With the rise of big data and data-driven decision making in businesses, the need for qualified data entry professionals has never been greater. Data entry plays a crucial role in getting raw information into a format that can be easily accessed, analyzed and shared. An accurate, efficient data entry process is the foundation of impactful data analytics. So what is the best course to gain the skills needed for a career in data entry?
What Does a Data Entry Job Entail?
Before evaluating the top data entry courses, it’s important to understand what the day-to-day work of a data entry clerk or specialist involves. These are some of the primary responsibilities:
- Transcribing information from paper documents, PDF files, images, audio files and other sources into digital formats
- Entering data into databases, spreadsheets, content management systems and other digital repositories
- Verifying the accuracy of entered data by proofreading and cross-checking against source materials
- Identifying and correcting any data inconsistencies, errors or duplications
- Processing forms, receipts, survey responses and other documents containing data for entry
- Compiling, organizing, categorizing and formatting data from various sources
- Keeping detailed logs and records of work completed
The most important skills and qualifications for data entry clerks include:
- Proficiency with data entry software, databases and spreadsheets
- Excellent typing speed and accuracy
- High attention to detail and organizational skills
- Basic knowledge of data processing procedures
- Ability to handle repetitive tasks efficiently
- Knowledge of formatting standards for different types of data
- Reading comprehension skills needed to interpret source materials
Why Take a Formal Data Entry Course?
With the prevalence of freelance gig economy jobs, you may think data entry is something you can teach yourself or just figure out as you go. However, taking a structured course offers some important benefits:
- Builds a strong foundation in best practices for accurate, efficient data entry
- Develops familiarity with specialized data entry software and tools
- Provides hands-on practice with key data entry tasks like formatting, categorizing and validating data
- Teaches effective techniques for maintaining speed and accuracy
- Improves skills needed to get hired for data entry roles, such as resume writing, interviewing, workplace professionalism
- Offers certification that validates abilities to potential employers
- Allows learning key skills on your schedule from expert instructors
While data entry requires some basic technical abilities like typing and computer proficiency, there are specialized skills involved that formal training can help develop. The right course provides structured learning materials, expert instruction, hands-on projects and certification to confirm your skills. This can give you a significant competitive advantage over those trying to break into data entry roles without formal training.
Choosing the Best Data Entry Course Format
Data entry courses are available in several formats to suit different budgets and learning preferences:
| Course Format | Overview | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online self-paced | Pre-recorded video lessons and materials accessed on your schedule | – Flexible scheduling – Lower cost – Learn at your own pace |
– Less instructor interaction – Requires self-motivation |
| Online live | Live interactive classes via video chat on scheduled dates | – Live instructor access – Scheduled class commitment – Peer collaboration |
– Less schedule flexibility – Potential time zone challenges |
| On-campus | In-person classes at a college or vocational school | – Hands-on learning labs – Campus resources access – Networking opportunities |
– Commuting required – Less flexible schedule |
| Bootcamp | Intensive multi-week crash courses at a workplace/lab | – Rapid skill development – Practical hands-on focus – Job search assistance |
– Intensive schedule – Higher cost |
Key factors to consider are your learning style, schedule flexibility, budget and access to campus/facilities. An online self-paced or live course offers schedule flexibility while on-campus and bootcamp options provide more structured hands-on learning environments.
Top Data Entry Courses to Consider
Here are some of the best reviewed data entry courses offering quality training from reputed providers:
Udemy
With affordable pricing and the flexibility of self-paced online learning, Udemy offers one of the top rated data entry courses for beginners. Key features include:
- 5+ hours of on-demand video lectures
- Downloadable resources like cheat sheets and practice files
- Tips for speed improvement and accuracy
- Instruction on leading data entry software
- Certificate of completion
- 30-day money back guarantee
Coursera
For those seeking training from a reputed university, Coursera offers a Data Entry Skills certification from the University of California Irvine Division of Continuing Education. Highlights include:
- 3 courses teaching data entry, processing and analysis skills
- Real-world projects using business data sets
- Guidance on career development and strategy
- Flexible online self-paced format
- Shareable certificate upon completion
EdX
Offering affordable courses from top universities, EdX has a Microsoft Data Entry course teaching core skills including:
- Entering and formatting data in Excel
- Developing speed and accuracy
- Basic formulas, functions and charts
- Tips for data validation and quality control
- Verification of entry accuracy
CareerStep
For those looking for formal certification, CareerStep offers a reputable online Medical Data Entry program covering:
- Data entry using medical billing/coding software
- Terminology for medical records handling
- Processing insurance claims and reimbursement forms
- Strict compliance practices for healthcare data
- Preparation for Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam
Ashworth College
Ashworth College provides an accredited online career diploma program in data entry with:
- 10 courses with beginner to advanced level content
- Virtual labs for hands-on training
- Key techniques like speed building and accuracy optimization
- Resume development and career coaching
- Certification exam preparation
What is the Cost of Data Entry Courses?
The cost of data entry courses ranges quite significantly based on the provider, breadth of content covered and certification included:
| Course Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Self-paced online courses | $50 – $200 |
| Online live courses | $200 – $600 |
| On-campus vocational programs | $500 – $2500 |
| Accelerated bootcamps | $2000 – $4000 |
| Bachelor’s degree programs | $3000+ per semester |
Self-paced online courses offer a very affordable starting point under $200. For more extensive training, on-campus and bootcamp programs cost upwards of $2000 – $4000. Earning a bachelor’s degree with data entry specialization provides the maximum credentials but is also the biggest time and cost investment.
What is the Job Outlook for Data Entry Roles?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for data entry and administrative services clerks is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031, on par with average job growth across all occupations. This will result in approximately 30,500 additional jobs over the decade.
Most data entry clerks work full time and year round, however there are also many part time and work from home opportunities. The median annual pay for data entry clerks in 2021 was $37,170. Those with specialized skills and experience in fields like healthcare and technology can earn upwards of $45,000 – $55,000 per year.
Some of the leading industries hiring data entry professionals include:
- Office administrative services
- Hospitals
- Insurance
- Telecommunications
- Warehousing
- Finance
- Technology
While overall job growth is modest, there continue to be steady openings for qualified data entry specialists with formal training and certifications. Taking a comprehensive course is the best way to build skills and gain credentials to advance your data entry career.
Conclusion
With businesses relying on digital data more than ever, pursuing training as a data entry specialist can be a stable, rewarding career path. Formal courses offer major advantages for building skills efficiently and gaining credentials to stand out from other job candidates. With options ranging from budget-friendly online courses to intensive on-campus programs, there are flexible choices to suit any schedule and learning style. Investing in a quality data entry course is a worthwhile step to establish specialized skills needed in virtually every industry.