Excel Intermediate Training Course: A Comprehensive Guide

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your productivity and data analysis skills. For those who have already mastered the basics, an intermediate Excel training course can help you delve deeper into advanced functionalities, making you more efficient and proficient in handling complex data tasks. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best intermediate Excel training course and provide valuable tips for learning Microsoft Excel.

Key Topics Covered in Intermediate Excel Courses

• Logical, Date, and Text Functions
  • Logical Functions: IF(), SUMIF(), COUNTIF(), AVERAGEIF(), AND, OR, NOT
  • Date & Time Functions: TODAY(), NOW(), DATE(), WEEKDAY()
  • Text Functions: LEFT(), RIGHT(), MID(), FIND(), UPPER, LOWER, CONCATENATE
• Working with Lists
  • Sorting Data: Sorting data by one or multiple columns
  • Filtering Data: Filtering records in a list
  • Querying Data: Using database functions like DSUM
• Using Tables to Analyze Data
  • Creating and Modifying Tables: Intermediate and advanced conditional formatting
  • Data Validation: Restricting data types or values entered into cells
• Visualizing Data with Charts
  • Creating Charts: Basic and advanced chart features
  • Modifying and Formatting Charts: Enhancing chart appearance and functionality
• Analyzing Data with PivotTables and PivotCharts
  • Creating PivotTables: Analyzing data using PivotTables
  • Visualizing Data with PivotCharts: Filtering data using timelines and slicers
• Advanced Data Manipulation Techniques
  • Using Custom Templates: Maintaining consistent branding and styles across documents
  • Protecting Workbooks: Applying workbook protection levels and unlocking cells in protected worksheets
• Mastering Advanced Functions
  • VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP: Advanced applications and hidden tricks
  • Nested Functions: Combining functions for ultra-precise data filtering

Best Resources for Intermediate Excel Training

1. SkillForge Intermediate Excel Training

   This course covers Microsoft Excel versions 2013, 2016, and 2019, as well as Office 365. It includes hands-on training on using named ranges, logical functions, date functions, text functions, and more. The course also covers working with lists, using tables, visualizing data with charts, and analyzing data with PivotTables and PivotCharts.

2. Microsoft Excel Training Center

   Microsoft’s official training center offers a wealth of free tutorials, videos, and guides for both beginners and intermediate users. The resources are divided by skill level, making it easy to find content tailored to your needs. From sorting and filtering data to advanced IF functions and pivot tables, Microsoft’s training center is an excellent starting point.

3. Lynda.com’s Excel Training Tutorials

   For those willing to invest in their training, Lynda.com offers a comprehensive library of Excel courses. With over 100 Excel courses and 4,000 video tutorials, Lynda.com covers every version of Excel and every level of expertise. Their courses include broad topics like “Excel 2016 Essential Training” and niche topics like “Excel 2016: Pivot Tables in Depth”.

4. American Graphics Institute (AGI) Intermediate Excel Course

   AGI’s intermediate Excel course focuses on advanced functionality, including summarizing and organizing data with PivotTables, writing advanced functions using VLOOKUP, and creating advanced charts. The course also covers statistical formulas like COUNTIFS and SUMIFS, and teaches efficient navigation techniques and data validation methods.

5. Coursera’s Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate I

   This online course on Coursera is designed to help you manage large datasets and create meaningful reports. It covers working with multiple worksheets and workbooks, combining data, managing datasets, and performing calculations across multiple sources. The course includes practical videos, readings, assignments, and a discussion prompt to ensure comprehensive learning.

Tips for Learning Microsoft Excel

• Start with the Basics: Ensure you have a solid foundation in basic Excel tasks before moving to intermediate levels. Review foundational tasks like workbook navigation, formulas, cell ranges, and formatting.
• Practice Regularly: Practice is key to mastering Excel. Start with simple exercises and gradually move to more complex tasks. Use real-world data to apply your skills.
• Use Online Resources: Utilize online resources like Microsoft’s training center, Lynda.com, and Coursera to supplement your learning. These platforms offer a wide range of tutorials and courses tailored to different skill levels.
• Join a Community: Joining an Excel community or forum can provide valuable support and insights from other users. Websites like Chandoo and The Spreadsheet Page offer a wealth of information and tips from experienced users.
• Take a Course: Consider enrolling in a structured course like those offered by SkillForge, AGI, or Coursera. These courses provide hands-on training and the opportunity to ask questions from live instructors.

By following these tips and choosing the right intermediate Excel training course, you can significantly enhance your Excel skills and become more proficient in handling complex data tasks. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or simply become more efficient in your daily work, mastering Microsoft Excel is an invaluable skill that can open up a wide range of opportunities.

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Next Steps

1. Enroll in an Intermediate Training Course: Take the first step towards mastering Excel by enrolling in a comprehensive course. Consider options like SkillForge Intermediate Excel Training or Coursera’s Excel Skills for Business: Intermediate I.
2. Utilize Online Learning Resources: Supplement your training with free resources from the Microsoft Excel Training Center or explore in-depth tutorials and videos on Lynda.com.
3. Practice with Real Datasets: Apply your skills by downloading sample datasets and working on real-world Excel problems. Look for datasets that challenge you to use functions, data manipulation, and visualization techniques learned in your course.
4. Join an Excel Community: Connect with fellow Excel learners by joining online forums like Chandoo or The Spreadsheet Page. Engaging with a community can provide support and new insights as you enhance your skills.
5. Follow Structured Learning Paths: Consider structured paths to advance your learning, such as the AGI Intermediate Excel Course, which covers advanced functionalities essential for data analysis.