Microsoft Project – From Beginner to Expert (Exam 74-343 Preparation)

Learn Microsoft Project step by step, master essential tools, pass the 74-343 exam, and manage real-world projects like a pro.

What you’ll learn

• Develop the knowledge and confidence to pass the Microsoft 74-343 certification exam
  
  

• Build, configure, and manage tasks within a project plan
  
  

• Design realistic and accurate project schedules
  
  

• Estimate, track, and control project budgets and costs
  
  

• Communicate project details clearly to stakeholders and decision makers
  
  

• Assign and manage project resources effectively
  
  

• Modify and edit resource allocations
  
  

• Use advanced resource assignment techniques, including multi-resource tasks
  
  

• Apply scheduling controls to stay on track and meet deadlines
  
  

• Understand, analyze, and display Critical Path information
  
  

• Gain practical, hands-on skills through real project examples
  
  

• Improve speed and efficiency with keyboard shortcuts and quick references

Requirements

• Having Microsoft Project installed is recommended but not required
  
  

• Either Microsoft Project Standard or Professional editions will work for this course
  
  

• No prior project management software experience is necessary

Course Description

In today’s competitive business environment, project management has become one of the most valuable skills across industries. Companies in technology, healthcare, construction, finance, and countless other sectors rely on professionals who can plan, organize, and deliver projects successfully. Skilled project managers are not only in demand—they are essential for helping organizations meet deadlines, control budgets, and keep stakeholders informed.

Recent salary surveys show that even entry-level project managers in the United States can earn close to $90,000 annually. Those who advance in their careers and specialize in methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid project management can earn even more. But regardless of the methodology used, one factor remains constant: project managers must be proficient with the right tools. Without tools to organize schedules, manage resources, and track costs, even the best strategies can fall short.

One of the most widely used and respected tools in the project management world is Microsoft Project. For decades, Microsoft Project has been the software of choice for small teams, large corporations, and even Fortune 500 companies. It allows managers to create detailed timelines, allocate resources, manage dependencies, forecast costs, and communicate progress clearly. Simply put, if you know how to use Microsoft Project effectively, you can walk into almost any organization and immediately add value.

This course, Microsoft Project From Beginner to Expert, is designed to give you that ability. Covering Microsoft Project 2013, 2016, and 2019, it ensures that no matter which version you encounter in the workplace, you will be prepared to work confidently. The course is comprehensive, but it is also structured to make learning straightforward and approachable. Instead of overwhelming you with information, the lessons build progressively, allowing you to grow your skills step by step.

The instructor, Brian Culp, brings a wealth of experience to the course. He is a certified project manager with deep knowledge of Agile practices, a Microsoft-certified trainer, and a seasoned educator who has taught thousands of students. His teaching style is approachable, engaging, and rooted in practical examples. Students often comment on how clear his explanations are, and how the lessons feel like personalized training rather than a generic lecture.

This is not a dry, theory-heavy course where you simply memorize definitions and procedures. Instead, it emphasizes hands-on learning. You will begin with a simple project file and gradually add complexity as you progress through the lessons. This mirrors the way real-world projects evolve. A project rarely starts with every detail in place; instead, it begins small and grows as tasks, resources, and budgets are defined. By learning in this way, you’ll gain not only technical proficiency but also a practical sense of how to manage projects from beginning to end.

By the time you finish the course, you will know how to create, manage, and track projects from scratch. You’ll understand how to enter tasks, assign resources, calculate costs, monitor progress, and adjust schedules when changes inevitably occur. You’ll also learn how to generate reports and communicate project information in ways that stakeholders can understand and act upon. These are not just technical skills—they are professional abilities that directly translate to better performance in any project management role.

In addition to step-by-step instruction, the course includes plenty of resources to support your learning. You’ll have access to tips and tricks that can save you time, quick-reference guides to keep handy while working, and study materials to prepare for the Microsoft 74-343 certification exam. This exam, Managing Projects with Microsoft Project, is recognized by employers as proof of your competence with the software. Preparing for and passing it can significantly boost your career prospects.

Whether your goal is to earn certification, advance in your current job, or simply become more effective at managing projects, this course provides everything you need. You’ll finish not only with the ability to use Microsoft Project, but also with the confidence to tackle real projects in any industry.

Why This Course Stands Out

There are plenty of tutorials and guides available for Microsoft Project, but many of them only scratch the surface. They often focus on showing where buttons are located or how to complete a single isolated task. While this type of training may seem helpful in the short term, it leaves learners without the deeper understanding necessary to apply the software in real-world situations.

