Best Free Microsoft Access Resources & Tutorials

Many professionals are eager to learn Microsoft Access but hesitate because of the perceived up-front costs. Professional Microsoft Access courses are usually short, lasting only a day or two, and cost around a few hundred dollars. For those wishing to become certified in Microsoft Access, certification exams cost $100 per exam per Microsoft program. These costs can add up in the long run. However, a surprising amount of free resources are available to help beginners get the hang of this exciting program.

Read on to learn more about the different types of free resources and tutorials available to help you learn 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.

Microsoft Access Free Trial

One of the best resources for learning Microsoft Access is the Microsoft website, where you can try Microsoft Access for free. Microsoft Access has been around for decades, so there’s no better way to learn than to get your hands on the latest version to access the latest features.

Microsoft Access also has built-in help features. In addition to the index and contents list that you may be familiar with in other programs, Microsoft Word has a “Tell me what you want to do” window. Here, you can type the task you are attempting, such as “build a database.” You will then be given a list of topics and helpful articles related to your task. Microsoft Access itself can serve as a learning tool for the program.

Free Tutorials & Other Resources

Microsoft offers free online tutorials on Microsoft Access. These include creating forms and reports, editing and managing data, and building and protecting databases. These tutorials are usually task-oriented and may not be ideal for students looking for a comprehensive overview of Access. However, Microsoft does feature a quick start tutorial that serves as a compressed overview.

Should the official Microsoft website not have the resources you need, a number of websites, from Coursera and Udemy and beyond, offer free guidance. Courses on these sites tend to be under two hours and feature comprehensive Access overviews for beginner learners and task-specific guides. They also have courses featuring tricks and tips for increasing productivity. 

Noble Desktop Resources

Noble Desktop does not currently offer free Microsoft Access tutorials. However, Noble Desktop does offer free Microsoft Access learning hubs. The learning hubs are designed to guide students interested in learning Microsoft Access on how and where to find the best training materials for their needs. Noble Desktop also provides Microsoft Excel video tutorials and learning hubs for Microsoft Excel, which is considered a great prerequisite to learning Access. 

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.

Key Insights

• Learning Microsoft Access does not have to be expensive.
• The official Microsoft website offers free trials and resources
• The Microsoft Access program includes built-in help features
• Free online tutorials are available through Coursera and Udemy
• Noble Desktop offers free Microsoft Access learning hubs