Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.  Your UpTrend course will expire 1 year from your date of payment. 

There are 2 certification exams offered for the Excel Specialist Certification - the Office Desktop 2019 exam and the Office 365 exam. The exam objectives for the Desktop 2019 exam and the Office 365 exam are very similar.  You can take either the Office Desktop 2019 course or the Office 365 course, and be prepared for the current Office Desktop 2019 exam.  You should take the course that is consistent with your own version of Excel.  Both courses will prepare you!  

UpTrend will provide you with instructions for creating a login and password on the GMetrix/Certprep site.  We'll also provide you with an access code to the software, and you can begin practicing for the exam.  GMetrix/Certprep is the best way you can prepare for the exam because it mimics the exam structure so you are comfortable with how the exam works.  Video instructions on how to use GMetrix/Certprep are on the Course Home Page.

Your goal in taking the practice tests is to score 800 out of 1000 point three consecutive times.  This is the best way to ensure success on your exam!

You can book your exam on the UpTrend booking page!  You select a date and time that is convenient for you to take the exam.  Once you book your exam, you will also receive instructions to create a login and password on the Certiport site, and confirmation of your test date and time.    

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 One day prior to your scheduled exam, UpTrend will send you two URL links: 

     1). a zoom link where you will meet your proctor 15 minutes prior to the exam for instructions, and

     2). a URL link to log on to the Certiport testing site. 

On the day of the exam, you'll first go to the zoom link to receive instructions from your UpTrend proctor.  Your proctor will guide you through the testing process, and proctor your exam remotely.  

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A passing score on the Exam is 700 out of 1000 points.

The Excel Certification Exam is fully on-line.  You will schedule the exam with an UpTrend proctor at a time that is convenient for you.  

The Excel Certification Exam is 50 minutes long.  You should allow for a total of 75 minutes to log in, receive instructions, and take the exam.  You'll receive your score immediately upon completion of the exam.

There are 2 instructor/proctors at UpTrend.

     Jennifer is a full time high school and part time college instructor in Business.  She has 20 years of industry experience, a CPA, MBA, and 15 years of teaching experience.  Jenny has taught many high school and college students the Excel Specialist and Expert certification objectives,with a 98% pass rate.  In December 2022 she was named an Outstanding Microsoft Excel Specialist Educator for 2022 and 2023. 

     David has been an Equities Trader for 25 years, and uses Excel for tracking and data analysis every day.  David has an undergraduate degree in Accounting and 35 years experience in industry.

Yes!  The Expert course is under development now!