How to Create a Custom MS Excel Question

Use Testlify's MS Excel question type to evaluate candidates' spreadsheet skills with automatic, test-case-based grading — no manual review needed.

Before you begin

• Prepare an Excel (.xlsx) template file — this is the file candidates will work in.
• Know the exact cell address and expected value for each formula or result you want to grade.

Steps

1. Open or create an assessment — Create a new assessment or open an existing one to edit.
2. Go to the Questions section — Click Questions in the left panel of the assessment editor.
3. Select MS Excel — Under Custom question types, choose MS Excel.
   
4. Write your question prompt — Type the task instruction in the question box so candidates know exactly what to build or calculate.
5. Provide the Excel file — In the Excel box on the right, paste the link to the template file candidates will use.
   
6. Set up test cases — Enter each target cell address and its expected value. Testlify compares candidate submissions against these test cases for automatic grading.
   
7. Assign scores — Set a point value for each test case.
   
8. Save the question — Click Save to add the question to your assessment.

Tip: Use multiple test cases for deeper evaluation

Add test cases for both intermediate calculations and the final result in the same question — for example, check a running subtotal cell and the final summary cell. This reveals whether a candidate understands the logic, not just the answer.

Reviewing candidate responses

Each candidate receives their own copy of the Excel file during the assessment. Afterward, open the Candidate Details Page (CDP) to view each candidate's submitted file alongside their test-case scores.

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