Is Tableau Certification Worth It?

Gaining a formal certification through an accredited Tableau course is an opportunity for data analysts and other professionals working with complex data sets to grow and demonstrate their skills. Because Tableau is one of the most widely used and sought-after data visualization tools available, anyone with a certification is a more valuable asset to professional teams.

Big data and data management are significant focuses across countless industries, and having documented Tableau skills through the Tableau Certification program gives prospective employers the assurance that a candidate possesses the technical proficiency and practical know-how they require.

With a projected growth of 28% in data science throughout US commerce, data skills are a high-demand area, and corporate entities are increasingly integrating Tableau as a tool that can enhance data literacy and deliver visual data representations for use in reporting, decision-making and business development. So in short, yes, a Tableau certification is very worth it and extremely useful, but let’s dive a bit deeper into that question.

What Does a Tableau Certification Involve?

Tableau certifications can take from two to three days, depending on the level of existing knowledge the trainee possesses. There are three possible levels of study as follows:

• Level one Tableau certifications are designed for novice users learning the fundamentals and basic tools. There are also level one courses created for IT professionals with more in-depth expertise, yet new to Tableau.
• Level two courses provide a deeper look at the functionality of Tableau and more advanced applications and report customization.
• Level three tuition enriches the Tableau skills taught thus far, exploring different techniques and dashboard design to ensure trainees have comprehensive platform knowledge.

How much does Tableau certification cost? There are varied course structures, from on-demand self-study to digital classroom-based training and group tuition for colleagues or businesses engaging in workplace development.

Two-day courses start from $1,095, although pricing may vary depending on whether the class is instructor-led, individual self-study, or group based, with a choice of public courses and private lessons tailored to the needs of the trainee group.

Choosing a Suitable Certified Tableau Course

There are numerous Tableau educational classes to choose from, and the appropriate options will depend on your role, the depth of familiarity with Tableau you require, and your expertise in data and analytics.

Lesson plans cater to the capabilities of the audience. Hence, a novice level one course is ideal for those who require an introduction to data visualization software. In contrast, a level three course is suited to students with a firm foundation of understanding and looking for more advanced skills.

Exams to Achieve Tableau Certification Status

Tableau certification is issued after candidates have achieved a passing grade on the relevant certification exam. Having a tested element of the course is advantageous for IT professionals who wish to pursue qualifications that present strong evidence of data proficiency.

Exams must be delivered through an authorized provider and can be taken either online or at a regional testing center, where candidates are asked to complete a series of tasks and are scored on performance. The test normally takes one hour to complete.

Depending on the Tableau course you enroll in, the certifications available may include the following:

• Tableau Desktop Specialist–a permanent qualification
• Tableau Certified Data Analyst–valid for two years

Preparation for the Tableau exam often requires at least six months of practical experience using Tableau before becoming  a Tableau Certified Data Analyst. Candidates studying for the Tableau Desktop Specialist certification are advised to have three months of experience with the software before the exam.

While the preparation and effort to become proficient and pass the exam seem extensive, the reward of being a Tableau-certified data professional largely outweighs the work required to become certified. In this case, as is the case with many similar certifications and qualifications, becoming certified in Tableau is an investment into your profession and future, and the benefits that come from doing so are expansive.

Advantages of Tableau Certified Status

The primary benefit to obtaining certified status in Tableau is that professionals have formal evidence of their abilities, whether introducing new data visualization software within an existing role or applying for positions requiring data mapping and analytical skills. Businesses may also use certification pathways as a continued professional development exercise, particularly for data analysts revisiting the Tableau examination periodically to ensure they have refreshed their understanding of the latest software version to achieve a passing grade.

Acquiring and maintaining a high level of proficiency in the software will equip those in the data analytics field with the ability and knowledge needed to easily adapt to software updates, and generally understand data visualization on a larger scale that can be applied across different platforms and mediums such as Microsoft Power BI.

Applicants can use a Tableau certification to upskill, improving their ability to work within increasingly digital and tech-centric sectors, with pay rates for qualified data analysts higher than the market average. The demand for visual imaging and data mapping is growing across data environments and industries, providing career opportunities for IT professionals looking to engage in emerging employment trends and those beginning a career in data analytics and hoping to cement their knowledge through a formal certification process.

So, becoming certified in Tableau is, without question, extremely worth it for anyone in business but specifically those who work with data on a daily basis. Taking the time to learn the software, become certified, and apply the skills in a real-world setting will prove to be a worthy, extremely valuable, investment in one’s professional advancement.