We are generating data all the time. It’s important to take control of that data, and organize and display it to gain meaningful insights. That’s where Microsoft Access – a database management system – comes into play.

In this guide, I’ve selected the 10 best free and paid Microsoft Access online courses for you from the 70+ Microsoft Access courses on our catalog by following a well-defined methodology that you can find below.

But if you want to jump straight to the results, here are my top 10 picks. You can click on a course to jump to the corresponding section:

Course	Workload	In Brief
1. Microsoft Access Tutorial: 7 Hours of Beginner to Advanced Training (Simon Sez IT)	7 hours	Best free online course for beginners to learn Microsoft Access with practice opportunities
2. Access 2019 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning)	3-4 hours	Short free course for beginners to learn the essentials of Microsoft Access, free trial available
3. Access 2019: Building Dashboards for Excel (LinkedIn Learning)	1-2 hours	Concise Access course focused on building dashboards for Excel, free trial available
4. Microsoft Access Complete FULL Courses (Computer Learning Zone)	6 hours	Comprehensive and detailed course for beginners to learn all about Microsoft Access
5. Microsoft Access: Beyond the Basics of Access Bundle (Udemy)	12 hours	Comprehensive 3-part course bundle to learn Microsoft Access beyond the basics
6. Access Beginner Tutorial (Learnit Training)	3-4 hours	Short, free online course for beginners to learn Microsoft Access from the ground up
7. Microsoft Access 2016 Master Class: Beginner to Advanced (Udemy)	7 hours	Great for learning Microsoft Access from basic to advanced level with practice opportunities
8. Microsoft Access: Complete MS Access Mastery for Beginners (Udemy)	7 hours	Beginner-friendly, complete course to learn Microsoft Access from the basics and up
9. Microsoft Access Complete Beginner to Advanced (Udemy)	13 hours	4-part Microsoft Access course moving from basic to intermediate and advanced levels
10. Master Microsoft Access – Access from Beginner to Advanced (Udemy)	17 hours	Extensive and detailed online course for beginners to learn Microsoft Access

What is Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a database management system (DBMS) created by Microsoft and is a member of the Microsoft 365 suite just like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

A database is an organized collection of data that can be stored and accessed electronically. According to Connolly and Begg, a database management system is a “software system that enables users to define, create, maintain and control access to the database“.

Software developers, data architects and power users, as well as non-developers use Microsoft Access to create database apps. Access is supported by Visual Basic for Applications (VBA, a programming language) that helps automate processes.

Why are Microsoft Access Skills Important?

There is an increasingly high demand for Microsoft Access developers in the market. According to Glassdoor, the median total pay for a Microsoft Access Developer is nearly $121K per year in the US. There are over 23,000 jobs available for Microsoft Access developers on LinkedIn for US only, and nearly 5,000 on Indeed. 

What is My Experience with Microsoft Access?

I have used Microsoft Access during my school days. When we were being taught SQL (Structured Query Language) using MySQL (an open-source relational database management system), my father taught me to run the same commands in Microsoft Access. I also watched him do more complex tasks in Access which I am yet to master.

Besides that, I am a Guided Project Instructor and a Beta Tester at Coursera, having tested many courses before they’re officially launched. I have taken over 50 online courses in various subjects.

My experience as an online learner and teacher has given me some perspective on what to look for in an online course. I used my experience to evaluate each course in this list.

Course Ranking Methodology

I built this ranking following the now tried-and-tested methodology I used in previous rankings (you can find them all here). It involves a three-step process:

1. Research: I started by leveraging Class Central’s database with 100K online courses and 200K+ reviews. Then, I made a preliminary selection of 70+ Microsoft Access courses by rating, reviews, and bookmarks.
2. Evaluate: I read through reviews on Class Central, Reddit, and course providers to understand what other learners thought about each course and combined it with my own experience as a learner.
3. Select: Well-made courses were picked if they presented valuable and engaging content and they have to fit in a set of criteria and be ranked accordingly: comprehensive curriculum, release date, affordability, ratings and enrollments.

The end result is a unique selection of courses that combines a decade of Class Central data and my own experience as an online learner to try to get the best of both worlds. So far, I’ve spent more than 11 hours building this list, and I’ll continue to update it.

