Learning Excel through LinkedIn Learning can take anywhere from a few hours to many months depending on your existing skill level and how deeply you want to dive into Excel’s advanced functions and tools. In this article, we’ll take a look at what’s involved in learning Excel via LinkedIn Learning and provide estimates for the time investment needed to reach different proficiency levels.
Getting Started with Excel Basics
For complete beginners who have never used Excel before, becoming familiar with basic spreadsheet concepts and navigation can take just a few hours. LinkedIn Learning has numerous introductory courses that provide an Excel overview, teach you how to enter data, format cells, work with basic formulas and functions, and create simple charts. Expect to spend around 2-5 hours going through an introductory course to get a handle on Excel fundamentals.
Key beginner skills covered:
- Entering and editing data
- Cell formatting
- Basic formulas (SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT)
- Relative and absolute cell references
- Sorting and filtering data
- Basic charts and graphs (column, bar, pie)
Building Proficiency in Excel
After getting familiar with Excel basics, the next step is developing proficiency with core Excel features that will allow you to build more complex and functional spreadsheets. At this stage, plan to invest around 8-15 hours going through LinkedIn Learning courses to get comfortable with skills like:
Key skills covered:
- Advanced formulas and functions (VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, conditional logic)
- PivotTables and PivotCharts
- Data analysis tools (Goal Seek, Scenario Manager, Data Tables)
- Lookup functions and formula auditing
- Date and text functions
- Conditional formatting
Once you’ve gone through courses focused on the above topics and have practiced applying these skills through real-world Excel project templates, you’ll have a solid proficiency in Excel that allows you to tackle moderately complex reporting and analysis tasks.
Mastering Advanced Excel Skills
To take your Excel abilities to an advanced level, plan to invest 20+ hours into learning and applying Excel’s power user features. LinkedIn Learning has extensive content on advanced topics like:
Key advanced skills covered:
- Power Pivot and Data Modeling
- Advanced lookup functions (Index, Match, XLookup)
- Array formulas
- Macro recording and VBA scripting
- What-if analysis tools
- Statistical and engineering functions
Combining courses focused on the above advanced features with project files and exercises will get you over the Excel master hump. At this point you can efficiently handle modeling, analysis, and automation challenges in Excel that go way beyond basic spreadsheet building.
Learning Time Estimates by Skill Level
Here’s a quick table summarizing the estimated learning hours required at each skill level:
| Skill Level | Learning Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Excel Basics | 2-5 hours |
| Excel Proficiency | 8-15 hours |
| Excel Master | 20+ hours |
Keep in mind these are general estimates – you may be able to progress faster or need more time depending on your existing skill set and learning style. The key is consistency – budgeting at least an hour a day to take a course and reinforce skills will help you make steady progress.
Tips for Learning Excel Efficiently
Here are some tips to help you get the most benefit from LinkedIn Learning Excel courses and master skills quickly:
- Take notes as you go – Actively taking notes rather than just passively watching videos will help reinforce concepts.
- Apply skills right away – Using Excel to build practice spreadsheets immediately after learning a concept cements skills.
- Follow course projects – Completing real-world sample projects is crucial for gaining competence.
- Learn keyboard shortcuts – Hot keys dramatically speed up Excel work so memorize them.
- Use Flash Fill – This tool can save tons of time when filling spreadsheet data.
- Focus on FUNCTIONS – Formulas and Functions are at the core of Excel mastery.
- Chart early and often – Visualizations convey insights faster than just numbers.
The Benefits of LinkedIn Learning for Excel
Why choose LinkedIn Learning to master Excel skills? Here are some key benefits:
- Well-structured courses take you from basics to advanced functions.
- Expert instructors like Curt Frye demonstrate real-world applications.
- Self-paced learning allows you to focus where needed.
- Downloadable practice files let you apply skills.
- Cost effective compared to formal training courses.
- Earn Certificates to showcase skills on LinkedIn profile.
Conclusion
Learning Excel via LinkedIn Learning can take anywhere from 5 hours for basics to 20+ hours for deep mastery. Focus on digesting concepts, practicing skills immediately, and completing course projects. Stick with a regular learning schedule and use features like downloadable workbooks and Certificates to get the most from LinkedIn Learning Excel courses. Consistency and practice are key – with the proper time investment, you can master Excel at your own pace.