In today’s data-driven world, Data Scientists and Data Analysts must be able to take immense amounts of raw data and present it in such a way that communicates a coherent narrative about that data. While collecting data is essential to many different projects, it is equally important that the data can be distilled into an understandable and easy-to-grasp visualization for the sake of non-experts. This is where data visualization tools like Tableau come into play.
Tableau is one of the most popular data visualization tools available to consumers. It is one of the most commonly used tools for producing professional charts, graphs, and data maps. The main reason that Tableau is so popular is that it is an easy-to-use tool that has the depth of features required for professional data analysis projects. With a robust dashboard feature and a wide array of visualization tools, Tableau allows users to create complex, multi-faceted visualizations of complex data points that can be rhetorically persuasive and impactful. Another major strength of using Tableau is that it doesn’t require users to have any programming experience. However, knowledge of programming languages can help make the data collection aspect of using Tableau easier.
Why Learn Tableau?
Tableau enables you to create stunning data visualizations to illustrate data patterns. Why does that matter? Because data analytics is a crucial tool for driving business forecasting, analysis, and financial optimizations. In the practical world, data is useless if non-expert stakeholders can’t make sense of it. Learning Tableau gives you a skill set with unquestionable value since you can take your complex data analysis projects and transform them into persuasive, rhetorically compelling visualizations that tell an audience exactly what they need to know about the data you’ve collected.
Tableau is also an essential tool in almost every data analytics-driven career path. Businesses in virtually every industry collect vast amounts of data concerning their internal operations and consumer behaviors. They are paying a great deal of attention to how that data can be used to improve performance. Tools like Tableau allow analysts to easily translate this data into actionable insights that stakeholders can use to inform future business decisions.
Variety of Features
One major strength of Tableau is that it allows users to easily create various data visualizations without needing to learn how to code. Tableau enables users to create simple charts and graphs and examine data trends over time. Users can make maps using geographic data and easily create dual-axis charts to present how multiple data points relate to one another. Data visualizations can be constructed dynamically, allowing users to add more information to their datasets, causing the dashboard visualizations to update automatically. With additional Tableau training, students can even learn to create custom charts that blend together the different kinds of data visualization tools that exist within Tableau. No matter what kind of chart, graph, map, or other data visualization project an organization needs, Tableau is an ideal tool to help make the process effective and efficient.
Ease of Use
One of the reasons that Tableau is becoming so popular is that it is an incredibly versatile tool that doesn’t require much prerequisite knowledge to use. Tableau is the perfect introduction to data science because its user interface is incredibly simple. Users can create dashboards with ease—no coding is necessary. Learning Tableau will have you creating stunning visualizations of data in a short amount of time. So long as you have access to the data, Tableau can handle the technical aspects of translating that data into a visual display that communicates essential information.
Tableau allows even non-technical users to create graphs, charts, and other visualizations. It can handle large amounts of data from multiple sources, a game-changer for most business analysts, journalists, and entrepreneurs. Users can produce graphs alongside one another to create significant comparisons, and they can present different kinds of charts simultaneously to provide much-needed context to the data you are presenting. Tableau is also system agnostic, meaning you can pull data from QuickBooks and Google Sheets with their simple user interface. You don’t need specific programs to collect important data, making Tableau an even more versatile tool.
Tableau or Microsoft Power BI?
In business intelligence software, there are only two significant players in the game: Tableau and Microsoft Power BI. While Power BI is more well-established than Tableau, Tableau has grown dramatically in recent years. This means that students might be interested in learning more about their options before they commit to a business intelligence training program.
Tableau’s primary strengths lie in its ease of use since it allows users to easily create complex, multi-chart visualizations with its robust dashboard-building capabilities. Power BI does have an easy-to-use dashboard interface, but Tableau offers a broader range of functionalities and more intuitive processes for building complex visualizations. Tableau is also not produced by Microsoft and therefore isn’t restricted to use on Microsoft devices, which can be an important selling point for users. Tableau also works better with extensive datasets, though Power BI is no slouch in this department.
