Want to work from home and earn money without a degree? Data entry is one of the easiest ways to start a remote career.
Businesses require accurate data for their daily operations, making skilled workers essential.
With more virtual assistant jobs and freelancing options, learning data entry can open many doors.
If you want a side hustle or a full-time job, structured data entry training helps you learn quickly and improve your skills.
You can even get a data entry certification to boost your chances of landing better jobs.
In this blog, we will share the best online data entry courses, what you’ll learn, and how to start today.
What is Data Entry?
Data entry involves entering information into digital systems, such as spreadsheets or databases, and maintaining its organization.
You will perform tasks such as typing, verifying details for accuracy, and keeping records.
To do well, you need good typing speed, focus, and basic computer skills. Knowing tools like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets makes things easier.
It’s a simple skill that can lead to great remote job opportunities, especially for virtual assistants and freelancers starting out.
Best 17 Beginner-Level Data Entry Courses Online
Looking for the best way to start your data entry career? These beginner-friendly online data entry courses are ideal for developing skills, earning certifications, and opening doors to remote job opportunities.
1. Google Digital Garage: Fundamentals of Digital Skills
A free, beginner-friendly course covering important computer and digital skills, including spreadsheets and productivity tools.
Perfect for those starting a data entry career or seeking foundational knowledge for remote work roles.
- Duration: 40 hours
- Cost: Free
- Potential Earnings: $10–$15/hour
2. Alison: Data Entry Basics
Learn fundamental data entry techniques, boost your typing speed, and master spreadsheet functions.
Alison provides a free certification upon completion, making it ideal for beginners looking to enhance employability in virtual assistant and administrative jobs.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost: Free
- Potential Earnings: $8–$12/hour
3. Coursera: Basic Data Management
This online data entry course introduces data organization, spreadsheet handling, and essential management concepts.
The audit option is free, and learners can upgrade for certification, making it a great choice for professionals seeking structured training in data entry fundamentals.
- Duration: 10 hours
- Cost: Free (audit), $49 for certificate
- Potential Earnings: $10–$14/hour
4. Udemy: Data Entry Course for Beginners
Comprehensive training on typing, Excel basics, and office software is important.
Includes lifetime access, downloadable resources, and certification upon completion, making it ideal for beginners seeking a comprehensive introduction to data entry practices and tools.
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Cost: $19.99
- Potential Earnings: $12–$18/hour
5. LinkedIn Learning: Excel for Data Entry
Focuses on mastering Excel for data entry, including formulas, formatting, and data validation techniques.
This professional course is suitable for anyone aiming for office or remote roles that require strong spreadsheet skills.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: $29.99 or a subscription
- Potential Earnings: $15–$20/hour
6. Coursera: Data Entry Professional Certificate
A structured certification program designed to make you job-ready.
Covers data entry techniques, accuracy, and software applications used in the field. Ideal for individuals seeking formal recognition for their skills.
- Duration: 3 months
- Cost: $39/month
- Potential Earnings: $18–$25/hour
7. Skillshare: Data Entry Essentials
Learn typing, spreadsheets, and productivity shortcuts in this beginner-friendly course. Ideal for freelancers and aspiring virtual assistants looking to build practical skills through hands-on exercises.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: Free trial, then $14/month
- Potential Earnings: $12–$18/hour
8. Excel Exposure: Beginner Excel Training
Covers Excel fundamentals such as formulas, tables, and shortcuts, all critical for accurate and efficient data entry tasks.
An excellent choice for beginners seeking in-depth knowledge of spreadsheets.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Cost: Free
- Potential Earnings: $10–$15/hour
9. Fiverr Learn: Data Entry Basics
This course is designed for freelancers who want to start offering data entry services online.
You will learn how to organize information, work efficiently with spreadsheets, and understand client needs.
It offers valuable tips on how to effectively market your skills and attract clients on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Cost: $20
- Potential Earnings: $12–$20/hour
10. edX: Data Management Essentials
Offered by leading institutions, this program introduces core concepts of data organization and entry.
Includes exercises on handling large datasets with accuracy, preparing students for professional roles.
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Cost: Free (audit), $99 for certificate
- Potential Earnings: $15–$25/hour
11. Khan Academy: Computer Basics
Teaches important digital literacy skills, including file handling and typing, which are foundational for data entry roles.
Completely free and ideal for complete beginners entering the digital workspace.
- Duration: Self-paced
- Cost: Free
- Potential Earnings: $8–$12/hour
12. GoSkills: Excel for Beginners
Covers basic Excel functions, tables, and data entry shortcuts. Offers quizzes and a certificate of completion, making it an excellent choice for professionals looking to add verified skills to their resumes.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Cost: $29/month
- Potential Earnings: $15–$22/hour
13. FutureLearn: Data Entry Fundamentals
Offers a clear and structured introduction to managing spreadsheets and databases.
Ideal for beginners who want to learn practical skills from industry experts, this course helps build confidence and lays a strong foundation for handling data entry tasks effectively in real-world scenarios.
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Cost: Free (limited access), $84 for full access
- Potential Earnings: $12–$18/hour
14. Learnvern: MS Excel for Data Entry
A beginner-friendly course focused on practical Excel applications.
It covers formulas, data formatting, and essential tips to boost speed and accuracy in data entry tasks, making it an excellent choice for learners who want strong foundational spreadsheet skills.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Cost: Free
- Potential Earnings: $10–$16/hour
15. Virtual Assistant Training Academy: Data Entry Skills
Tailored for individuals entering VA roles, this course combines skills in typing, database management, and client communication.
Includes real-world examples to prepare you for freelance or corporate work.
- Duration: 5 hours
- Cost: $49
- Potential Earnings: $15–$25/hour
16. Simplilearn: Microsoft Excel Basics
Learn essential Excel skills from basic to intermediate levels to prepare for data entry roles.
This course includes a recognized certificate and hands-on exercises, making it a strong addition to your resume and a step toward better job opportunities.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Cost: $99
- Potential Earnings: $18–$28/hour
17. Excel Easy: Free Excel Tutorial
Offers step-by-step Excel tutorials covering the basics needed for data entry.
Perfect for beginners who prefer learning at their own pace, this free resource removes cost barriers while providing skills for building confidence in managing spreadsheets effectively.
- Duration: Self-paced
- Cost: Free
- Potential Earnings: $10–$14/hour
How to Choose the Right Data Entry Course and What You’ll Learn?
Selecting the perfect data entry training program requires understanding both your goals and what skills these courses actually teach.
Here’s what to look for and expect from quality programs:
- Course Content Coverage: Look for programs that teach typing speed, accuracy techniques, and popular software like Excel and databases.
- Hands-On Practice Opportunities: Choose courses offering real-world projects and simulated data entry tasks for practical experience.
- Certification and Recognition: Select programs that provide industry-recognized certificates to boost your employment prospects significantly.
- Flexible Learning Options: Pick courses with self-paced modules or part-time schedules that fit your availability and lifestyle.
- Job Placement Support: Prioritize training programs that offer career guidance, resume help, or connections to potential employers.
The right data entry course combines practical skills with career support to maximize your success.
Final Thoughts
Starting your data entry journey doesn’t have to be hard.
With so many online options available, you can build skills at your own pace and even earn a recognized data entry certification.
These courses help you become more confident, improve accuracy, and open doors to remote jobs and freelancing opportunities.
Even if you are looking for a side hustle or a full-time role, taking the first step today can make all the difference.
Ready to begin? Pick a course from our list and start learning now.
Your next flexible career move is just a click away.
