I get asked this question a lot, and in this article, I want to show you my top three Excel courses for beginners. In this article, I want to talk about three free courses to start learning Excel for data analysis as a beginner.
Why Start with Excel for Data Analysis?
Many people want to start learning data analysis and often ask where to begin. I’ve always recommended starting with Excel, and here’s why:
- Accessibility: Excel is widely used and available.
- Versatility: It offers a range of functionalities for data management and analysis.
- Fundamentals: It helps build a strong foundation in data handling.
So without further ado, let’s jump straight into it.
Top Three Beginner Excel Courses
1. Excel for Everyone Professional Certificate (edX)
The first course is from edX, where I started learning about data analysis, so I have a special bias for them. The course, called the “Excel for Everyone Professional Certificate” or “Master Data Analytics Excel Professional Course,” is from the University of British Columbia. It’s priced at $538, but you can take this course for free.
What You Will Learn
- Core Foundations: Data wrangling, spreadsheet management, basic data analysis, UI navigation, data entry, performing calculations, formatting, filtering, sorting, and creating basic charts.
- Data Management: Managing larger datasets, complex data wrangling, organizing data sets into tables, working with pivot tables and pivot charts, implementing what-if analysis, using dates, logical, statistical, and financial functions.
- Advanced Techniques: Advanced formulas, conditional logic, automating tasks, formula audits, data validations, creating macros, and advanced charting techniques to build a professional dashboard.
Free Access
You can take this course for free with the audit track path. Although you won’t get a certificate or access to graded assignments, the knowledge you gain is invaluable.
2. Excel Skills for Business Specialization (Coursera)
Similar to the edX certificates, you can take this specialization for free. This course is perfect for building business-related Excel skills.
Key Highlights
- Free Enrollment: Enroll in individual modules and select the audit option.
- Comprehensive Learning: Covers essential business Excel skills, including advanced functions and data analysis techniques.
3. Useful Excel for Beginners (Udemy)
This course is for complete beginners and is tailored for those who have never used Excel before. It’s a free course, although it doesn’t offer a certificate upon completion.
Course Content
- Basic Tasks: Selecting cells, inserting and deleting rows and columns, using borders, entering multiple lines of text, copy-pasting, find and replace, freezing panes, editing formulas.
- Excel Version: Taught in Excel versions 2010 to 2013, but the steps and shortcuts remain largely the same.
Conclusion
The main takeaway from these three courses is not to make you an expert in data analysis, but to help you get started with the basics of Excel. From here, you’ll be ready to explore more complex tools like SQL and Power BI. Additionally, YouTube offers plenty of free learning resources to fill in any gaps you might have.
FAQs
1. Can I really learn Excel for free with these courses? Yes, all the courses mentioned offer free enrollment options, although they may not include certificates or graded assignments.
2. Which course should I start with as a complete beginner? The Udemy course is tailored for complete beginners who have never used Excel before.
3. Will I get a certificate upon completion? Only the paid versions of these courses offer certificates. The free versions focus on providing knowledge and skills.
4. Are these courses updated to the latest Excel version? The Udemy course is based on older versions (2010-2013), but the fundamental steps and shortcuts remain the same.