Tableau Certificates Los Angeles, CA

Tableau is the most widely used visual analytics platform currently available. This tool is a go-to for those interested in transforming raw data into a format that can be easily understood and accessed by individuals at all levels of an organization, including those without a technical background. Tableau users commonly use this software to create worksheets and customized dashboards. It offers flexible front-end features designed to assist users with basic metrics and more advanced analytical tasks. It also ensures the data users are working with can both ask and answer questions intuitively. The visuals created by this program ensure that Tableau users can continue to ask “Why?” regardless of how complex or broad the question becomes.

Tableau was first released in 2003. It originated as a computer science project completed by Stanford University students and, in the decades since, has evolved to become the leading business analytics platform available on the market. This solution was created to streamline data analysis and help users create visualizations that make their data findings more accessible. This initial impetus has continued to fuel Tableau’s evolution over the years. Today, Tableau remains a go-to for tasks like real-time analysis, data blending, and data collaboration. Thousands of organizations, including Nike, JetBlue, Skype, and Wells Fargo, rely on Tableau for their visualization and data analytics needs. One of the main benefits of working with this program is that it doesn’t require a background in programming to operate. Tableau can be easily downloaded from the web or installed directly onto the user’s existing software.

Those who work with Tableau turn to this tool for various reasons. It can connect to multiple data sources, handle large amounts of data, and perform well on mobile devices. It’s also compatible with multiple scripting languages, including its integration capabilities with R. The Tableau Software Development Kit can be implemented with Java, Python, C, and C++. Tableau also has a large community of online users, including nearly 200,000 questions posed, 8 million data visualizations shared on Tableau Public, and over 500 user groups.

Why Become Certified in Tableau?

Enrolling in a certificate program in Tableau is a great way to receive hands-on training in how to create all types of data visualizations, including histograms, scatterplots, graphs, and bar charts, which can clearly communicate important data findings to stakeholders within an organization. Even those who are just getting started visualizing data can use Tableau’s built-in features to design their own attention-grabbing reports that convey data insights succinctly and clearly.

The information these visualizations depict can be used to drive the organization’s decision-making process. Those who have Tableau training learn how to connect to a variety of data sources such as Excel spreadsheets, cloud services, databases, and programs like Hadoop. These data sources can then be combined into a single point of truth with just a few mouse clicks.

Learning Tableau is an excellent way to acquire the skills necessary to streamline extract, transform, and load (ETL) tasks. Tableau includes an automated data reshaper tool, which helps users seamlessly format any selected data. This feature saves Tableau users hours that they would otherwise have to spend manually deleting headers and white space, splitting fields, and changing data formats. Additionally, this solution offers an automated reporting feature that can create reports that automatically update its data when it’s linked to a dataset. This easy process requires no coding knowledge.

A report in Forbes indicated that the field of data science is expected to grow by 28% by 2026. This means that an additional 11.5 million roles will need to be filled. Employers around the globe are searching for professionals with data analytics and visualization skills to help their organizations make sense of the data they gather and save. Those with Tableau training or certification play an integral role in helping their organization make data-driven decisions that can increase their revenue and make them more resilient in a fluctuating economy. Data literacy is commonly cited as one of the most in-demand skills prospective employers seek in job candidates. As businesses of all types and sizes continue to adopt data-driven practices, the need for professionals who have a background in data analysis and visualization continues to increase and is likely to be an essential skill set for the foreseeable future.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming Tableau Certified

Once you decide to learn Tableau, you may wonder what to expect from your studies. While the specific coursework taught in each program varies depending on who offers the class, the difficulty level of the training, and the scope of instruction (some programs focus on Tableau exclusively, whereas others teach this software alongside other data analytics and visualization tools), you will likely learn several core skills during your studies. In the following sections, several essential data skills will be explored, including how to use Tableau to connect to data, prepare it for analysis, analyze it, visualize it, and report on it.

Connecting to Data

When studying Tableau, you’re likely to learn about data connections. Data connections are links that are made between a data source and a form where data for that form is stored. In Tableau, data sources can contain more than one data connection to various files or databases. Each connection contains information pertaining to where the data can be found, like its network connection or file name, as well as information on how to connect to this information such as the server’s sign-in information or the name of the database server. When working in Tableau, there are two kinds of data connections: extract and live. Extract connections send data into logic or memory, whereas live connections transport logic to high-volume data.

