Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is an industry standard, and is the only comprehensive, performance-based certification programme approved by Microsoft to validate desktop computer skills using Microsoft Office applications.

This is a level 2 course that teaches competency in basic database concepts such as planning, forms, and data management, to more advanced concepts including sorting, filtering, reporting, and operating Access on the Web.

The lessons are based on tasks that you might encounter in the everyday world of work, and exercises based on realistic business scenarios, allowing you to see the relevance of training beyond just the classroom. In other words, you will learn far more than just the features of this software.

This is a professional course, leading to a globally recognised qualification that demonstrates the successful candidate has knowledge and competence in using Microsoft Access 2003.

Please note that the cost of this course covers 5 days of tuition only, designed to prepare students for their Microsoft Office Specialist exam. These exams will soon be available at Castle College, and we will update our course details to include the additional cost.

Overview

• Understanding Databases:
  • Start Access
  • Open and move around an existing Database
  • Understand Datasheet and Design view
  • Use the mouse pointer and the keyboard to navigate a Database
• Creating Tables:
  • Create a Database
  • Create a table using Table Wizard
  • Add, move and delete fields
  • Add, edit, import and delete records
  • Print Tables
• Working with Tables:
  • Format a Table datasheet
  • Modify field properties
  • Sort and find records
  • Use Filters
  • Establish relationships between Tables
  • Create Subdatasheets
  • Import records from an external source
• Creating and using Queries:
  • Create and run a Query
  • Specify criteria in a Query
  • Use comparison operators in a Query
  • Create a calculated field
  • Create a multiple Table Query
  • Print a Query
• Designing a Form:
  • Create forms using AutoForm
  • Create forms using Form Wizard
  • Resize and move controls and modify control properties
  • Navigate and enter records in a form
  • Create calculated controls
  • Export a form to HTML
  • Create a simple data access page using AutoPage
• Designing a Report:
  • Create Reports using AutoReport
  • Create Reports using Report Wizard
  • Add, resize and move controls in a report
  • Create calculated controls
  • Format and Print a Report
• Customizing Tables:
  • Create an Index
  • Normalize a Table
  • Set a default data entry value
  • Create and modify an Input Mask and a Lookup Field
  • Define a data Validation Rule
• Creating Custom Queries:
  • Specify criteria in multiple fields
  • Modify Query properties
  • Apply filters to a Query
  • Calculate totals in a Query
  • Create Action, Parameter and Crosstab Queries
  • Join Tables to create a Query
  • Create relationships
• Customize Forms:
  • Create and customize Forms
  • Insert graphics
  • Modify control properties
  • Specify criteria in a Totals Query
  • Add a list to a Form
  • Customize Form sections
  • Create a SubForm
  • Create a Switchboard
  • Create a PivotTable

Overview cont.

• Customizing Reports:
  • Create and modify a Report
  • Add sections to a Report
  • Sort and Group Report data
  • Add and modify controls
  • Create a SubReport
  • Synchronize Report data
• Using Databases on the Internet:
  • Export a Form to HTML
• Create a Data Access Page:
  • Using AutoPage
  • Using Page Wizard
  • In Design View
  • Group and Sort data
  • Save a PivotTable and a PivotChart as a Data Access Page
  • Export an Access object as an XML document
  • Import an XML document as an Access object
  • Create a Hyperlink
  • Create an Access module using VBA code
• Automating Tasks:
  • Create an AutoKeys Macro
  • Use controls to run a Macro
  • Assign a Macro to an Event and a Condition
  • Test and debug a Macro
• Using Database Tools:
  • Set, modify and delete a Database Password
  • Encode and decode a Database
  • Replicate a Database
  • Split a Database
  • Convert a Database to the Access 2002 file format
  • Create an MDE file
  • Compact and repair a Database
  • Set Database Startup options
• Integrating Access with other Office applications:
  • Create a Graph
  • Export data to Excel
  • Drag Tables and Queries to an Excel worksheet
  • Create a link

Who is it aimed at?

This course is primarily aimed at people employed by businesses employing 1-250 staff, who need to use a Microsoft Access database to manage and maintain data, and produce reports to a professional standard. It is also suitable for students, individuals and aspiring professionals who are:

• Looking to develop their skills and enhance their career progression
• Looking to formalise their current knowledge with an industry benchmark

Focused on simple practical techniques this course will help you develop your expertise with Microsoft Access 2003, focus and refine your skills, and prepare you for MOS certification. It allows you access to AxisCommunity for ongoing help and advice, and prepares you for progression to higher level courses, such as MOS at the Expert level.

Entry requirements

This course is suitable for beginners, and candidates who are familiar with Windows and reasonably competent in using Microsoft Access to manage data at a basic level.

As this course is aimed towards an assessment/examination, it is expected that all students will enter for the qualification.

Delivery method

The course is a 5 day fully trainer led course. To help reduce the effect on your business of losing a member of staff for 5 days, this course runs 1 day a week over 5 weeks. Delegates then have the time needed to absorb and implement the information gained during these intensive training days.

Downloadable course overview (pdf)

Microsoft Office Specialist info (823kb)