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Description

Excel — Spreadsheets for Self-Taught Users: Close the Gaps, Improve Reliability and Save Time

Revisit the basics learned on the job and stop doing by hand what the spreadsheet can do for you

  • 1 day — 7 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

Most people learn spreadsheets alone, by copying existing files and searching for answers one problem at a time. The output works, but the method is expensive: totals double-checked on a calculator, formulas copied then corrected cell by cell, formatting reapplied manually and references that shift as soon as a formula is dragged across a range.

This 7-hour day rebuilds the foundations: structuring a clean table, relative and absolute references, calculation and conditional functions, fast formatting, sorting, filtering and printing. The agenda is agreed at the start of the session based on the files and difficulties participants bring with them.

Learning objectives

  • Build a data table that can be used by sorting and filtering tools
  • Distinguish relative and absolute references and apply each appropriately
  • Write the calculation and counting functions most used day to day
  • Set a condition within a formula and combine several conditions
  • Format a table quickly and legibly
  • Prepare a long table for printing while keeping column headings visible

What makes this programme different

The agenda is agreed at the start of the day from the files participants actually use
Habits picked up alone are identified and then replaced step by step
An annotated reference workbook is taken away and reused at the workstation

Programme

1Starting again on solid foundations

A clean workbook before any formula

  • Structure of a data table that tools can actually use
  • Data entry, cell formats and the pitfalls of dates and numbers
  • Naming sheets and organising the workbook
  • Copying, moving and paste special
  • Fast formatting and conditional formatting

2Calculating accurately

References and everyday functions

  • Relative, absolute and mixed references
  • Sum, average, counting and rounding
  • Conditional function and nested conditions
  • Calculations across sheets
  • Spotting and correcting formula errors

3Analysing and presenting

Sorting, filtering and printing

  • Sorting on several criteria
  • Filters and custom filters
  • Subtotals and simple summaries
  • Choosing a chart that fits the message
  • Print area, repeated headings and pagination

Who is it for

Self-taught spreadsheet users who work with the tool regularly but have never followed a structured training programme.

Prerequisites

Using a spreadsheet on a daily basis to enter data and perform simple calculations.

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.