Data entry training + certification
To put it simply, a data entry job involves converting one form of information to another. Although you don’t necessarily require special education or a degree to become a data entry professional, a data entry certification truly does help.
If you take up a data entry course online, you will learn about typing speed, accuracy, computer literacy, and knowledge of certain software necessary to be successful in this line of work.
Whether you want to work as a freelancer to earn extra income or you are looking to become a full-time data entry professional, taking a data entry certificate program will certainly add to your proficiency and employability.
Whether you are planning to take a data entry certificate course online or go for in-person classes, you will have to dedicate a few hours each day to get proficient.
For your ease, we evaluated multiple data entry classes based on their curriculum, skills taught, course duration, and whether or not they provide you with a data entry certificate.
How Did We Choose These Courses?
To ensure transparency, courses were evaluated based on key criteria such as curriculum comprehensiveness, skillset coverage, course duration, instructor expertise, and the provision of certification. The selections include beginner-friendly and specialized courses catering to various data entry tools, with practical assignments and live project demos to enhance hands-on learning.
Popular platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare were preferred for their wide reach and high user ratings. Compared to others not listed, these courses offer targeted, practical skills essential for freelancing and professional growth in data entry, making them strong contenders for learners seeking career advancement.
Based on our findings here’s the right course for you to start –
Best Data Entry Classes Online: Data Entry Course for Beginners
This bestselling, up-to-date course has helped thousands of students get going with data entry. More on this course in detail is mentioned below.
Data Entry Courses Online with Free Certificates
Here is a detailed comparative analysis of four top-rated online data entry courses, covering a range of platforms and instructors. These courses vary in duration, level, and focus, from freelancing and accounting-specific data entry to mastering Excel for business productivity. Each course offers unique learning outcomes tailored to different skill levels, whether you’re a beginner looking to break into the field or an intermediate learner aiming to enhance your Excel efficiency.
Below, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison to help you choose the course that best fits your needs and career goals:
| Course Title | Author | Rating | Duration | Level | Scope | Cons | Get Access |
| Learn Data Entry – A Course for Beginners | Md. Azharul Islam Rafy | 4.6 based on 6951 reviews – Source: Udemy | 3 hours of on-demand video | Beginners | Teaches data entry freelancing with live project examples on Upwork and Fiverr, covering PDF/image conversion and web research. | Course length is short; AV quality could be better | Enroll Now |
| Xero Online Accounting – Practical Data Entry | Marion Thomson | 4.9 based on 92 reviews – Source: Udemy | 3 hours of on-demand video | Beginners | Practical data entry with Xero, covering daily tasks like bank reconciliation, sales/purchase invoices, and report generation. | Does not cover advanced accounting topics like VAT and Payroll | Enroll Now |
| Excel Skills for Business: Essentials | Nicky Bull, Dr. Prashan Karunaratne, Prof. Yvonne Breyer | 4.9 based on 45,762 reviews – Source: Coursera | Approx. 6 weeks | Beginner to Intermediate | Covers essential Excel skills for business, focusing on calculations, formatting, and data visualizations, enhancing employability. | Challenging to take on a Mac | Enroll Now |
| Excel: Tips and Tricks | Dennis Taylor | 4.8 based on 3,989 reviews – Source: LinkedIn Learning | 4 hours 24 minutes | Intermediate | Provides advanced Excel tips for efficient data entry, covering shortcuts, formulas, charts, data management, and PivotTables. | Requires prior basic Excel knowledge | Enroll Now |
Please note bonus courses are not included.
Best Data Entry Certificate Course Online
The first thing you must do when wanting to learn data entry is to search for ‘data entry classes near me.’ However, we’ve curated a list of excellent online courses that allow you to get data entry training from the comfort of your home. Below, we will discuss these courses in detail, and don’t miss out on the bonus courses towards the end!
1. Learn Data Entry – A Course for Beginners [Udemy]
Cost: $84.99
Level: Beginners
A perfect choice for beginners, this data entry course online is specially structured to help you learn about the various types of data entry projects that are available on Upwork, Fiverr, and other freelance marketplaces. And what’s better to learn all this from a top-rated data entry professional?
