Course Catalog

PCKeys computer and soft skills training catalog

Current PCKeys Classes

View our recommended knowledge paths for assistance in selecting the proper class sequence. Once you figure out what to take via the catalog and pathways, you can view the schedule to find a date that fits your schedule. If you have questions, let us know! We're always glad to assist you in finding just the right classes for your needs.
To quickly filter our class catalog, select an application:

Access  2003: CAAP MOS Certification
Prerequisite: Strong keyboard and mouse skills. Familiarity with use of a Windows operating system. No prior software experience is required but familiarity is helpful.
Description: If you do not know what software can do and how to get it to do it, you cannot fully utilize the tool at your fingertips. Even though you may or may not need to use every feature every day, PCKeys believes that knowing what the software's capabilities are so you can take advantage of them when necessary, without requiring extra effort to figure out how to accomplish it, is the only way to optimize your performance, increase efficiency and fully utilize your software investment. The PCKeys CAAP program offers in-depth, skills training in your software application, spread conveniently over 3 weeks at a comfortable pace that allows long-term retention of skills but only requires 4-5 hours per week of your time. This class culminates in your Microsoft Office Specialist certification. In this class you will learn the features of Microsoft Access. You will utilize 3-4 hours of video-based self-study at your own pace, on your own time through the week then meet with an instructor for 1 hour of personalized mentoring each week to answer questions and demo specific skills. You will use Aptitude Builders to apply those skills to your own relevant work in order to strengthen skills. At the end of the class, you will have projects applicable to your work that are ready to use. You will have a complete skill set for Access and be prepared to take on any challenge the software can assist with. You will be prepared to take the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam to formalize your credentials. The certification may be important, but the real benefit is that at the end of this program you will be able to utilize all of the features of Microsoft Access to create and optimize professional databases.
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Access  2003: Access MOS Certification Prep
Prerequisite: Solid experience with all features of the software. This is a skills review course to prepare for certification.
Description: Think you know all there is to know about Microsoft Access? Before you literally put your claim to the test, let PCKeys provide a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam certification review to ensure you have not overlooked something! Our MOS Master Instructors have taken all the exams for several versions of Office so we have the experience and insights to assist you in preparing properly yourself. This is a quick class, designed to simply touch on topics as review and clarify your questions. It is not intended to provide instruction on the skills. In this class you will receive a review of critical concepts and test taking tips and strategies. After this class you will be prepared to sit the exam or realize there may be a topic or two you need to review before doing so. Do not waste your money when you are not properly prepared and if you are ready then put yourself at ease by getting some preparation and insights from those who have already passed the exam. Before you know it, you will have the Microsoft Office Specialist title added to your resume!
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2003: Boot Camp
Prerequisite: Strong keyboard and mouse skills. Familiarity with use of a Windows operating system. No prior software experience is required but familiarity is helpful.
Description: Sometimes you need to know it all now, not over 3 or 4 months. Sometimes you just want to learn all of the features of software so when you use it, you know what is available rather than learning "too late" that there were features you did not know about. Regardless of your motivation, if you are up to the challenge, PCKeys boot camp is for you! In a single 10-hour day, you will learn the skills necessary to understand Access and build powerful databases. If you want to know Access from design to application, this boot camp is for you! In this boot camp you will learn relational database fundamentals so you can understand how Access works and how to get it to work the way you want it to. You will learn how to plan and design databases that work, create tables and work with queries, forms and reports. You will know how to ensure you collect quality data so you can get quality output. This boot camp includes Deciphering Database Design, Harnessing the Power of Queries, Functional Forms & Reliable Reports, Automating with Advanced Queries and Macros and Advanced Forms & Reports. Each session is 90-minutes with a 30 minute break between sessions. If you want to not only use, but understand and design flexible, databases with integrity using Access and you want to know it now, there is only one more question to ask - are you up for the challenge?
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2003: Deciphering Database Design
Prerequisite: Ability to navigate a Windows-based environment. Basic keyboard and mouse skills. Basic familiarity with Excel is helpful. Desire to learn all you can about your software!
