Advanced pivot tables, Power Pivot, data model, DAX in Excel, slicers, timelines.
Before starting, we run a 1-minute tech check — microphone, ambient noise, connection. If your setup isn't good enough, the test is fully refunded.
Prove in 15 minutes that you actually know advanced pivot tables, Power Pivot and DAX — not just that you can drag fields into a pivot.
The Excel Pivot & Power Pivot badge tests your real ability to build relational data models in Excel, write meaningful DAX measures, and deliver dynamic dashboards that hold up in production. The 15-minute AI-led oral exam (OpenAI Realtime) digs into your actual projects: multi-source consolidation, DAX measures using CALCULATE and time intelligence functions, slicers connected across multiple pivots, timelines, and where you draw the line between Power Query, Power Pivot, and Power BI.
Unlike a multiple-choice certification, Plume asks you to talk through what you actually built. The AI interviewer follows up on your answers, probes ambiguous areas, and separates genuine hands-on experience from textbook knowledge. The transcript is then scored by Claude Opus, which produces a 0-100 score and a certified level (Novice / Proficient / Advanced / Expert) with a detailed report. That report names specifically what you demonstrated command of — filter context vs. row context, star schema vs. flat table, DAX measures vs. native calculated fields — and what still has room to grow.
This badge is built for finance analysts, management controllers, data analysts, Excel consultants, and trainers who use Power Pivot in real working conditions and want verifiable proof on their CV or LinkedIn profile. It also suits anyone transitioning from Excel toward Power BI who wants to show they already speak DAX fluently.
Here are the concrete dimensions the AI examines during the 15-minute oral.
Building relationships between fact and dimension tables, designing star schemas, managing cardinality and key columns to avoid double-counting and ambiguous relationships in the data model.
Writing DAX measures with CALCULATE, FILTER, ALL, RELATED and time intelligence functions like SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR and DATESYTD; understanding the difference between a measure and a calculated column and when each is appropriate.
Deep understanding of how DAX evaluates expressions depending on the pivot consuming the measure, ability to predict and debug unexpected results using CALCULATE, REMOVEFILTERS, and ALLEXCEPT.
Calculated fields and items, GETPIVOTDATA, date and value grouping, slicers connected to multiple pivot tables simultaneously, timelines, and automatic refresh — including awareness of each feature's limitations.
Loading and cleaning CSV files, SQL tables, and other Excel workbooks via Power Query, then linking the output to the Power Pivot data model to produce a centralized, refreshable reporting layer.
Building dashboards with YoY comparisons, Top N customers or products, cross-filtered slicers, conditional formatting driven by DAX values, and a polished end-user experience that non-technical stakeholders can navigate.
Knowing when Power Pivot hits its limits and choosing between Excel, Power BI, SQL Server, or Access based on data volume, user count, refresh frequency, and governance requirements.
Awareness of PIVOTBY, GROUPBY, linked data types (stocks, geography), Power BI Service integration, and what Copilot adds (and doesn't add) to advanced pivot workflows in Microsoft 365.
Final scoring is performed by Claude (Anthropic), which reads back the full transcript and applies this weighted criteria grid.
Quality of DAX measures discussed, understanding of filter context, relationship management between tables, and ability to avoid classic traps like measures written over calculated columns or ambiguous relationships.
Use of calculated fields, multi-pivot slicers, timelines, GETPIVOTDATA, and advanced grouping options. Knowledge of the inherent limitations of each native pivot feature compared to DAX-based approaches.
Ability to choose the right approach (plain pivot, Power Pivot, Power BI) based on business context, data volume, and deployment constraints. Arguments are grounded in real project experience, not abstract theory.
Projects mentioned are specific, contextualized, and verifiable. Pitfalls are described honestly. The candidate clearly distinguishes what they built personally from what the team produced collectively.
Knowledge of PIVOTBY/GROUPBY, Power BI Service integration, linked data types, and how Copilot affects advanced Excel workflows in Microsoft 365 — showing the candidate actively keeps their skills current.
A Plume session takes about 20 minutes, from tech check to badge delivery.
The AI confirms your microphone is working and that you're in a quiet environment. A short test exchange lets you get comfortable with the conversational format before the real session begins.
You briefly introduce yourself and describe the most significant Excel or Power Pivot project you've worked on recently — business context, data volume, tools used, and the outcome delivered.
