In 2021, almost every company uses Microsoft Excel. Whether you’re starting a new business, attempting to enhance an existing one, or seeking a job, mastering this software will look good on your resume. If you want to learn how to use Excel in the best way possible, you should enroll in one of the best online Excel courses, classes, or training.
This guide will show you the best Excel training courses and certificate programs available in 2021. These will help you learn advanced formulas for financial analysis, complex tasks, and business analytics. You can earn a professional certificate in Excel and show employers that you have what it takes to thrive on the job.
It’s crunch time for that big business project at work. You need to input a massive amount of data and it seems like a Herculean task. What do you do? That’s where the excellent Microsoft Excel comes in to save the day.
If you have spent any amount of time on computers, you are likely familiar with Microsoft. Even if you use different operating systems and computers, Microsoft’s Office 365 subscription service is extremely popular and widespread.
While programs like PowerPoint and Word have become synonymous with workplace productivity and business intelligence, one standout program in the Office 365 suite, Microsoft Excel, does a surprising amount of heavy lifting. Let’s see what Microsoft Excel is all about and what makes it unique. Furthermore, let’s explore if it’s worth taking Excel courses.
What Is Excel?
Excel is a data analysis program that can perform a wide range of activities, including data comparison and presentation in a variety of formats. You can use Excel to create spreadsheets and automate data organization so you can streamline your process. Excel is used for everything from making schedules to creating budgets.
Excel is full of excellent tools and advanced features that can help business analysts and other professionals organize data. It is an invaluable spreadsheet program that can create dynamic charts to help you with trend analysis and basic calculations. Every professional can find a way to use Excel and its business intelligence tools to their advantage.
What Makes Microsoft Excel Unique?
Microsoft Excel is a fantastic data-entry spreadsheet program. Sure, you could use it to input numbers for something like tax records, but seasoned Excel users know how to harness the program for all its worth.
Businesses often extensively use various aspects of Microsoft Excel to organize their business. Whether it’s the fantastic financial modeling, the ability for data visualization, data modeling, or averaging out class test scores, there’s a reason that Microsoft Excel has thrived for over 30 years.
Excel Beginner Terms
There’s some key terminology to master if you want to learn Excel. We’ve created a small glossary for you to have working knowledge before taking some Excel courses.
Spreadsheet
This is basically the default screen you see when you boot up Microsoft Excel. It’s filled with numerous cells, columns, and rows.
Cells
Cells are the main things you see when you boot up Excel. These are the rectangular boxes appearing as the combination of rows and columns. This is where all of the data you wish to enter goes.
You can significantly customize all cells for better identification and preference.
Columns and Rows
These are what keep your cells organized. Columns are vertical and rows are horizontal.
Formulas
That’s right, you can enter formulas to execute mathematics or display functions in different cells. For example, you can select a range of cells containing numbers and choose a formula to execute. This is especially helpful if you’re compiling statistical data or performing in-depth data visualization or data analysis.
Microsoft Excel has multiple pre-made formulas for you to choose, or you can create conditional ones tailored to your specific data. They aren’t all complicated either, as you can perform basic math like adding the values of two columns together or finding the average of a range of data.
Key Built-In Excel Functions to Explore
Not merely a program for entering numbers (although you could absolutely use it for just that), Microsoft Excel is a surprisingly powerful program. Let’s take a quick look at some special built-in functions in Microsoft Excel.
Conditional Formatting
As you’d probably expect, conditional formatting is when you apply certain conditions to a cell or range of cells. This could be anything from changing the cell’s background color to making the cells adhere to a specific formula. This is where formulas and functions come in handy, especially with massive datasets.
Sorting
Sorting is a pretty straightforward yet extremely effective method of parsing out data. If you look at a giant dataset, it can be intimidating looking at a bunch of seemingly mixed up numbers. However, if you choose to sort by a specific metric (like age or name), you can make something like data visualization extremely easy.
Pivot Tables
Pivot tables are crucial tools to quickly and effectively sum up large amounts of data. They allow you to pull out important information from your dataset to examine. This makes parsing out vast amounts of data a little more tolerable and helps paint a clearer picture in the data visualization process.
Why Online Excel Courses Are Important for Professional Development
Online courses are designed to offer students a more convenient way of learning. In the case of online Excel courses, students can learn the essentials or delve deeper into advanced topics if they wish. Since there are various online courses available, it is good to know that many of them are designed to allow you to learn at your own pace.
For professional development, online Excel courses give you the ability to not only learn at your own pace but also acquire knowledge that may be beneficial for your career. You can choose a course that teaches you a specific skill, or you could choose a more general course. Online courses also allow you to stay up to date with new technology.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Excel?
