Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences

Spreadsheet Integrity and Reliability Assurance Training

SAQA US 258878 | NQF 4 | Credits 3 | Duration 1 Day
From $691 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills to ensure spreadsheet integrity, enhancing the reliability of data and outputs. Participants will learn to identify and mitigate errors, apply validation techniques, and implement controls to maintain spreadsheet accuracy. The course focuses on practical strategies to improve confidence in spreadsheet-based decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply data validation rules to control input and reduce errors.
  • Analyze spreadsheet formulas and functions to identify and correct inconsistencies.
  • Implement security measures to protect spreadsheet integrity.
  • Evaluate spreadsheet outputs for accuracy and reliability using testing techniques.
  • Design documentation and version control practices to ensure traceability.
  • Demonstrate the use of error-checking tools and auditing features in spreadsheet software.

Target Audience

Professionals who create, maintain, or rely on spreadsheets for data analysis, reporting, or decision-making, including data capturers, analysts, financial officers, and administrators.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment. However, basic computer literacy and familiarity with spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) are recommended.

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Spreadsheet Integrity and Assurance

Objectives:
• Understand the importance of spreadsheet integrity in business decision-making
• Identify common sources of errors and risks in spreadsheets
• Apply principles of spreadsheet design to minimise errors
• Implement basic validation and audit techniques
• Develop a personal checklist for spreadsheet quality assurance

Topics:
• Introduction to spreadsheet integrity: definitions and business impact
• Common spreadsheet errors: data entry, formula, and logic errors
• Principles of robust spreadsheet design: separation, clarity, and documentation
• Data validation techniques: input restrictions, dropdown lists, and conditional formatting
• Basic auditing tools: trace precedents, dependents, and error checking
• Version control and change tracking best practices
• Developing a quality assurance checklist for spreadsheets
• Case study: identifying and correcting errors in a sample spreadsheet

Practicals

3 hours of practicals To be conducted online or on-campus or in-house
Overview

Learners will apply integrity principles by building and auditing a sample spreadsheet. Practical sessions reinforce error detection, validation setup, and documentation skills.

Practical Activities
  • Spreadsheet Design and Validation — Learners design a simple financial spreadsheet with input validation, clear labels, and separation of inputs and calculations. (1h)
  • Auditing and Error Detection — Learners use Excel auditing tools to trace precedents and dependents, identify formula errors, and correct them in a provided spreadsheet. (1h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored) 100% 30%
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 50%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Practicals 30% + Daily Average 20% + Final Test 50%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
No online sessions scheduled yet.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Contact Us
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
No on-campus sessions scheduled yet.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Contact Us
In-House training — we bring the trainer to your organisation, tailored to your team.
No in-house sessions scheduled yet.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Contact Us
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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