Power BI benefits significantly from its integration with other Microsoft services, particularly its Azure web services. Tableau lacks direct integration with commonly used BI tools and Microsoft Office programs, which can greatly expand the work you can do with Power BI. Power BI is also cheaper than Tableau, though both products have robust free versions of the application. Power BI may be preferable if you plan to take advantage of its integration with other Microsoft products and services. To learn more about this data visualization tool, please visit Noble’s Learn Power BI page.
Tableau Careers
There’s no question that learning Tableau is a solid long-term investment for any career that involves data. As more and more businesses are becoming aware of the importance of data collection and analysis, there are more and more career opportunities open for skilled analysts who can use tools like Tableau to visualize this data in a way that allows stakeholders to make informed and actionable decisions. While commonly associated with business analytics, data analytics tools are essential for every industry, from shipping logistics and entertainment to healthcare and professional sports. Those who enjoy working with data can find a job in virtually any industry.
Some of the most popular Tableau-related careers nationwide focus on data and business analytics. Nationally, these careers are in high demand as businesses look to modernize their operations with the help of data analysis. According to recent figures from Indeed and Glassdoor, such positions can pay anywhere from $67,000 to $94,000 annually nationwide, depending on the region and company involved.
Tableau is especially useful for any Data Analyst, as it is the fastest-growing tool for business intelligence across all industries. It’s in-demand by employers in every sector that performs data analysis because it helps bridge the gap between technical analysts and the less- or non-technical managers who need to make business decisions. In particular, Business Analysts and Investment Analysts will find Tableau invaluable for communicating important financial information to clients and stakeholders who may not be well-versed in complex data analytic processes. Whether you are charting business growth, isolating variables to help communicate what aspects of your business have been most successful, or building models to predict the future state of the market, Tableau will ensure that you are able to transform your data into understandable visualizations.
Journalists are also quickly jumping onto the Tableau train. Over 300,000 data journalists and bloggers use Tableau Public, a free version of Tableau. It’s a valuable tool for sharing public data and other information described in their writing. Data visualizations are an essential rhetorical tool that helps journalists communicate with a mass audience. It can be challenging to understand the scope and implications of data points through the written word alone, and Tableau can turn this data into an easy-to-understand chart or graphic that can be added to a post with minimal effort. The fact that this requires no coding knowledge is incredibly useful for journalists and other public communicators since it makes the process much easier.
Similarly, anyone working in a public outreach capacity, advocacy organization, or political campaign will likely benefit from learning how to use Tableau. Data visualizations are a powerful persuasive tool, and anyone hoping to communicate with a mass audience may find that turning complex data into an easily digestible chart or graph is an excellent way to improve audience engagement. Tableau is also helpful in this capacity because it can be used to create visually appealing and evocative data visualizations.
Tableau Prerequisites
Before learning Tableau, an individual must be comfortable using a computer, of course. Tableau can be used on a Mac or Windows PC, so familiarity with either is necessary. Some classes exclusively use one operating system or the other, so students must check the prerequisites of specific courses to ensure they have the knowledge to meet these prerequisites.
As an all-inclusive data visualization program, Tableau requires no previous experience or knowledge to get started. However, a background in IT can undoubtedly be helpful in grasping the functionality of the program and learning to navigate and use it efficiently. Specifically, knowledge of the fundamental concepts of data can benefit learners. Experience using Excel can also be beneficial, as the applications hold several similarities. Prior knowledge of SQL can enable a Tableau student to utilize the program with databases using the language.
Is It Worth It to Attend a Tableau Class?
If an individual already has experience in data visualization or other related areas of IT, they may be able to teach themselves Tableau. However, virtually anyone new to the program—whether they have related knowledge or not—will benefit from taking a Tableau class, course, or bootcamp. Certainly, those brand new to the process of data visualization will find the structure of a class curriculum and set schedule will speed up their learning process immensely while also increasing their confidence that they are learning the program inside and out.
The many different tools and functions of Tableau can make the program intimidating to learn by oneself, so having an expert instructor who can offer guidance throughout the process and answer questions as they arise can be immensely helpful for any student. Many classes, including those provided by Noble Desktop, include hands-on projects and exercises that make the learning process experiential, improving retention and accelerating learning. Immediate feedback on this work from a live instructor can make a significant difference in the student’s Tableau education.
