Data Analysis with Excel and Google Sheets
Learn to organize, clean, analyze, and present data with the spreadsheet tools almost every workplace already uses. Start from the basics, work with a group, and finish with a project you can show.
- Beginner
- 12 weeks
- Online · Synchronous
- Free
Track at a Glance
- Program
- Data Analytics
- Track level
- Beginner
- Cohort length
- 12 weeks
- Cohort number
- 2
- Cohort size per section
- 25
- Number of sections
- 1
- Cohort schedule
- TBD
- Live sessions
- One 120-minute session per week
- Live sessions schedule
- TBD
- Self-study
- About 4–8 hours per week (recommended)
- Total time
- About 72–120 hours
- Format
- Online – Synchronous
- Orientation
- TBD
- Credential
- Certificate of completion from iVERT
- Prerequisite
- Basic computer skills
- Program cost
- Free
- Registration period
- TBD
All students must attend orientation. Otherwise, they will be dropped.
Overview
Spreadsheets are where most people first meet data, and they are still used in almost every workplace. This Track teaches you to use Excel and Google Sheets with confidence: how to structure data, write formulas, clean messy information, summarize it, and turn it into charts and clear findings.
It builds step by step, so you do not need to feel comfortable with formulas or math to begin.
This Track is for you if you
- Are new to data analysis, or have used spreadsheets but never felt confident
- Are a post-secondary student, early-career professional, or career changer
- Want a free, practical starting point before moving to more advanced tools
It is not designed for
- People seeking SQL skills (see the SQL Track)
- People seeking database administration or backend engineering
What You Will Learn
- Organize data in a clean, consistent structure
- Use core formulas and functions to calculate and summarize
- Clean and prepare messy data for analysis
- Summarize and explore data with sorting, filtering, and pivot tables
- Create clear charts and simple dashboards
- Collaborate on shared spreadsheets with teammates
- Present findings in plain language that supports decisions
Track Outline
Learn the fundamentals, build with realistic data, and excel by presenting your work.
-
Week 1
Learn
Foundation: spreadsheet basics
Navigate Excel and Sheets, enter and format data, understand rows, columns, and data types.
-
Weeks 2–3
Learn
Formulas and functions
Build formulas, use common functions, and learn lookups.
-
Weeks 4–6
Build
Data quality: cleaning and preparing data
Fix duplicates, errors, and inconsistent entries; organize data for analysis. Mini-project 1 due in week 6.
-
Weeks 7–8
Build
Summarizing data: finding patterns
Sort, filter, and group data; build pivot tables.
-
Weeks 9–10
Build
Charts and dashboards: visualizing results
Create charts and simple dashboards that tell a clear story. Mini-project 2 due in week 10.
-
Weeks 11–12
Excel
Capstone
Analyze a real dataset and present your findings.
Assessment and Certificate
| Component | Weight | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly practice sets | 20% | Hands-on exercises, with an answer key |
| Short quizzes | 15% | Check your grasp of key ideas |
| Mini-projects (2) | 25% | Written comments and one resubmission on each |
| Capstone | 40% | Analyze a real dataset and present findings |
Certificate of completion: awarded to learners who score 70% or higher with an acceptable capstone. You get written comments on projects, an answer key for practice sets, and one resubmission on each mini-project.
What you will build
Analyze a real dataset end to end: clean it, summarize it with pivot tables, chart the results, and present a one-page summary with a clear recommendation. You keep it as a portfolio piece.
Tools and Materials
All student materials are free.
Practice and tutorials
Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel (web version)
Practice data
Sample and real-world datasets
Learning platform
iVERT’s E-Learning site for materials, quizzes, submissions, and recordings
Community channel
Discord or Slack for quick questions and peer help
Prerequisites and Enrollment Requirements
Required
- Basic computer skills: files, browsing, and typing
- A laptop or computer and reliable internet access
- Willingness to practice regularly and ask questions
Helpful, not required
- Any previous experience with spreadsheets
- Comfort with basic arithmetic
Not required
A math or computer science background, or paid software. Google Sheets and Excel (web version) are free.
Career Fit and What Comes Next
Skills you will leave with
- Data cleaning
- Formulas and lookups
- Pivot tables
- Charts and dashboards
- Shared-sheet collaboration
- Plain-language reporting
Where these skills apply
- Reporting or operations assistant
- Sales, marketing, or finance support
- Research or program assistant
- M&E assistant
- Admin and project roles that use data
Most analyst roles also expect SQL, which the SQL Track covers.
Explore the Data Analytics Tracks
See every Track in this Program and choose your next step.
Finish here with a certificate and a portfolio project, or continue. Either is a good outcome.
Browse all TracksHow to Apply
- Check that you meet the prerequisites above.
- Take note of the Program, Track, and Cohort number (needed to apply).
- Use the button below to apply, or to register your interest if the Track has a waitlist.
- Watch your email for confirmation and onboarding details.
Applications are not open for this Track right now. See which Tracks are open, or request information and we will let you know when the next Cohort opens.
Track FAQs: Find Quick Answers
Do I need to be good at math?
No. We start with the basics and build up, and learners who began unsure about formulas finished confident with them.
Do I need to pay for Excel?
No. Excel has a free web version you can use if you do not have the desktop software.
What if I miss a session?
Sessions are recorded and posted on the learning platform, and you can ask questions at office hours.
How much time will I need each week?
About 6–10 hours: one 120-minute live session plus 4–8 hours of self-study.
Can I continue to another Track?
Yes. Apply to SQL for Data Analysis when a Cohort opens, or stop here with your certificate and project.
Will this get me a job?
iVERT does not place graduates or guarantee employment. iVERT is not an accredited college; Programs do not grant degrees or academic credit. However, you will leave with job-relevant skills and a portfolio project to show employers.
iVERT does not place graduates or guarantee employment. iVERT is not an accredited college; Programs do not grant degrees or academic credit.