How Much is a PowerPoint Course?

When learning any new skill, it’s important to determine your budget. In thinking about learning how to build persuasive and visually interesting PowerPoint presentations, consider whether you are better off starting with free resources or have the means to jump in feet first and pay for a class. Determine how much you’re able to spend, keeping in mind the benefits of learning PowerPoint--anything from the satisfaction of investing in a hobby to a noticeable difference in your earning and growth potential at work. Once you have an idea of your budget, you can determine which course of action will make the most sense for you. This article explores the costs associated with taking a PowerPoint class.

Paying for PowerPoint

Before investing in a class, you’ll need access to PowerPoint. Many organizations have a business or institutional license for the suite of Microsoft programs that includes PowerPoint (along with Word, Excel, and Outlook, among others), so check with your workplace first. You may be able to access PowerPoint on multiple devices through your job, which means you could practice the skills you learn on a personal computer when you’re out of the office.

If you don’t have PowerPoint through a corporate or institutional license, you’ll have multiple options for buying it independently. The classic version of Microsoft Office is still available for a one-time fee of about $150. This version is not linked to the current Microsoft 365 system and because it doesn’t connect to the cloud, it also doesn’t allow for seamless collaboration. It is linked to a specific device, so if you needed PowerPoint on multiple computers you’d be paying for Office each time. Depending on your needs, however, it may be adequate, so be sure to explore the Microsoft Office options and determine if it will work for you. 

The most up-to-date system for accessing PowerPoint is Microsoft 365, which is a cloud-based subscription service that can be linked to multiple devices and platforms. Microsoft 365 Family allows for one to six users and costs around $100 a year, while Microsoft 365 Personal costs about $70 a year for a single account, though it can still be used on more than one device. The app is fully installed on your computer, so you don’t need to be online at all times when using PowerPoint through Microsoft 365. 365 is compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and iOS, and you’re able to transition across platforms as needed--which is helpful if some people on your subscription use Apple computers while others use PCs.

Microsoft does offer a free version of its paid Microsoft 365 subscription, so before investing in the suite you may want to look into that option. Even if you determine you do need to pay for it, the free app will give you a chance to explore PowerPoint before committing. 

On-Demand PowerPoint Courses

Beyond the free online resources that you can use to learn the very basics of PowerPoint--like those offered by Microsoft Support and YouTube videos by PowerPoint users--you’ll want to look into courses that will move you through the material in a sequential and straightforward way. One place to start is with a self-paced, on-demand class. There are several models for this type of class, one of which is membership-based. Platforms like SkillShare offer the option of a monthly or yearly fee (the yearly subscription will usually end up being significantly cheaper), often with a free trial month. Fees will range from roughly $15 to $35 a month, with higher prices for so-called premium memberships. 

The benefit of this subscription-style platform in most cases is that all individual classes are covered, so no additional fees are needed. For some students, this can take the sting out of trying a class and dropping out--but the flip side is that dropout rates tend to be higher. In fact, by some estimates, 90% of people don’t finish an online class of this nature. 

Other on-demand classes use a pay-as-you-go model. An introductory PowerPoint class at a site like Udemy will cost about $50 for a series of video lectures that will last an hour or two. Students will also have access to a collection of other downloadable resources to help bolster learning. All in all, a motivated student could learn the fundamentals in a few hours--but again, the self-paced nature of the course makes it easy to give up partway through.

Another challenge of the on-demand class is the lack of instructor engagement. The course is set up in a top-down learning style: a somewhat anonymous instructor talks at students rather than engaging with them. Without teacher guidance and feedback, the class can feel flat and impersonal. Not only that, it can be hard for students to troubleshoot when the material becomes challenging. 

Short Form PowerPoint Courses

For a more dynamic and engaging learning environment, students will want to seek out classes offered by in-person or online schools and computer training centers. Many of these introductory classes are relatively low-commitment: classes like Noble Desktop's PowerPoint Level I can be completed in six hours on a weekday or weekend day, which means a negligible impact on your schedule. With a price tag of around $250, a one-day intro class will be more expensive than an on-demand course, but will offer the benefit of live instruction, support, and feedback.

Another advantage of a live PowerPoint class is the choice of modalities, which will depend on understanding how you learn best. Many online training centers also offer in-person classes which are worth looking into, especially if you live in a major metro area. If you find that learning from the comfort of your home is preferable--and you can manage to avoid distractions in your home environment--you’ll be a great candidate for live online classes, which are generally offered on platforms like Zoom. If, on the other hand, you appreciate the truly hands-on approach and camaraderie of an in-person classroom, you’ll want to find a live class near you.

Whether you choose in-person or live online, you may find that the introductory class isn’t enough for your needs. If you’ll be using PowerPoint in a professional context, whether integrating spreadsheets from Excel or incorporating animation or video, you will likely need to go beyond what’s offered in a level one class. Fortunately, you’ll find your introductory class well prepares you for an advanced PowerPoint class, which in turn sets you up for success using PowerPoint in the workplace. Most advanced classes will also cost about $250 for a one-day session.

PowerPoint Bootcamps

PowerPoint bootcamps are a great option for those who want to learn the program quickly and efficiently, often over a matter of several consecutive days. Though the associated cost will be higher than that of a self-paced or introductory live class, you’ll cover both basic and advanced material--it’s like taking two classes in one. This bundling often means a training center will offer the bootcamp at a discount, so instead of $500 for two classes, a bootcamp might cost $400. 

Aside from the obvious advantage of saving money, a bootcamp can also mean upleveling your skills in less time. This allows you to implement the material, from basic to advanced, the moment you get home or step back into the office. This can be a huge deal if you’re looking to complete a project quickly, and it can signal to the higher-ups that you’re serious about contributing more at work.

As with level one and two PowerPoint classes, bootcamps at reputable schools will generally be offered in two modalities: live online or in-person at a training center campus. As always, it’s helpful to have a sense of how you learn best--but sometimes your options are limited by location. The ability to complete a PowerPoint bootcamp online over a platform like Zoom can be a lifesaver for those who don’t live near an urban center but still want the guidance and support of real-time instruction. 

Learn PowerPoint with Noble Desktop

Professionals looking to learn PowerPoint will want to consider Noble Desktop, which offers classes for both novice and advanced students. With courses available live online or at their New York City campus, Noble Desktop is a premier training center for best-in-class one-off courses, bootcamps, and certificate programs. True beginners will want to start with PowerPoint Level I--an introductory class that covers everything from text and images to charts and tables. While it’s designed for novices, students at any level can use the class to work towards increased functionality and efficiency with PowerPoint.

If you have a background in PowerPoint, PowerPoint Level II will be the best option for you. Level II covers advanced topics like custom themes, managing larger presentations, and incorporating animation and video. Be sure to take a look at what skills will be required before signing up for the class, so that you can decide if your background is strong enough or if you’ll need to start with level one.

Both levels one and two run for six hours and can be taken on a workday or weekend day, which means differing work and personal schedules are accommodated.

Noble Desktop's PowerPoint Bootcamp combines the first two levels into a fast-moving workshop covering both beginner and advanced concepts in presentation design. By the end of the bootcamp, you’ll feel fully prepared to use PowerPoint in a professional setting. Whether in-person or live online, you’ll tackle hands-on projects under the direction of industry professionals who will provide expert feedback over two dynamic and stimulating days. With twelve hours of direction instruction, a suite of review materials so you can continue practicing, and small class sizes, Noble Desktop’s PowerPoint bootcamp is an excellent choice if you’re looking to gain competency quickly.