Finally, a unique benefit to taking a Tableau class over learning the program independently is the ability to list the class as an educational experience on a resume or LinkedIn in the job search. Tableau students can look for courses that offer a certificate of completion, which can be listed on a resume or linked to profiles to verify that a job candidate has the dedication and work ethic to invest the time, money, and effort to learn Tableau in an in-person or online classroom setting.
Which Tableau Training Program is Right for Me?
Students interested in learning Tableau have a wide range of training options available. These include in-person, live online, or asynchronous self-paced online courses. Each course will differ in its curriculum and delivery method, so students are encouraged to explore the options available to master this in-demand data visualization tool. To assist students in choosing the best class for them, Noble Desktop provides a Classes in Your Area tool that allows users to search and compare Tableau classes available virtually or in-person.
In-Person Tableau Classes
Many students prefer to learn new skills in a live classroom environment. In-person learning comes with many advantages, the most notable being the presence of a live instructor who students can interact with directly. Learning a new skill can be challenging, so having access to a professional instructor who can answer questions and provide feedback on hands-on work can go a long way to ensuring a student’s success.
Students enrolled in live in-person courses will also be able to work alongside a cohort of like-minded students and even work on collaborative projects with their classmates. These courses tend to be restricted in terms of location offerings since you can only attend a training seminar at a facility to which you can travel. Also, while students can take advantage of a training center’s hardware and software, they will need to travel to the school, which can be an additional cost.
Live Online Tableau Classes
Students who want to learn Tableau but can’t or don’t want to commute to a training center may want to consider enrolling in a live online training program. In addition to offering learners the same high standard of education one would typically associate with in-person learning, virtual classes allow learners to attend lessons and complete assignments from their home or location of choice. This makes these classes the perfect choice for professionals looking to balance a busy schedule with their learning journey.
Students who sign up for live online Tableau classes still have the advantage of learning from a live instructor who is present to provide them with feedback and assistance. They can also look for schools that offer small class sizes designed to ensure students receive the individual attention they need. Students will need to provide their own technology, which may require them to purchase a paid subscription to Tableau. However, many tech schools offer setup assistance and other services that help students transition into online instruction.
As a leading provider of tech education for over thirty years, Noble Desktop is proud to offer virtual Tableau classes at a variety of time commitment levels. For example, in addition to single classes like Tableau Level 1, Noble Desktop also provides a comprehensive Tableau Bootcamp that offers learners everything they need to start mastering the program.
Noble Desktop’s affiliate companies also offer Tableau training. NYIM Training’s Tableau classes include two levels of Tableau training, while NYC Career Centers’ Tableau classes include a Data Analytics Bootcamp that covers the software and other data analytics fundamentals.
Asynchronous Online Tableau Classes
Students who need a more flexible learning experience may prefer to enroll in an asynchronous online Tableau class. Other terms for asynchronous classes are on-demand or self-paced. Since these classes lack live instructors, students will be free to pick up and put down their lessons as they see fit. This flexibility in scheduling can make the courses invaluable to students with work or family obligations that prevent them from enrolling in a live class. However, since these courses lack live instructors, there won’t be anyone around to answer questions or provide assistance if a student gets stuck, meaning that students may be left on their own if a problem arises.
Tableau Bootcamps and Certificate Programs
A Tableau bootcamp can be the ideal solution for individuals who desire to gain an advanced mastery of Tableau but are beginning with little to no experience with the application. These bootcamps are often packages of two or more Tableau courses such as Noble Desktop’s Tableau Bootcamp, that offer both convenience and a discount in your Tableau learning journey. Tableau bootcamps can be available live online, in-person, or both, like Noble’s program.
Those who would like to learn Tableau as part of their preparation for a new career may benefit most from a comprehensive bootcamp or certificate program including Tableau as one of its modules or topics. Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate is an example of this type of training program. These career-focused certificate programs function similarly to an extremely streamlined university degree, culminating in the award of a verified certificate of completion that fills a role much like a diploma on a job candidate’s resume.
