Training course

Access Advanced Database Design

This Microsoft Access course is for delegates who have sound skills in the use of MS Access and are now ready to expand their knowledge into some of the more specialised and advanced features of the software. This course will provide delegates with the skills needed to create complex queries, create macros to automate tasks, enhance forms and reports and use the Access programming language Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), enabling delegates to really take control of their databases.

  • 2 Days
  • Online or in person
  • Private courses available
Download outline (PDF)

Course Objectives

  • Put existing data into correctly designed tables and compact a database
  • Use a variety of techniques to summarise data
  • Create and edit Access macros
  • Create macros to automate tasks within a database
  • Use advanced features to enhance forms
  • Add security features to protect your database
  • Start creating programs in your database with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

Prerequisites

  • Delegates should understand database design and structure
  • Delegates should be able to create and manipulate Queries
  • This course assumes knowledge of how to create a database with many related tables
  • Delegates should have an up to date working knowledge of Access and have attended Access Essentials course or have equivalent knowledge and experience


Included

  • Comprehensive course materials and exercises
  • Telephone and Email Support
  • Lunch and refreshments when training is delivered at our training venues

Course content Back to top

  1. Working with Action queries
    Update query
    Make Table query
    Find Duplicates query
    Append query
    Delete query
  2. Advanced form design
    Unbound forms
    Command buttons
    Passing values to queries from a field on a form
    Creating Cascading Combo Boxes (The combo box filters the contents of another combo box)
    The Expression Builder
    Triggering Events on a form
    Using the data functions to return specific values, for example, DLookup, DSum, Dcount
  3. Reports
    Grouping and sorting records
    Creating calculated fields
    Conditional formatting
  4. Macros
    Creating macros
    Embedding Macros into buttons
    Message Boxes
    Macros in form events
    Passing values between forms to filter data
    Attaching macros to the quick access toolbar
  5. Database utilities
    Configuring the Navigation Pane with custom groups
    Compacting and repairing a database
    Examining object dependencies
    Splitting a database into Front and back ends
    Creating Custom Ribbon Tabs
    Startup options and custom icons
    Protecting your database with a password
  6. Introduction to programming in Access (VBA)
    This is a gentle introduction to programming in Access. It is where the real power lies when you create a database. Once you have mastered the user interface this is your next step. In this course we provide you with an ‘easy steps’ introduction to programming; you will learn how to:
    Use the programming environment
    Create your first program and attach it to a button
    Automate tasks such as:
    Open a form/ report, create your own switchboard
    How to run several queries at with the click of the button
    How to filter a form depending on the criteria chosen
    How to hide fields on a form
    How to display a message
    Once you have attended this course you will have the confidence to experiment and start learning how to program using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). This part of the course gives you a taster of programming without you having to attend a full blown programmers course.

Public dates and prices Back to top

Prices are per delegate and exclude VAT.

  • Thursday 3 December 2026

    Durham 2 days 9:30–16:30

    £785+ VAT

  • Monday 19 April 2027

    Virtual, live online 2 days 9:30–16:30

    £685+ VAT

  • Tuesday 28 September 2027

    Virtual, live online 2 days 9:30–16:30

    £685+ VAT

Can't make these dates? Ask about a private course on a date that suits you.

Training a team?

Run this course privately, on your dates

  • Public Scheduled Fixed course content, fixed date, fixed location, fixed length, multiple organisations - All you need to do is choose which course you would like to attend and contact us to book!
  • Private Flexible course content, flexible training date(s), flexible location(s), variable course length, private to your organisation - Courses can be held at one of our training venues or at another location convenient to you. Training can be set over a number of days or weeks to allow for practice time between training sessions.
  • Bespoke Bespoke private training can be based on an existing course or a number of lessons taken from several courses, we can also write bespoke courses for you based on your in-house systems or development program.
  • Virtual These courses can be attended from anywhere.

What delegates say Back to top

“Thoroughly enjoyed it! Clear and concise. Right up my street, can’t wait to go away and practice. Once again, thank you for an enjoyable learning experience.”
P.A., Nissan
“This course ran through plenty of examples and my questions were answered to help my understanding”
J.C., William Smith Group

Any other comments or recommendations

“Great use of workshop function rather than a 39talked at session39 and good use of relating to own data”
J.C.
“The course was even more valuable than I predicted. I didn't even know what I didn't know before coming in, but have learnt a lot of new things. Very good teacher.”
G.A., Karbon Homes, Adobe Illustrator Level 2

What were the most useful aspects of the course

“Learning different skills when speaking to people”
M.S., Fpe Seals Ltd, Introduction to Supervisory Management
“Great balance of practical examples and teaching.”
D.L., Bruker, Excel Level 2

Which part of the course did you find particularly valuable

“I found the information on bookmarks and page navigation to be particularly helpful. I had previously used Power BI however as I was self taught I had never explored this before. I also found the terminology to be very useful, for example 39Content Pack39 it is important to work to the true standards after all.”
J.I., Nhs Bsa, Microsoft Power BI Desktop

Which part of the course did you find particularly valuable

“Formulas and charts. Good overview of features”
S.K., Egger (Uk) Ltd, Excel Level 1

Other courses in this series Back to top

  • You are here Access Advanced Database Design
  • VBA Essentials using Access

    This course is aimed at those who would like to develop their skills and knowledge of VBA programming in Access application development.

  • Access Essentials An Introduction to Database Design

    This Access course enables delegates to progress from the one level databases associated with holding data in Microsoft Excel, to multiple…

Please contact us to discuss your Access Advanced Database Design course, we have many solutions available to ensure you receive the best training possible.

Your access course can be delivered online or in-person. You can choose your learning path and delivery style. Learn in-person or online with our virtual classrooms. Your course can be delivered online, at your office or at one of our training venues, it's your choice. Small course sizes. Course materials included. Flexible Access Advanced Database Design course content. Expert trainers and tried & tested training methods. Many course materials available online using your personal training account. You can master access, please contact us to book a place or get a quote for your Access Advanced Database Design course.

Microsoft and Microsoft Access are Registered Trademarks Advanced Microsoft Access Database Design Training Course available throughout North East England including Newcastle, Durham, Washington, Sunderland
IT Training Solutions Ltd
Oakville, 14 Durham Road West, Bowburn, Durham, DH6 5AU
0191 377 8377
ittrainingsolutions.co.uk
Printed: 10/20/2026 10:16:09 PM