Advanced Excel Course
XLOOKUP, dynamic arrays, advanced pivots, Power Query, Power Pivot and automation for people who already use Excel daily.
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Reporting dashboards in Excel
Excel Dashboard Course
Turn a workbook full of tables into a one-page dashboard that updates with a single refresh and answers the manager’s first three questions.
- Hands-on, project-based
- Trainer feedback on every module
- Free counselling & demo on request
- Format
- Live, instructor-led
- Duration
- Shared at counselling
- Fees
- Shared on enquiry
- Level
- Beginner to advanced
Excel Dashboard Course overview
A good dashboard is a decision tool, not decoration. This course covers the full chain: shape the source data, build pivot summaries, design the KPI layer, add interaction with slicers and timelines, and lay it out so the key message is visible in seconds.
You build the dashboards by hand so you understand every moving part. When the data outgrows Excel, the same design principles carry straight to a Power BI dashboard.
Who this course is for
- Analysts and MIS staff who send recurring reports
- Managers who want to build their own views
- Anyone who has been told "make it look like a dashboard"
Prerequisites
- Pivot-table basics and chart familiarity (Excel course level)
Dashboard examples built in class
Sales dashboard
Revenue vs target, top products, regional split and monthly trend with region and period slicers.
Finance dashboard
Budget vs actual, variance by cost centre and a rolling twelve-month view.
HR dashboard
Headcount, attrition and hiring by department using pivot-driven cards.
Operations dashboard
On-time delivery, backlog and cycle-time trends with exception highlighting.
Design rules we teach
- One question per chart; a title that states the finding
- Limit colours and keep scales honest
- Put the most important KPI top-left
- Make filters obvious and reset-able
- Test the dashboard with a non-expert reader
What you will learn
- Prepare data as a clean source table
- Build pivot summaries that feed dashboard objects
- Create KPI cards with formulas and conditional formatting
- Use slicers and timelines across multiple pivots
- Design a clear layout and print/PDF view
- Refresh and hand over a dashboard safely
Tools covered
- PivotTables
- Pivot charts
- Slicers and timelines
- Conditional formatting
- Sparklines
- Power Query
Practical projects
Regional sales dashboard. Interactive, with KPI cards and a target-vs-actual chart.
Finance variance dashboard. Budget vs actual with traffic-light flags.
Operations scorecard. Weekly SLA tracking with exceptions.
Detailed curriculum
The program is taught module by module. Each module ends with a hands-on exercise built on business-style data.
Module 1Dashboard planning
- Audience, questions and KPIs
- Sketching the layout before building
Module 2Preparing source data
- Tables, Power Query refresh, naming
Module 3Pivot summaries and charts
- Pivot chart types and formatting
- Linking multiple pivots to slicers
Module 4KPI cards and conditional formatting
- Formula-driven KPIs
- Icon sets, data bars, thresholds
Module 5Layout and visual design
- Grid, spacing, colour, typography
Module 6Sharing and maintenance
- Protecting sheets, refresh steps, documentation
Module 7Capstone dashboard
- Build and present a full dashboard
Learning methodology
Every concept is taught on a working file. You see the business question first - for example, "which regions missed target last quarter?" - and then build the formula, query or measure that answers it.
Each module closes with an exercise you complete yourself, followed by trainer feedback. Mistakes are part of the process: we cover the errors people actually hit, such as text-formatted numbers, broken lookups and wrong relationship direction.
Training files and practice datasets are provided so you can repeat every exercise after class.
Training format, batches and certification
Format. Instructor-led, practical sessions. Online, classroom and hybrid options are confirmed when you speak to us.
Batches. Upcoming batch dates are shared during counselling so you get current information. Ask for weekday, weekend or fast-track availability.
Certification. You receive a CharterPeak course completion certificate on completing the program and its assessments. This is not a Microsoft certification. If you want to prepare for a Microsoft exam such as PL-300, tell us and we will map the syllabus to the official skills outline.
Your trainers
Trainer names, backgrounds and areas taught are listed on our trainers page. Ask for a short demo class or a call with the trainer before you enrol.
Sample lesson: a KPI card that does not mislead
A card shows "Revenue: 4.2 Cr" with a green arrow. We add the comparison base (vs target or vs last year), the period, and a rule for the colour, so the card still makes sense when someone opens the file three months later.
Career applications
- MIS and reporting executive
- Business and finance analyst
- Operations and sales-ops reporting
- Portfolio pieces for analyst applications
Continue your learning path
- Strengthen formulas in Advanced Excel
- Move the same designs to Power BI dashboards
- See the full Excel + Power BI program
Frequently asked questions
Excel dashboard or Power BI dashboard - which should I learn?
Excel suits small to medium data and audiences who live in Excel. Power BI suits larger, multi-table data and online sharing. Our comparison guide explains how to choose.
Are the dashboards my own work?
You build every dashboard yourself on the provided datasets. You can adapt the layouts for your own portfolio.
Do dashboards update automatically?
With Power Query and pivot refresh, yes - one Refresh All updates everything. We show how to set that up.
Is VBA required?
No. The dashboards in this course use pivots, slicers and formulas only.
What is the duration of the Excel Dashboard Course?
Duration depends on the batch (weekday, weekend or fast-track). We confirm the schedule and total hours when you speak to us, so you get current information rather than a fixed number on a web page.
Who can join the Excel Dashboard Course?
Students, graduates, working professionals and career changers. The prerequisites are listed on this page; if you are unsure, book a free counselling call and we will point you to the right starting course.
Is the training practical?
Yes. Each module is taught on working files with exercises you complete yourself, followed by trainer feedback and project work.
Is the training online or in a classroom?
Delivery options depend on the batch. Ask about current online, offline and hybrid availability when you enquire.
Is certification provided?
You receive a CharterPeak completion certificate after finishing the program and its assessments. It is not a Microsoft certification and we do not promise exam results.
What fees and payment options apply?
Fees depend on the batch and format and are shared on enquiry. See our refund policy before you enrol.
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Explore the flagship program →Related learning resources
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A step-by-step approach to Excel dashboards using pivots, slicers and clear layout rules.
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Step-by-step process for building a clear, interactive Power BI dashboard.
Read guide →Ready to start?
Talk to us about your background and goals. We will recommend the right batch and starting point - no pressure.