Microsoft Access Prerequisites

Microsoft Access is a database management software that helps businesses manage large quantities of information and improves productivity. The program is used across industries to manage data, budgets, project tasks, customer queries, and employee information, among other aspects. You might worry that Microsoft Access will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning Microsoft Access and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

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.

Is Microsoft Access Easy to Learn?

Microsoft Access is relatively easy to learn. It has the same interface as other Microsoft Office programs, making it familiar to anyone who uses programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. As such, Microsoft Access is considered an excellent entry point into database management. However, those new to working with data and spreadsheets may find working with Microsoft Access overwhelming. Though it’s not a prerequisite for Microsoft Access classes, individuals who are comfortable with Microsoft Excel will find it easier to learn Microsoft Access. Guided classes are also generally easier for people to learn from than self-teaching. If you’re nervous about learning Microsoft Access, Noble Desktop offers a fundamentals class in Excel that provides all the necessary skills for working with data and spreadsheets.

What to Know Before Learning Microsoft Access

Before diving into the topic you're discussing, these should all be concepts or other skills that a person might want to learn. Change the headers from “Thing” to briefly describe what you plan to discuss. One important option to highlight as a prerequisite would be simple/basic computer skills. You can also mention whether your skill/program is better (or works on) for Mac, PC, or if it makes no difference.

For example, if your topic is a design program, you could list applicable graphic design principles, current trends, etc. If your topic is a coding language, you might suggest that people research the types of careers available with that language to help them narrow their focus. That could be another way to include Noble classes; if your topic is Python, you could explain how it can be used for data science or web development and link those two courses. 

Basic Computer Skills

Basic computer skills are prerequisites for Microsoft Access and any professional course on the program. These skills include using a keyboard and mouse, opening and closing computer applications, and navigating file structures. Most individuals in today’s digital world already possess these skills. Individuals lacking these skills will struggle to use Microsoft Access’s essential functions.

Any Microsoft Office Program

While not required before learning Microsoft Access, knowing how to use any Microsoft Office program (such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint) will make learning Microsoft Access easier. Microsoft Office programs use similar interfaces and menus. Thus, being familiar with these features means you’ll already possess some knowledge of how Microsoft Access works.

Microsoft Excel

Excel is the best program to choose if you’re looking to learn any Microsoft Office program to gain familiarity with Microsoft Access. You will gain an idea of Microsoft Office’s interfaces and menus and learn how to work with spreadsheets and data, being key features of Microsoft Access. Though it’s not a prerequisite to Microsoft Access training, learning Microsoft Excel beforehand will give you greater comfort with Microsoft Access’s functions. Remember that while both programs share certain features, they serve fundamentally different purposes.

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

• Microsoft Access is considered the best entry point to working with databases.
• Though considered relatively easy to learn, individuals who have never worked with data may find using Microsoft Access overwhelming.
• The only true prerequisite to learning Microsoft Access is basic computer competency. Though not required, Microsoft Excel can be a great program to learn before Microsoft Access.
• Once you learn Microsoft Access, you’ll be able to store and manage large amounts of data for compiling reports, discovering business insights, building applications, and managing client/server information.