Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to be competent in the use of Excel?

Competence in Excel as demonstrated through CSIS-011 or CSIS-SSX is a prerequisite for many courses and may also be required for your major, minor, or certificate programs.  Please check with your advisor to verify that you must pass CSIS-011 or CSIS-SSX.

I am a transfer student do I have to worry about any of this?

The answer to this question depends on the credits you transfered into Siena and your major, minor, or certificate programs.  Please check with your advisor to verify that you must pass CSIS-011 or CSIS-SSX.

How is the exam delivered?

You will be contacted by the exam coordinator with information about your exam.  Exams given in person will require you to meet in the designated computer lab on campus.  Exams given remotely will require you to join the exam by connecting to a Zoom session with your screen shared where you will receive more information.  You will need to  have a webcam and access to Excel 2019 or Microsoft Office 365 during the exam.  You can obtain a copy of Microsoft Office 365 for free through Siena College.  More information can be found on this ITS webpage.  You will complete a variety of activities by building spreadsheets in Excel. You will have two hours to complete the exam. 

What Excel topics are covered on the exam?

A list of topics included on the exam can be found here, and are representative of the skills learned in CSIS-011.

I use Excel on a Macintosh - should I take the exam?

The exam will be graded using Excel 2019.  If you take the exam using a different version of Excel, it is your responsibility to know how to complete the required tasks for this version of Excel.

When is the Competency Exam offered, and how do I register for it? 

The exam will be offered at specific times during the Fall & Spring semesters. Students are not required to take the exam. Students should only only take the exam if they believe they have a chance of passing. The exam schedule and instructions for registering can be found here.

The dates for the exams are after I register for courses - what should I do?

During course registration, register for CSIS-011. You will not be able to register for courses where CSIS-011 or CSIS-SSX are a prerequisite until (and unless) you pass the CSIS-SSX Spreadsheet Competency Exam.  Take the competency exam before the add period for classes ends.

• • If you do not pass the exam, you are all set to take a course.

  • If you pass the exam:

    • drop the course you do not need.

    • you may then register for a course that has a Spreadsheet Competency prerequisite.

How soon will I know if I passed the Competency Exam?

Your exam will be graded within three business days. A score of 60 or greater is necessary to pass the exam.

• • If you pass the exam:

    • the School of Business will be informed the same day you are. 

    • your Banner/CAPP information regarding passing the exam will not be updated for a few days. 

    • you may immediately register for a course that has CSIS-SSX as a pre-requisite, but you should ask someone in the School of Business Office to help you register (Siena Hall 301).

If I have already taken CSIS-010 or CSIS-011, may I take the CSIS-SSX exam?

You may not take the CSIS-SSX exam if you have received a final grade or a grade of W, WP, or WF in CSIS-010 or CSIS-011.

If I fail the Competency Exam, may I take it again?

No.  You may only take the exam one time.

If I pass the Competency Exam, can I still take CSIS-011 for credit.

Requests to take CSIS-011 for credit should be submitted to the course coordinator, ebreimer@siena.edu for review.  Permission may be granted in some circumstances.

Will my grade show up on my transcript or any other permanent record?

If you pass the exam, the numeric grade you earn on the Spreadsheet (Excel) Competency Exam does not show up on your transcript but a Pass (P) grade is recorded as an indication that you have the pre-requisite background for courses you will be required to take in the future.  If you do not pass the exam, nothing regarding the exam grade will show up on your transcript.

I am not familiar with Excel 2019; or, I did not pass the exam. What CSIS class should I take?

You should register to take Problem Solving with Spreadsheets (CSIS-011 – 1 credit).

I'm currently taking CSIS-010 or CSIS-011 and the date to add a class has passed.  Can I take the exam?

No. You should complete your course to meet the Excel competency requirement.  However, if it's still very early in the semester and you can still add a course you may take the Excel exam, and should you pass, you can drop CSIS-010 or CSIS-011 and register for a class that requires Excel.