
| Registration & Assessment Period | Training Dates |
| Closed | February 21 – March 31 |
| March 6 – April 19 | May 16 – June 23 |
Course Timeframe
Goodwill’s Microsoft Excel Certification course lasts six weeks (approximately 25 hours per week). Class meets virtually Tuesday – Friday from 1 – 3 p.m. Weeks 1 – 3 are lectures and hands-on activities. Weeks 4 – 6 include Microsoft’s online practice materials and mock exams. In Week 7, participants will have the option to take the final Microsoft Excel exam.
Certification Opportunities
Upon passing the exam that’s given at the end of the advanced Microsoft Excel Certification course, participants will earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate certification. This industry-recognized certification demonstrates competency in the fundamentals of Excel at an associate level and that you are ready to enter into the job market and complete tasks in Excel independently. Microsoft suggests that successful candidates commit to approximately 150 hours of preparation for the exam.
Prerequisite
Goodwill’s Microsoft Excel Certification course is an advanced course. Therefore, to ensure you are prepared to embark upon this six-week course, candidates must take and pass a Microsoft Excel assessment. Having at least six months of consistent hands-on experience using Microsoft Excel and/or taking Goodwill’s beginner Microsoft training course best prepares candidates to take the required assessment.
Required Technology
- Internet/Wi-Fi access
- A computer/laptop/tablet (a cell phone is not sufficient to access course materials)
- Webcam and microphone to participate in course exercises and discussions
- Microsoft Excel program (MS 2016 or later)
Don’t Have Access to the Above Technology?
- Notify a Goodwill team member upon registration to reserve space at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus to utilize our available technology
- Or click here to get connected with Digital Charlotte, an organization that assists people in Mecklenburg County with signing up for affordable internet service and purchasing affordable technology
Related Career Information
To find out more information about potential careers, trends, wages and benefits for those that complete this course, visit www.onetonline.org.
Job Search Support
As a participant in one of Goodwill’s training courses, you’ll have access to a Career Navigator who can help you with your resume and interview skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with our Employer Engagement Team, who can help you find and secure employment.
