Most people can learn WordPress basics in two days of focused training, or 12 to 14 hours of training time in a live class, whether in-person or online. To become a WordPress expert, four to five days of intensive training is needed. If you have prior experience with similar content management platforms, such as Drupal or Joomla, and familiarity with web development concepts, less time is required. Similarly, if you have worked with HTML, CSS, and other web design principles, you will find that you can quickly adapt to the way WordPress creates page layouts and structures content.
When learning WordPress it’s best to start with foundational skills. The initial two days of learning WordPress emphasize these cornerstone skills, including understanding the WordPress dashboard, creating and publishing pages and posts, changing themes, and managing plugins. Gaining skills with more advanced capabilities such as custom theme development, restoring from backups, or plug-in creation requires additional time for both study and practice.
Learning WordPress requires both classroom learning as well as working on projects to practice newly learned skills. Depending upon what you need to do with WordPress, you will need to learn different skills. Creating simple websites or blogs with basic layouts requires only basic skills, which can be learned in an introductory WordPress course. Developing highly customized WordPress sites, with individualized themes and unique capabilities requires additional training and practice to learn more advanced skills.
Learning WordPress can require only two days for basic skills, a full week in a WordPress bootcamp to gain advanced skills, or months if you are learning independently on your own. Depending upon your timeline and budget, there are different options to learn WordPress.
Structured Learning for WordPress
WordPress can be difficult to learn on your own, and investing in structured learning such as courses and workshops is worthwhile because it accelerates the learning process. Because WordPress has many capabilities, and involves setting up a database and website, the process can seem daunting for newcomers. Even those who have managed websites on other platforms tend to find training to be beneficial.
In-Person Learning
One option for learning is to attend WordPress courses or workshops that range from two days to a full week of courses. Students can expect to gain a solid understanding of WordPress fundamentals within a relatively short time frame in an introductory WordPress course that includes hands-on learning, developing projects, and working closely with instructors. Institutions such as American Graphic Institute (AGI) have in-person WordPress classes where you are in the same classroom as the instructor. Advanced courses have the same benefits, and cover more technical skills including customization, site security, backup, and recovery.
Online Learning
Online WordPress courses offer flexibility, as you can attend class from anywhere that you have an Internet connection. Live online WordPress classes cover the same material as the in-person courses, but are delivered virtually. You can see the instructors screen, talk with them, work on projects, and share your screen if you have questions. For those that do not want to travel to a classroom, or are not near an in-person course, the live online classes provide a good option.
Self-Paced Learning
Learning WordPress on your own takes more time when compared to structured learning methods. Self-directed learning requires self-discipline, motivation, and resourcefulness, as you do not have a teacher to ask for help or clarification. Mastering WordPress on your own, without any courses, takes several months or more.
WordPress learning considerations
Websites with multiple pages, custom functionalities, and integrations require more experience to develop and manage via WordPress. For beginners, it is often easier to start with WordPress training, and then proceed to build simpler websites before tackling more intricate projects.
If you prefer hands-on learning, WordPress courses at reputable institutions like American Graphics Institute are available on a regular basis, either in-person or online. These courses are led by live instructors and feature a comprehensive WordPress curriculum designed to cover all aspects of website development.