This course takes a completely different approach. Instead of only teaching which menus to click or how to enter data, it focuses on helping you think and act like a professional project manager while using Microsoft Project. Every feature you learn is tied back to real project management challenges: controlling deadlines, managing costs, assigning resources, and communicating with stakeholders. The goal is not just to learn the software, but to master the mindset behind using it effectively.

The course is carefully structured so that learners build skills progressively. You begin with the foundations: creating tasks, organizing them logically, and setting up a timeline. Once you have a solid grasp of the basics, the lessons expand to cover more advanced capabilities such as resource allocation, task dependencies, cost estimation, and schedule control. By layering the learning process in this way, the course ensures that each new concept builds on what you already know. This approach makes the material easier to absorb and immediately practical to apply.

Another reason this course stands out is its connection to certification. It is directly aligned with the objectives of the Microsoft Exam 74-343: Managing Projects with Microsoft Project. This means that as you work through the lessons, you’re not only building job-ready skills but also preparing for an industry-recognized credential. The course provides you with the knowledge, strategies, and practice needed to approach the exam with confidence. Even if certification isn’t your goal, you’ll benefit from learning in a structured way that mirrors professional standards.

Most importantly, the course blends clarity with depth. The explanations are straightforward and easy to follow, but they also cover the advanced techniques that separate beginner users from experts. By the end, you will have both a strong command of Microsoft Project and the ability to use it strategically in your own professional environment.

What’s Included

When you enroll in this course, you receive much more than just a series of videos. The training package has been carefully designed to give you multiple ways to learn and retain the material, whether you prefer hands-on practice, visual instruction, or written references.

Here is what you’ll gain access to:

• Over 100 individual lessons, thoughtfully organized into modules that guide you from beginner to advanced topics. This modular approach allows you to progress step by step or revisit specific sections whenever you need a refresher.
  
  

• More than 8 hours of clear, practical video instruction. Each lesson is concise and focused, making it easy to follow along without feeling overwhelmed. The pacing ensures you can learn effectively while still having time to apply concepts in your own practice projects.
  
  

• A downloadable study guide specifically created for the Microsoft 74-343 certification exam. This guide consolidates key points, exam objectives, and practice tips so you can prepare with confidence and efficiency.
  
  

• Quick-reference guides that highlight keyboard shortcuts, best practices, and time-saving techniques. These are perfect for keeping next to your desk as you work on projects, allowing you to stay productive without searching through menus or notes.
  
  

• Practical demonstrations using real project examples. Rather than relying on abstract explanations, the instructor shows you how features are used in real scenarios, such as creating dependencies, updating schedules, or generating reports. This makes the learning process much more engaging and realistic.
  
  

• Instructor support to answer questions and provide clarification. If you get stuck on a concept or need guidance, you’re not left on your own. Having an experienced trainer available helps ensure that you continue making progress.

Together, these resources create a complete learning experience. The course doesn’t just give you information; it gives you tools, practice, and support to actually become proficient. Whether your goal is certification, career advancement, or simply managing your projects more effectively, this course delivers everything you need in one comprehensive package.

Core learning objectives

Throughout the course, you will work on these essential skills:

• Creating and modifying project tasks
  
  

• Assigning single and multiple resources
  
  

• Adjusting and managing calendars
  
  

• Estimating project costs accurately
  
  

• Tracking progress and updating schedules
  
  

• Understanding dependencies and task constraints
  
  

• Identifying the project’s critical path
  
  

• Managing baselines and project versions
  
  

• Generating and customizing reports
  
  

• Sharing project information with stakeholders

How the course is taught

The teaching method is hands-on and practice-oriented. Instead of simply explaining features, you will actually build a project file from start to finish. By working through tasks, resources, and costs step by step, you will see how everything connects and how changes affect the overall project.

This approach mimics real-life situations, where projects often start small but expand in complexity. By practicing in this environment, you’ll gain the confidence to manage larger projects later.

Why Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is one of the most powerful project management tools available. It allows you to:

• Create detailed schedules and timelines
  
  

• Track budgets, costs, and resources
  
  

• Manage large teams and multiple projects simultaneously
  
  

• Provide clear visualizations for stakeholders
  
  

• Integrate with other Microsoft tools like Excel, SharePoint, and Teams

Organizations of all sizes use Project, from small businesses to multinational corporations. Learning it can immediately improve your value as a project manager.

Certification focus

The Microsoft Exam 74-343, Managing Projects with Microsoft Project, validates your skills in using the tool to manage projects effectively. It is recognized by employers as proof of competence.

This course aligns closely with the exam objectives, which include:

• Managing project scheduling and constraints
  
  

• Managing tasks and dependencies
  
  

• Managing resources and assignments
  
  

• Managing costs
  
  

• Tracking and analyzing progress
  
  

• Communicating project information

By completing the course and reviewing the included study guide, you’ll be well-prepared to pass the exam on your first attempt.