Yes, one of the best Excel bootcamps is well worth the investment. A bootcamp can assist you with mastering crucial Microsoft Excel skills that can help you advance in your career. This learning experience can help you improve your spreadsheet abilities and teach you how to work with large amounts of data.
Coding bootcamps also have career services and job placement opportunities to help you thrive in the field. As well, learning Excel can help you earn more money. According to PayScale, the average salary for someone with Excel skills is $61,000. Online learning will help you increase your job prospects.
Overview: The Best Online Excel Courses, Classes, or Training
There are many online classes available, and quite a few are designed to allow you to learn at your own speed. You can choose whichever class and experience level is best suited for you. Read below to learn more about the best Excel courses and classes that you can access online.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Currier | Excel Exposure | $197 | 5 hours | No |
| Chandoo.org | VBA Classes | $97 to $347 | 6 – 12 months | No |
| Coursera | Introduction to Excel | $39 per month | 1.5 hours | No |
| GoSkills | Microsoft Excel – Basic and Advanced | €29 ($33) per month | Self-paced | No |
| IBM and Coursera | IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R | $39 per month | 3 – 9 months | Yes |
| IBM and Coursera | Excel Basics for Data Analysis | $39 per month | 12 hours | Yes |
| LinkedIn Learning | Excel 2016 Essential Training | $29.99 per month | 8 hours, 53 minutes | Yes |
| Macquarie University and Coursera | Excel Skills for Business Specialization | $39 per month | 6 months | Yes |
| Rice University | Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel | $29 to $99 | 4 weeks | Yes |
| Udemy | Master Microsoft Excel Macros and Excel VBA | $49.99 | 5 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Microsoft Excel – Excel from Beginner to Advanced | $12.99 | 18 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Advanced Excel Training | $12.99 | 4 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Microsoft Excel: Data Analysis with Excel Pivot Tables | $89.99 | 6.5 hours | Yes |
| University of Colorado and Coursera | Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving Specialization | $39 per month | 4 months | Yes |
| University of Colorado and Coursera | Everyday Excel Specialization | $39 per month | 4 months | Yes |
In Detail: The Best Online Excel Classes, Courses, or Training
Excel Exposure | Ben Currier
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- Subjects Covered: Formatting basics, data validation, macros, logical functions
Excel Exposure is an excellent choice for video-based learning. This is a self-paced course that is brief and covers a wide range of topics. Excel Exposure includes a premium course that costs approximately $197, but it also has a lot of free courses. Excel Exposure isn’t a one-size-fits-all class, though, as new courses are released regularly.
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Key Takeaway: Excel Exposure offers online Excel training at many different levels.
VBA Classes | Chandoo.org
- Learning Format: Online courses and resources
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: VBA
Chandoo’s objective is to help you become an expert in Excel. The online VBA Classes go a long way toward accomplishing that goal. Excel’s programming language is called VBA, which stands for Visual Basic for Applications. This site has a blog, forums, tutorials, and a free chart-making ebook to help you learn VBA.
Key Takeaway: This comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know to get started with VBA.
Introduction to Excel | Coursera
- Learning Format: Training
- Level: Beginner
- Subject Covered: Simple formulas, data analysis, spreadsheet creation
If you want to learn how to create an Excel spreadsheet as well as keyboard shortcuts, functions, and basic formulas, Coursera’s Introduction to Excel is a great place to start. Coursera offers beginner to advanced training and flexible learning so students can finish with shareable certificates.
This class requires you to complete exercises in a split-screen environment right in your browser, so you’ll learn as you perform them. You’ll finish the assignments on your workspace on the left side of the screen, and you’ll also see an instructor who will take you through the project step by step on the right side of the screen.
Key Takeaway: Anyone who is a complete beginner in Excel can benefit from this project-based course.
Microsoft Excel – Basic and Advanced | GoSkills
- Learning Format: Online class
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- Subjects Covered: Pivot tables, VLOOKUP, conditional math
GoSkills classes are excellent for professionals who like to study on the go. Because they are available on iOS and Android devices, you will be taught all you need to know just by using your phone. This course is suitable for novices, but it also covers subjects such as Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP.
You may commit as much or as little time to learning as you choose without being bound by a timetable, and you can assess your progress using tests and quizzes. The training program will take around 26 hours in total, with each lecture lasting about 30 minutes. The majority of the instructional videos are under six minutes.
Key Takeaway: The tests and quizzes that are included in this training will help you maintain the knowledge you have obtained after the successful completion of the class.
IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R | IBM and Coursera
- Learning Format: Online certificate course
- Level: Intermediate
- Subject Covered: Excel, Cognos, R programming
This professional certificate is for anybody looking to gain job-ready skills to become a data analyst. You’ll learn how to deal with various data sources and utilize sophisticated tools like Excel, Cognos Analytics, and the R programming language to become a data-driven practitioner and get a competitive advantage in the job market.
