Microsoft Word Test

Microsoft Word tests are designed to assess a candidate's level of proficiency using the software.

  • What is a Microsoft Word test?

    Microsoft Word is a program from the Microsoft Office Suite, which is primarily used to write and edit documents.

    As Microsoft Word is the most popular and widely used word-processing system in the world, the test is an important part of the hiring process for many roles.

    The Microsoft Word test uses multiple-choice questions to probe candidates’ understanding of the program. The test assesses proficiency using various features within Microsoft Word, covering everything from managing files and formatting documents, to setting up tables and editing text.

    A high score on the test shows a candidate is able to effectively use core functionalities within Microsoft Word to produce documents that are properly formatted and laid out, and meet the requirements of any project.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a Microsoft Word test?
  2. Why should you use a Microsoft Word test for recruiting?
  3. How our test assesses Microsoft Word skills
  4. Microsoft Word Test FAQs

About the Microsoft Word Test

The Microsoft Word test assesses how competent candidates are working in the program, through a series of practical questions that challenge their capacity to edit, format, review and share a document.

The test is useful for recruiters and employers hiring for office-based, administrative and managerial roles in which Microsoft Word usage is important.

To succeed at the test, candidates will need to prove they can do more than just type and edit documents. They’ll be expected to showcase skills in more complex areas, such as using shortcuts and understanding how to use the toolbar effectively.

Try for free

  • Why should you use a Microsoft Word test for recruiting?

    As Microsoft Word is the most commonly used program of its kind, many employers will want to assess how skilled candidates are at using it before offering them a job. The test is often set in the hiring process for administrative roles and office jobs, where editing documents forms a key part of the day-to-day workload.

    Overall, the test seeks to understand how proficient each candidate is in using Microsoft Word. As well as typing and editing, recruiters and employers will want to see that users know how to use key shortcuts, are knowledgeable about the various things one can do in the toolbar, and that their skills match the demands of the role they’re applying for.

    For recruiters, the Microsoft Word test has clear benefits, since it gives you an early indication of how proficient a candidate is using Word, and saves time and money by helping you to source the right kind of candidate for a role early on.

    As Microsoft Word is a unique program, it would be hard to test a candidate’s proficiency in the program using a different kind of test.

More Software Skills Tests

Sample Microsoft Word Test question

How do you add a caption to an image?

  • Click on the image and select “Insert Caption” under the “Layout” tab.

  • Click on the image and select “Insert Caption” under the “Picture Format” tab.

  • Go to the references tab, select “Picture” and click “Add Caption”.

  • Right click on the image and select “Insert Caption”.

Picked Sample Report

View a sample report

Results for the Microsoft Word Test along with other assessments the candidate takes will be compiled to produce a candidate report. The report is automatically generated and available both online and as a downloadable pdf so they can be shared with other team members and employees alike.

Download sample report

How our test assesses Microsoft Word skills

In Picked's Microsoft Word test, candidates will need to answer a range of questions targeting an intermediate level of proficiency, from demonstrating knowledge across various Microsoft Word features and functions to troubleshooting questions.

The test is designed to indicate how well a candidate understands Microsoft Word based on a final test score, which can then be compared to the scores of other applicants.

The multiple-choice questions consist of one correct answer and two to four distractors. The distractors are generic mistakes or misconceptions, which makes the test challenging and helps measure a candidate's proficiency more accurately.

During the development process, the test was rigorously analysed to maximise reliability and validity in line with industry best practices. It was created and reviewed by experienced document professionals, and field-tested with a representative sample of job applicants who have varying levels of Microsoft Word experience, just like you might find in a talent pool.

Each test is reviewed by a panel of individuals representing diverse backgrounds to check for any sensitivity, fairness, face validity and accessibility issues. This ensures each candidate has a fair chance of demonstrating their true level of Microsoft Word proficiency.

Our software tests are monitored to ensure they are up-to-date and optimised for performance.

Try for free

Validated

Predictor of job success

Picked provides evidence-based recommendations for tests to use for over 750 jobs. Our recommendation engine leverages data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Start

Access real assessments

Instant access to our full testing suite.

  • safebox icon

    Fully accredited

    All our Microsoft Word tests are written by accredited psychologists and fully validated.

  • geometry icon

    For all levels

    We offer Microsoft Word tests for all levels so you can assess all roles within your organisation.

Automate

Energize selection process

Streamline hiring with our out-of-the-box tools.

  • patent icon

    Smart automations

    Automated actions such as alerts and reminders ensure a smooth candidate experience.

  • bulb icon

    Instant results

    Receive candidate results in real-time so you can make decisions in hours, not days.

Hire

Make better hires

Improve hiring with bias-free, data-driven decisions.

  • notebook icon

    Analytics dashboard

    Our full array of candidate performance metrics will provide actionable data on each of your candidates.

  • laptop icon

    Candidate comparison

    Simple, easy-to-use candidate comparison reports mean you don’t need to be a psychologist to interpret them.

“We used Picked as part of our Finance Graduate Scheme recruitment and it was just what we needed – really simple to send candidates the link to complete and clear to see how they all compared. And great value for money!”
Christina, HR Director, Cancer Research, UK
Christina, HR Director, Cancer Research, UK
Microsoft Word Test expert

Written by a Microsoft Word Test expert

Mohamed Binesmael has experience publishing papers and reports in the engineering field through the use of Microsoft Word and relevant referencing tools and plugins. His work in academia across 7 years of study, both undergraduate and postgraduate, has kept him up-to-date with the latest in Microsoft Word.

“Personality profiling allowed us to perform lookalike modelling of our most successful employees and use this as a blueprint for new hires.”
Nick, HR Operations, Airbus, Spain
Nick, HR Operations, Airbus, Spain

Microsoft Word Test FAQs

Where in the recruitment process should I use a Microsoft Word test?

This very much depends on the role you’re hiring for. But setting the test earlier on in the process can help to streamline your list of prospective candidates and save you time, money and energy.

How is proficiency in Microsoft Word defined?

This depends on the nature of the role and the specific skill level required for it. Generally, there are three levels of proficiency: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Administering a Microsoft Word test will help give you a much better understanding of the skills of your candidates, which will in turn help you decide if they have the proficiency you require.

Can I try the test for free?

Yes, simply sign up (no credit card is required) and we’ll give you unlimited access for 7 days. Create as many jobs and test as many candidates as you want; you won’t be charged a penny.

What is the fee for Picked’s Microsoft Word test?

Picked offers monthly or annual subscriptions for businesses of all sizes, so choose the one that best fits your needs. You can also contact us to discuss the possibility of a custom plan suited to your specific requirements. You can check out our subscription plans here.

“Focusing on data reduced the subjective decision making from our hiring process and allowed us to reduce bias and make better hiring decisions.”
Izzie, Head of HR, iZettle, Sweden
Izzie, Head of HR, iZettle, Sweden

Ready to try Picked?

Start building your dream team

Try for free