If you cannot recall, on the spot 20 Microsoft Excel functions you can use proficiently, you are not yet an Excel Specialist (Specialist Level). Have this as a rule: If you cannot recall, on the spot 10 Microsoft Excel functions you can use proficiently, you are not yet an Excel User (User Level). Poor knowledge of the structure of Microsoft Excel functions and stretched application of such knowledge are likely the cause in this regard. In my testing experience, I have met with candidates who knew the right function to use for a task but could not reference the right inputs to get the desired result. You may be the guru in your current place of work but only to find that your current place of work does not offer as much spreadsheet challenge as your anticipated place of work.
When asked “on a scale of 1 to 10, what is your proficiency in Excel?”, my suggestion is, say that proficiency is relative and that you will prefer a hand-on test to confirm you proficiency or you could admit that where you come from, you are rated high but you do not know how you would rate in other skill demands. However, the results after a hands-on test has always been between 0 and 3. Remember that question? - “on a scale of 1 to 10, what is your proficiency in Excel?” - The responses has always been between 7 and 9. I am yet to meet an individual who humbly accepts the fact that proficiency in Microsoft Excel is relative. I will like to share my observations with those who may be interested in it. I have tested over 80 persons in my experience and hopefully, that number will still be counting in the near future. I have been privileged to test job candidates for Microsoft Excel proficiency in two of the companies I have worked and currently working in and my observations have been interesting.