Preparing Data

During Tableau coursework, another skill you’ll encounter is how to prepare data for analysis. The data preparation process involves collecting data, cleaning it, restructuring it, and then labeling, validating, and combining it into multiple sets. Preparing data is important in that it ensures the data that will be used in Tableau is free of errors, including those related to data types and values. Data preparation also helps expedite the data analysis process by ensuring that inaccuracies are kept to a minimum and that the data that will be analyzed is as accessible as possible to users.

Analyzing Data

Data analysis is an essential skill that’s covered during Tableau training. Analyzing data is essentially working with data in the hope of finding useful information that an organization can use to make more informed decisions about operations. There are several iterative phases to the data analysis process. It begins with Data Analysts posing a question that will need to be answered such as a current challenge their organization faces, which can then be used to determine which variables to measure and how best to measure them. The next step involves collecting raw data in service of answering this question. These data can come from internal sources like a company’s CRM software or secondary sources like APIs. Data cleaning is the next step in the analysis process and involves fixing numerical inconsistencies, applying standard structure and formatting to the numbers, and deleting white spaces or other syntax errors. The data are then ready for analysis in Tableau. This software provides users with many useful tools for locating data correlations, outliers, or trends. The results of the analysis are then interpreted so they can tell a larger story and strive to answer the initial question. This final stage also involves offering recommendations to pertinent stakeholders.

Visualizing Data

Tableau is perhaps best known for its data visualization features and capabilities. Visualizing data involves creating a graphical representation of the information in a chart, graph, or map. When working with Tableau, users can create both basic and complex data visualizations that clearly depict trends, patterns, and outliers in a way that’s easy for a non-technical audience to understand. Tableau is especially useful for visualizing large volumes of data.

Reporting on Data

During Tableau studies, another skill that’s commonly taught is how to create data reports. Data reporting entails drafting a report that covers the key data findings and conveying it in a manner that is easy to understand when presented to those within an organization that make decisions. Data reports provide a succinct overview of how the organization is performing and address essential questions that will inform the decisions stakeholders make about the organization’s future. Creating an effective data report is much more involved than listing figures or facts. These reports typically use charts, graphs, or other visual elements alongside text to present a holistic overview of operations. They can also be used to summarize financial information such as revenue or net profit.

Tableau Industries in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the country’s most diverse regional economies. The city is home to many financial and business services, as well as high-tech manufacturers. The following paragraphs will take a look at several core Los Angeles industries, as well as the role Tableau plays in each.

California is considered one of the world leaders in technological innovation. With approximately 1.9 million workers in tech-related fields, the state has almost double the tech workforce of any other state. More technology-related jobs have been added in California since 2010 than anywhere else in the US, including positions in tech manufacturing and custom software services. More than one-quarter of the tech productivity in the country takes place in California. Those who work in tech manufacturing rely on Tableau and other similar tools to perform manufacturing analytics. Because the manufacturing industry involves many moving parts and constantly changing demands from customers, it’s essential for manufacturers to keep track of manufacturing analytics to ensure that their operations are as efficient as possible and that they are providing the best service possible to customers. Real-time manufacturing analytics offers in-the-moment analytics and centralized production monitoring.

Another core Los Angeles industry is finance. Los Angeles is currently considered one of the top-ten financial centers in the country. Several top banks are headquartered in Los Angeles, including City National Bank and Cathay Bank. In the finance sector, Tableau training plays an integral role in the financial analytics process. Financial Analysts are tasked with collecting and organizing data. These professionals often work with historical results to provide their organization with insights into past performance and possible future outcomes. They also create Excel models, reports, budget models, and interactive data visualizations to convey their data findings. Financial Analysts in Los Angeles may focus on how stocks and bonds are performing, as well as study current technological trends and developments to stay current on market conditions. These professionals work with Tableau to clearly articulate their data findings so they can be shared with stakeholders.

