Smartsheet Project Management- The Complete Beginners Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a hands-on introduction to Smartsheet, designed for beginners looking to manage projects and automate workflows effectively. You'll progress from navigating the interface to building dynamic dashboards and automating tasks, all through practical, real-world examples. With approximately 5.5 hours of total content, the course is structured into eight focused modules that build progressively, ensuring immediate applicability in project and process management roles.

Module 1: Smartsheet Setup & Interface Tour

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Signing up and accessing your Smartsheet account
• Navigating the home screen and workspace layout
• Understanding the difference between sheets, reports, and dashboards
• Organizing workspaces, folders, and using templates

Module 2: Creating and Formatting Sheets

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Adding and configuring columns with appropriate data types (date, dropdown, checkbox)
• Inserting and managing rows efficiently
• Applying filters, sorts, and conditional formatting rules
• Using views to customize data display

Module 3: Data Entry & Formulas

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Entering and importing data from external sources
• Performing bulk updates and data management
• Writing basic formulas (SUM, IF, COUNTIF)
• Using cell linking and understanding cross-sheet references

Module 4: Automations & Alerts

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Setting up automated alerts and reminders
• Configuring approval request workflows
• Customizing triggers, recipients, and message content
• Monitoring automation logs and troubleshooting

Module 5: Reports & Cross-Sheet References

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Building reports to consolidate data across multiple sheets
• Creating cross-sheet formulas for centralized tracking
• Defining reference ranges and dynamic data roll-ups

Module 6: Gantt Charts & Card View

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Enabling and customizing Gantt view for project timelines
• Setting task dependencies and identifying critical path
• Using Card view for kanban-style task management

Module 7: Dashboards & Widgets

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Adding chart, metric, and report widgets to dashboards
• Configuring dashboard filters and interactive elements
• Designing layouts and publishing dashboards for team access

Module 8: Collaboration & Best Practices

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Sharing sheets with role-based permissions
• Using comments, attachments, and @mentions for real-time collaboration
• Reviewing version history and audit logs
• Applying governance best practices for team efficiency

Prerequisites

• Basic computer literacy
• Familiarity with spreadsheet concepts (e.g., rows, columns, formulas)
• No prior Smartsheet experience required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Navigate Smartsheet’s interface confidently across sheets, reports, and dashboards
• Create and format project tracking sheets with conditional logic and filters
• Automate routine workflows such as approvals, alerts, and reminders
• Build interactive dashboards and Gantt charts to visualize project status
• Collaborate effectively with teams using sharing, commenting, and version control