Tableau Certifications

Tableau software is a vital set of tools for data scientists, analysts, and pretty much anyone interested in data analytics. Its offerings, including Tableau Desktop and Tableau Prep Builder, are frequently used in many data science and B.I. teams’ workflows. But if you’re applying for a job that heavily involves Tableau, will having Tableau certifications give you an advantage amongst the talent pool?

Does Tableau Have an Official Certification? 

In short, yes. Tableau’s certifications break down along two tracks: Tableau Desktop Exams, and Tableau Server Exams. Each demands a mix of training, perquisites, product experience, and suggested training.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Tableau Certification?

Here’s a breakdown of Tableau certification, how much they cost, and the aforementioned perquisites and product experience needed to land each:

Are There Free Certifications for Tableau?

Not run by Tableau itself. That being said, the company has a large portal with a lot of training materials and documentation, complete with free training videos. Virtual classroom training, however, comes with a hefty fee (i.e., thousands of dollars).

“If you’re just starting out with Tableau and data analysis, we recommend starting with ‘Desktop I: Fundamentals’ to learn how to build visualizations and interactive dashboards,” Sarah Hinrichsen, Program Manager – Trainer Enablement/Certification from Tableau, told Dice Insights in a recent article on Tableau training. “Once you have a basis in Tableau Desktop, ‘Desktop II: Intermediate’ takes many basic topics further with more complicated applications of the basic features and functions.

Other online-learning portals, such as Coursera and Udemy, have courses on offer, again for a fee (although often less than what Tableau itself charges; for example, Tableau-related courses on Udemy are as low as $40). 

Does a Tableau Certification Expire? 

Only one Tableau certification has no stated expiration date; the rest of the official Tableau jobs certifications need to be renewed after a period of a few years. If you’re a data scientist, data analyst, or another data-centric technologist interested in working with Tableau, that should serve as a solid incentive to keep your skills sharp.