Excel Basics course

In this course you learn the basic functions of Excel: formulas, charts, formatting and the IF function. You can also optionally work with Copilot in Excel and apply what you have learnt straight away.

8.5 from 107 reviews 4,6 on Google NRTO quality mark

Free cancellation up to four weeks before the start, so feel free to book now.

For a team or department? Arrange your own group, at your premises or ours. In-company for your team

In brief. Excel Basics is a 2-day classroom course. You can take it in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague, among other locations, or online, in a group of no more than 8 participants. The price is € 950,- excl. VAT per participant, including course materials, lunch on location and a certificate of attendance. For a team or department we also deliver this course in-company.

  • Directly applicable in practice
  • Personal guidance at your level
  • Working with Copilot in Excel
  • Bring along your own practical examples
  • Master charts and formulas quickly
PascalBartRaoulHans

Your trainer: Pascal, Bart, Raoul or Hans 1.773 evaluations in total, averaging 8,5. View the trainers

With Excel you work faster, smarter and with a better overview. In this basic training you learn to apply formulas, functions and charts to real working situations. Optionally, you can also cover Excel with Copilot, so that you put AI to work directly in your spreadsheets.

Description

In this course you will get to know the most important functions of Excel and apply them directly in practice. You will learn how to set up a spreadsheet with formulas and calculations, how to work with charts and how to apply a clear layout. The course optionally covers working with Copilot in Excel, the AI assistant that supports you in your work.

You work in an open learning format under the guidance of an experienced trainer. At the start of the day you discuss your starting level and what you want to get out of the course. That way the focus is on the topics that matter to you. You can bring your own practical examples, so that you can work purposefully on situations from your own job.

For teams and organisations. If you want to give a whole department the same grounding in Excel, we also run the course in-company, at your office or at ours. If you wish, we can work with examples from your own day-to-day practice.

Topics

  • Getting to know the Excel interface
  • Working with templates
  • Moving, copying and managing worksheets
  • Saving and opening workbooks
  • Entering data automatically
  • Formatting cells and numbers, and number notation
  • Creating formulas and functions
  • Absolute and relative cell references
  • The IF function
  • Sorting and filtering data
  • Creating and modifying charts
  • Adjusting page settings for printing
  • Optional: working with Copilot in Excel

Result

After completing this course you will be able to work independently with Excel. You will create spreadsheets, carry out calculations using formulas and functions, and apply the IF function. You will produce clear charts, sort and filter data and give your worksheets a tidy layout. You will also know how to make smart use of cell references and how to manage workbooks. Have you opted for the optional Copilot module? Then you will also be able to use the AI assistant in Excel to get results more quickly.

Target audience

This course is intended for anyone who wants to get started with Excel and get a good grasp of the basics. Whether you want to keep your accounts at home or create clear spreadsheets at work: no prior knowledge of Excel is required. A little experience with Windows and the basics of working on a computer is enough to join in.

The course is suitable for roles in which you keep lists and produce overviews on a daily basis, such as in administration, office support, HR, purchasing and logistics.

Teaching method

You follow this course in our open learning format: a full course day on which you work through the course material independently in a small group. An experienced trainer circulates, answers your questions and helps you further where needed. This way you set your own pace and focus on the topics that matter to you. You can also bring your own practical examples to apply what you learn straight away.

Prior knowledge

You do not need any specific prior knowledge for this course. Can you handle a computer and do you know how to open and save a file? Then you can get started right away. Experience with Excel is not required; we really do begin with the basics.

Comments

You take this course in our open learning format. You work independently on the material, while an experienced trainer is present in the room to answer your questions straight away. This way you set your own pace and focus.

Course format

This training is offered on the basis of our Open Learning teaching method. This means that you work independently, with active guidance from our trainer, to master the material. That way you can achieve your learning objectives at your own pace, without being held back by fellow participants working faster or slower. The trainer makes sure that you stay on schedule and meet your learning objectives. This form of learning leaves room for a tailored approach. You have the opportunity to bring in examples from your own practice and IT environment, so that your learning is even more specific. more...

Practical information

Number of days
2 days
Course times
from 10 am to 5 pm
Teaching hours
12 hours
Education level
Suitable for all levels
Preparation time
None
Included
Course materials and lunch on site
Certificate
At the end of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance
Cancel
Free up to four weeks before the start (cancellation terms)

Language

The course is given in Dutch as standard. The trainer speaks English. English-language course materials can be used. If at least 3 participants register, the course can also be given entirely in English.

In-company

Would you like to organise this training for a whole group or several groups? This can be cost-effective. For example, we can tailor the content entirely to your organisation, and training a whole group is also cheaper.

Are you looking at large numbers of participants or a complete academy? That involves a great deal. Consider planning and communication, for example, or identifying and agreeing the objectives and content of the training. Or differences in level, feedback mechanisms and safeguarding. Fortunately, Learnit has extensive experience in this field (more than 25 years) and we are happy to help you through this process.

Request a quote More about Excel Basics in-company

All start dates

2 training days. Confirmed dates first, then in order of date.