Course Ranking Statistics

Here are some statistics regarding this course ranking:

• Combined, these courses have accrued over 175K enrollments.
• 3 courses are free or free-to-audit and 7 courses are paid.
• The most-represented course provider in the ranking is Udemy, with 5 courses.
• All 10 courses are in English.
• The Microsoft Access subject is followed by over 4.9K learners on Class Central, and accounts for over 70 courses in Class Central catalog.

So without further ado, let’s get to my picks for the best Microsoft Access online courses.

1. Microsoft Access Tutorial: 7 Hours of Beginner to Advanced Training (Simon Sez IT)

My first pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is the free course Microsoft Access Tutorial: 7 Hours of Beginner to Advanced Training, offered by Simon Sez IT on YouTube.

This completely free course takes you from the very basics of Microsoft Access 2019 to its more advanced concepts so that you can work with your databases more efficiently. You can also follow along with the instructor by downloading the exercise files provided with the course. By the end of this course, you’ll become from a beginner to an expert in Access.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll get an introduction to Access. You’ll learn about acquiring Access, using database templates, creating, saving and opening databases, Access workspace and backstage, online help, working with the Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, contextual menus, the Status Bar, keyboard shortcuts, key tips, and Access options.

Then, you’ll learn about creating a table and fields, indexing fields, Lookup Wizard, numeric fields, importing data from Excel, backing up your database, Compact and Repair, designing, sorting and filtering, and entering and modifying data in Datasheet View, creating a Link Table, and setting up relationships.

After that, you’ll take a look at more advanced topics like Primary Keys and indexing rules and guidelines, setting up Northwind Database, working in Datasheet View, customizing Datasheet View, sorting and filtering options, subdatasheets, and linking to tables in other databases.

Finally, you’ll end the course by learning about acquiring and installing SQL Server Express, splitting database into front-end and back-end, converting a shared table into a local table, addressing multi-user issues when sharing data, basics of macros, macros on events, AutoExec, and Macro security settings.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 50 videos. Each video involves about 5 to 15 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only. All downloadable resources are provided in the YouTube description of the course. Just click on Start Learning and go to Direct link.

Channel	Simon Sez IT
Provider	YouTube
Instructor	Deborah Ashby
Level	Beginner
Workload	7 hours
Certificate	Not available

Fun Facts

• Simon Sez IT gives sample software training tutorials from their official website.
• You can also download the course files by signing up here.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

2. Access 2019 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning)

My second pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is the free course Access 2019 Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning.

This short course is helpful if you want to learn the essential concepts of Microsoft Access 2019 quickly and easily. Within a matter of hours, you’ll get started with Access and implement your skills in building better databases. What’s more – you’ll also get a one-month free trial with this course.

What You’ll Learn

In the first module, you’ll get started with Access. You’ll learn the database concepts, create the database file, understand the Trust Center, dig into Ribbon tabs, use the database Navigation pane, customize the Quick Access Toolbar, and create a database backup.

In the second module, you’ll create tables. You’ll understand table structures and relationships, create a table and set data types, enter data, use primary and foreign keys, and import tables.

In the third module, you’ll set field properties. You’ll take a look at relationships and referential integrity, edit table structure in Design view, control input with masks, set a default value, understand data validation rules, use data lookup fields, and explore additional field properties.

In the fourth module, you’ll organize records. You’ll learn about sorting table data, filtering table data, deleting records, and searching and replacing values.

In the fifth module, you’ll use queries. You’ll understand what queries are, use the Simple Query Wizard, build queries in Design view, establish constraints with criteria, specify criteria with wildcards, incorporate AND and OR statements, filter with mathematical comparisons, create flexible queries with parameters, build expressions, and obtain summary statistics.

In the sixth module, you’ll create forms. You’ll understand the role of forms, generate forms from tables, adjust form elements in Layout view, use the Form Wizard, explore the form Design view, and find records.

In the seventh module, you’ll create reports. You’ll be introduced to reports, use the Report Wizard, edit a report in Design view and in Layout view, group and sort records, create calculated totals, apply conditional formatting rules, create labels, and adjust print settings.

Finally, in the eighth module, you’ll maintain the database. You’ll customize groups in the Navigation pane, compact and repair the database, examine database object relationships, document your thought process, print the blueprint of your database, split a database into front and back ends, protect the database with a password, and set startup options.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 8 modules. Each module involves about 20 to 40 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, practice exercises and quizzes.

