Essential Information
Access courses are part of undergraduate certificate and degree programs in fields like information technology, accounting and administrative support, but may also be useful as an addendum to other fields. Courses are available at the basic, intermediate and advanced levels and usually must be completed in a sequence.
After becoming proficient in using Access, individuals may choose to get certified through Microsoft for the 2013, 2010, or 2007 version of the program. The company offers its Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) credential which verifies the specialist's skill in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Access, SharePoint, and OneNote. There's also an option to become an MOS Master, although this requires completing additional MOS Expert certification exams.
Courses in Access teach students to:
- Create simple databases and forms
- Use database tables
- Vary search methods for more accurate results
- Import, export, and manage data
- Create reports.
List of Access Courses
Beginning Access: Tables
In a beginning Access course, students are introduced to the Access software. Concepts like how to create simple tables, work within those tables and filter data are explored. The course explains relational databases and how they can be beneficial to an organization.
Access: Forms
Students learn by using the Access software to produce advanced queries to create forms and customize tabs or other database information. Additional skills developed in this intermediate course include designing forms, defining relationships, setting fields, modifying tables and editing content.
Access: Reports
Those who need to learn about advanced reporting may wish to take a third course in Access. This course progresses from basic concepts in database set-up to working with sub-forms, charts and indexes. Additional skills learned in this course include designing, altering, and preparing reports for a print format. Topics of study may also include macros, navigation panes and data exporting.
Access Training Programs
Access training programs are found through professional development organizations, technical colleges or other private training centers. Depending on where you work, Access might be offered as an individual training opportunity. Access training programs last 1-2 days depending on the topics covered. Classes can range from 4 hours at the beginning level to 8 hours at the advanced level.
Certain Access training programs may give participants continued education units (CEUs). CEUs are like class credits at the professional development level. Some employers require a certain amount of CEUs of their employees each year as a condition of employment.
