ICDL Access: A step-by-step guide to Databases using Microsoft Access

Learning Access makes more sense when each database feature is connected to the job it does. Conor Jordan’s step-by-step ICDL guide takes readers from the basics of tables and records through the tools used to organize information, ask questions of a database, and present results clearly.

The emphasis is practical: build familiarity with Access by working through its core objects and functions, then reinforce the material with revision sections. The guide is intended for students and teachers following ICDL study, while also offering a structured introduction for readers who want to understand how an Access database is put together.

Start with the building blocks

The opening section introduces databases and the Access workspace. From there, the manual turns to tables: entering data, adjusting field properties, setting primary keys, using indexes and validation rules, and working with table records. These foundations help clarify how information is organized before moving on to more involved database tasks.

Connect and organize information

Dedicated sections cover relationships between tables, including one-to-many relationships and referential integrity. Readers also encounter tools for finding text, working with column widths and wildcards, and sorting or filtering data. Together, these topics show how a database can keep related information connected and make useful records easier to find.

Build useful views and outputs

Forms provide a more approachable way to view and work with records, while queries help retrieve information according to chosen criteria. The later chapters introduce report creation and modification, calculations in reports, printing, and exporting data—including text, XML, and PDF options.

Practice as you progress

Revision sections follow the main subject areas, giving learners opportunities to review the techniques covered. The manual identifies itself with ICDL syllabus version 6.0 and explains that its practice material is for revision, not an official ICDL test. Associated work files are described as separate downloads.

For ICDL learners and instructors seeking a clear route through Microsoft Access fundamentals, this guide brings the main database tasks into one organized sequence—from tables and relationships to queries, forms, and reports.