Provider	LinkedIn Learning
Instructor	Adam Wilbert
Level	Beginner
Workload	3-4 hours
Enrollments	64K
Rating	4.7/5.0 (1K)
Certificate	Free

Fun Facts

• Wilbert has spent over 5 years as a consultant and trainer helping clients use Access and Excel.
• He has developed Access databases for National Park Service managers and U.S. Geological Survey scientists.
• His training events benefit private firms such as Boeing and Verizon, NGOs, and government employees.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

3. Access 2019: Building Dashboards for Excel (LinkedIn Learning)

My third pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is Access 2019: Building Dashboards for Excel on LinkedIn Learning.

This course not just teaches you Microsoft Access, it shows you how you can combine the two software to create interactive dashboards. Once you complete this course, you’ll be able to create charts, graphs and engaging visualizations that update in real time. A one-month free trial is also available.

What You’ll Learn

In the first module, you’ll learn the benefits of moving to Access. You’ll understand the limitations of Excel and Access, and learn how queries, forms, and reports work with tables.

In the second module, you’ll understand the Access structure. You’ll work with table views, and link data to Access.

In the third module, you’ll analyze database tables. You’ll learn the basics of normalization, understand table relationships, identify keys, and understand join types.

In the fourth module, you’ll build and work with queries. You’ll create queries, sort and filter in a query, enhance queries, build unique data queries, work with SQL view, and build aggregate data queries.

In the fifth module, you’ll export and link data to Excel. You’ll import to and from Access, link data to Excel, work with external connections, refresh data from other sources, add data from connections, and change connections.

In the sixth module, you’ll create charts and pivots in Excel. You’ll build sunburst charts and treemaps, build pivots and set refresh settings, build pivot charts, use slicers and timelines to filter, set slicer options, move charts, and work with page layout.

In the seventh module, you’ll build Excel macros for dashboards. You’ll create macros that clear filters, macros for common filters and macros that navigate, and assign macros to buttons.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 7 modules. Each module involves about 10 to 30 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and practice exercises.

Provider	LinkedIn Learning
Instructor	Robin Hunt
Level	Intermediate
Workload	1-2 hours
Enrollments	111.9K
Rating	4.7/5.0
Certificate	Paid

Fun Facts

• Hunt teaches Excel, Power Query, PowerBI, database design and SQL querying and Data+.
• She is also a Star Wars fan!

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

4. Microsoft Access Complete FULL Courses (Computer Learning Zone)

My fourth pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is the free course Microsoft Access Complete FULL Courses, offered by Computer Learning Zone on YouTube.

Even though there are only two videos in this course, it is actually quite comprehensive. The long, detailed videos cover just about everything you need to know in order to get up and running with Access and become proficient in it. This course is useful for any version of Access, and it’s completely free!

What You’ll Learn

Video 1:

• Lesson 1: What Microsoft Access is, what it’s used for, database terminology, benefits of a database.
• Lesson 2: Planning your database, tables, fields in each table.
• Lesson 3: Create a new blank database file, Access Interface, Tabbed Documents and Overlapping Windows.
• Lesson 4: Create your first table, field names, naming conventions, data types, build the Customer Table.
• Lesson 5: Long integers and doubles, AutoNumber ID field, move fields around in the table, Primary Key field.
• Lesson 6: Enter and edit data in tables, resize a column, data formats, open the Zoom window, Dirty records.
• Lesson 7: Record selectors, turn off the delete confirmation warning, save table layout changes, move columns.
• Lesson 8: Sort and filter records, difference between text, numeric, alphanumeric, and date sorts, print a table or send it as an email attachment.
• Lesson 9: Create queries, add a table and fields from the table to the query, run the query, add sorting to our query, add criteria.
• Lesson 10: Build a customer form, quick form builder, navigation, layout view, deleting records, types of forms.
• Lesson 11: Build a form using form Design View, setting the Record Source, adding existing fields from the table to the form, resizing objects, changing colors.
• Lesson 12: Make different customer reports.

