Microsoft Access Training Cost

Looking to learn Microsoft Access?You can purchase Microsoft Access as part of a yearly subscription to Microsoft 365 for $70.A free trial of Microsoft Access is also available.Beyond upfront costs, you’ll want to consider the cost of training. Training in Microsoft Access varies. Free tutorials can be found as well as professional classes which cost around $200-$300 per course. Read on to learn more about how much you can expect to spend learning Microsoft Access.

What is Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a database management software. Access is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is standard for business and enterprise users. Like Microsoft Excel, Access lets users view and manage data. However, Access is more powerful than Excel and can process more data at once. While Excel is appropriate for viewing and managing data in a spreadsheet format, Access is more suitable for managing entire databases. 

Access allows users to create several tables containing their own data that need to be tracked separately and connect those tables. These connected tables make up a database. And, just like with tables, users can connect databases to track relationships. Within Access, users can also query databases to find the necessary information. As with Excel, users can easily export reports from data within Access to create reports for printing and sharing with stakeholders. These multiple features included in Access allow entrepreneurs and businesses to gather large amounts of data, gain insights and take action on operations, projects, and performance.

Read more about what Microsoft Access is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is used to build simple database management systems where entrepreneurs and businesses can store large amounts of data. Users can create tables for managing data and can connect those tables to track relationships. The insights gained from these relationships allow businesses to acquire valuable insights regarding their financials, inventory and sales, productivity, and project management, among others. Databases also function for purposes such as keeping track of employee information or managing client/server forms.

When it comes to sharing data, Access makes it easy to compile data and format reports. Data converts into colorful charts and graphs, making this visualization of data helpful for presenting insights to stakeholders. Charts are also customizable to your needs, including interactive elements. Reports have a variety of options as well. They can be printed, exported to another file or program, or emailed as an attachment.

Access' simple interface and built-in tools make it an excellent resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs who may need more application-building experience. Access can also create desktop or web applications. Developers can create macros, build modules, and develop their own code libraries. Access is also helpful for larger companies that want to develop their own applications without the cost of outsourcing.

In-Depth Review of the Training Cost

There are three training formats for learning Microsoft Access: live online, in-person, and on-demand training. Prices vary between each method, and each method has various advantages and disadvantages specific to every individual’s learning style and life situation.

In-person training can be the most expensive method of the three. While in-person training often features a professional instructor and has similar upfront costs as live online training, in-person training often possesses hidden costs in the form of commutes and classroom supplies. Live online training seeks to simulate an in-person classroom environment without the commute, saving students on extraneous costs. They also tend to be slightly cheaper than in-person training overall.

Noble Desktop offers two levels of live online Microsoft Access courses. Both courses cost $229. The Level I course is ideal for beginners to gain a comprehensive understanding of the program. This course is all most people will need to learn how to use Microsoft Access confidently. Professionals wishing to become experts in the program should attend the Level II Microsoft Access course to learn all the advanced features. Live online and on-demand Microsoft Access training offered through other schools feature similar prices and course content. 

Professionals may also be interested in additional training through Microsoft Access Certification Programs that combine learning the features of Microsoft Access with certification exam prep. These classes are ideal for those looking to learn Microsoft Access and advance their career in one stroke. These courses cost more than traditional Microsoft Access training (anywhere from $500-$900) and partially vary based on the desired Microsoft Word certification level (specialist or expert).

Free live online and on-demand Microsoft Access introductory courses and seminars may be available through some institutions. These courses are usually enough to learn the program’s most basic tools but not to comprehensively learn the program. Noble Desktop offers free Microsoft Access learning hubs designed to guide students interested in learning Microsoft Access on how and where to find the best training materials and other resources.

Free on-demand training includes courses from Coursera, Udemy, YouTube, and similar skill-sharing websites. These courses tend to be under two hours and feature both comprehensive overviews of Access for beginner learners and guides on how to complete specific tasks within the program. The downside of these courses is having no instructor or peers to turn to with questions or struggles. Advancing through these classes also requires personal motivation rather than an official class schedule. Some students may struggle to continue through the material due to the lack of accountability. Even with motivation, these courses will not be comprehensive enough for professionals looking to advance their careers by learning the ins and outs of the program.

Free Introductory Microsoft Access Course Online 

If you are still deciding whether to dive into an entire Microsoft Access course, you can search for an online introduction to Microsoft Access through Youtube, Coursera, Udemy, and other skill-sharing websites. These free courses are usually short, lasting less than two hours. They often feature Microsoft Access fundamentals, such as how to create forms and tables and manage data. Some courses even teach advanced tips and tricks. 

However, many free courses teach older versions of programs. While most of Microsoft Access's features are consistent through subsequent iterations, newer versions of the program usually possess previously unseen features or place features in different locations. With free resources, it can also be impossible to verify whether the information is quality or correct. While free online classes can be valuable and cost-effective for pure beginners, they aren't ideal for professionals looking to learn comprehensive Microsoft Access skills to advance their careers.

Read about more free Microsoft Access videos and online tutorials.

Learn Microsoft Access with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

In today's busy world, live online learning can be a fast, engaging, and cheaper alternative to in-person classes. With live, hands-on training at Noble Desktop, Microsoft Access is easy to learn. Noble Desktop's classes are small, taught by expert instructors, and include free retake options.

Noble Desktop offers Microsoft Access classes at two levels. Microsoft Access Level I teaches beginners the fundamentals of the program. Students learn how to work with data and create tables and forms. Microsoft Access Level II teaches advanced techniques such as data validation, table structure improvement, and advanced reporting. Students build their own databases and learn efficiency tips and tricks. 

The Microsoft Access Bootcamp covers both Microsoft Access Level I and II. This class is ideal for beginners who wish to master the program in one comprehensive course. Students interested in becoming certified in Microsoft Access may want to attend the Access Specialist Certification Program. This course is offered through NYIM, an affiliate school to Noble Desktop, and combines Microsoft Access Level I and II with Access Certification exam training.