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Description

Excel for Beginners: Entering Data, Building Formulas and Formatting

Build your own tracking spreadsheets instead of copying the ones handed to you

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

Excel is open every day, yet its use often stops at data entry and a few additions. Formulas are copied without being understood, results shift as soon as a row is inserted, tables print across several unreadable pages and sorting data means redoing everything by hand.

These two days lay the groundwork in a methodical way. Participants take control of the workbook, build their own formulas and understand the role of absolute references, apply the most useful calculation and logical functions, format a table for printing, then sort, filter and present their data through a simple chart.

Learning objectives

  • Enter and organise data in a structured workbook
  • Build calculation formulas and apply absolute references
  • Use the most common calculation and logical functions
  • Format a table and prepare it for printing
  • Sort, filter and present data through a simple chart

What makes this programme different

Every concept is applied immediately to a tracking workbook built step by step
The most frequent formula errors are deliberately triggered and then corrected in session
A complete workbook is provided so participants can repeat the exercises at their desk

Programme

1Getting to Grips with the Workbook

Setting up clean data from the outset

  • Organising a workbook into sheets and data entry areas
  • Data types and number, date and text formats
  • Selecting, copying and moving without losing data
  • Saving files and managing versions

2Calculations and Formulas

Putting the spreadsheet to work

  • Building a formula and the order of operations
  • Copying formulas and the role of absolute references
  • SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX functions
  • Logical functions and simple conditional calculations
  • Identifying and correcting error messages

3Formatting and Printing

Making the table readable

  • Cell formatting, borders and alignment
  • Conditional formatting to highlight a value
  • Column widths, freezing panes and repeating headings
  • Print area, page breaks and headers

4Sorting, Filtering and Charting

Making use of your data

  • Simple sorting and sorting on several columns
  • Filters to isolate part of the data
  • Totals on filtered data
  • Creating a chart and choosing the right type

Who is it for

Anyone using Excel occasionally, as well as administrative support staff, officers and coordinators starting out with spreadsheets.

Prerequisites

Ability to use a computer and manage files.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.