If you are planning to become a freelance/ remote data entry professional, then this live project example-based course is just for you! These on-demand data entry classes online will help you understand the kind of jobs available out there, how to understand the instructions given by clients, and how to start working on data entry projects.
The comprehensive lessons, along with demo project examples and practice projects will give you the confidence you need to start your journey as a professional data entry service provider.
In addition to all of that, this course comes with a shareable data entry certification online on completion. You study with Azharul Rafy. He is an experienced content creator and digital marketer, who has taught over 170k students across platforms like YouTube and Udemy. With extensive freelancing expertise, his highly-rated course is ideal for beginners seeking practical insights into freelancing, blogging, and data entry, making it a great resource for building valuable skills in today’s digital job market.
| Rating | 4.6 based on 6951 reviews |
| Return or refund policy | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 3 hours of on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 22,294 students |
| Instructor | Md. Azharul Islam Rafy |
| Cons | The course is too short. Also, the AV quality could have been better. |
Learning Outcomes
Once this data entry training online is complete, you will learn:
- How to start your journey towards becoming a data entry professional.
- Examples of PDF, and image file conversion jobs and how to go about doing them.
- Live demo work example of data entry and web research from Upwork.
- Client project-live example of the instructor’s $ 15 per hour easy data entry job.
- The course includes a practice file for you to get more practice and build your portfolio.
Prerequisites
The only thing you need to enroll in this data entry course is a computer/laptop with a stable internet connection.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best data entry certificate courses online for:
- Those interested in knowing more about data entry.
- Those interested in becoming a data entry professional.
Industry Application
This course is ideal for students looking to kickstart a career in freelancing or remote data entry, equipping them with practical skills through live project examples and hands-on practice. By covering real-world tasks like PDF conversions and web research, it prepares learners to confidently navigate platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. The certification and portfolio development offered will boost employability in the growing field of freelance data entry.
2. Xero Online Accounting – the Practical Data Entry Course [Udemy]
Cost: $59.99
Level: Beginner
This is the second-best data entry training online specially designed to teach you how to use Xero for day-to-day data entry purposes. It is perfectly suitable for beginners who are willing to learn more about this accounting software.
This program takes a practical approach to teaching the students about the various functions of the software. At the end of each lesson, they get a practical assignment to practice what they’ve learned. The data entry course online is so well taught that it is no less than joining a data entry school online.
Marion Thomson, a UK-qualified accountant, and Xero Certified Advisor, brings over six years of experience running her own accountancy practice to her teaching. With a passion for helping others “love their numbers,” she offers practical, hands-on courses designed to simplify Xero and personal finance, making her an expert guide for learners looking to master accounting software. The instructor has used years of experience and expertise to create a course that covers all the important topics in a step-by-step approach. You can also reach her with your queries during or after the course.
Once you finish the course, you will be awarded a shareable data entry certification online.
| Rating | 4.9 based on 92 reviews |
| Return or refund policy | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 3 hours of on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 410 students |
| Instructor | Marion Thomson |
| Cons | This course is for beginners and does not cover advanced topics like fixed assets, VAT, and Payroll. |
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing these online data entry classes, you will:
- Gain proficiency in daily data entry using Xero.
- Understand the process of signing up for Xero’s free trial and entering organization details.
- Familiarize yourself with designing sales invoice layouts.
- Learn to create and issue sales invoices effectively.
- Master the entry of purchase invoices and credit notes, including attachment of backup.
- Acquire skills in importing bank statements and reconciling bank transactions.
- Learn to design and run reports for data entry verification.
- Save time and reduce errors using the instructor’s Xero tips and tricks.
- Explore easy methods for making changes and correcting errors in Xero.
Prerequisites
To enroll in this data entry course, you need
- A willingness to learn.
- Computer/laptop with internet access.
- The willingness to complete the given assignments to make the most out of this course.
Who should take this course?
This is the best data entry training online for those who are new to Xero and are willing to learn the step-by-step process of data entry through Xero.
