What is a Microsoft Word test?
A Microsoft Word test is an assessment designed to test your proficiency with using the programme. The test focuses on a range of commonly used functions within Microsoft Word, including document editing, table and graphic creation, formatting and file management. These tests can be either interactive tasks or multiple-choice questions.
The interactive tests examine your practical skills with Microsoft Word. During the test, you will be given various tasks to complete, for which you will need to use a combination of different elements of the program.
The multiple-choice test is designed to test your theoretical knowledge of Word, rather than your practical ability. This test may be more challenging to complete, as it requires you to have in-depth knowledge of the functions and layout of Microsoft Word.
The questions will be designed to test the specific skills needed for the job you have applied for.
Why do employers use them?
Employers choose to use Microsoft Word tests as part of their recruitment process to ensure that candidates have sufficient word-processing expertise for the role.
Candidates often exaggerate their abilities in their applications, which means that CVs and cover letters are not always the best way to understand a candidate’s skills. By using a Microsoft Word test, the employer can get an accurate insight into your aptitude with the program.
Using these tests can also save the employer’s time. Often a single job role may receive hundreds of applicants. By using these tests as part of their pre-interview screening, it helps the employer make their decision on who to shortlist more quickly.
Depending on the requirements of the role that you have applied for, the employer may also ask you to take another test as well, such as Microsoft Excel test or a clerical aptitude test.
Key Microsoft Word skills that are most in demand
As Microsoft Word is such a varied program, there are many different skills to master. The most common skills can be categorised into these three main categories:
Creating and Editing Text
As Microsoft Word is a word-processing program, formatting the text of your document is one of the most crucial skills.
The basics of formatting begins with learning how to make your text bold, or italicise it, change the font size and change the alignment of the text. Although you can do this all with the toolbar, it is a good idea to learn the keyboard shortcuts, since this will save you time.
For more advanced roles, you will need to learn how to alter the line space, create columns and to create numerical lists.
Creating and Editing Tables
Tables are a commonly used feature of Word. If you are writing a report or organising customer data, it is likely that you will use tables. Once you have learned how to create a table, practice changing the cell shading, or the proportions of the columns.
It is important to learn these overarching formatting techniques, such as referencing, headers & footers, and page numbering. These can elevate the document and make the information easier to read.
How best to prepare for a Microsoft Word test
The best way to prepare is through practice tests. Even if you are an expert in using Microsoft Word, it is really important to familiarise yourself with the types of questions that you will be asked during the test.
Learn from your mistakes
Practice questions are a great way for you to identify any potential gaps in your knowledge. After taking a practice test, go over your answers and pinpoint anything that you may have got wrong. By doing this, you can then tailor your revision plan to focus areas in which you are weaker.
Time yourself
As some tests are timed, you should add timed tests to your practice as well. This will help you to answer the questions more quickly and make you familiar with the pace that you need to work at during the test.
Timing yourself will help you identify the types of questions that you are slower to complete, so you can overcome this in the actual test.
Unpack the questions
Some of the questions may be designed to catch you out. As such, take your time to read each question carefully. You may find it useful to underline the keywords in each question, so it is clear what it is asking you to do.
For some more detailed advice on test preparation, read our guide on how to prepare for error checking tests.