After taking this course, you will be ready to use Excel as a data analyst. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for data analysts is $67,294, and you can earn even more when you build your skills. This is why a broad range and level of learning is key if you want a great job.
Key Takeaway: With Excel and R, you can jumpstart your data analytics career and enhance your skill level.
Excel Basics for Data Analysis | IBM and Coursera
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Spreadsheets, data analysis
This course is intended to provide you with a basic understanding of how to use Excel spreadsheets for data analysis. It covers working with spreadsheets and how to apply them to data analysis. It offers a wide variety of instructional videos, demonstrations, and examples, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to create and practice on a real spreadsheet.
This course places a heavy emphasis on practice and applied learning. Each lab will provide you with hands-on experience handling data and will help you appreciate the importance of spreadsheets. Moreover, to make your data more structured and legible, you’ll convert it to a pivot table and learn how to use its advanced functions.
Key Takeaway: This course simplifies the process of learning complicated Excel functions to help you become an expert with ease.
Excel 2016 Essential Training | LinkedIn Learning
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Charts, pivot tables, macris, VLOOKUP
Dennis Taylor, Principal of Taylor Associates, is an Excel specialist who designed this LinkedIn Learning course. Its goal is to teach you how to use Microsoft Excel from scratch. The first part of the course introduces you to the Excel interface and menu structure, as well as how to enter, organize, modify, and format data using basic functions.
The course then moves on to more complex subjects, such as creating charts and Pivot Tables, dealing with numerous spreadsheets, and using powerful functions such as IF, VLOOKUP, and COUNTIF. You’ll also learn how to utilize data analysis tools, like Goal Seek and Solver, to automate activities and use macros to automate operations.
Key Takeaway: With this course from Dennis Taylor and LinkedIn Learning, you’ll be able to use shortcuts and functions to make your spreadsheets as functional as possible.
Excel Skills for Business Specialization | Macquarie University and Coursera
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- Subjects Covered: Macros, pivot tables, data predictions, dashboard creation
The Excel Skills for Business Specialization from Macquarie University is accessible on Coursera and contains four levels: Essentials, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, and Advanced. Macros, pivot tables, data predictions, and dashboard creation are just a few of the topics covered.
Each course will take six weeks to complete with two to four hours of learning every week, so this is a substantial time commitment. However, you may start with only one lesson and establish your own deadlines. Macquarie University also offers financial help and a free option for those who do not wish to get certified.
Key Takeaway: For self-learners and corporate users, this is the best Microsoft Excel Certification online course.
Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel | Rice University
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Intermediate
- Subject Covered: Formatting rows and columns, VLOOKUP, data filtering
This beginner course in Excel is part of Rice University’s Business Statistics and Analysis Specialization. It is intended for learners with a basic functional understanding of Excel and who use this program on a daily basis and want to enhance their skills. It is divided into four courses that move from fundamental tasks to more advanced topics.
Sharad Borle, the course’s creator, used simple and effective examples to assist learners not only understand but also apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations. The course includes various exams and tasks that require Windows Microsoft Excel 2010 or a later version.
Key Takeaway: If you want a university-level education in Excel, this course is a perfect choice to build your analysis skills.
Master Microsoft Excel Macros and Excel VBA | Udemy
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- subjects Covered: Macros, VBA, SUM function
This is an Excel VBA and macros project-based course. Kyle Pew, a Microsoft certified trainer with decades of expertise, created several different projects to help you learn. No prior programming knowledge is required because the Udemy course teaches important core ideas of programming within Excel.
The course includes comprehensive instructions in the form of video lectures and downloadable resources, such as PDF materials. It’s for those who use Excel for business and wish to automate their daily chores or create tiny Excel apps. This is one of the more advanced courses on the list, but it also teaches basic skills.
Key Takeaway: This great course that can help you gain more advanced skills by smoothly transforming you into a more competent Excel user.
Microsoft Excel – Excel from Beginner to Advanced | Udemy
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- Subjects Covered: Filing data, functions, inserting graphs
This Excel course is designed for intermediate learners. You will learn how to perform more complex operations, create files, pie charts, and graphs in multiple sheets, and build your creative skills in Excel. Udemy offers many different Excel courses on its platform, but this is one of the most comprehensive.
Key Takeaway: Learn everything you need to know about Excel with this all-inclusive course.
Advanced Excel Training | Udemy
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Functions, formulas, macros
This course from Udemy is a great choice if you want to learn more in-depth Excel skills. With only four hours of video, you can elevate your skills and earn a certificate of completion. The course focuses on a bit of comprehensive Excel training as well as the ROUND function. Everyone from project managers to financial analysts can benefit from this course.
Key Takeaway: If you already are familiar with Excel and you want to take the next step to become an expert, this is the course for you.