Corporate & Onsite Tableau Training
Workplaces that offer Tableau classes to employees can benefit from enhanced data visualizations in presentations, reports, and other contexts. Noble Desktop offers onsite and virtual corporate training sessions in Tableau, perfect for helping teams get up to speed on the software. In addition to these opportunities, businesses can also enroll their employees in Noble Desktop’s regular Tableau training through discounted group vouchers. Please contact Noble Desktop to learn more about arranging Tableau classes for your business.
Best Tableau Classes & Schools
Noble Desktop provides users with a detailed Classes Near Me search tool to help prospective students find and compare their options for live in-person and online Tableau courses in their area. The following is a list of some of the top Tableau training programs available today.
Tableau Bootcamp—Noble Desktop
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Location: Hosted at Noble Desktop's NYC location (185 Madison Ave) and available live online, the bootcamp caters to local and remote learners.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Tailored for beginners, the course requires no prior Tableau experience, making it ideal for anyone with basic computer skills looking to learn data visualization.
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Course Content: Students learn to transform raw data into various visual forms like charts, graphs, and maps using Tableau, focusing on practical applications and real-world datasets.
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Format & Duration: The program combines 12 hours of instruction over two-weekday sessions, combining Noble's Tableau I and II courses.
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Additional Benefits: Participants receive a proprietary workbook and the option to retake the course within a year. A verified certificate is also awarded to those who complete the course.
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Cost and Payment: This bootcamp is priced at $499, due in full before the start date.
Tableau Level I—Noble Desktop
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Location: Offered at Noble Desktop’s NYC location and online, this course is convenient for both local and remote learners.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Ideal for beginners with basic computer skills, no prior Tableau experience is needed.
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Course Content: Teaches creation and editing of charts, graphics, and maps in Tableau, focusing on data analysis and visualization skills.
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Format & Duration: A 6-hour course, available in one or two sessions.
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Additional Benefits: Includes course materials, a free one-year retake option, and a verified completion certificate.
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Cost: Priced at $299, due in full before the start date.
Tableau Level II—Noble Desktop
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Location: Offered at Noble Desktop’s NYC location and online.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Best for those with intermediate Tableau skills, recommended after completing Tableau Level I or equivalent.
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Course Content: Focuses on advanced Tableau features like customizing visualizations, creating varied maps, and advanced data manipulation.
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Format & Duration: A 6-hour course, available in one or two session formats.
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Additional Benefits: Includes a workbook, a one-year retake option, and a verified digital completion certificate.
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Cost: Priced at $299, due in full before the class start date.
Data Analytics Certificate—Noble Desktop
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Location: Available at Noble Desktop’s NYC campus and online, accessible to both local and remote learners.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Suitable for those new to data analytics, requiring only basic computer skills.
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Course Content: Covers Tableau, Excel, SQL, and Python, focusing on database building, data collection, querying, and visualization.
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Format & Duration: A 156-hour program, offered as either a 6-week full-time or 24-week part-time course.
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Additional Benefits: Includes one-on-one career mentorship, practical experience, a verified completion certificate, and a one-year retake option.
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Cost: The course fee is $4,995, with installment payments and financing available.
Tableau 101—Introduction to Tableau Desktop—Ledet Training
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Location: Conducted live online and in-person at training centers in Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Denver, San Diego, and Washington, DC.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Geared towards beginners in Tableau, with no need for prior Tableau or IT experience, though basic knowledge of business data or spreadsheets is beneficial.
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Course Content: Teaches foundational data visualization concepts, including the use of filters, measures, and dimensions in Tableau to enhance the readability and interpretation of visualizations. Students learn to create and share visualizations, dashboards, and stories.
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Format & Duration: A full-time course spread over two weekdays.
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Cost: Priced at $999.
Tableau 201—Advanced Tableau Desktop—Ledet Training
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Location: Offered both live online and at various US locations, including Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Denver, San Diego, and Washington, DC.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Suitable for those with a month of Tableau experience or completion of Tableau 101, focusing on more advanced users.
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Course Content: Covers advanced topics like animating visualizations, creating complex charts, advanced calculations, and interactive dashboards.
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Format & Duration: A full-time course spanning three days.
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Cost: The course is priced at $1,499.
