A method and apparatus for importing digital switching system data into a spreadsheet program. Via the switch data examiner of the present invention, raw data from a digital switch/switching system such as the 5ESS.RTM. is converted by the switch data examiner to a format compatible with a spread sheet such as Microsoft.RTM. Excel, and output to worksheets and workbooks of the spreadsheet for easy accessing, and modifying data by users such as customer technical support engineers, testers, and Operation, Administration and Maintenance personnel. In contradistinction to the prior art, the user need not access the switch data one entry at a time, or download all data into a text file or the like, for time-consuming perusal, and need not have extensive knowledge of the commands associated with the particular switching system database.