Financial Modelling Test Practice

Most modelling tests hand you assumptions and a partially built workbook, then give you 30 to 90 minutes to complete a forecast that balances. Some add a valuation output — a DCF or a quick returns calculation. The grader opens your file afterwards and looks at three things: are the outputs right, are they calculated rather than typed, and can a stranger follow the build.

That last part surprises people. A test is not a maths exam; it is a work sample. Inconsistent formulas across forecast years, missing number formats, and a balance sheet that only balances because of a plug all read as red flags even when the final numbers are close.

StreetCred's free diagnostic mirrors the most common test format: the Greenfield Retail Group case gives you an assumptions tab and an integrated 3-statement model to complete in about 30 minutes. The scorer checks 48 cells — revenue builds for both business lines, statement links, and closing outputs — and every scored cell must contain a live formula.

You get 3 scored attempts, and upload validation failures do not use one up. Most candidates find their first report humbling in a useful way: it separates 'I understand 3-statement mechanics' from 'my cash flow statement ties out under time pressure'.

Every StreetCred case has an answer key that maps specific workbook cells to expected values. When you upload your .xlsx, the scorer opens it and compares each scored cell against the key within a numeric tolerance, so a rounding difference does not cost you points but a broken revenue build does.

Cells that should be calculated are also checked for a live formula. If you type the right number into an output cell instead of linking it through the model, the scorer flags it as a hardcode and tells you so in the report: correct value, zero credit for process.

Your process score weights formula quality at 70% and workbook hygiene, such as explicit number formats for currency, percentages, and multiples, at 30%. The report breaks results down by module and lists your top deductions, so you know exactly which schedule to rebuild next.