Description: There is a difference between entering data into Access and actually understanding it. The key to successful use at ANY level is grasping how it works. Bring the use of your database out of the murky shadows! In this class you will learn the fundamentals of database design (without the techno-babble) and how the pieces of relational databases work together whether to shed the light you need whether you have been using databases for years or are new to the entire concept. You will create a database plan, create a new database and the required tables and set table properties. You will also learn how to create permanent integris relationships between tables. After this class you will be able to conceptualize and plan an elegant database that stores data the way you need it.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2003: Harnessing the Power of Queries
Prerequisite: Deciphering Database Design
Description: Data that resides in tables should be considered raw data - not sorted, not filtered, not calculated. How then do you manage the numerous fields and records you need in all the different ways that are required? The answer is queries. Queries are the workhorse of Access and the mediator between raw data residing in tables and what users see and work with in forms and reports. In this class you will learn how to create accurate, powerful queries using a method PCKeys has developed over 15 years to simplify what can be a sometimes overwhelming process. You will learn how to work with multiple tables, modify fields, sort records and use criteria to filter data. You will learn how to work with calculations and expressions and concatenate text to create fields that do not exist in the underlying tables. After this class you will harness the power of Access select queries so you have it at your fingertips to create powerful forms and reports based on Access data.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2003: Functional Forms & Reliable Reports
Prerequisite: Harnessing the Power of Queries
Description: In pure Access theory, all work should be done in forms and all output should occur through reports. In reality, it may not be that clear cut but still forms and reports are the basis for the user experience in Access. The good news is that while their functionality is quite different, their design is virtually identical. In this class you will learn how to use automatic, wizard and design features to create functional forms that display data the way you want and reliable reports that output data in a format that is usable to you. After this class you will be able to design and create forms and reports to enhance the usability of your database.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2003: Automating with Advanced Queries and Macros
Prerequisite: Harnessing the Power of Queries
Description: Select queries form the foundation for choosing just the data you want from the potential myriad of Access fields and tables but sometimes you need to manipulate data and not just select it. Using action queries and macros, you can manipulate thousands of fields and records with simple commands allowing you to update fields, change values, archive records and more. In this class you will learn how to create action queries safely, ensuring you do not inadvertently modify records. You will learn how to use macros to automate actions including using database objects and running queries to simplify repetitive tasks and automate the user experience. After this class you will be able to optimize the functionality of Access tasks into simplified and accurate processes, saving you time and safeguarding your data.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2003: Advanced Forms & Reports
Prerequisite: Functional Forms & Reliable Reports
Description: Forms and reports are the basis for the user experience in Access. Basic forms and reports work well for many users and uses but sometimes you need to kick it up a notch! In this class you will learn how to create master forms with subforms and link data showing one-to-many relationships. You will create advanced controls that include calculations from underlying data and modify control and section properties. You will create reports that prompt for criteria each time they are displayed and have dynamic headers/footers that also reflect the specified criteria. You will customize section text to dynamically display appropriate information. After this class you will be able to design elegant forms and reports displaying a variety of data from multiple tables based on dynamic criteria so you have access to the records and data you need.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2003: Administering Databases
Prerequisite: Functional Forms & Reliable Reports and Automating with Advanced Queries and Macros
Description: Databases are like hard drives. If you do not know what that means, you definitely need this class! Databases constantly change ( or at least they should) by having records added, deleted and moved about. Because of this, some simple administration needs to take place in order to keep it running efficiently. In this class you will learn how to analyze database performance and determine if modifications need to be made. You will learn how to run regular maintenance and fix potential errors. You will also learn how to document the database structure for training or technical documentation purposes. After this class you will be ready to keep your database optimized for smooth, reliable performance!
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2003/2007: It's All About Relationships!
Prerequisite: Deciphering Database Design
Description: The most challenging and neglected part of using Access well is understanding how all the parts work together. Fortunately, the concept of relationships can be explained in clear, concise language to help you understand it and enable you to take your data to new levels without creative work-arounds. If you are new to databases then get a good foundation. If you've been working with Access for years, this is the seminar that'll make it all come together so you can use your data the way it was intended.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: Access MCAS Certification Prep
Prerequisite: Solid experience with all features of the software. This is a skills review course to prepare for certification.
Description: Think you know all there is to know about Microsoft Access? Before you literally put your claim to the test, let PCKeys provide a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) exam certification review to ensure you have not overlooked something! Our MCAS Master Instructors have taken all the exams so we have the experience and insights to assist you in preparing properly yourself. This is a quick class, designed to simply touch on topics as review and clarify your questions. It is not intended to provide instruction on the skills. In this class you will receive a review of critical concepts and test taking tips and strategies. After this class you will be prepared to sit the exam or realize there may be a topic or two you need to review before doing so. Do not waste your money when you are not properly prepared and if you are ready then put yourself at ease by getting some preparation and insights from those who have already passed the exam. Before you know it, you will have the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist title added to your resume!
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: Boot Camp
Prerequisite: Strong keyboard and mouse skills. Familiarity with use of a Windows operating system. No prior software experience is required but familiarity is helpful.
Description: Sometimes you need to know it all now, not over 3 or 4 months. Sometimes you just want to learn all of the features of software so when you use it, you know what is available rather than learning "too late" that there were features you did not know about. Regardless of your motivation, if you are up to the challenge, PCKeys boot camp is for you! In a single 10-hour day, you will learn the skills necessary to understand Access and build powerful databases. If you want to know Access from design to application, this boot camp is for you! In this boot camp you will learn relational database fundamentals so you can understand how Access works and how to get it to work the way you want it to. You will learn how to plan and design databases that work, create tables and work with queries, forms and reports. You will know how to ensure you collect quality data so you can get quality output. This boot camp includes Deciphering Database Design, Harnessing the Power of Queries, Functional Forms & Reliable Reports, Automating with Advanced Queries and Macros and Advanced Forms & Reports. Each session is 90-minutes with a 30 minute break between sessions. If you want to not only use, but understand and design flexible, databases with integrity using Access and you want to know it now, there is only one more question to ask - are you up for the challenge?
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: CAAP MCAS Certification
Prerequisite: Strong keyboard and mouse skills. Familiarity with use of a Windows operating system. No prior software experience is required but familiarity is helpful.
Description: If you do not know what software can do and how to get it to do it, you cannot fully utilize the tool at your fingertips. Even though you may or may not need to use every feature every day, PCKeys believes that knowing what the software's capabilities are so you can take advantage of them when necessary, without requiring extra effort to figure out how to accomplish it, is the only way to optimize your performance, increase efficiency and fully utilize your software investment. The PCKeys CAAP program offers in-depth, skills training in your software application, spread conveniently over 5 weeks at a comfortable pace that allows long-term retention of skills but only requires 4-5 hours per week of your time. This class culminates in your Microsoft Certified Application Specialist certification. In this class you will learn the features of Microsoft Access. You will utilize 3-4 hours of video-based self-study at your own pace, on your own time through the week then meet with an instructor for 1 hour of personalized mentoring each week to answer questions and demo specific skills. You will use Aptitude Builders to apply those skills to your own relevant work in order to strengthen skills. At the end of the class, you will have projects applicable to your work that are ready to use. You will have a complete skill set for Access and be prepared to take on any challenge the software can assist with. You will be prepared to take the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) exam to formalize your credentials. The certification may be important, but the real benefit is that at the end of this program you will be able to utilize all of the features of Microsoft Access to create and optimize professional databases.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: Deciphering Database Design
Prerequisite: Ability to navigate a Windows-based environment. Basic keyboard and mouse skills. Basic familiarity with Excel is helpful. Desire to learn all you can about your software!
Description: There is a difference between entering data into Access and actually understanding it. The key to successful use at ANY level is grasping how it works. Bring the use of your database out of the murky shadows! In this class you will learn the fundamentals of database design (without the techno-babble) and how the pieces of relational databases work together whether to shed the light you need whether you have been using databases for years or are new to the entire concept. You will create a database plan, create a new database and the required tables and set table properties. You will also learn how to create permanent integris relationships between tables. After this class you will be able to conceptualize and plan an elegant database that stores data the way you need it.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: Harnessing the Power of Queries
Prerequisite: Deciphering Database Design
Description: Data that resides in tables should be considered raw data - not sorted, not filtered, not calculated. How then do you manage the numerous fields and records you need in all the different ways that are required? The answer is queries. Queries are the workhorse of Access and the mediator between raw data residing in tables and what users see and work with in forms and reports. In this class you will learn how to create accurate, powerful queries using a method PCKeys has developed over 15 years to simplify what can be a sometimes overwhelming process. You will learn how to work with multiple tables, modify fields, sort records and use criteria to filter data. You will learn how to work with calculations and expressions and concatenate text to create fields that do not exist in the underlying tables. After this class you will harness the power of Access select queries so you have it at your fingertips to create powerful forms and reports based on Access data.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: Functional Forms & Reliable Reports
Prerequisite: Harnessing the Power of Queries
Description: In pure Access theory, all work should be done in forms and all output should occur through reports. In reality, it may not be that clear cut but still forms and reports are the basis for the user experience in Access. The good news is that while their functionality is quite different, their design is virtually identical. In this class you will learn how to use automatic, wizard and design features to create functional forms that display data the way you want and reliable reports that output data in a format that is usable to you. After this class you will be able to design and create forms and reports to enhance the usability of your database.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: Automating with Advanced Queries and Macros
Prerequisite: Harnessing the Power of Queries
Description: Select queries form the foundation for choosing just the data you want from the potential myriad of Access fields and tables but sometimes you need to manipulate data and not just select it. Using action queries and macros, you can manipulate thousands of fields and records with simple commands allowing you to update fields, change values, archive records and more. In this class you will learn how to create action queries safely, ensuring you do not inadvertently modify records. You will learn how to use macros to automate actions including using database objects and running queries to simplify repetitive tasks and automate the user experience. After this class you will be able to optimize the functionality of Access tasks into simplified and accurate processes, saving you time and safeguarding your data.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: Advanced Forms & Reports
Prerequisite: Functional Forms & Reliable Reports
Description: Forms and reports are the basis for the user experience in Access. Basic forms and reports work well for many users and uses but sometimes you need to kick it up a notch! In this class you will learn how to create master forms with subforms and link data showing one-to-many relationships. You will create advanced controls that include calculations from underlying data and modify control and section properties. You will create reports that prompt for criteria each time they are displayed and have dynamic headers/footers that also reflect the specified criteria. You will customize section text to dynamically display appropriate information. After this class you will be able to design elegant forms and reports displaying a variety of data from multiple tables based on dynamic criteria so you have access to the records and data you need.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: Administering Databases
Prerequisite: Functional Forms & Reliable Reports and Automating with Advanced Queries and Macros
Description: Databases are like hard drives. If you do not know what that means, you definitely need this class! Databases constantly change ( or at least they should) by having records added, deleted and moved about. Because of this, some simple administration needs to take place in order to keep it running efficiently. In this class you will learn how to analyze database performance and determine if modifications need to be made. You will learn how to run regular maintenance and fix potential errors. You will also learn how to document the database structure for training or technical documentation purposes. After this class you will be ready to keep your database optimized for smooth, reliable performance!
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top
Access  2007: Turning Databases into Applications
Prerequisite: Automating with Advanced Queries and Macros
Description: Databases are collections of objects that contain data and provide a means for users t interact with that data. Problem is that many users are not familiar with Access nor do they want to be and administrators need to protect the data and the design from inadvertent changes by unknowing users. Access databases can be turned into applications by creating an event-driven end-user interface that facilitates usability while protecting structure and data. In this class you will learn how to work with existing database objects and optimize them, their properties and their functionality to create an elegant, intuitive interface for non-Access users. You will be able to split databases into front and back-end files and link tables. You will control how forms and reports open and close and create an intuitive navigation structure for users. You will also implement simple security. After this class you will be able to convert a normal database file into an automated, secure environment from which any variety of users can work without endangering its data or structure.
View the Schedule | View Pathways | Back to Top