Video 2:

• Lesson 2: Security warning, set up a Trusted Location on our computer, make a shortcut to our database on the Desktop.
• Lesson 2: Add, remove and resize controls, align and size objects, modify fonts and background colors.
• Lesson 3: Additional kinds of form formatting, grid lines and grid dots, size objects to the grid, additional object properties (colors, outlines and fonts), themes.
• Lesson 4: Different types of relationships, primary and foreign keys, set default values using the Now and Date functions.
• Lesson 5: Build an appointment form, build a relational combo box, make a command button.
• Finally, you’ll go over some common questions students ask, and review what you’ve learned throughout the course.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 2 videos. The first video involves about 4 hours of work and the second video involves about 2 hours of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Channel	Computer Learning Zone
Provider	YouTube
Instructor	Richard Rost
Level	Beginners
Workload	6 hours
Certificate	Not available

Fun Facts

• Computer Learning Zone specializes in teaching Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, Windows, and more.
• They also give free computer lessons on their official website.
• Rost was awarded Microsoft MVP in 2014 and 2015, and has been a computer consultant and trainer since the early 90s.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

5. Microsoft Access: Beyond the Basics of Access Bundle (Udemy)

My fifth pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is Microsoft Access: Beyond the Basics of Access Bundle on Udemy.

This comprehensive course is divided into three parts for learning Access (working with tables, forms, reports and action queries), Access macros (automating databases), and Access SQL (SQL scripting for non-programmers). This bundle will help you gain all the necessary Access skills in one go.

What You’ll Learn

In this course you’ll learn database tips, automate your database with macros, script SQL, set field validations, import and export data using Microsoft Excel, create cascading combo boxes, conditionally format forms and reports, and create parameter and action queries.

Then, you’ll customize the Access environment Ribbon, Navigation Pane and Startup, understand database maintenance tools, use the Macro Builder Window, create data macros for table automation, and create macros for forms and reports.

Finally, you’ll create AutoExec macros, script SQL to query your tables, and create database tables with SQL, table joins with SQL and action queries with SQL.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 33 sections. Each section involves about 10 minutes to 1 hour of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, readings and practice exercises.

Provider	Udemy
Instructor	IsáBel Harrison
Level	Intermediate
Workload	12 hours
Enrollments	4.5K
Rating	4.6/5.0
Certificate	Paid

Fun Facts

• IsáBel started her journey as a technical trainer in 1999, and has taught almost every kind of person ever since.
• She has been certified many times as a Database Administrator, IT Professional, Developer, Network Administrator, and Certified Ethical Hacker.
• Even though she has a background in technology, IsáBel enjoys running half marathons!

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

6. Access Beginner Tutorial (Learnit Training)

My sixth pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is the free course Access Beginner Tutorial, offered by Learnit Training on YouTube.

This is another free course which is short and beginner-friendly. It teaches you Microsoft Access from the ground up so that you can be confident in your database creation and management skills. In order to take this course, it is recommended that you are comfortable with spreadsheet programs like Excel, although it’s not a strict requirement.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll open a sample database, and explore the database objects and the interface. You’ll be introduced to tables, queries, forms and reports, perform data entry, sort to create groups, find data in tables, filter, add total rows, and start a new database, 

Then, you’ll create tables in Design View, enter your first record, use Quick Starts to create tables and enter data, look at the first draft of a database, create relationships with Lookup lists, explore the Relationships window, and relate by dragging field names.

Finally, you’ll create 1-to-1 relationships, change dragged relationships to Lookup relationships, take a look at limit-to-list properties and enforced referential integrity, see the referential integrity being enforced, and cascade edits and deletions.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 33 videos. Each video involves about 5 to 10 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only. All downloadable resources are provided in the YouTube description of the course. Just click on Start Learning and go to Direct link.

Channel	Learnit Training
Provider	YouTube
Instructor	Dan McAllister
Level	Beginner
Workload	3-4 hours
Certificate	Not available

Fun Facts

• Learnit Training provides courses on a wide range of software and subjects from Microsoft Excel to Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Teams.
• They have been teaching for over 25 years.
• You can find more learning resources on their official website.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

7. Microsoft Access 2016 Master Class: Beginner to Advanced (Udemy)

My seventh pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is Microsoft Access 2016 Master Class: Beginner to Advanced on Udemy.

Whether you’re someone who’s just starting out with Microsoft Access 2016 and doesn’t know where to begin, or someone who has some knowledge of the software and wants to learn more advanced skills, this course takes you through the basics to complex concepts, complete with practice opportunities.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll understand how Access is constructed, use its major objects, learn the parts of the Access screen, tables, reports and query objects, master properties, understand the basics of form objects, use automation in your forms with buttons and macros, and create a multi page invoice.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 17 sections. Each section involves about 30 to 50 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, readings and quizzes.

