VBA for Access and Excel

Automate and extend Microsoft Access and Excel using VBA. This hands-on course covers the core principles of VBA programming, object models, database interaction, and UI design, so you can build powerful, reliable automation solutions across both applications with confidence.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Write and organize VBA code using modules, procedures, and functions in the VB Editor
• Apply core programming concepts including data types, variables, control flow, and argument passing
• Automate and extend Microsoft Access using its object model, event procedures, and SQL
• Design dynamic Access user interfaces with programmatic combo boxes, menus, and form controls
• Automate Excel workflows including sorting, filtering, charts, pivot tables, and What If scenarios
• Build robust error-handling and debugging routines to identify and resolve issues at runtime

Requirements

• Solid working knowledge of Excel, including formulas, sorting, filtering, charts, and pivot tables
• Ability to maintain Access tables, queries, forms, and reports
• No prior programming experience required

Audience

• Excel Power Users looking to automate repetitive tasks and workflows
• Access Developers seeking to build dynamic interfaces and database logic
• Business Analysts and Office Professionals extending their productivity skills with VBA

Topics

Introduction to VBA

• Exploring the VBA Environment and VB Editor
• Navigating the Project Explorer and Toolbox
• Working with Modules, Procedures, and Functions
• Writing and Using Code Comments

Programming Principles and Concepts

• Working with Data Types, Variables, and Constants
• Controlling Program Flow with If…Then…Else Statements
• Looping with Do…Loop, While, Until, and For…Next
• Handling Input and Output with Message Boxes and Input Boxes
• Writing Code Behind Forms and Manipulating Form Controls
• Passing Arguments and Returning Values

Debugging

• Understanding Run Time, Design Time, and Break Mode
• Setting Breakpoints and Using Watches
• Inspecting Variables with the Local and Immediate Windows

Access: Object-Oriented Programming

• Understanding the Access Object Model
• Working with Objects, Collections, Methods, and Properties
• Responding to Events with Event Procedures
• Using the Data Access Object Library

Access: User Interface Design

• Programming Event Procedures for Dynamic Behavior
• Building Dynamic Combo Boxes and Managing User Input
• Designing Menus and Applying Interface Design Considerations

Access: SQL and Database Design

• Filtering Data with WHERE Clause Variations
• Deriving Data with Calculated Fields
• Joining Tables with Inner and Outer Joins
• Writing Subqueries for Filtering, Virtual Tables, and Columns
• Inserting, Updating, and Deleting Records Directly and via Queries
• Creating and Dropping Tables and Defining Relationships
• Working with Primary and Foreign Keys

Excel: Object-Oriented Programming

• Understanding the Excel Object Model
• Working with Objects, Collections, Methods, and Properties
• Responding to Excel Events

Excel: Programming Analysis Routines

• Sorting, Filtering, and Distributing Data Across Worksheets and Workbooks
• Controlling Charts, Pivot Tables, and What If Scenarios with VBA
• Importing Data from External Files and Online Sources

Error Handling

• Stepping Through Code and Identifying Syntax Errors
• Using Debug.Print for Runtime Inspection
• Building Error-Trapping Routines for Robust Applications