What is this course about?

Microsoft Access is a powerful visual tool with which to design and develop enterprise-wide applications. This course provides an in-depth view of the features and functionality of Access. You learn to design robust database applications, apply Form, Table, Report and Query wizards to quickly build database applications, create and integrate macros into your applications, implement advanced reporting features and link to SharePoint or SQL Server data systems.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course benefits systems analysts, developers, Excel power users, managers and programmers who wish to develop database applications for Windows. Microsoft Access can help with:

• Rapid development of new database applications
• Building a Windows front-end to share data
• Creating database applications in a visual design environment
• Redesigning an existing database application to be more intuitive and useful
• Handling data solutions that have outgrown Excel
• Linking a database application with other Microsoft Office products

What background knowledge do I need?

No programming or database experience is necessary; however, you should be familiar with the Windows graphical environment. Some background in database design and standard query languages is helpful.

I've heard Microsoft Access can work as a front-end to SQL Server, SharePoint and other external data. Does this course cover that feature?

Yes, you learn to link to and import from SQL tables and SharePoint lists. You also learn to extract data from Excel, text files and other Access databases.

Will I learn how to automate tasks within Access?

Yes! You learn to leverage the power of macros to automate the following tasks: printing reports, updating data, opening forms, setting up the Access environment and transferring data to external sources.

I have pushed Excel to its limits. Is this course appropriate for me?

Yes! Microsoft Access is the natural progression beyond the limitations of Excel. This course enables you to analyze, manipulate and track data. You also generate complex reports with grouping and sorting.

Does this course cover programming in Access?

No, this course covers building a database foundation for fully functional Access applications. Please see Course 971, Building Applications with Microsoft Access^®: Hands-On, for Access programming with complex macros and VBA.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kinds of hands-on exercises are done in the course?

Approximately 60 percent of course time is spent on hands-on exercises. In this course, you build a Microsoft Access database, establish indexes and data relationships, and use several methods of importing data into the database. You link data among Access tables and with other programs, use Form and Query wizards, and integrate pictures within your database. You also gain extensive practice using macros for rapid application development and for generating several different kinds of preformatted and custom reports.

How does this course relate to other courses?

The following Learning Tree courses may also be of interest:

• 971, Building Applications with Microsoft Access®: Hands-On 
• 382, Relational Database Design, Tools and Techniques: Hands-On 
• 315, Developing User Requirements: The Key to Project Success 
• 209, VBA Programming: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 1361, Microsoft Excel®: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction