Introduction to Excel (CPE Course)

CPE Credit: 3 hours

Course Type: Downloaded PDF materials with online test

Price (with PDF Textbook): $35


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Course Description
Excel is one of the primary tools of the accountant. It is needed for many accounting activities, such as tracking the contents of accounts and conducting financial analyses. However, Excel is a massive program with hundreds of commands and quirky formatting options. In Introduction to Excel, we cover the basics of setting up and populating an Excel worksheet, as well as producing well-organized outputs. Topics covered include the menu system, formatting, named styles, templates, and a variety of printing options. (Note: This course is based on the desktop version of Excel 2019, but its contents are generally applicable to the users of earlier versions of Excel)


Author: Steven Bragg

Course Number: SP1011

Learning Objectives

  • Explain how the ribbon system works.

  • Describe cells and ranges.

  • Identify how keystrokes can replace the mouse to trigger menu commands.

  • Specify where high-volume commands are located on the screen.

  • Describe the different uses of a table within a worksheet.

  • Explain the differences between the Autocomplete and Autofill functions.

  • Describe how cell and range formatting can be accomplished.

  • Identify the warnings used when column widths are too narrow.

  • Specify the more common Ctrl-letter combinations used to trigger worksheet commands.

  • Identify the different variations on the Paste command.

  • Explain how range naming works within a worksheet.

  • Describe the uses to which the undo function can (and cannot) be put.

  • Specify how named styles and themes are used.

Level: Overview

Instructional Method: QAS Self-Study

NASBA Category: Computer Software & Applications

Prerequisites: Excel 2019 software is needed.

Advance Preparation: None

Latest Review Date: March 2023

Program Registration Requirements: Click on "Purchase Course" near the top of this page to pay for and access the course. You will then be able to download the course as a PDF file, then take an on-line examination, and then download a certificate of completion if you pass the examination.

Program Refund Policy: For more information regarding administrative policies concerning complaints, refunds, and other matters, see our policies page.


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AccountingTools, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

The NASBA sponsor identification number for Accountingtools, Inc. is 115881.


AccountingTools is an IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider. We are compliant with the requirements for continuing education providers (as described in sections 10.6 and 10.9 of the Department of Treasury’s Circular No. 230 and in other IRS guidance, forms, and instructions). Our IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider number is 72821.