Provider	Udemy
Instructor	Joe Parys, Bruce Myron
Level	Beginner
Workload	7 hours
Enrollments	53K
Rating	4.6/5.0 (13K)
Certificate	Paid

Fun Facts

• Parys is an online instructor, entrepreneur and international speaker, who is also the founder of The Joe Parys Academy.
• He also teaches cryptocurrency, business, entrepreneurship and investment on his YouTube channel.
• Myron is a self-employed Access programmer and general computer consultant to small and medium sized businesses.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

8. Microsoft Access: Complete MS Access Mastery for Beginners (Udemy)

My eighth pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is Microsoft Access: Complete MS Access Mastery for Beginners on Udemy.

This course is aimed towards beginner Microsoft Access users who want to start from scratch and move up to fine tune and expand their database management skills. Starting from the very basics, you’ll gradually move up the difficulty level so that you can become more comfortable with the software.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll create a simple database in Access from scratch. You’ll explore how to create and modify tables, create forms for entering data into your tables, create queries to ask questions of your database, and create reports to share and present your data effectively.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 14 sections. Each section involves about 30 minutes to 1 hour of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and readings.

Provider	Udemy
Instructor	Steve McDonald
Level	Beginner
Workload	7 hours
Enrollments	18.2K
Rating	4.6/5.0 (1.5K)
Certificate	Paid

Fun Facts

• McDonald has over 400K students on Udemy.
• He teaches Excel, Access and Photoshop.
• Even though he wasn’t always good at technology, McDonald has mastered it over the past 20 years.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

9. Microsoft Access Complete Beginner to Advanced (Udemy)

My ninth pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is Microsoft Access Complete Beginner to Advanced on Udemy.

This Microsoft Access course consists of four different sub-courses:

• • Microsoft Access 101 – Access and table design
  • Microsoft Access 102 – Access queries
  • Microsoft Access 103 – Form and reports
• Automate Microsoft Access Tasks with Macros and VBA – Macros and VBA

You’ll start at the basic level and progress to more advanced levels with each section. This comprehensive course aims to give you a complete understanding of Access from the foundation to intermediate and advanced level.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn how to create database tables, understand table relationships, build dynamic user data forms, retrieve data using access queries, build reports, and automate Access database tasks with macros and VBA.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 29 sections. Each section involves about 20 minutes to 1 hour of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and readings.

Provider	Udemy
Instructor	Kyle Pew
Level	Beginner
Workload	13 hours
Enrollments	35.6K
Rating	4.6/5.0 (5.5K)
Certificate	Paid

Fun Facts

• Pew is a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and a certified Microsoft Office Master Instructor.
• He has provided training for top companies such as Brocade, Chevron, Genentech, Facebook, Levi Strauss, PMI Mortgage Insurance, State Fund, Bank of the West, VISA, Walmart, and many more!
• Pew’s courses are also featured on my Microsoft Word guide and Microsoft PowerPoint guide.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

10. Master Microsoft Access – Access from Beginner to Advanced (Udemy)

My tenth pick for the best Microsoft Access online course is Master Microsoft Access – Access from Beginner to Advanced on Udemy.

This Microsoft Access course consists of three levels from beginner to advanced:

• Microsoft Access Level 1 – Beginner
• Microsoft Access Level 2 – Intermediate
• Microsoft Access Level 3 – Advanced

Being the longest course on this list, it will teach you just about everything you need to know in order to master Access and develop dynamic Access databases.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn how to create Access databases, enter, edit, update, search, sort and filter table records, set defaults and validate data, add option controls, command buttons and drop-down lists, add custom fields to perform arithmetic calculations.

You’ll also add, sort and filter groups, use criteria in a query to refine your search, view unique records, use Actions Queries to update, add and delete records, and automate data entry and accuracy by creating macros.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 23 sections. Each section involves about 30 minutes to 2 hours of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and quizzes.

Provider	Udemy
Instructor	Kirt Kershaw
Level	Beginner
Workload	17 hours
Enrollments	5.2K
Rating	4.6/5.0 (1K)
Certificate	Paid

Fun Facts

• Kershaw is President of Dream Force LLC, and teaches Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Project and Windows.
• He has a host of certifications including Microsoft Office Specialist, Expert and Master Instructor: 2000, XP (2002), 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016. Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Certified Microsoft Project XP (2002), 2010 and 2013 and CompTIA’s A+!

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.