The AI interviewer probes the details: your DAX measures, how you handle filter context, your data model architecture, your choices between Power Query, Power Pivot, and Power BI, and cases where you advised against using Power Pivot.
The AI presents a concrete scenario — for example, a monthly dashboard with YoY evolution, a Top 10 customers ranking, and dynamic slicers — and asks you to walk through your approach from data load to final delivery.
Claude Opus reads the transcript, calculates a 0-100 score, and assigns a certified level. You receive a detailed competency report and a shareable badge URL ready to post on LinkedIn or attach to your CV.
Your score out of 100 translates into a level a recruiter can grasp at a glance.
You build basic pivot tables from a single flat table, use report filters and simple slicers, but haven't worked with the data model or written any DAX. Power Pivot is still unfamiliar territory for you.
You load multiple tables into the Power Pivot data model, create simple relationships, and write basic DAX measures like SUM, CALCULATE, and ratios. You deliver functional dashboards but still avoid time intelligence functions and complex filter manipulation.
You design star schemas, fully understand filter context, and use SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, DATESYTD, ALL, and FILTER independently. You connect Power Query upstream, build multi-pivot slicers, and know when to recommend Power BI instead of Excel.
You architect complex data models in Excel, debug subtle DAX measure behavior, train teams on the data model paradigm, and make informed trade-offs between Excel, Power BI, and SQL based on volume, governance, and deployment needs. You track new Excel features and integrate them into your practice as soon as they're production-ready.
No degree or years of experience required to take the badge. Here are the profiles it makes the most sense for.
You produce monthly reports, budgets, and YoY analyses in Excel. The badge proves you're not just consolidating basic pivot tables — you're genuinely modeling data with Power Pivot and DAX.
You work in Excel before potentially moving to Power BI or SQL. The badge gives you a credible, verifiable signal of your intermediate-to-advanced skill level for recruiters looking for hybrid Excel-BI profiles.
You pitch on projects where advanced Excel proficiency is a selection criterion. A verifiable Plume badge is worth a lot more than a self-declared 'Advanced Excel' line on a proposal or resume.
You run advanced Excel training sessions or lead Power Pivot deployment projects. The badge validates your technical and pedagogical expertise to clients who need more than your word for it.
You've been strong in Excel for years and want to show you don't need to start from scratch to work with data. Power Pivot and DAX are your bridge into the BI world, and the badge makes that visible.
Where and how your Excel Pivot & Power Pivot badge will help you day to day.
A recruiter asks about your Excel level. Instead of saying 'advanced', you share your Plume badge URL showing your DAX score and Advanced certification. The conversation jumps straight to real case discussions.
A consulting firm needs someone who can independently deliver a multi-source Power Pivot model. Your Plume badge and detailed report confirm your capability without requiring a separate technical test during selection.
You're targeting a senior controller role. The badge gives your manager objective evidence that you can take ownership of migrating the monthly reporting to Power Pivot, rather than just claiming you could handle it.
You're pitching an advanced Excel training program to an IT department. The badge serves as an objective proof of your own skill level that you can share with the training manager alongside your course outline.
Your company is considering moving from Excel Power Pivot to Power BI Desktop. Your badge shows you already speak DAX and understand the data model, positioning you as the natural lead for the migration.
You add the badge to the Licenses and Certifications section of your LinkedIn. Profile visitors see a verifiable link to your score and report — not just a self-endorsed skill with endorsements from colleagues.
A few minutes to check you have everything you need.
At the end of your session you don't just get a score — here's everything that awaits you.
Get a precise numeric score and a certified level (Novice / Proficient / Advanced / Expert) that accurately reflects your real command of advanced pivot tables, the Power Pivot data model, and DAX.
A full written report breaks down what you demonstrated mastery of — filter context handling, time intelligence, star schema design — and what you can still deepen. Useful for planning your next learning steps.
Your oral session is securely stored and stays private by default. You choose whether to share it with a recruiter or client who wants to hear your answers directly — full control stays with you.
Get a public URL pointing to your badge and score. Add it to LinkedIn, your PDF resume, or a job application email to prove your Excel Power Pivot skills without any ambiguity.
Discover related skills you can validate with Plume.
A 15-min oral exam with an AI, a shareable badge for your recruiters.
Choose this badge · €19.99