Microsoft Excel: Data Analysis with Excel Pivot Tables | Udemy
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Excel pivot tables and charts
This course will teach you how to use Excel pivot tables, one of the most sophisticated data analysis tools in Excel. It is the most effective Excel training tool that has the potential to enhance your data analysis abilities. You’ll learn how to analyze and transform raw data in order to find patterns, trends, and insights.
The course reviews essential Pivot Table routine tasks, such as sorting, filtering, and grouping tools, conditional formatting, calculating values, and using sample data from the IMDB Movie database. You’ll also learn data visualization and how to use Pivot Charts, Slicers, and Timelines to create dynamic dashboards.
Key Takeaway: To optimize your Excel process, gain a complete grasp of Excel pivot tables and Excel pivot charts.
Excel/VBA for Creative Problem Solving Specialization | University of Colorado and Coursera
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: VBA, arrays, text strings, programming
This specialization is for students who want to utilize Excel spreadsheets in a completely new way by learning how to automate and optimize them using VBA. The first two courses will employ dozens of educational screencasts, quizzes, and in-application programming tasks to teach learners VBA fundamentals.
Key Takeaway: This comprehensive course includes projects so you can add to your portfolio and practice Excel hands-on.
Everyday Excel Specialization | University of Colorado and Coursera
- Learning Format: Online course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Fundamentals of Excel, data management
This specialization is designed for students who want to learn everything about Microsoft Excel from the ground up. The first two courses will employ dozens of instructive screencasts, as well as quizzes and in-app tasks, to teach users the fundamentals of Excel. Eventually, students must perform and manage a range of open-ended real-world projects.
Key Takeaway: The University of Colorado offers this course that can help you build a versatile Excel portfolio.
Online Excel Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
A course is a collection of classes that focus on theoretical or conceptual learning. Courses can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Classes can be one-time video lessons that are usually part of a more extensive course but can also stand on their own. They’re sometimes known as workshops, lectures, and seminars.
Training is more hands-on because rather than studying the information of a subject, you are learning how to execute a specific task. Training can be in standalone programs or be incorporated in courses as a type of teaching method. It’s all about putting information into practice.
Choosing the right option comes down to which training program best suits your learning goals and your previous experience. If you’re looking to learn a specific subject regarding Excel, training or classes would be good options. However, if you’re looking to become an expert, courses would be a better choice because they are more comprehensive.
How to Choose the Right Online Excel Course, Class, or Training Program
Availability
Are you currently working? Are you enrolled in different courses? You need to determine how much time you can invest in learning Excel. For example, a class can last a few hours, while a course can last a few days or weeks. Hence, depending on your availability, you should decide which one would suit you best.
Compatibility
What style of learning helps you to understand a subject? If you’re a quick learner looking to grasp a quick and thorough understanding of certain aspects in Excel, joining a class would do you good. However, if you prefer a more hands-on approach in learning, training is what you need to go for. A course is best if you want to combine the two.
Cost
Some courses or classes are free, and others require a fee or monthly membership. While some bootcamps offer Excel courses at an affordable price, you need to know that there are a number of options online, so do your research before deciding. Courses at the beginner level are usually more affordable than advanced learning.
Excel Course Certificates vs Certifications
A certificate is something most programs provide as an indication that you have successfully completed a course. On the other hand, certification is something that a third-party provides which states that the holder possesses specialized skills, knowledge, and experience in Excel. You can only get a certification from passing an industry-specific exam.
If you’re wondering which one is better, you should assess your learning goals. Both a certificate and a certification would look good on your resume, but you can only get a certification if you already have specific knowledge. So, start with a certificate, and then try to take Excel certification exams when you’re ready.
Importance of Excel Certifications
A Microsoft Excel certification can help you stand out in the job market by demonstrating to employers and hiring managers that you have the skills to accomplish the job. In many circumstances, an Excel certification may be required to get hired. Certifications prove your skills and help show employers that you’re committed to learning.
Why You Should Take Online Excel Courses or Classes
Learning Excel through a course will improve your employability and professional opportunities while also serving as a valuable tool for analyzing data in everyday life. If you want to get a job in data analysis or work in any managerial role, you should get Excel experience. Use the guide above to help you decide which Excel course is best for you.
Taking any Excel training courses will benefit you greatly. Even if you consider yourself computer illiterate, learning valuable aspects of the iconic spreadsheet program can help you in business, school, and your free time. It’s an extremely versatile program in which you can simply enter numbers or take part in complicated and multifaceted data analysis.
Employers often look for proficiency with specific computer programs, like Microsoft Excel, when hiring potential employees. Showing any sort of certificate or classes taken can give you an edge in the interviewing process.
Whichever Excel courses you choose, learning any information about Microsoft Excel is well worth any price.
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