Understanding Your Exam Environment
During a written-response exam on Nexam, you may be required to write answers, perform calculations in a spreadsheet, or use both tools.
Depending on your exam settings, your workspace may include:
A text editor to write your answers.
A Google Sheets spreadsheet to perform calculations, use formulas, and organize your data.
A document viewer on the right side of the screen to consult supplementary documents provided with the exam.
Checking the Language and Number Format
Before your exam, make sure the function language and number format match your preferences.
These two settings are independent and may affect how your formulas work, particularly decimal separators and function argument separators.
To learn how to configure these settings, refer to our article: How to Change the Language and Number Format in the Nexam Spreadsheet?
Understanding the Differences Between Excel and Google Sheets
The spreadsheet integrated into Nexam uses Google Sheets. It works similarly to Excel, but there are some differences you should be aware of before your exam.
Feature | Excel | Google Sheets on Nexam |
Formulas | Wide range of functions | Many functions are identical, but some may differ or be unavailable |
Keyboard shortcuts | Excel-specific shortcuts | Some shortcuts may differ |
Macros | Supports VBA macros | VBA macros are not supported |
Version history | Depends on how the file is saved | Accessible from the File menu |
Examples of Financial Formulas
The following functions are available in Google Sheets, just as they are in Excel.
Function | French | English |
Present Value | VA | PV |
Net Present Value | VAN | NPV |
Syntax examples:
Present Value:
French: =VA(taux; nombre_de_périodes; montant_paiement; valeur_future; fin_ou_début)
English: =PV(rate, number_of_periods, payment_amount, future_value, end_or_beginning)
Net Present Value:
French: =VAN(taux; flux1; flux2)
English: =NPV(rate, cashflow1, cashflow2)
These examples illustrate the function syntax based on the corresponding language and number format settings. Replace the parameters with your values or cell references.
The function language and number format are independent settings. Make sure your formulas follow the settings selected in your spreadsheet.
For more information about other available functions, refer to the Google Sheets function list.
Recovering a Previous Version of Your Spreadsheet
If you accidentally delete data or make an unintended change, you can consult the version history.
To access it:
Click File in the spreadsheet.
Select Version history.
Click See version history.
Review the available versions to locate your content.
This feature can help you recover information lost due to an accidental change.
Understanding Copy-and-Paste Restrictions
During a remote exam, certain features may be restricted depending on the settings established by the exam administrator.
For example, you may not be able to select or copy text from documents displayed in the viewer on the right side of the screen.
If text selection or copying and pasting does not work, this may be due to your exam restrictions.
In this case, you must follow the permissions established for your exam session.
Preparing Before Exam Day
To avoid technical difficulties, take a few minutes to check your equipment and familiarize yourself with Nexam.
Before your exam:
Log in to Nexam.
From the left-hand menu, select Validate Your Device.
Complete the available tests to check your device and Internet connection.
Make sure you are using a compatible computer and an up-to-date browser, preferably Google Chrome.
If a practice simulation has been assigned to you, use it to familiarize yourself with the workspace and available tools.
Check the spreadsheet's language and number format settings to ensure they match your preferences.
For more information, refer to the articles Required Technical Requirements and Final Checks Before an Online Exam, particularly for instructions on disabling notifications.