Industry Application
This course is highly beneficial for students aiming to work in accounting or administrative roles, where proficiency in Xero is essential for daily data management tasks. By mastering sales invoices, bank reconciliation, and report generation, learners can significantly enhance their employability in small businesses, bookkeeping, or freelance accounting services.
3. Excel Skills for Business: Essentials [Coursera]
Cost: Available on Sign Up
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Offered by Macquarie University, this data entry certificate course online is the first one in Coursera’s Excel Skills for Business Specialization and deals with the essentials of Microsoft Excel. Your instructors for this course are award-winning educators from Macquarie University.
- Dr. Prashan Karunaratne, a Senior Lecturer known for his transformative teaching in Economics and Excel, has received numerous accolades for his innovative methods.
- Professor Yvonne Breyer, an expert in online learning and digital transformation, leads strategic educational initiatives with global reach.
- Nicky Bull, a corporate trainer and content designer, brings over 15 years of experience in technology and education to empower learners to use Excel effectively in the workplace.
Having expertise in operating this ubiquitous spreadsheet software will add to your employability portfolio.
In these data entry classes online, you will find downloadable workbooks and full data sets along with practical challenge exercises and applied examples.
| Rating | 4.9 based on 45,762 reviews |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Enroll for free |
| Duration | Approx. 6 weeks |
| Enrolled | 556,660 already enrolled |
| Instructor | Nicky Bull, Dr Prashan S. M. Karunaratne, Professor Yvonne Breyer |
| Cons | Challenging to take this course on a Mac. |
Learning Outcomes
- Have a better understanding of the Excel user interface.
- Learn how to professionally format spreadsheets, perform calculations with formulas and functions, and use graphs and charts to create visualizations of data.
- Use Excel skills and techniques to solve a range of business problems.
- These data entry classes online give you a solid foundation so that it is easier for you to develop more advanced skills when you take up more advanced courses.
- Gain confidence by practicing your Excel skills.
- Learn new and efficient productivity features of Excel that will come in handy in various business contexts.
- Learn more about Excel terminology, essential navigational controls, how to use Excel spreadsheets to perform basic data entry and other foundational Excel features.
Who is this course for?
This is one of the best data entry courses online for:
- Self-taught Excel users who would like some guidance to fill the gaps in their knowledge.
- Beginners who want to become confident Excel users.
- Those who want to add to their skill set by gaining expertise in operating this software.
Industry Application
This course equips learners with essential Excel skills that are highly valuable in various industries for data analysis, financial modeling, and project management, enhancing their career prospects in roles requiring data-driven decision-making.
4. Excel: Tips and Tricks [LinkedIn Learning]
Rating: 4.8 rating based on 3,989 reviews
Level: Intermediate
LinkedIn is another great platform to enroll yourself in a data entry certificate course online.
Imagine how easy and efficient working on Excel would become if you were aware of important shortcuts, keystrokes, and techniques that you can use! You will study with Dennis Taylor. He is a leading Excel trainer with over 200 hours of online instruction across 60+ courses, known for his clear, engaging teaching style. With decades of experience, he simplifies complex Excel concepts, making them accessible for learners of all levels, ensuring practical, real-world application.
Splitting data into columns, creating formulas and charts quickly, applying numeric formats, and accelerating data entry chores, this course covers all this and much more. All of this is covered in these data entry classes online.
This course allows you to practice what you learn by downloading the exercise files used by the course instructor during the lessons. You can even download the lessons on your phone via LinkedIn Learning app to learn on the go!
| Learners | 77627 |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Free trial available |
| Duration | Approx. 4 hours 24 minutes |
| Instructor | Dennis Taylor |
| Cons | This course is for intermediate-level learners and may require basic knowledge or some expertise in Excel. |
Learning Outcomes
Here, you learn data entry online by mastering the following topics with the help of this course:
- How to save time while using Excel along with effective shortcuts.
- Effective ribbon and Quick Access toolbar tips.
- Handy display shortcuts.
- Efficient navigation and selection shortcuts.
- Editing and data entry shortcuts.
- Drag and drop techniques and formula shortcuts.
- Operational and formatting shortcuts.
- Data management techniques and PivotTable tips.
