Build a solid foundation in spreadsheets, formulas and basic analysis.
Microsoft Excel remains the single most widely used data tool in research and professional environments across Africa and beyond. From administrative records and budgets to research data, monitoring information and business reports, Excel is an essential tool across virtually every professional sector.
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Despite its widespread use, many people learn Excel informally and consequently use only a small proportion of its capabilities. Tasks that should take minutes are often performed manually, taking hours instead; formulas are avoided or used incorrectly; and simple features that can substantially improve accuracy and efficiency remain underutilised.
This introductory Excel course is designed for participants who are new to Excel or who have picked up the basics informally and want a structured foundation. It provides a practical introduction to Excel, beginning with navigating the Excel environment and progressing through data capture and management, formulas and functions, and basic data analysis. The course is highly practical and requires little or no previous Excel experience.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently create and manage Excel workbooks, capture and organise data, apply appropriate formatting, perform basic calculations using formulas and functions, and sort, filter and summarise data for everyday professional use. Participants who complete this course are well placed to progress to CESAR's Data Analysis and Visualisation Using Excel (DAVE) course, which builds on these foundations to cover more advanced data management, analysis and visualisation, including lookups, PivotTables and dashboards.
Participants will become familiar with the Excel environment, including the Ribbon, tabs, Quick Access Toolbar, Name Box, Formula Bar and worksheets. They will learn to create, save, open and manage workbooks and worksheets and use shortcuts and navigation tools to work more efficiently.
After completing this course, participants will be able to use Excel confidently for routine workplace and research tasks. They will be able to create and manage well-structured spreadsheets, capture and format data appropriately, navigate large worksheets efficiently, perform calculations using basic formulas and functions, and sort, filter and summarise data to answer simple analytical questions. The course will provide participants with a strong foundation for progressing to more advanced Excel applications, including CESAR's Data Analysis and Visualisation Using Excel (DAVE) course.
“I have always wanted to become an excellent migration policy analyst, and I knew understanding data was the missing piece. This course helped me connect data analysis with policy and governance. I can now independently explore findings, identify patterns and contribute more meaningfully to evidence-based migration policy discussions.”
“Having worked in data management for about 10 years, I discovered that there were things I had been doing without fully understanding why. This course gave me a clearer understanding of inferential statistics. I also learned valuable teaching techniques, particularly the importance of engaging students and respecting their time.”
“Before this course, I knew what data was but didn’t understand data analysis or how relevant it was to my work. I now see how it can help me organise information, interpret findings, track the impact of my interventions, improve my programmes and make better decisions in mental health and adolescent counselling.”
“I particularly appreciate the teaching method and the respect shown to every participant. I know I still have more to learn, but I now have the confidence and foundation to keep practising.”
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Yes. Contact CESAR to discuss your objectives, preferred delivery format and training needs, and we'll tailor the course to your team.
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