A Step by Step Guide on How to Get a Tableau Certification

tableau certification

Overview of Tableau Certification

Tableau is a data visualization software that helps in creating interactive and user-friendly dashboards for analytics. It is a visualization tool that is useful in the business intelligence industry because of its ability to create dashboards and worksheets that can be used by professionals across the company. Tableau simplifies data analysis and converts raw data into formats that can be understood by everyone

Tableau bundles a lot of features together, but its best ones are Data Blending, Real-Time Data Analysis, and Collaboration of Data. Because of its simplicity and the fact that it doesn’t need any programming experience, it has gained a significant amount of interest from various professionals who use it for various business needs. Even though Tableau has developer tools and analytical tools, the learning curve for mastering Tableau applications is pretty flat.

The basic course that Tableau offers an insight into what Tableau is. It helps users in understanding and using the right tools and techniques, from simple to complex visualizations, for building dashboards. For context, this is the syllabus of Tableau Desktop I: Fundamentals – the basic course for beginners:

  • Connect to your data.
  • Edit and save a data source.
  • Understand Tableau terminology.
  • Use the Tableau interface/paradigm to effectively create powerful visualizations.
  • Create basic calculations, including basic arithmetic calculations, custom aggregations and ratios, date math, and quick table calculations.
  • Build dashboards to share visualizations.

The basic chart types covered in Tableau are

  • Cross Tabs
  • Pie and bar charts
  • Geographic maps
  • Dual-axis and combo charts with different mark types
  • Heat maps
  • Highlight tables
  • Treemaps
  • Scatter plots

In fact, as Tableau’s website says, its courses are the direct entrants into a candidate’s learning path towards Author, Designer, Analyst, and Data Scientist courses.

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What are the Eligibility Criteria and the Certification Process?

The idea behind eligibility criteria is to require context for the course being taught. Most courses put mandatory eligibility criteria to enhance the learning experience from the course. In that context, there are no mandatory rules for eligibility to appear for any Tableau certification. Tableau recommends some experience so that the user doesn’t feel out of depth in attempting the courses. 

The courses that Tableau offers can be split into Desktop Application Certifications and Server Certifications.

The Desktop Application certifications are

  • Desktop Specialist
  • Desktop Certified Associate
  • Desktop Certified Professional

Tableau Server exams include

  • Server Certified Associate 
  • Server Certified Professional

The certification for all the exams is the same. Tableau uses Loyalist Exam Services for all their examination purposes. You need to create an account there and read through all the exam details. Then, you need to take training for the course through instructor-led programs or online modes. This training can be taken from any provider and does not have to be taken from Tableau only.

The exam is conducted online. Tableau cautions against systems that don’t work well and internet connection that doesn’t stay stable. Once you log in to your account, you are directed to the Tableau Desktop application. You’re prohibited from going back to your own desktop. The exam is proctored through your webcam. Tableau insists you perform a systems check using its tools before starting. If your internet disconnects, you can always log in again.

The recommended experience and the corresponding costs for each of the certifications are

  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Exam Fee: $100 (USD), Online Exam. It focuses on the foundational elements and functionality, along with product comprehension. Tableau recommends individuals have at least 3 months of Desktop working experience. This certification can be attempted individually. However, Tableau Desktop I: Fundamentals will help the journey.
  • Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate: Exam Fee $250 (USD), and it is an Online Exam. Tableau advises individuals to have at least 5 months of Desktop working experience.
  • Tableau Desktop Certified Professional: Exam Fee $600 (USD), Online Exam. Complete Visual Analytics and have at least 9+ months of Desktop working experience before taking this exam. You must first pass the Desktop Qualified Associate exam to take Desktop Certified Professional Exam.
  • Tableau Server Qualified Associate: Exam Fee $250 (USD), Online Exam. Have 4-6 months of Server working experience before taking this exam.
  • Tableau Server Certified Professional: Exam Fee $800 (USD), Online Exam. Have at least 9+ months of Server working experience before taking this exam. You must first pass the Server Qualified Associate exam to take Desktop Certified Professional Exam.

What is the Salary for Tableau Desktop Certified Professional?

Payscale reports the following salaries for various levels of Tableau, with the average being $85k, with some roles that are most employed earning as much as

  • Data Scientist $83k
  • Senior Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst $90k
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst $76k
  • Data Visualization Specialist $76k
  • Data Analyst $69k
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Developer $87k
  • Senior Data Analyst $90k

Tableau Certification Benefits

  • Tableau is hugely favored because it does the process quicker and is more accurate. Hence, professionals with a Tableau certification will be well-known in the market for their skills and knowledge with the certification
  • With the help of Tableau, non-technical people can now understand data and make data-driven decisions for the growth of their organizations and tableau professionals will have a major role to play in it
  • Tableau professionals have a rewarding career as they are very highly paid in the BI industry.
  • Tableau is now being used in nearly all sectors: Education, Finance, Engineering, Healthcare, Insurance. This created a constant demand for tableau professionals who can handle the processing and meet the demand for Tableau.