Course structure

1. Introduction and orientation to Microsoft Project
   
   

2. Creating and organizing project tasks
   
   

3. Configuring task properties and dependencies
   
   

4. Assigning and managing resources
   
   

5. Setting up calendars and working times
   
   

6. Tracking progress and updating the schedule
   
   

7. Estimating, entering, and controlling costs
   
   

8. Managing baselines and comparing project versions
   
   

9. Using views and filters to analyze data
   
   

10. Generating and customizing project reports
    
    

11. Communicating with stakeholders and sharing files
    
    

12. Advanced topics: multiple resource assignments, schedule control, and critical path analysis
    
    

13. Exam preparation strategies for 74-343

Course Benefits

This course goes far beyond helping you pass the Microsoft 74-343 exam. It is designed to give you practical, job-ready skills that can be applied immediately in real-world projects. By mastering Microsoft Project, you’ll not only become more confident in managing schedules and budgets, but also more effective in leading teams and communicating with stakeholders.

After completing this training, you will:

• Gain the ability to set up projects quickly and accurately, saving time and reducing errors
  
  

• Learn how to control scope creep by managing task dependencies and constraints effectively
  
  

• Develop strategies to keep budgets under control by accurately tracking project costs and forecasts
  
  

• Improve communication with executives, stakeholders, and team members using professional reports and visual dashboards
  
  

• Adjust schedules proactively to avoid delays and respond effectively to project changes
  
  

• Allocate resources fairly and realistically to maximize productivity and prevent burnout among team members
  
  

• Identify risks early by analyzing critical paths and task bottlenecks to prevent last-minute surprises
  
  

• Build confidence to manage projects of any size, from small initiatives to enterprise-level programs
  
  

• Increase your career value by mastering a tool widely used in Fortune 500 companies

By applying these skills, you’ll transform the way you plan, manage, and deliver projects.

Who This Course is For

This course has been designed with a wide range of learners in mind. Whether you are just starting out in project management or already have years of experience, Microsoft Project can help you improve efficiency, clarity, and control. The lessons are structured to provide value no matter your starting point, making it a flexible resource for professionals across industries.

You will benefit from this course if you are:

• New to Microsoft Project and looking for a structured, step-by-step way to quickly build confidence with the tool
  
  

• A beginner in project management who wants to learn how to plan and deliver projects effectively using industry-standard software
  
  

• An experienced project manager who wants to sharpen skills, discover advanced features, and apply time-saving tips
  
  

• A student or professional preparing for the Microsoft 74-343 exam and seeking a comprehensive resource aligned with exam objectives
  
  

• A team lead, coordinator, or supervisor who needs to communicate schedules, costs, and progress clearly to stakeholders and decision-makers
  
  

• A professional transitioning into a project management role and needing practical software skills to support career growth
  
  

• A small business owner or entrepreneur who manages projects and wants to organize resources and timelines more effectively
  
  

• Anyone seeking career advancement in industries such as IT, construction, healthcare, engineering, or business operations where project management tools are widely used

No matter your background, this course will help you manage projects with more confidence and deliver results more consistently.

Student Feedback

Students who have taken earlier versions of this course in the "Like a Boss" series have shared comments like:

• "Exactly what I needed to increase my productivity at work." – Paige P.
  
  

• "Clear explanations, easy to follow, felt like one-on-one training." – William P.
  
  

• "I can’t believe how much I learned. The lessons were practical and easy to apply." – Sherie L.
  
  

• "Direct, constructive, and precise." – Florent S.
  
  

• "A perfect course for understanding Microsoft Project." – Yvonne B.

Enroll Today

Every successful project begins with a decision to take the first step. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by juggling tasks, deadlines, and budgets, or if you’ve struggled to keep teams aligned and stakeholders informed, then mastering Microsoft Project is the solution you’ve been looking for. This course gives you the exact tools and strategies used by professional project managers around the world to plan, track, and deliver projects with confidence.

By enrolling today, you’ll gain immediate access to over 100 lessons, 8 hours of clear instruction, quick-reference guides, and a downloadable exam study guide. More importantly, you’ll be learning through real-world examples that mirror the challenges project managers face every day. You won’t just memorize features—you’ll understand how to apply them in meaningful, practical ways.

The sooner you start, the faster you’ll be able to demonstrate new skills at work, prepare for the Microsoft 74-343 certification exam, and increase your career opportunities. With project management professionals in high demand and salaries rising, now is the perfect time to invest in yourself. Don’t let another project slip behind schedule or run over budget. Enroll today, and take control of your projects—and your career.