Best Courses for Learning Microsoft Excel
Learning Microsoft Excel is a valuable skill for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and data analysis capabilities. With numerous courses available online, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. This guide categorizes the best courses for learning Microsoft Excel by level and focus, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Beginner Courses
-
Excel Skills for Business Specialization (Coursera)
Overview: This course is ideal for beginners, focusing on business applications of Excel. It covers the fundamentals including performing calculations, formatting data, and working with data.
Syllabus:
- Excel intro
- Performing calculations
- Formatting data
- Working with data
- Printing spreadsheets
- Charting data
-
Excel for Everyone Professional Certificate (edX)
Overview: This course is designed for complete beginners who may feel less computer savvy. It covers the basics of Excel, including using text and formulas and basic functions.
Syllabus:
- Excel fundamentals
- Using text and formulas
- Basic Excel functions
- Modifying and formatting data
- Inserting images and shapes
- Basic charts
- Working with templates
- PivotTables and PowerPivot
-
Microsoft Excel – Excel from Beginner to Advanced (Udemy)
Overview: This comprehensive course includes 218 lectures covering a wide array of topics from beginner to advanced levels.
Syllabus:
- Excel fundamentals
- Using text and formulas
- Editing and formatting data
- Inserting charts
- Working with templates
- PivotTables and PowerPivot
Intermediate Courses
-
Excel Skills for Data Analytics and Visualization Specialization (Coursera)
Overview: Ideal for users who want to take their skills further into data analytics, this course includes advanced topics such as data modeling and workbook collaboration.
Syllabus:
- Advanced data analysis
- Data visualization techniques
- Advanced formulas and functions
- Workbook collaboration
- Macros and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
-
Excel Skills for Business Forecasting Specialization (Coursera)
Overview: This course focuses on using Excel for effective business forecasting, covering key advanced methodologies and tools.
Syllabus:
- Data modeling techniques
- Formula auditing
- Business forecasting essentials
Advanced Courses
-
Excel VBA Programming – The Complete Guide (Udemy)
Overview: Designed for users looking to delve into VBA programming, this course covers advanced automation techniques and creating macros.
Syllabus:
- Introduction to VBA
- Creating macros
- Automating tasks efficiently
- Advanced programming techniques
Free Resources
For those on a budget or looking for a starting point, there are several free resources available:
-
GoSkills & HubSpot Academy Excel for Marketers Course
This course is designed for marketers but is universally applicable. It covers common formulas, functions, and shortcuts in Excel, and you can complete it in under two hours.
-
Microsoft’s Excel for Windows Training
This training hub from Microsoft includes organized learning modules with practical videos that are easy to follow.
-
Trump Excel
This site offers a comprehensive collection of free Excel tutorials and videos, including hundreds of Excel functions with examples and practical tips.
Paid Resources
For those seeking more structured learning, here are some paid options:
-
GoSkills Excel Certification Courses
GoSkills offers a variety of Excel certification courses that are well-structured and interactive, making them ideal for learners looking for real-world applications.
-
Excel Everest
Providers hundreds of exercises and video tutorials embedded in sample Excel spreadsheets, designed to apply new knowledge in practical scenarios.
Conclusion
Choosing the right course to learn Microsoft Excel can significantly enhance your productivity and ability to analyze data. From comprehensive specializations available on platforms like Coursera and edX to practical free resources, there are options suitable for every learner. Explore these courses today to unlock your potential with Excel.
If this guide was helpful, consider supporting our mission at Excel Foundations by donating or check out our latest ebook for more in-depth Excel resources.
Next Steps
- Choose a Course: Review the courses listed in this article and select one that fits your current skill level and goals. For further recommendations, check out our post on the best Excel courses available.
- Enroll and Commit: Once you’ve chosen a course, enroll and set aside dedicated time each week to engage with the material. Consistency is key to mastering Excel.
- Practice Regularly: As you progress through the chosen course, ensure you practice the techniques learned. Use real-world data or download practice datasets to hone your skills.
- Supplement Your Learning: Enhance your learning by utilizing free resources such as Microsoft’s Excel Training and the Trump Excel website for additional tips and tutorials.
- Join Online Communities: Engage with other learners by joining online forums or community groups focused on Excel. This will help you share experiences, solve problems, and learn from one another.
- Consider Certification: After completing your chosen course, consider obtaining a certification to validate your skills. Look into options like the GoSkills Excel Certification Courses.