How Difficult is it to Learn Microsoft Access?

Are you curious about learning Microsoft Access but worried it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning Microsoft Access depend on factors like possessing basic computer skills and your familiarity with other Microsoft programs. If you’re comfortable with other data management programs like Microsoft Excel, your experience learning Access is likely to be much easier. Your schedule can also significantly affect how channeling Microsoft Access is to learn.

No matter your current schedule or comfort level with Microsoft Access, plenty of tools are available to help make learning easier than you might think.

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.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is one of the most accessible database management programs for beginners to learn. Like the rest of Microsoft Office’s Suite of productivity programs, Access possesses an intuitive interface and several built-in help features to aid users. While the basics of Microsoft Access may be easy to learn, advanced features will likely elude most self-learners. Without instruction, some people never realize all the powerful tools Microsoft Access has available. The best way to learn all that Microsoft Access offers is to attend a professional class, so you learn all the time-saving advanced features.

Some students new to data management may need help with Microsoft Access, regardless of its intuitive interface. While many beginners can learn Microsoft Access without any previous experience in data management, some students find it beneficial to learn the fundamentals of Microsoft Excel before attempting Access. While the two programs serve different purposes, they contain similar features. Since Excel manages smaller datasets than Access, it is a natural transition to learning Access. If you find yourself intimidated by data management, consider a beginner’s class for Microsoft Excel before attempting to learn Access.

How Does Learning Microsoft Access Compare to Other Applications?

At first glance, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel might seem to serve the same functions. Both programs work with data and can convert data into charts and graphs for visual presentations. However, while Excel is best for organizing data, Access is best for managing it. Microsoft Excel is spreadsheet software, while Access is database management software. While Excel users can create workbooks that store multiple spreadsheets of data, Access users can create various forms that connect to each to form databases. Some professionals choose to learn Microsoft Excel as a stepping stone to understanding Access.

Microsoft SQL Server is another program with many similarities to Microsoft Access. Both programs function for database management. However, SQL can handle larger amounts of data and more optimized data processing. Microsoft Access better suits entrepreneurs and small businesses with relatively small database management needs. Companies of medium to large size likely find they have more extensive data processing needs than Microsoft Access can handle. Microsoft Access's interface is designed for those unfamiliar with complex database management, making it easy to learn with little training. Learning SQL Server is likely to take much more time as it is a more advanced software for data management experts.

Microsoft Access’s Built-In Help Feature

If you’re struggling with Microsoft Access, the program has a built-in help feature. In addition to an index and contents list, you can ask Microsoft Access a question such as “How do I…?” and the program will provide you with a list of topics related to your query. Microsoft Access also has a “Tell me what you want to do” window where you can type the task you are trying to achieve, such as “create a database” or “use input masks.” Like the question window, this tool generates a list of topics to review.

Microsoft Access’s built-in assistance should provide you with all you need to work through the program. If you’re looking for more tutorials, the Microsoft website also features guides on Microsoft Access. 

Why is it Worth Learning Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is one of the world’s top database management software. Many data analysts and application developers owe their careers to learning Microsoft Access. Accountants, project managers, IT support, and many other professionals working with data can benefit from the productivity tools Microsoft Access offers. If you’re struggling to learn Microsoft Access, there are many reasons to stick with it.

Even if your desired job doesn’t require knowledge of Microsoft Access, Microsoft Office programs are popular worldwide across industries. Microsoft Access is also less well-known than the mainstream programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Thus, there are fewer experts in Microsoft Access, and becoming one sets you in a pool of smaller competition. For job seekers, employees tend to respond positively to the effort of learning new skills and productivity tools. In general, employees who learn Microsoft Office programs see overall salary increases. 

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.