- Charting and visual tips.
- Next steps for when you have completed the course.
Who is this course for?
This course is for those who need a data entry certification online to increase their job prospects. Also, those who are willing to increase their efficiency and productivity while using Excel.
Industry Application
This course equips students with advanced Excel techniques, enabling them to streamline data entry tasks and improve productivity in various industries such as finance, administration, and data analysis. By mastering shortcuts, data management, and charting, learners can enhance their Excel proficiency, boosting their efficiency and job prospects in data-driven roles.
Bonus data Entry Courses
5. Online Data Entry Classes [Skillshare]
Level: All levels
Cost: Varied
Another excellent resource to help you become an expert data entry professional is Skillshare. Skillshare features some of the best instructors, offering a hands-on, practical approach to learning. Experts like Codi, Marie, and Fernando Roque simplify complex topics and provide engaging lessons that are easy to follow. With their real-world experience and interactive teaching methods, students can quickly develop valuable skills across various fields. Based on your level of expertise and your learning expectations, there are several courses you can choose from to learn data entry online.
We have selected the following, data entry classes that you may consider opting for on Skillshare:
a) Beginners Guide to Microsoft Excel – Data Entry
Suitable for beginners, this 42-minute-long class contains 7 lessons covering topics like introduction to data entry, Flashfill, and Autofill along with custom autofill lists, sort, filter, cut, copy-paste, and drag among others.
Improve your Microsoft Excel skills with the help of this amazing course offered by Codi and Marie. Learn how to use various Excel tools to input data efficiently and gain confidence by practicing through the given worksheets.
b) The Basics of Microsoft Excel
Another best data entry course online for beginners is this class offered by instructors Codi and Marie. This course is for people who would like to strengthen their foundation by learning the basics of Microsoft Excel.
Things covered in this 22-minute course include Excel terminologies, location in Excel, how to move around the spreadsheet, how to input data, and how to insert cells, rows, and columns.
The downside to Skillshare courses is that they do not provide a data entry certification online or offline.
c) Android: Develop Data Entry and Export info to Text File
This 2 hours 4 minutes long course is offered by instructor Fernando Roque. A few of the lessons covered in this intermediate-level course are:
- Data Capturing and storing information in local Android Database Expo
- Introduction to Android Data Entry
- Android User Form Layout
- Allocating buttons in Table and Rows.
- Creating databases and tables
- Generating CSV-text files from the Android database
Industry Application
The online data entry classes on Skillshare help students build practical skills in data entry and Excel, which are highly valuable in industries such as administration, finance, and data analysis. By mastering Excel functions, database management, and data export techniques, learners can efficiently handle large datasets, improving their productivity and enhancing their employability in data-intensive roles.
6. Comprehensive Data Entry Course: Become a Data Entry Pro [Udemy]
Level: Beginners
Note* This data entry course is no longer accepting new students.
Living up to its name, this ‘comprehensive’ data entry course online was aimed to give you a complete overview of data processing and maintenance. The course covers the basics of data entry administration grasp of data entry, data analysis insights, data management, and more.
This was another course that provided data entry training online that was suitable for those who didn’t have any prior training or experience in data entry administration.
Topics that were covered in the data entry certificate program included an introduction to data entry, standard data entry guidelines, different tools for data entry, data management for information security, worksheet formulas, and tips and tricks.
The course provided the knowledge, techniques, suggestions, and guidelines to become a successful data entry administrator.
Industry Application
This course equips students with essential data entry and management skills that are crucial in industries such as finance, healthcare, retail, and administration. By mastering tools like spreadsheets and ensuring data accuracy and security, students can enhance their efficiency, qualify for roles such as data entry clerks or analysts, and contribute to the smooth operation of businesses through reliable data handling.
Related read: Data Vs. Information Comparison
Bottom Line
So, these are our top recommendations. When choosing the right data entry course, prioritize those with hands-on projects and certifications to build a strong portfolio. Apply new skills by freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to gain experience. Post-certification, target remote and entry-level data entry jobs, highlighting your proficiency in relevant software and your practical expertise from course projects.