  • Mon 12 & Tue 13 October 2026Certain to go ahead Zwolle · 10:00–17:00 Enrol
  • Mon 26 & Tue 27 October 2026Certain to go ahead Utrecht · 10:00–17:00 Enrol
  • Thu 29 & Fri 30 October 2026Certain to go ahead Rotterdam · 10:00–17:00 Enrol
  • Mon 23 & Tue 24 November 2026Certain to go ahead Zwolle · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 26 October Enrol
  • Mon 9 & Tue 10 November 2026 Arnhem · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 12 October Enrol
  • Mon 23 & Tue 24 November 2026 Online · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 26 October Enrol
  • Tue 8 & Wed 9 December 2026 Eindhoven · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 10 November Enrol
  • Mon 25 & Tue 26 January 2027 Amsterdam · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 28 December Enrol
  • Mon 8 & Tue 9 February 2027 The Hague · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 11 January Enrol
  • Mon 1 & Tue 2 March 2027 Zwolle · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 1 February Enrol
  • Mon 1 & Tue 2 March 2027 Groningen · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 1 February Enrol
  • Mon 5 & Tue 6 April 2027 Eindhoven · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 8 March Enrol
  • Mon 3 & Tue 4 May 2027 Utrecht · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 5 April Enrol
  • Thu 12 & Fri 13 August 2027 Rotterdam · 10:00–17:00Free cancellation until 15 July Enrol

No suitable start date? Send us a date request, and we'll look at the options together.

This course for your team?

Plan your own group on a date that suits you, at your office, at our premises or online. We tailor the content to your day-to-day work, and training a whole group is cheaper than individual bookings.

  • Your date and location
  • Tailored content
  • Multiple groups or an academy are also possible
  • More than 25 years' experience
Request a quote No obligation, an adviser will be in touch shortly How in-company works

What others say about this course

8.5
Excel Basics course: average 8.5 from 107 reviews

“I took MS Excel 2010 Basics: a two-day course covering all the basic techniques you need to work well with Excel. Learned a great deal in 2 days and had good personal guidance. Everything is explained calmly and they really take the time for you.”

M. van den Outenaar
Landelijk Examenbureau B.V.
10.0

“If you want to take a tailor-made course where everything is well organised and well looked after, I would recommend Learnit to anyone. I have had a very good experience.”

Ralph van Erkel
Wierden en Borgen

“Practice-oriented, ties in seamlessly with your work.”

B. Derks
JHV Exploitatie BV
8.9

“I am extremely satisfied with this way of teaching. You get a lot of individual attention with good tips from the trainer. Also if you want to discuss work-related topics. In short, I would recommend this way of teaching to anyone who wants to master the material at their own pace.”

J. B.W.M. van Asperen9.0

“Excellent course for people who want to achieve their own learning goals at their own pace.”

G.E. Verweij8.4

“Effective training based on clear course material.”

A.J. Zwarts
EDventure
8.0

Training formats

Classroom

2 days€ 950,-
  • Pleasant venue with a good trainer
  • Small groups
  • Inspiring and motivating
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Online

2 days€ 780,-
  • Online with a trainer
  • Personal
  • Practical and interactive
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In-company

Bespoke trainingOn request
  • 100% for your group
  • Bespoke training
  • At your place or ours
View in-company

Workshop

Up to 4 hours for groupsOn request
  • Suitable for events
  • Interactive and inspiring
  • Large groups too
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Private training

At our place or yoursOn request
  • 100% just for you
  • Achieve a lot in little time
  • Whenever you want
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Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel free of charge?

Yes. Up to four weeks before the first day of the course you can cancel free of charge, without giving a reason. You then receive a credit note or, if you have already paid, a refund. If you cancel later, you pay part of the course fee: 25% between four and two weeks before the start, 75% in the two weeks before it and 100% in the final week. Moving to another start date is free of charge up to two weeks before the start, after that 50%. Sending a colleague in your place is always possible. Read the cancellation terms.

