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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Data preparation
Excel Power Query Course
Stop repeating the same cleaning steps every month. Record them once in Power Query and refresh in one click.
- 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 Power Query Course overview
If you spend the first hour of every report removing columns, fixing dates and pasting files together, Power Query removes that hour. It records each transformation as a step, so the next month’s file goes through the same process automatically.
The same query editor sits inside Power BI, which makes this one of the most transferable skills in the Microsoft analytics stack.
Who this course is for
- Anyone who receives recurring exports or multiple files to combine
- MIS, finance and operations teams
- Learners heading to Power BI who want a strong data-prep base
Prerequisites
- Comfortable with Excel tables and basic formulas
What you will be able to do
Data import
Connect to Excel, CSV, folders, PDFs and web tables.
Data cleaning and types
Trim, split, replace, fill down, remove errors and set correct data types.
Merge and append
Join tables like a lookup (merge) or stack monthly files into one table (append).
Unpivot and reshape
Convert cross-tab reports into analysis-ready tables.
Automation
Refresh on open, parameters and folder queries that pick up new files.
Power BI integration
Reuse queries in Power BI and understand where M code fits.
What you will learn
- Build reliable queries from files and folders
- Choose correct data types and handle errors
- Merge with the right join type
- Append and unpivot to reshape reports
- Use parameters and simple M edits
- Document and troubleshoot refresh failures
Tools covered
- Power Query Editor
- M language (basics)
- Excel
- CSV and folder sources
- Power BI (integration)
Practical projects
Twelve files, one table. Combine monthly sales files from a folder; add a new month by dropping in a file.
Cross-tab to database format. Unpivot a budget matrix and join it to actuals.
Messy HR export cleanup. Clean names, dates and categories from a system export.
Detailed curriculum
The program is taught module by module. Each module ends with a hands-on exercise built on business-style data.
Module 1Power Query basics
- Interface, steps and refresh
- Loading to table vs connection
Module 2Cleaning and transformation
- Text, number and date transforms
- Conditional and custom columns
Module 3Merge and append
- Join kinds and key problems
- Append from folders
Module 4Reshaping data
- Unpivot, pivot, group by
Module 5Parameters and light M code
- Reading and editing M
- Parameters for paths and dates
Module 6Automation and Power BI link
- Refresh, error handling
- Using queries in Power BI
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: the merge that multiplies rows
After merging sales to a customer table, row count jumps from 10,000 to 10,400. We find that the customer key is duplicated in the lookup table, remove the duplicates in Power Query, and add a row-count check so the problem is caught next time.
Career applications
- Reporting and MIS roles that need repeatable data prep
- Data analyst and BI roles (Power BI uses the same editor)
- Finance automation
Continue your learning path
- Combine with Advanced Excel
- Continue to Power BI and data modeling
- See how it fits the analytics workflow
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know M code?
No. Most work is done through the interface. We teach just enough M to read and tweak steps.
Is Power Query the same in Excel and Power BI?
The editor and M language are the same; the surrounding features differ. Skills transfer directly.
Is Power Query available in my Excel version?
It is built into Excel 2016 and later and Microsoft 365. Some connectors differ by version.
How is this different from Advanced Excel?
Advanced Excel covers many topics; this course is a focused deep dive on data preparation.
What is the duration of the Excel Power Query 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 Power Query 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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Read guide →Ready to start?
Talk to us about your background and goals. We will recommend the right batch and starting point - no pressure.