MOS Access Expert study plan

Build a blank desktop database and set database-level options that matter for the exam: default field type, default text field size, and AutoIndex behavior

Create four tables from scratch in Design View, assigning appropriate data types (Short Text, Long Text, Number, Currency, Date/Time, Yes/No, Attachment, Lookup) to at least 30 fields total

Set field properties deliberately: Field Size, Format, Input Mask, Caption, Default Value, Validation Rule with Validation Text, Required, and Indexed

Create a one-to-many relationship in the Relationships window and enforce referential integrity with cascade update and cascade delete on one relationship

Designate a primary key in every table and explain in writing when a composite (multi-field) primary key is required

Implement a lookup field using a value list and a second lookup field sourcing a table, and set Limit To List correctly for each

Add input masks for phone and postal code fields and verify each mask accepts and rejects the correct test values

Apply validation at both field level and table level, including a table-level rule that references two fields

Import data from a delimited text file and from an Excel workbook, resolving data type and key conflicts during the import

Normalize a deliberately flat imported table into two related tables and connect them with a relationship

Create single-table select queries in Design View, adding calculated fields with the expression builder and applying sort orders

Apply criteria to Text, Number, and Date/Time fields, including wildcards, comparison operators, and Between...And

Build multi-table queries using inner joins and both LEFT and RIGHT outer joins, and predict which records survive each join type

Create parameter queries that prompt for a date range and for a text value, and confirm the declared parameter data types

Write aggregate (Totals) queries using Group By, Count, Sum, Avg, and Where, and interpret the results

Use calculated fields with IIf and Date functions inside queries and verify output against hand-computed values

Create action queries: append, update, delete, and make-table, running each against a backup copy and confirming row counts before and after

Build a crosstab query with a row heading, column heading, and aggregated value, and add a parameter to filter it

Use Find Duplicates and Find Unmatched query wizards, then inspect the generated SQL to understand the join logic

Configure database startup options and set a navigation form or default display form, and document how to bypass startup options

Split a database into front end and back end, relink the tables, and record the steps needed to relink to a moved back end

Run Compact and Repair, create a backup routine, and set the database to compact on close

Build a form with the Form Wizard, then in Layout View add, resize, align, and reorder controls and set tab order

Apply a theme, control padding, and conditional formatting to a form, and bind a combo box to a query for record navigation

Create a grouped and sorted report with the Report Wizard, then modify grouping and sort order in Layout View

Add calculated controls to a report, including a running total and a page-level summary, and verify totals against a query

Insert a subreport or a subform control and set the linking fields correctly

Adjust report sections, force page breaks, add page numbers and a date/time stamp, and set Keep Together and Can Grow properties

Take two full timed practice exams under exam conditions and log every missed objective by domain

Rebuild the weakest two skills from scratch without notes to confirm retention

Review the domain weights and re-drill the highest-frequency table and query property questions

Confirm exam-day logistics and prepare a one-page personal checklist of properties and dialog boxes you must recognize