Which Microsoft Access Training Format Is Right for Me?

Microsoft Access is a database management program used by small to medium businesses worldwide. The program is used by professionals across industries, including finance, education, business, and data science, among others. Microsoft Access is considered an excellent program for beginners to learn data management, and many Data Analysts professionals began their career with learning Access. You may wonder about the best method for learning Microsoft Access. When comparing types of Microsoft Access training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the right kind of training is critical to your experience.

Keep reading to find out more about the different formats of Microsoft Access training, how they compare to each other, and how to determine which is best for you.

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.

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Training Formats for Microsoft Access

There are three training formats for learning Microsoft Access. Live classes, either online or in-person, feature a professional instructor and peers from which a student can learn and ask questions. Online classes are best for students who prefer not to commute, desire a different learning environment than a physical classroom, or can’t find the in-person class they wish to attend at a location near them. On-demand training is ideal for students with busy schedules who can't commit to full or part-time training or who otherwise prefer to learn at their own pace. This training often includes free online videos, guides, and tutorials. Only you can decide which training format is best for you.

In-Person Microsoft Access Training

There are a number of perks to in-person training. Being in a physical classroom can eliminate the distractions an individual might find when learning online from home. A physical classroom also offers more direct engagement with the instructor. Thus students may feel more inclined to ask for help, or it may be easier for a teacher to identify when a student is struggling. In-person learning also allows students to engage with and learn from each other in a set environment.

There are a number of in-person Microsoft Access training options. These classes are short, often lasting only a day, and teach both beginner and advanced techniques. Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Access Level I course covers all the essentials of the program the average user needs to know. The Microsoft Access Level II course dives into expert techniques and little-known tips and shortcuts. These courses can be taken in person or live online.

Live Online Microsoft Access Training

The main perk of live online training is its availability. Students can learn from anywhere they find convenient, provided they have a reliable internet connection. This removes the commute time from a student's schedule and allows them to learn in an environment they find comfortable. Online courses also often offer more flexible programs than in-person classrooms, which work well for parents and workers with busy schedules. In terms of engagement, live online classes try to replicate physical classrooms with hands-on projects and live instructors and students interacting together in real time.

There are a number of live online Microsoft Access training options. Available classes teach both beginner and advanced techniques. Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Access courses can be taken in person in NYC or live online from anywhere. The Microsoft Level I course covers all the essentials of the program that an average user needs to know, while the Level II course dives into expert techniques and tricks.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

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.

On-Demand Classes

Another learning method includes on-demand, asynchronous, or self-paced Microsoft Access training. This method is best for students who need to learn at their own pace or have personal obligations that prevent them from attending regularly scheduled classes. This method gives students more freedom to learn as they wish. However, on-demand learning lacks an instructor for guidance, and a student’s own self-motivation is key to progressing through the material.

Comparison of Microsoft Access Training Formats

You can learn Microsoft Access from three training formats: live online, in-person, and on-demand. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and individuals will find different approaches work best for them depending on their schedule and training goals.

Live online and on-demand classes are the most accessible training options. As they are online, students can attend classes from anywhere (with an internet connection) and don't face the time-consuming commute required by in-person classes. Students are also free to choose their preferred environment for learning, whether at home, work office, library, coffee shop, or another favorite study area. Online classes often offer more curriculum options than can be found in the nearest in-person courses. On-demand classes win out slightly in accessibility because they aren't tied to set class schedules. Students with busy lives may choose on-demand training to learn at their own pace.

The downside of on-demand classes lies in engagement. On-demand training often lacks instructors or classmates. Students are left to their own motivation to advance through coursework and have no one to turn to with questions or for support. When on-demand training does offer an instructor’s contact information for assistance, students may wait days or longer for a reply. Live online and in-person training rank far higher in engagement. Students can ask instructors for immediate feedback, interact with peers, and often receive guidance in job searching or building portfolios. In-person training wins out slightly over live online in that some people feel more comfortable initiating engagement with their peers or instructors in a physical setting.

When it comes to affordability, on-demand training wins out again. As these classes are self-led, they are often free. However, it's important to weigh other pros and cons discussed in this section, especially when it comes to engagement or career advancement. The popular adage "you get what you pay for" often holds true when comparing on-demand courses vs. in-person or live online. While live online training isn't free, many institutions offer free seminars or introductory courses. Additionally, an entire live online class is often cheaper than in-person training.

If you're looking to advance your career, live online and in-person training offer the comprehensive learning you need. While on-demand training will likely be enough to learn the basics of a skill, self-led learning can't replace the knowledge a professional instructor possesses and passes on to their students. On-demand resources are also often dated and don't hold up to industry standards. Professional instruction is typically necessary to advance your career.

Overall, live online training is the best well-rounded option, offering most of the benefits of both in-person and on-demand classes. Students have no commute and usually have the option of more flexible schedules than with in-person training. Live online training replicates the interactivity of in-person classrooms with live instructors and classmate interaction. Some live online training can be found for free and offers the same self-led benefits as on-demand training. Paid live online training is an excellent and affordable option for professionals looking to advance their careers.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Microsoft Access?

It is possible to teach yourself Microsoft Access through free online courses and tutorials. Popular websites for finding these tutorials include Youtube, Coursera, and Udemy. These courses tend to be under two hours in length and feature both overviews of Access for beginners and guides on how to complete specific tasks. Such tutorials can be great for learners on a tight budget or even for professionals who need a refresher on specific tasks. 

The downside of these free resources is not having an instructor to offer guidance. If you find yourself stuck and unsure of how to progress, you could waste hours in troubleshooting. Free tutorials are also usually outdated and don’t feature the latest version of Microsoft Access. For professionals wanting to comprehensively learn Microsoft Access to advance their careers, these resources will likely lack the advanced features they need to do so. 

Free videos and tutorials are also numerous. It can be overwhelming to sift through them all. And even then, not all tutorials are created equal. It can be time-consuming to search for one that is up-to-date, comprehensive, and professionally made. For a beginner, it can be impossible to know if the instruction you are receiving is quality or correct.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Microsoft Access

The best way to learn Microsoft will vary greatly on your individual needs and why you wish to learn the program. Do you consider yourself a beginner learner? Are you hoping not to spend money on your training? Are you looking for a simple overview of Microsoft Access? If you answered yes to these questions, free introductory courses would be best for you. However, these courses are often outdated and don't feature the comprehensive learning necessary to advance a career. They also lack an instructor, so you'll be troubleshooting on your own and relying on self-motivation to progress.

If you want to learn Microsoft Access to advance your career, professional Microsoft Access training or a bootcamp contains a comprehensive curriculum. These courses feature an experienced instructor and deep dive into Microsoft Access features. You'll be guided from beginner to mastery skills and learn expert techniques and tips. Some of these courses also offer job search assistance, one-on-one mentorship, or portfolio workshops. Professional training courses and bootcamps are available online and in person and vary in cost depending on the provider and curriculum.

If you're looking to pivot to a new career or industry, it may be ideal for demonstrating complete mastery of Microsoft Access. In this case, you'll want to look for a certificate program. Certification in Microsoft Access shows employers your dedication to training and advancing your career. These programs are like professional training and bootcamps, as they teach the subject matter and are open to beginners but also include exam preparation for gaining certification. Certification exams have a separate cost from training courses.

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.