Access Essential Skills

Retrieve, Maintain and Report on Data with Microsoft Access

This practical training course gives you the essential skills needed to work with an existing Microsoft Access database. You will learn how to navigate database information, enter and edit records, find the data you need, create queries, and present results in reports.

Whether you are new to Access or need a clear introduction to relational databases, this course helps you build confidence with everyday database tasks. You will learn a structured approach to maintaining records and retrieving useful information without needing to develop a database from scratch.

Access Essential Skills is ideal for people who:

• Are new to Microsoft Access
• Need to use an existing Access database
• Maintain records as part of their work
• Need to find and retrieve specific information
• Want to create queries and present results in reports

To attend Access Essential Skills, you should:

• Have general personal-computer skills
• Be comfortable using Microsoft Windows
• Understand basic file handling
• Have excellent knowledge of Excel or Word fundamentals; Excel is preferred

After completing Access Essential Skills, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of a relational database
• Navigate the Access window and existing database objects
• Enter, edit and find records accurately
• Create Select and Parameter queries    
• Summarise data with totals queries
• Create reports to present information
• Export Access information to other applications

Understanding Relational Databases

• Identify the purpose of a relational database
• Recognise how related information is organised
• Understand the role of common Access objects

Navigating Microsoft Access

• Use the Access window
• Open and move between database objects
• Navigate records confidently

Entering and Maintaining Data

• Enter new records accurately
• Edit existing data
• Apply careful record-maintenance practices

Finding and Retrieving Information

• Find specific records
• Use criteria to focus on required information
• Review retrieved results for accuracy

Creating Select and Parameter Queries

• Create a select query
• Choose fields and set criteria
• Create parameter queries that request user input

Summarising Data with Queries

• Create summary totals queries
• Group records for useful totals
• Check calculated results

Using Reports and Other Applications

• Use reports to present database information
• Review report output for clarity
• Work with Access and other applications