Tableau 501—Tableau Bootcamp—Ledet Training
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Location: Accessible live online and at various training centers, including Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Denver, San Diego, and Washington, DC.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Ideal for beginner or intermediate Tableau users, including Business Executives, Managers, Data Analysts, and more. Requires basic knowledge of business data or spreadsheets, with no prior Tableau or IT experience needed.
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Course Content: Offers comprehensive training in data visualization principles and Tableau tools, combining basic to advanced skills for creating effective data representations.
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Format & Duration: A five-day full-time bootcamp combining Ledet Training’s Tableau 101 and 201 courses.
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Cost: Priced at $2,399.
Tableau Desktop Level 1: Introduction for Novice Users—ONLC Training Centers
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Location: Available live online or at one of ONLC’s 300+ training locations across the US for in-person or remote learning.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Perfect for novices. While no Tableau experience is required, familiarity with the Windows Operating System and Microsoft Excel calculations and pivot tables is recommended.
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Course Content: Introduces the basics of creating visualizations and interactive dashboards in Tableau, aiming to prepare students for the Tableau Desktop Specialist certification exam.
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Format & Duration: A full-time course conducted over three weekdays.
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Cost: The course is priced at $1,495.
Tableau Desktop Level 2: Beyond the Basics—ONLC Training Centers
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Location: Accessible both live online and at ONLC's training locations across the United States.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Tailored for those with foundational Tableau knowledge, equivalent to ONLC’s Tableau Desktop Level 1 course. Six months of Tableau experience is suggested but not mandatory.
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Course Content: Focuses on enhancing Tableau skills with row-level, aggregate-level, and advanced calculations. Students learn various chart types and techniques for sophisticated data visualization and dashboard creation, as well as data types and data cleansing.
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Format & Duration: A two-day full-time course.
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Cost: Priced at $1,095.
Tableau Desktop Level 3: Dashboard Deep Dive—ONLC Training Centers
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Location: Offered live online and at ONLC's training locations across the US.
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Audience & Prerequisites: Intended for those with substantial Tableau experience, either through ONLC’s Level 1 and 2 Tableau courses or equivalent knowledge and experience. Familiarity with the Windows Operating System and Microsoft Excel are recommended.
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Course Content: This advanced course focuses on enhancing Tableau worksheet creation and dashboard crafting skills. It equips students with the expertise to create dashboards that convey diverse business information, preparing them for the Tableau Certified Professional exam.
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Format & Duration: A two-day full-time program.
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Cost: The course is priced at $1,095.
Is It Difficult to Learn Tableau?
Tableau has a reputation for being a relatively easy application to learn, with no prior IT experience necessarily required to understand the basics of the program. However, how difficult each individual finds learning even the fundamentals will vary. A Tableau class can enable beginners to master the basic tools of the program significantly more quickly and thoroughly than a self-guided learning experience. An expert instructor can also immediately answer questions and provide guidance through a learning journey that includes valuable lectures, discussion, and hands-on experience.
On the other hand, a deeper understanding of Tableau typically requires either extensive data visualization experience and IT knowledge, a Tableau training program, or both. Charting, mapping, and otherwise visualizing complex data requires complex solutions, which can be difficult to discover in Tableau on one’s own. Luckily, many Tableau classes and bootcamps are designed to help students gain an advanced mastery of the program.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Tableau?
The time it takes an individual to learn Tableau will depend on several factors that vary from person to person. The first factor is whether one’s goal is learning the fundamentals of Tableau or mastering the program at an advanced level. Someone whose data visualization needs can be covered with basic knowledge can become a functional user of the program after a two-day Tableau class. However, learning the same information independently will take significantly longer.
For those wishing to become an advanced user of Tableau with a thorough mastery of the program, the learning journey will naturally be longer, whether through a classroom setting or self-study. Assuming no prior experience, extensive knowledge of the program is attainable over the course of a five-day full-time bootcamp. However, two to six months of experience is typically needed to gain full proficiency in Tableau through self-guided learning. Following a bootcamp, students will, of course, continue discovering more efficient ways to use Tableau in their work, especially during the first six months of hands-on experience.