Another core sector in Los Angeles is business. If LA were a country, its economy would rank as the 19th-largest in the world. The city is home to nearly 250,000 businesses. This number includes more businesses owned by women or minorities than any other location in the US. Additionally, Los Angeles is hailed as the country’s leading manufacturing and international trade center. Business analytics is a key element to running a successful business. A subset of business intelligence, this field involves working with tools like statistical analysis, data mining, and predictive analysis to study data and gather important insights into how businesses are performing. Data findings are often visualized using programs like Tableau so they can be shared by pertinent stakeholders and used to fuel an organization’s decision-making process. Since all customer engagements and transactions within cyberspace leave behind an information trail, it’s essential for businesses to use this information to increase their profits. Business analytics helps them learn more about customers’ shopping patterns, purchasing preferences, and interests. Since Tableau is the most popular business intelligence platform on the market, it’s a go-to for Business Analysts in Los Angeles.

Tableau Careers in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, there are many high-paying career options for those with a background in Tableau. In the following paragraphs, a brief overview of several popular data-related jobs will be provided, including roles in business analysis, financial analysis, and database administration, as well as the corresponding salary ranges for each position.

Business Analysts who work in Los Angeles study their organization’s data to uncover valuable business insights and use this information to provide recommendations for their organization on its future operations or finances. These professionals work for many types of employers, including the government, medical companies, software companies, and IT companies. They are hired to review their organization’s goals, any challenges it encounters, and the viable solutions that could be implemented to address these issues. Business Analysts draw from their background in research, project management, decision-making, and analytics, as well as training with tools like SQL, Tableau, and Excel. In Los Angeles, Business Analysts make a yearly salary of approximately $96,000-$106,000.

Los Angeles-based Financial Analysts study financial data to pinpoint investment opportunities and compare possible business outcomes. They are employed by firms, the government, corporations, investment banks, or public banks. These professionals play an integral role in their organization’s decision-making process pertaining to finance, including providing insights into which securities should be syndicated and made available to the public. Some also purchase investments and offer advice to clients on which investments are most recommended to purchase. On a daily basis, Financial Analysts collect and organize information, review historical results, and report on the data they have analyzed. The average pay rate for a Financial Analyst in LA is $101,000-$111,000 a year.

Database Administrators who work in Los Angeles ensure that their employer’s data is organized and secured safely so that it can only be accessed by those with authorization. Some of these professionals focus on all components of database administration, whereas others work exclusively with applications or systems. Database Administrators are needed in many industries in Los Angeles, including healthcare, finance, IT, and computer systems design. These professionals perform tasks like monitoring servers, articulating performance baselines, evaluating performance, and assisting Developers with code. They also make sure systems are backed up, maintain databases, troubleshoot issues, and execute database security measures. Database Administrators must be skilled in data analysis so they can evaluate how their organization’s database is performing. In Los Angeles, the yearly salary for a Database Administrator is $133,000-$143,000.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Once you have decided that you want to learn Tableau, the next decision you’ll be tasked with is deciding which study format is most suited to your needs. Two popular options are available for Tableau studies: certificate programs and certifications. Although these words sound similar, they differ in some essential ways. Tableau certification requires passing a test that’s offered by a third party. Those interested in taking a certification exam pay a fee to sit for the exam and are tested on their Tableau skills. Those who pass earn Tableau certification. Certificates, on the other hand, are completion-based programs that students can take in-person in Los Angeles or live online. These rigorous courses provide learners with real-world training in data analytics and data visualization. Certificate programs focus either exclusively on Tableau or may provide broader instruction on data analytics, which includes Tableau training alongside other skills like Excel or SQL.

One of the main differences between certifications and certificate programs is their intended audience. Those who pursue certification in Tableau usually have advanced training working with this software. They sit for the exam with the hope of passing and demonstrating to potential employers that they’ve attained a level of expertise with this tool and can use it for professional purposes. Unlike certifications, certificate programs are open to learners at all levels, including those who are just getting started working with data. Participants must complete the course to earn a certificate. While some individuals opt to enroll in a certificate program in Tableau to pass a certification exam, it’s up to the learner how they wish to prepare for the test. Some may opt to rely on their prior work experience and independent studying, whereas other learners benefit from the hands-on training and live support available through certificate study.

