Microsoft Excel continues to be an essential tool in the modern workplace meaning that a good Excel skills can make a serious difference to your efficiency.
There are lots of way to develop your Excel skills which makes choosing the right one tricky.
This guide looks at the three most effective ways to learn Excel (classroom, online, and hybrid) and discusses some of top providers for each.
I assessed each learning format for five key criteria:
These insights were drawn from my research looking at course outlines, and delegate reviews.
Classroom Excel training continues to be the most effective and immersive training option.
Why Choose Classroom Training?
You can practice what you are learning and get immediate feedback from an expert trainer.
Classroom courses have clear learning agendas and offer a learning path from basics to advanced skills.
Many providers offer recognised credentials like CPD-accreditation.
In-person classes give you the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other similar professionals.
Best For
Professionals who are short on time and value live interaction and personalised guidance.
Limitations
Requires full-time attendance at a venue which can make scheduling diffiuclt. They are also more expensive than online courses.
Recommended Provider: Acuity Training
Acuity Training is one of London’s leading Excel training providers, offering in-person training courses in London, Guildford, and Manchester. Its courses are delivered to small groups by certified instructors.
They provide 6 months of post-course support and their courses are CPD-accredited.
Highlights:
Online Excel training provides a flexible and affordable way to learn Excel from anywhere.
Why Choose Online Excel Training?
You can access the lessons 24/7.
Online courses are substantially cheaper than instructor led courses.
Many online courses are developed by and presented by world experts.
You can pause and resume your course whenever you want.
Best For
Learners on a budget or who need flexibility.
Limitations
Lack of interaction with instructors.
Recommended Provider: Coursera
Coursera offers high-quality online Excel courses which are often developed in conjunction with universities..
Its Excel training covers the full range from basic Excel to advanced data analysis and automations.
Each course includes graded assignments, quizzes, and a shareable certificate of completion.
Highlights:
Hybrid Excel learning combines the flexibility of online courses with the structure of face-to-face instruction.
It’s ideal for professionals who want autonomy without losing the benefit of live guidance.
Why Choose Hybrid Training?
Best For
Busy professionals or company teams who prefer flexibility with accountability.
Limitations
More expensive than online training, but less than in-person training.
Recommended Providers: Acuity Training and Udemy
Acuity Training can offer hybrid learning programmes that combine online pre-course modules with classroom workshops or floorwalking where a trainer is available to answer questions as they arise.
Learners first study independently, then attend live sessions to consolidate knowledge and tackle real-world tasks.
For those who prefer a more flexible supplement, Udemy provides thousands of short Excel courses that can easily complement Acuity’s structured curriculum.
Together, they create a powerful blend of flexibility and accountability.
Highlights:
| Learning Method | Best For | Strengths | Considerations |
| Classroom (Acuity Training) | Professionals & teams | Structured, personal feedback, accredited | Requires travel & set schedule |
| Online (Coursera) | Self-paced learners | Flexible, affordable, university-backed | Less instructor interaction |
| Hybrid (Acuity Training + Udemy) | Busy professionals or teams | Combines structure & flexibility | Slightly higher cost, more coordination |
Best Overall Provider (UK Focus): Acuity Training
For learners who want both structure and flexibility, Acuity offers in-person, online, and hybrid formats with certified instructors and CPD accreditation.
Final Thoughts
The best way to learn Excel depends on your goals, learning style, and schedule.
If you thrive in structured, instructor-led environments, Acuity Training’s classroom courses are ideal.
If flexibility is more important and you have the motivation to figure out problems on your own, Coursera’s online programmes offer world-class instruction at your own pace.
If you want to get the best of both worlds then Acuity Training’s hybrid model with Udemy gives you that.
No matter which route you choose, consistent practice and real-world application are the key to developing advanced Excel skills and a lasting career advantage.
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