Error-Proofing Excel Spreadsheets

Eliminate spreadsheet errors before they damage your credibility. This course shows you how to design Excel workbooks that prevent data entry mistakes, detect formula flaws, and avoid structural weaknesses. Implement controls, validation tools, and logical layouts that improve transparency and auditability. Strengthen documentation and usability so others can rely on your models. Build robust spreadsheets that support accurate reporting, dependable analysis, and professional-grade financial decision-making.
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PDF Course

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Duration

5 Hours

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Course Information

Author: Steven Bragg
Course Number: SP1020

Learning Objectives
  • Recognize the benefits of using data validation in Excel.
  • Recall the best ways to format a spreadsheet, and which methods to avoid.
  • Recognize the situations in which absolute and relative cell references should be used.
  • Specify the tools available for checking logical and formulaic issues in Excel.
  • Recall the tools that can be used to clean data.
  • Recognize the reasons for not storing numbers as text.
  • Recall the Excel features that allow you to monitor selected cells.
  • Recognize the situations in which named ranges should be used.
  • Specify how conditional formatting can be used to improve a spreadsheet.
  • Recall the methods for finding duplicate values in a spreadsheet.
  • Recognize the reasons for using standardized templates in Excel.
  • Recall the risks of using too many sheets in one Excel file.
  • Recognize the situations in which freezing panes in Excel can be useful.
  • Specify how the Evaluate Formula tool can be used.
  • Recall the steps that should be followed before finalizing a spreadsheet.
  • Recognize why excessive formatting should be avoided in a spreadsheet.
  • Recall why raw data should be separated from calculations in Excel.
  • Recognize what can happen if you do not validate external data in Excel.
  • Specify the types of errors that the IFERROR command can manage.

Level: Intermediate
Instructional Method: QAS Self-Study
NASBA Category: Computer Software and Applications
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Excel.
Advance Preparation: None
Latest Review Date: April 2025
Program Registration Requirements: Click on the Enroll button 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.

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.