Top Tableau Certificate Programs in Los Angeles

One of the most effective and engaging ways for those who live in the Los Angeles area to learn Tableau is to enroll in a certificate program or a bootcamp. These hands-on courses are available from many top educators and are led by those with real-world experience visualizing and analyzing data. Some coursework focuses entirely on Tableau, whereas other classes provide an overview of the field of data analytics and the tools and software used during analysis and visualization. In addition to small class instruction, certificate study also often includes professional development such as career counseling, access to networking events, 1-on-1 mentoring, or resume critiques. Those who are interested in exploring classes that are currently available can search for Tableau certificates in Los Angeles to find the learning option most suited to their professional needs. These programs are available to those who are just getting started working with Tableau, as well as individuals with more advanced data analytics and visualization experience who are interested in taking their skills to the next level. In the following paragraphs, several popular Tableau certificate programs and bootcamps available in Los Angeles will be explored, as well as the basic requirements for each program.

Tableau Certification Program, Noble Desktop

If you’d like to prepare to pass the Tableau Desktop Certification exam, Noble Desktop’s Tableau Certification Program is a great learning option. This comprehensive class will ensure you have the training needed to become a Tableau Desktop Specialist. This hands-on class includes two shorter courses, Tableau Level I and Tableau Level II, as well as six hours of 1-on-1 tutoring. During this course, you’ll learn how to navigate Tableau’s interface and work with this software to create a range of basic charts and visualizations. Once the basics are covered, you’ll move on to more advanced skills such as how to create dashboards and map data. In the private tutoring sessions, you’ll receive individualized guidance and have the chance to revisit any complicated topics you’d like to explore further to prepare for the test.

Tuition for this intensive program includes the fee to take the Tableau Desktop Specialist exam and a free exam retake (if necessary). Exam proctoring is also included, as well as a free course retake for up to a year. If you pass the certification exam at the end of this class, you’ll earn the prestigious title of Tableau Desktop Specialist, which is a great way to indicate to employers that you can put your Tableau skills to use professionally. If you’d like to take this class but not sit for the exam, you can substitute an additional hour of private tutoring instead. This class is available live online and in-person in New York City.

Data Analytics Certificate, Noble Desktop

If you’d like to learn Tableau alongside other skills for data analysis, Noble Desktop also offers the Data Analytics Certificate. This rigorous class combines several of Noble’s shorter classes and bootcamps: Excel for Data Analytics, Data Analytics Foundations, Python for Data Science Bootcamp, SQL Bootcamp, Python for Automation, Python Data Visualization and Interactive Dashboards, Python Machine Learning Bootcamp, and Tableau Bootcamp. Instruction covers topics like how to use Excel for data manipulation and visualization. During this program, you’ll work with Python’s scientific libraries and explore how this coding language is used to gather, clean, analyze, and visualize data. In the SQL portion of this class, you will work with this language to interact with relational databases and retrieve data from them. The Tableau class component provides guidance on the current best practices for data visualization.

Data Analytics Certificate is taught live online and in-person in New York City. All learners have the option of a free course retake for up to one year and receive eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions as part of tuition. These private sessions can be used to drill down on challenging concepts from the program or for professional development. Various payment plans and financing options are available.

Tableau Desktop Level 1: Introduction for Novice Users, ONLC Training Centers

Those who enroll in Tableau Desktop Level 1: Introduction for Novice Users have the chance to learn about Tableau 10’s newest features. This program begins by covering fundamental Tableau concepts like data preparation and cleaning before progressing to introductory topics like how to create and customize dashboards and visualizations. Instruction is provided on effective techniques for telling data-driven stories and performing forecasting and trend analysis. Learners study different clustering and distribution models and become familiar with how to create their own advanced visualizations capable of clearly explaining complex data findings.

This introductory-level class is taught with Tableau Version 10. The intended audience is those who are just getting started working with this solution. As a prerequisite, prior experience working with Microsoft Excel is suggested. Learners who are interested in combining this class with Tableau Level 2 will have acquired the training needed to prepare for the Tableau Qualified Associate Exam. Coursework is available in-person in Santa Monica.

Tableau Desktop Level 3: Dashboard Deep Dive, ONLC Training Centers

In ONLC Training Center’s Tableau Desktop Level 3: Dashboard Deep Dive, participants familiarize themselves with Tableau’s advanced techniques to create dynamic and engaging dashboards. During this class, students acquire a toolset they can use to create new Tableau worksheets or reuse those that already exist. This class also provides an overview of different business scenarios and how they can be translated into various dashboards.

