Even in an increasingly automated world, data entry clerks are still in demand around the world.
Data entry is an entry–level career you can start with just a high school diploma or the equivalent.
All you need is a few hours of training to get your touch–typing speed up to par and build your familiarity with common software.
Strong data entry skills are the foundation of many different careers, so these courses can open many doors for you.
Top Online Data Entry Classes and Programs
Keep reading to learn where you can find the best online data entry classes you can start today. Many of them are offered for free.
1. Alison
The Alison platform offers numerous courses on data entry, all of which are 100% free.
The 'Basics of Touch Typing' course is one of the most popular. It generates a certificate and can be completed in just two hours.
Once you get touch–typing under your belt, learn the basics of Microsoft Excel and other business applications.
All of Alison's courses are designed to be completed in just a few hours, so you can advance your career in a single afternoon.
2. Coursera
Most data entry courses on the Coursera platform focus on Microsoft Excel, which is the go–to data entry program for most businesses.
With most beginner–level courses taking only a few hours, you can learn the data entry skills you need without a huge time investment.
Best of all, most of the beginner–level courses on the platform are free. However, keep in mind that you might need to pay a small fee for a certificate.
The platform includes courses from major corporations, including Google and Microsoft, as well as leading universities.
3. edX
While there are numerous data entry courses on edX, look for 'Excel for Everyone: Core Foundations'.
This comprehensive course from the University of British Columbia teaches you everything you need to know about the Excel program.
The course is self–paced but will take you six weeks to complete if you devote four to six hours each week to the program.
Best of all, the course is offered free of charge, with an optional paid upgrade if you want a certificate at the end of the course.
4. Intuit Accountants
If you want to focus more on the financial side of data entry, industry giant Intuit has you covered.
While most of Intuit's free webinars are intended for accountants, the company also offers basic and intermediate data entry courses.
Intuit's webinars focus on data entry in Quickbooks, so access to that program will help you get the most out of the company's webinars.
If you've never used Quickbooks, don't worry, Intuit offers free software training as well.
5. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers multiple data entry courses, but 'Excel Essential Training' is a standout.
The course is only about two and a half hours and will get you up to speed on the popular spreadsheet program.
While LinkedIn Learning is a subscription–based service, the platform does offer a one–month free trial to new subscribers.
You can easily complete this course, and others, within the free trial period. Just don't forget to cancel before the end of the 30 days.
6. Skillshare
There are a handful of Microsoft Excel–based data entry courses available on the Skillshare platform for free.
Most of these are basic, beginner–level courses that only last an hour or two. However, there is at least one class that covers advanced skills.
One course will teach you how to create automated forms, an important part of a data entry operator's job, in under an hour.
'Excel for the Real World' is another strong course on the platform that teaches Excel within the context of real–life business problems.
7. Udemy
From the Udemy platform, launch your data entry career with the 'Data Entry Course for Beginners'.
This all–encompassing course is not free, but is frequently offered for a sale price of less than $20.
The four and a half hours of course material are self–paced, so you can access and review when it's convenient for you.
The registration price for this course includes a certificate of completion and a downloadable resource.
FAQs about Online Data Entry Courses
Continue reading to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about online data entry classes and programs.
Can I Learn Data Entry Completely Online?
Absolutely! Data entry skills are perhaps best suited to online teaching and the largest online learning platforms all have data entry courses.
Most of these courses consist of only a few hours of instruction, but they're self–paced so you can review as much as you like.
Are Data Entry Courses Available for Free?
Some data entry courses charge a small registration fee, but most are available free of charge from the major online learning platforms.
Some courses even offer a free certificate of completion, although typically you'll have to pay a small fee to get the certificate.
How Much Can I Earn in Data Entry?
Data entry operators earn $37,970 a year on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Data entry is considered an entry–level career. Strong data entry skills will open the door to other possibilities for you to advance.
Are Data Entry Operators in High Demand?
Even though data entry is threatened by increased automation, companies still need people with strong data entry skills.
Data entry is also a flexible career that you can easily do remotely anywhere you have internet access.
Find the Right School for Data Entry Today
Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today if you're interested in online data entry courses to jump start your career.