Access: Essentials

In just one day, you’ll go from knowing little about Access to confidently creating and organising databases that make your work easier. From tables and forms to powerful queries and reports, you’ll learn essential tools that transform raw data into valuable insights. Get ready to streamline tasks, organise information, and make Access work for you Access with ease.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Understand the essentials of database design and feel confident building your own structured databases.
• Create and customise tables that make data management simple and organised.
• Use forms and reports to present data in ways that are clear, professional, and easy to share.
• Design queries that make retrieving information quick and hassle-free, giving you more control over your data.
• Feel empowered to manage data by importing, validating, and filtering records effectively.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for:

• New users of Microsoft Access and self-taught users who want to build a strong foundation in database skills.
• Professionals looking to solidify and expand their understanding of Access for better data organisation.
• Anyone who needs to manage data more efficiently and is ready to learn best practices for Access.

Prerequisites: Basic PC and Windows skills are required, but no prior formal experience with Access is necessary.

Course Outline

Getting Started with Microsoft Access

• Introduction to Access and database design concepts

• Basics of relational databases

• Access interface: screen elements, Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, Backstage view

• Using KeyTips and shortcuts for faster navigation

Tables

• Creating tables with wizards or manually

• Fields, data types, and properties

• Input masks and validation rules

• Setting primary keys and relationships

Importing & Inputting Data

• Importing from Excel and text files

• Entering and editing data in table view

• Using find and replace to manage records

• Adjusting columns for readability

Filters & Queries

• Applying filters to locate records

• Query design and query wizard

• Sorting and searching

• Multi-table queries and relationships

• Action queries (update, append, delete)

Forms

• Basics of form design

• Creating forms with wizards

• Adding controls like combo boxes and buttons

• Main and subforms for structured entry

• Menu forms for easy database navigation

Reports

• Using the report wizard

• Customising layouts for clarity

• Preparing and printing professional reports

Reflections & Planning

• Recap of key Access skills

• How to apply Access to your own role

• Identifying opportunities to streamline your data management