By the end of this intensive class, participants will be able to independently create effective dashboards. This program is intended for those who already have a strong foundation in different types of dashboards and knowledge of how to work with Tableau Worksheet Views. Learners interested in enrolling should have attended Tableau Desktop Level 1 and Tableau Desktop Level 2 as prerequisites. It’s also suggested that students have six months of experience working with Tableau Desktop and are familiar with Excel and how to create PivotTables. This class is available in-person in Santa Monica.

Tableau Bootcamp, NYIM Training

Those who enroll in NYIM Training’s Tableau Bootcamp explore essential skills and practices for analyzing and visualizing data. This hands-on program provides instruction on how to work with Tableau Public’s basic features, including how to decide which datasets to connect with. Students learn how to clean and filter data, build actions to control visualizations, and create different maps designed to depict geographic data.

This program is taught live online and is also available in-person in New York City. A free retake is available to all students for one full year.

Tableau 101, Ledet Training

Ledet Training’s Tableau 101 is intended for beginners and intermediate-level learners interested in acquiring a solid design foundation working with this software. Participants learn to create engaging data visualizations and successful data stories through class discussions, hands-on learning, and instructor guidance. Coursework covers topics like how to import data from multiple sources, navigate the Tableau interface, manage workflow, perform basic calculations, create engaging presentations, and perform data analysis.

No prior experience working with Tableau or a background in IT is required to attend this class. All learners should be familiar with basic spreadsheet concepts like rows and columns, records and fields, and tables. This class is available live online and in-person in El Segundo.

Tableau Bootcamp, Ledet Training

Ledet Training also offers Tableau Bootcamp for those looking to acquire beginner to intermediate-level data visualization instruction. This bootcamp combines two shorter courses: Introduction to Tableau Desktop and Advanced Tableau Desktop. Participants acquire hands-on training and complete real-world activities designed to help them master Tableau’s core techniques and terminology. Those enrolled learn how Tableau can be used to see and understand data to quickly spot patterns and gain valuable data insights. By the end of this program, students will be able to apply advanced Tableau skills, including animation with motion charts, advanced calculations, parameters, and advanced mapping techniques.

No prerequisites are required to enroll, though it’s suggested that students have basic knowledge of spreadsheet concepts like working with rows, columns, and tables. This class is available live online and in-person in El Segundo.

Tableau Training, AcademyX

AcademyX’s Tableau Training offers beginner-friendly instruction on the basics of Tableau and its real-world applications. Participants explore basic interface techniques, including how to work with this software’s icons and cues to access and filter data. Learners become familiar with various data visualization techniques such as how to customize how data appears and create advanced visualizations like histograms and charts. Instruction is offered on how to connect to an Excel data source, work with Data Interpreter to reshape and structure datasets, order data using combined fields and hierarchies, and connect to an MS Access database. By the end of this program, those enrolled will be familiar with skills like how to work with Format Shading, embed a caption in the ToolTip, apply multiple filters to fine-tune data and work with Custom Dates to create custom date data.

This class is taught in-person in Sherman Oaks. Students should have experience working with databases and spreadsheets as a prerequisite.

Tableau Desktop—Advanced Course, Certstaffix Training

In Tableau Desktop—Advanced Course, students have the opportunity to learn about how to create stunning data visualizations using Tableau Desktop’s advanced visualization tools. This class covers the core skills needed to work with Tableau Server, including how it integrates with the R programming language. Instruction is provided on how to use Tableau Server for tasks like making detailed calculations and forecasts, as well as spotting trends. Learners design their own customized dashboards and work with this solution’s geospatial features. By the end of this advanced-level class, participants will be able to integrate Tableau Server with various AI extensions and work with a range of advanced desktop features for making business-related decisions.

This class is available live online. Participants can study from the comfort of their own space or use the designated training facility in Los Angeles. The cost of this program includes a free course retake for up to six months.

Tableau Desktop—Business Intelligence Course, Certstaffix Training

Those interested in learning Tableau can also enroll in the Tableau Desktop: Business Intelligence course. This program provides students with instruction in how to work with Tableau 10 to make their own clear and engaging data visualizations. Participants learn how to prepare and analyze data, add key story points and interactivity, and techniques for visualizing data findings. Instruction is provided on how to work with filters, parameters, and calculated fields to ensure dashboards and charts are interactive. By the end of this class, learners will be able to work with Tableau’s mapping capabilities to shape data and visualize location.

