Microsoft Access Certifications and Certificates

If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your skills in Microsoft Access, you might be overwhelmed by the different certifications and certificate programs available. You might also have a lot of questions, such as, will a certificate help you get a job? Is there a difference between a certificate and a certification? How do I prepare for these credentials? This article aims to answer these questions so you can efficiently choose the right path toward a Microsoft Word certification. Keep reading to find out more.

What is Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a database management software. Access is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is standard for business and enterprise users. Like Microsoft Excel, Access lets users view and manage data. However, Access is more powerful than Excel and can process more data at once. While Excel is appropriate for viewing and managing data in a spreadsheet format, Access is more suitable for managing entire databases. 

Access allows users to create several tables containing their own data that need to be tracked separately and connect those tables. These connected tables make up a database. And, just like with tables, users can connect databases to track relationships. Within Access, users can also query databases to find the necessary information. As with Excel, users can easily export reports from data within Access to create reports for printing and sharing with stakeholders. These multiple features included in Access allow entrepreneurs and businesses to gather large amounts of data, gain insights and take action on operations, projects, and performance.

Read more about what Microsoft Access is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is used to build simple database management systems where entrepreneurs and businesses can store large amounts of data. Users can create tables for managing data and can connect those tables to track relationships. The insights gained from these relationships allow businesses to acquire valuable insights regarding their financials, inventory and sales, productivity, and project management, among others. Databases also function for purposes such as keeping track of employee information or managing client/server forms.

When it comes to sharing data, Access makes it easy to compile data and format reports. Data converts into colorful charts and graphs, making this visualization of data helpful for presenting insights to stakeholders. Charts are also customizable to your needs, including interactive elements. Reports have a variety of options as well. They can be printed, exported to another file or program, or emailed as an attachment.

Access' simple interface and built-in tools make it an excellent resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs who may need more application-building experience. Access can also create desktop or web applications. Developers can create macros, build modules, and develop their own code libraries. Access is also helpful for larger companies that want to develop their own applications without the cost of outsourcing.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

“Certificate” and “certification” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different things, and there are different processes to attain them. To gain certification, you usually have to sit for an exam administered by a third party to demonstrate your mastery of a subject; certificates are generally completion-based programs. Certification is often standardized and issued by national organizations. Thus, they are more likely to be professionally recognized by a potential employer. However, attending a certificate program can still showcase your willingness to improve your skills and advance your career.

Top Certifications & Certificates for Microsoft Access

Microsoft has official certifications for its programs. Certifications can be gained in two levels for Microsoft Access: Specialist and Expert. It costs $100 to take the Microsoft Access Specialist certification exam and the same for the Microsoft Access Expert certification exam. Many live online training courses in Microsoft Access also include certification exams at the end. These classes are ideal for job seekers or those simply wishing to review their knowledge before seeking certification.

Should I Get Certified in Microsoft Access?

Very few jobs require certification in Microsoft Access. A certification is proof of your skills to an employer. It demonstrates your willingness and self-determination to improve your skills during your job search. Both can be attractive qualities to a potential employer and help you stand out against the competition. However, that doesn’t mean certification can’t benefit your career.

How to Get Certified in Microsoft Access

There are several options for professionals wishing to become certified in Microsoft Access. If you are comfortable with your level of comprehension in Microsoft Access, you can undergo an exam without additional training. Those needing to increase or refresh their skills may first attend comprehensive live online training in Microsoft Access. Courses are also available that include Microsoft Word training with an official examination at the end, such as the Access Specialist Certification Program.

For some professionals, their employer will be open to training them and paying for Microsoft Office Certification exams. This relies heavily on individual businesses and organizations, however. Not every employee will have such opportunities. 

There are no prerequisites to take a Microsoft Access certification exam. If you feel you’re ready to prove your skills as a Microsoft Access Expert, you don’t need to pass the Microsoft Access Specialist exam first. You can jump straight to the exam that you feel your skills exemplify.

Learn Microsoft Access with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

In today's busy world, live online learning can be a fast, engaging, and cheaper alternative to in-person classes. With live, hands-on training at Noble Desktop, Microsoft Access is easy to learn. Noble Desktop's classes are small, taught by expert instructors, and include free retake options.

Noble Desktop offers Microsoft Access classes at two levels. Microsoft Access Level I teaches beginners the fundamentals of the program. Students learn how to work with data and create tables and forms. Microsoft Access Level II teaches advanced techniques such as data validation, table structure improvement, and advanced reporting. Students build their own databases and learn efficiency tips and tricks. 

The Microsoft Access Bootcamp covers both Microsoft Access Level I and II. This class is ideal for beginners who wish to master the program in one comprehensive course. Students interested in becoming certified in Microsoft Access may want to attend the Access Specialist Certification Program. This course is offered through NYIM, an affiliate school to Noble Desktop, and combines Microsoft Access Level I and II with Access Certification exam training.

Key Insights

• Certification and certificates in Microsoft Access are not required for most job positions. 
• However, certification and certificates are viable options to showcase your skills to potential employers.
• Microsoft offers official Microsoft Access examinations at specialist and expert levels.
• Courses exist for training in Microsoft Access that contains a combination of training and certification examinations.
• There are no required prerequisites to undergoing Microsoft Access certification exams. However, each exam costs $100. 
• You can receive comprehensive Microsoft Word training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.