Comprehensive Guide to Learning Microsoft Excel: Top Courses and Resources

Microsoft Excel is an essential tool for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and data analysis skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, there are numerous resources available to help you master Excel. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best Microsoft Excel courses and resources, perfect for your blog post in the Microsoft Excel niche.

1. GoSkills Basic & Advanced Excel Courses

GoSkills offers a range of Excel courses that cater to both beginners and advanced users. Their Microsoft Excel 365 – Basic & Advanced course is CPD-accredited and designed to improve your skills quickly, regardless of your role or industry. The course includes:

• Premium Video Tutorials: Comprehensive video lessons that cover everything from basic navigation to advanced data analysis.
• Award-Winning Instructors: Expert instructors who provide personalized learning experiences.
• Personalized Learning: Self-paced learning with downloadable exercise files and solutions.
• Get Certified: Earn a highly sought-after Excel certification.
• Mobile Learning: Accessible on-the-go with mobile support.
• Unlimited Tests and Quizzes: Regularly updated content with unlimited test attempts to ensure you grasp the material thoroughly.

2. Free Excel Resources

If you’re on a budget or prefer free resources, there are several excellent options available:

• GoSkills & HubSpot Academy Excel for Marketers Course: This free course is perfect for marketers and business professionals. It covers common formulas, functions, and shortcuts, and can be completed in under two hours. You’ll receive a certificate of achievement upon completion.
• Microsoft’s Excel for Windows Training: Microsoft’s official training center offers a wealth of free tutorials, videos, and guides for both beginners and advanced users. The content is organized into functional learning modules, making it easy to understand and apply.
• The Spreadsheet Page: This resource provides professionally designed Excel templates that you can download and customize for personal, business, or educational purposes. It also includes a free course called “Excel in an Hour,” which includes 16 easy-to-digest tutorial videos, downloadable exercise files, and a certificate of completion.

3. Paid Excel Courses

For those willing to invest in their Excel training, here are some top-notch paid courses:

• Lynda.com’s Excel Training Tutorials: With a membership starting at $19.99/month, Lynda.com offers over 100 Excel courses and 4,000 video tutorials. Their courses cover every version of Excel and any level of expertise, from broad topics like “Excel 2016 Essential Training” to niche topics like “Excel Workshop: Building a Dynamic Heat Map.”
• Coursera’s Excel Courses: Coursera partners with top universities to offer college- or grad school-level courses. Their Excel-related courses, such as “Mastering Data Analysis in Excel” and “Excel to MySQL: Analytic Techniques for Business,” provide a comprehensive learning experience.

4. Certification Programs

Earning a certification can significantly enhance your career prospects. Here’s a certification program you might consider:

• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel 365/2019 Certification Program: This certification is provided through Certiport and is recognized globally. The exam is given online and proctored by an ICT Maxwell School staff member. This certification will set you apart in today’s competitive job market.

5. Additional Resources

Other notable resources include:

• The Excel Essentials Series by Indiana University: This series includes five courses and a final online exam. It covers basic features, charting, data analysis with PivotTables, and more. Each course includes step-by-step instruction, exercise files, instructional videos, and quizzes to check comprehension.
• Trump Excel: Created by Sumit Bansal, a Microsoft Excel MVP award winner, this site offers a huge number of free Excel tutorials and videos. The course includes seven hours of self-paced video lessons and covers essential spreadsheet features, data analysis, and automation.

Conclusion

Mastering Microsoft Excel is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your productivity and career prospects. Whether you choose to learn through free resources like GoSkills and HubSpot Academy or invest in paid courses like Lynda.com, there are numerous options available to suit every learning style and budget. Additionally, earning a certification like the MOS Excel 365/2019 can further validate your skills. By following these tips and resources, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Excel expert.

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Next Steps

1. Enroll in a Course: Choose a suitable Microsoft Excel course based on your level and needs. We recommend starting with the GoSkills Basic & Advanced Excel Course for a comprehensive learning experience.
2. Utilize Free Resources: If you’re just starting out, take advantage of free resources like Microsoft’s Excel for Windows Training and the Excel for Marketers Course by GoSkills and HubSpot Academy.
3. Consider Certification: If you are serious about mastering Excel, look into the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Excel 365/2019 Certification Program to enhance your resume.
4. Explore Further Learning: For more advanced techniques and specialized knowledge, check out Coursera’s Excel courses, such as “Mastering Data Analysis in Excel.”
5. Stay Updated: Regularly visit websites like Excel Foundations for new articles, ebook offerings, and tutorials to keep your skills sharp.