Data is king and you must master it to succeed as a data analyst. To manage data, there are several web-based platforms on the market that you can learn. If you want to become a database administrator or a data scientist, Microsoft’s SharePoint software is a good place to start.
There are many courses, books, and resources you can use to study this platform and start a career in which you will use it. In this article, we bring you the resources and certifications you need to become a SharePoint professional.
What Is SharePoint?
Microsoft SharePoint is a software platform that allows businesses to organize and store data and documents. The data is then used to create websites for internal and external collaborations. The platform also provides metadata, like why and where the information is stored, and what type of data it is.
The two most common versions of this software are SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server. The online version is a cloud-based service that can be accessed via the Internet and does not require any installation. The server version is an on-site solution that is linked with Microsoft Office. You can also access this version of the platform from any web browser.
SharePoint Platform Structures and What They Are Used For
The Sharepoint platform is used by businesses to organize data, collaborate on projects, and build websites. It is a huge platform with different building blocks dedicated to different tasks. There are three main building blocks: pages, web parts, and sites.
SharePoint Web Parts
This block of the platform is used to store data. In it, a company will store data like documents, events, and contacts.
It’s a collection of mini-applications that help businesses organize and store relevant information. These applications within web parts serve a variety of purposes.
- Lists and Libraries. This category of Web parts will show you the name or identity of the data list. It will help your business categorize data into sections. For example, if you click on the Web part list labeled announcement, you will see all saved announcements.
- Content Rollup. This Web part highlights the important and active content on a Web page. Content Query Page is one example. It highlights specific queried content that you can then view.
- Media and Content. Through this Web part, you can add pictures, texts, or other content to a page. For example, you can use a content editor to add hyperlinks, text, images, and tables.
- Business Data. This Web part displays external data and information from businesses. An example of this is the business lists Web part.
- People Web Part. Using this Web part, you can find and display information on your business’s users.
SharePoint Sites
SharePoint sites are essentially the containers where Web parts information is stored. Each site on the platform has its own specific content and security measures.
A business may have 10 different sites. One is the homepage, and the others may belong to different departments. There are two popular types of sites in SharePoint Online which we’ll review below.
- Team Site. This site is used for group projects and team-based collaboration. If you want, you can have one team site with Office 360 and one without.
The Office 360 site will give you access to Microsoft applications like Outlook, Teams, and Planners. The site without Office 360 uses only SharePoint tools to connect.
- Communication Site. This site is usually used for one-way communication. It is great for human resources teams looking to post announcements, handbooks, and other documents intended for all staff members.
SharePoint Pages
The pages are a means to display content. A site may have several pages with specific content. There are three main types of pages:
- Master page. This page is used to control the layout and appearance of the content. Using it, you can control the look of elements like the header, and navigation links.
- Content page. This page contains page field controls. It allows you to add pages, and share and manage documents, libraries, lists, and apps on the site.
- User-friendly authoring page. This page allows the user to add new content. On these types of pages, users can have discussions, and leave reviews.
Learning SharePoint
There are many advantages to learning SharePoint as a data management and work collaboration tool. Microsoft’s programs are highly regarded and used by businesses of all sizes and industries. Because it is so versatile, learning it can have many advantages. It is also an easy tool to learn on your own.
There are hundreds of resources, including online courses, training, and books on SharePoint that can help you get started. You can take your pick of the resources according to which ones best suit your learning style
How Long Does It Take to Learn SharePoint?
SharePoint is a very broad platform that can be used in conjunction with other applications such as SQL Server Management Studio and Microsoft Office Programs. The amount of time it will take you to learn SharePoint is dependent on what area of the platform you want to specialize in. You may also want to enroll in SQL bootcamps and cloud computing courses to help speed up your learning process.
Some SharePoint courses will last three to four days, while others will take months to finish. Choose the time commitment that fits best with your schedule, and take your time mastering the SharePoint environment before you take any certification exams.
How to Learn SharePoint: Step-by-Step
It is always helpful to have a step-by-step guide for reference when you’re learning something new. Follow these steps to learn SharePoint correctly.
- Research and gain a basic understanding. First and foremost, you should research what SharePoint is and what it is used for. Take your time learning about each tool.
- Find your area of interest. Once you are aware of the different tools, choose which one you think you will use the most.
- Take classes and read books. Enroll in classes and use other resources to learn how to use SharePoint. Sign up for courses related to your specific area of interest.
- Start using the software. This is the best way to learn SharePoint. Use what you learned from your previous research on the platform. One great way to practice is to network as part of a SharePoint user group.
- Take a certification exam. Once you know and understand the platform, take a certification exam, and add it to the professional skills section of your resume.
- Apply for jobs. Now, you are ready to apply for jobs. Obtaining a SharePoint professional certification is the last step to launching your career.
The Best SharePoint Courses and Training
Having a background in a platform like SharePoint has become a mandatory prerequisite for many jobs in the digital era. There are plenty of resources available to you if you want to learn about this Microsoft platform.
Below, we have selected some of the best SharePoint online courses, books, and other resources.
Best Online SharePoint Training and Classes
What could be more convenient than learning a new skill from the comfort of your own living room? In recent years, the popularity of online learning has skyrocketed. You can choose between live lectures, interactive digital classrooms, or pre-recorded instructional videos.
To meet your online learning needs, we have handpicked some of the best SharePoint courses.