What will you learn in the Excel Basics course?
In the Excel Basics course you learn to apply the most important Excel functions in practice. You work with formulas and functions, absolute and relative cell references, the IF function, sorting and filtering, creating charts and formatting cells. Optionally, you can also spend time on Excel with Copilot. After the course you will have mastered the basic skills and can get started with your own spreadsheets straight away.
How long does the Excel Basics course take?
The Excel Basics course takes one full day of tuition in an open learning format. You work at your own pace on practical assignments, while an experienced trainer is on hand to answer questions and provide explanations. This flexible set-up allows you to focus specifically on the topics that matter to you, from formulas to charts. After this day you will have mastered the basic skills of Excel.
Do I need prior knowledge for the Excel Basics course?
No, you do not need any prior knowledge of Excel for the Excel Basics course. You start from the basics and learn step by step how to work with spreadsheets, formulas, functions and charts. You do need basic computer skills, such as working with Windows and a mouse and keyboard. The trainer adapts the pace and the exercises to your starting level.
Do I receive a certificate after the Excel Basics course?
Yes, after completing the Excel Basics course you will receive a certificate of attendance from Learnit. This certificate confirms that you have mastered the basic skills of Excel, such as formulas, functions, charts and cell formatting. You can add it to your CV or LinkedIn profile to make your new Excel skills visible to employers and colleagues.
Can you also take the Excel Basics course in-company?
Yes, the Excel Basics course can also be delivered in-company at your own location. That is useful if several colleagues want to learn to work with Excel at the same time. You agree the content with the trainer based on the day-to-day situation within your organisation, so that you can get started straight away with familiar examples. Request a quote via the course page.
Which version of Excel is used during the Excel Basics course?
You follow the Excel Basics course in the version of Excel that you use yourself. When registering, you indicate which version you work with. The planners make sure that your course materials and exercises match that version. This way you learn straight away in the environment you see at your own workplace, without confusion about buttons or menus.
When should you choose the open learning format of Excel Basics instead of a classroom group course?
The open learning format is a full course day on which you work individually on the course material, while a trainer is present in the room to explain things and answer questions. You choose this format if you want to work at your own pace and would like targeted help with exactly the topics you find difficult. In a classroom group course, everyone follows the same pace and the same order, which is pleasant if you are looking for structure and interaction. The open learning format suits you better if you already master some parts and want to practise others in depth, for example formulas, the IF function or charts. Optionally, during your day you can also spend time on Excel with Microsoft 365 Copilot. You work with your own version of Excel and can bring along practical examples from your work.
What is the difference between the Excel Basics course and a free online tutorial on YouTube?
A YouTube tutorial lets you watch passively, whereas in the Excel Basics course you are at the controls yourself and receive direct feedback from an experienced trainer. The open learning format means that you spend a full course day on location working on exercises at your level. Beforehand, the trainer discusses your starting level and your learning objective, so that you work specifically on topics that are relevant to you. You may bring your own practical examples from your work and work out solutions for them together with the trainer. Optionally, the course also covers Excel with Microsoft 365 Copilot. A tutorial lacks that personal tailoring, the immediate point of contact for questions and the structured build-up of formulas, functions, charts and cell references.
Does the Excel Basics course also cover Microsoft Copilot for Excel?
Yes, Copilot for Excel is covered optionally during the Excel Basics course. Whether we cover it depends on your learning requirements and on whether your employer has a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence available. If you indicate at the start that you would like to work with it, the trainer will show you how to use Copilot to generate formulas, analyse data, recognise patterns and build charts based on natural language. Important to know: Copilot does not replace a basic knowledge of Excel. You need to understand formulas, cell references and functions in order to judge whether the output is correct. The course therefore focuses first on the Excel fundamentals and uses Copilot as an addition, not as a replacement.
How does this Excel Basics course compare to an online e-learning course that I can do at my own pace?
An e-learning works well if you are motivated to click through modules and complete individual exercises on your own. The Excel Basics course at Learnit uses an open learning format on site: you work through the material independently, with a trainer present to help you straight away if you have questions or get stuck. You notice that difference above all with topics such as formulas, absolute cell references and the IF function, where tailored explanation works faster than a general video. You can bring your own practical examples, so that the exercises match your work situation. The trainer adapts the topics to your starting level. Choose an e-learning if budget and flexibility come first; choose the open learning format if you find guidance and immediate feedback more valuable.
For whom in an administrative or financial role is the Excel Basics course a logical first step?
The Excel Basics course suits employees in an administrative, financial or supporting role who work regularly with figures, lists or overviews, but who have so far mainly used Excel as a 'better Word'. Think of office staff, junior bookkeepers, HR assistants, project support staff and freelancers who want to keep their own administration up to date. In a single open-learning day you learn the building blocks: formulas, the IF function, absolute and relative cell references, sorting and filtering, and creating charts. This allows you to set up worksheets independently for budgets, time registration, stock lists or customer overviews. Would you like to learn pivot tables, advanced functions or macros afterwards? Then Excel Advanced is the logical next step. This basic course is therefore the right choice if you come across Excel every day and want to use it faster and more accurately on a structural basis.
Can I work with Copilot in Excel without knowing formulas, or is basic knowledge still required?
Basic knowledge remains necessary, even if you use Copilot. Copilot is the AI assistant in Microsoft 365 that helps you build formulas, summarise data and spot patterns in your data. You type a question in plain language, for example 'add up the revenue per region', and Copilot suggests a formula or pivot table. But you do need to be able to judge whether the result is correct. Without an understanding of cell references, the IF function and filtering, you lose control over what Copilot produces. In the Excel Basics course you learn those fundamentals. Working with Copilot in Excel is covered optionally, so you can see how to use AI as an accelerator on top of knowledge you have mastered yourself. Copilot requires a Microsoft 365 licence with Copilot access.

Guaranteed to run: Mon 12 & Tue 13 October 2026 in Zwolle

This date already has enough participants. Free cancellation up to four weeks before the start, so you can secure a place now.

€ 950,-excl. VAT · guaranteed to run on Mon 12 Oct
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