Those who complete this program leave with the skills needed to work with data to make strategic decisions. Coursework is available live online; participants can opt to study remotely or use the space that’s provided in Los Angeles. This class includes a free retake option for six months.

Online Data Analytics Bootcamp (Full or Part-Time), California Institute of Technology

Online Data Analytics Bootcamp is offered to those seeking a well-rounded education in essential data analytics tools, skills, and programming languages. This comprehensive program teaches students how to work with Python and SQL, Tableau, AWS, and Excel. It is designed to prepare students for popular data analytics industry certifications, including the Tableau Desktop Specialist or AWS Certified Data Analytics—Speciality.

This course is a partnership between California Institute of Technology and Fullstack Academy. All instruction is fully online. It’s an option for all learners whether or not they wish to pursue certification exams. Participants who wish to sit for an exam can do so during or right after completing the program. This bootcamp is intended to prepare learners to pursue career paths like Insights Analyst or Data Analyst.

Data Analytics Short Course, General Assembly

General Assembly’s Data Analytics Short Course covers a range of essential data analytics skills and best practices, including how to work with Tableau, Excel, and SQL. Coursework includes guidance on how to gather, clean, analyze, and visualize data. Students learn from Data Analysts who have acquired real-world experience collecting data and transforming it into stunning visualizations. As part of this program, enrolled students complete a portfolio-ready capstone project.

This program is available in-person in Los Angeles and live online. Participants can choose between a part-time learning format of evening study or complete this intensive program at an accelerated, full-time pace. Financing options and tuition discounts are available for those who qualify. This program is open to beginners who have no prior experience in data analytics. Those who are just getting started analyzing data can complete three hours of pre-work to ensure they’re ready for the first day of class. It’s also recommended that learners take a short Excel workshop to ensure they get the most out of their study efforts. In addition to expert-led instruction, all learners have access to individual guidance and feedback from their instructors and TAs during office hours. Those who complete this class earn a GA course certification, which can be featured on LinkedIn to demonstrate to employers they’ve acquired a working knowledge of the data analytics process.

Data Science Certificate, UCLA Extension

In UCLA Extension’s Data Science Certificate, participants complete four courses: Introduction to Data Science, Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualization, and Big Data Management. For the fourth course, students can select from Machine Learning Using R or Machine Learning Using Python. This fully immersive program provides learners with the chance to explore essential data science concepts and skills such as how to work with NoSQL, Python, and Hadoop. Those enrolled receive instruction on performing exploratory data analysis and using Tableau and R to create advanced data visualizations. By the end of this program, participants will be able to apply machine learning techniques with Python to train, analyze, and improve performance and execute statistical analyses.

This program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the student’s learning preference. Certificate work is intended for aspiring Data Scientists interested in learning about computer programming, data management, and data visualization, Software Developers who want to develop their data analytics skills, or multidisciplinary professionals interested in developing a well-rounded understanding of the data analytics process. This program is available in-person in Los Angeles. As a prerequisite, it’s suggested that students who don’t have extensive experience in data analytics, programming, or statistics complete Data Science Fundamentals.

Design Your Data: Tableau Bootcamp, General Assembly

In General Assembly’s Design Your Data: Tableau Bootcamp, participants who are new to data visualization explore the basics of how to work with Tableau. During this hands-on workshop, those enrolled learn how to use Tableau to explore the data contained in datasets, the best practices for data visualization, data connection techniques, and publishing data findings in Tableau. Instruction is provided on how to design Tableau Dashboards, work with this software’s built-in Maps function, and tell insightful data-driven stories.

Learners in this class sign up for a free trial of Tableau Desktop and are supplied with a vast dataset that they can use during the bootcamp. Students learn about the data analysis workflow from real-world case studies and create interactive dashboards using this information. By the end of this class, students will be able to work with parameters and filters, create advanced data visualizations, customize their work, and work with a range of Tableau functionalities to create a sample dashboard.

This beginner-friendly bootcamp is available live online and in-person in Los Angeles. All learners should have a laptop or computing device to complete this program. Additionally, students should have the free Tableau trial downloaded on their laptops before the beginning of the first class.