Digital Innovation and Transformation

Excel Automation with Macros and VBA

Many repetitive spreadsheet tasks can be automated with macros and VBA. This hands-on course teaches recording and editing macros, VBA programming basics, working with ranges, workbooks and worksheets, loops and conditions, user forms, error handling and building practical automation tools.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Automating routine Excel work saves hours each week and reduces errors. This course gives you the skills to build reliable automation tools.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course is hands-on, with step-by-step exercises, practical automation projects and a capstone tool build. Participants need Excel for Windows.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Record and edit macros
Understand VBA syntax and the editor
Manipulate ranges, sheets and workbooks
Use variables, loops and conditions
Create user forms and interactive tools
Handle errors and maintain VBA code

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Finance and accounting professionals
Analysts
Administrators
Reporting specialists
Advanced Excel users

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Macro recording
VBA programming
Workbook automation
User forms
Error handling
Tool development

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Macros

09:00–09:54Recording macros
09:54–10:48Relative references
10:48–11:00Running and assigning macros
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Running and assigning macros (continued)
12:12–13:06Security settings
13:06–14:00Lab: Recording macros

Day 2VBA Basics

09:00–09:54VBA editor
09:54–10:48Modules and procedures
10:48–11:00Variables and data types
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Variables and data types (continued)
12:12–13:06Objects and properties
13:06–14:00Lab: Editing macros

Day 3Working with Data

09:00–09:54Ranges and cells
09:54–10:48Loops
10:48–11:00Conditions
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Conditions (continued)
12:12–13:06Working with multiple sheets and files
13:06–14:00Lab: Automating a report

Day 4Interactive Tools

09:00–09:54User forms
09:54–10:48Input and message boxes
10:48–11:00Events
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Events (continued)
12:12–13:06Buttons and controls
13:06–14:00Lab: Building a form

Day 5Robust Automation

09:00–09:54Error handling
09:54–10:48Debugging
10:48–11:00Code documentation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Code documentation (continued)
12:12–13:06Performance tips
13:06–14:00Capstone: Automation tool

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.