Using SharePoint for Project Management
- Provider: Global Knowledge
- Time: 3 days
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $1763.71
Almost every job out requires some sort of management skills. This class will fill you in on how SharePoint can be used in project management. It is a bit pricey because it is offered by a reputable IT training and certification center.
In this course, you will learn how to organize, report, forecast, and customize a project or a meeting using SharePoint. With this certification, you can start pursuing your career in project management using this software.
Mastering SharePoint 2019
- Provider: Udemy
- Time: 4 hours
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $9.99
You can master SharePoint for a discounted price via massive open online course provider Udemy. This course will help you learn how to create websites, manage documents, enhance user experiences, and improve search functions.
It covers almost every feature that SharePoint offers. With these skills, you can build a career in business and project management, or start your own business.
SharePoint 2019 Essential Training: The Basics
- Provider: LinkedIn Learning
- Time: Self-paced
- Prerequisites: None
- Price: $29.99 per month/ $299.88 per year
LinkedIn Learning provides both training courses and certificates in SharePoint. In this course, you will learn how to use all the features offered by the platform, including business collaboration and real-time documentation.
You will also learn how to use other Microsoft applications jointly with SharePoint, including Outlook and Excel.
Best Free Online SharePoint Resources
Why not start by learning SharePoint for free? With these online resources, you can get started on your path to mastering this platform at no cost.
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Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2013 – Master SharePoint
- Provider: Alison
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
- Time: 3 to 4 hours
In this class offered by Alison, you will learn the foundational skills of the Microsoft SharePoint platform. This is a great beginners’ course for figuring out how to navigate the administrative features of the platform.
Topics covered will include list and library and how to add internal users. You will also learn how to import an Excel workbook into SharePoint. This is a great free, basic course to help you get started. You can also opt to pay a fee to receive a certification at the end if you pass the course with a test score of 80 percent or higher.
What is SharePoint Online? Beginner Tutorial
- Provider: YouTube
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
- Time: Self-Paced
This YouTube channel offers 43 concise videos to help you learn about SharePoint. They will teach you how to create a folder, and how to add an app to the platform, among other tasks. At the end of this course, you will know how to navigate the entire SharePoint platform.
SharePoint Online Beginner
- Provider: YouTube
- Prerequisites: None
- Cost: Free
- Time: 50 minutes
This YouTube course from Learnit Training is an in-depth explanation and demonstration of how to use SharePoint. This is a great beginners’ course that will help you grasp the fundamentals of the platform. It will teach you the difference between the online and on-premise versions of SharePoint, and all of its components.
Best SharePoint Books
Books are a great learning resource if you ever feel fatigued from staring at a screen. Below are some of our favorite books that will help you get a better understanding of SharePoint.
SharePoint 2016 For Dummies (Learning Made Easy). Rosemarie Withee and Ken Withee
This is a classic For Dummies manual. This book by the Withee’s is a great way to start learning SharePoint server 2016. It will teach you how to master basic administration tasks, manage content, and connect with other users.
It will also help you study how to develop workflows and archive documents on Office 365 while using SharePoint.
Creating Business Applications with Office 365: Techniques in SharePoint, PowerApps, Power BI, and More. Jeffery M. Rhodes
This is a great resource if you want to learn how to create SharePoint business applications using PowerApps, JavaScript/jQuery, UI widgets, and Cascading Style Sheets. It will also fill you in on how to integrate other applications into the platform.
The book also covers how to create surveys and employ advanced Power BI techniques. It is ideal for anyone interested in learning tools for business and application development.
Adopt & Embrace Microsoft Teams: A manager’s guide to communication, collaboration, and coordination with Microsoft Teams. Paul Woods, Helen Blunden, Benjamin Elias, and Darrell Webster
This bestseller will teach you how to efficiently manage tasks using Microsoft Teams. You will learn how to use SharePoint and other Microsoft platforms to help unlock your business’s potential. This is a great book if you want to learn the ins and outs of all of Microsoft’s productivity tools.
SharePoint Certifications
It is important to earn certifications for the skills you have mastered. It will enhance your resume and increase your chances of employment. Below are the three certification levels available for Microsoft Sharepoint.
Microsoft 365 Fundamental Certification
This certification will prove your ability to use Microsoft 365, cloud programs, SharePoint, and other Microsoft applications. You will have to demonstrate your knowledge of security, compliance, device management, and collaboration. You will have to pass
Exam MS-900: Microsoft 365 Fundamentals to earn this certification.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Teamwork Administrator Associate Certification
To earn this certification, you will have to prove that you know how to manage and configure systems using Microsoft 365 Teamwork and SharePoint Server Hybrid. You will have to pass the MS-300: Deploying Microsoft 365 Teamwork and MS-301: Deploying SharePoint Server Hybrid exams.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Enterprise Administrator Expert Certification
This certification will showcase your expertise on how to use the identity, services, mobility, and security modules of Microsoft 365. You will have to prove that you are knowledgeable about managing user identity and roles, threat management, and more. To get the certificate, you will have to pass the SS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services and MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security tests.
Should You Learn SharePoint?
If you want to become a web developer or pursue a career in IT, you should learn SharePoint. This platform will help you stand out as a competitive candidate for work opportunities.
If you are a business owner, you may also want to learn this platform to improve the effectiveness and productivity of your team while also -integrating projects and data.
If you take the time to learn SharePoint, you can pursue a career as an architect, developer, administrator, engineer, analyst, or consultant.
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