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Tableau Certified Data Analyst Exam Guide

About the Tableau Certified Data Analyst Exam and Program

The Tableau Certified Data Analyst certification is designed for professionals committed to guiding decision-makers through insightful data analysis. It focuses on understanding the core issues within a business, selecting relevant data for examination, and providing actionable conclusions.

This certification is a testament to the comprehensive understanding and practical application skills in Tableau, essential for employees, partners, customers, and independent contractors. It covers proficiency in a range of Tableau tools, including Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep, and a choice between Tableau Server or Tableau Online.

There are no initial requirements to take the exam. Successful candidates earn the distinction of being a Tableau Certified Data Analyst, a recognition that remains valid for two years.

Audience Description: Tableau Certified Data Analyst

Individuals aiming for the Tableau Certified Data Analyst exam are expected to have a solid grasp of Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep, and either Tableau Server or Tableau Online. Their expertise should encompass:

  1. Linking to various data sources.
  2. Executing data transformation processes.
  3. Diving deep into data exploration and analysis.
  4. Crafting impactful visualizations that respond to crucial business inquiries.
  5. Distributing content effectively and managing its updates on the web by publishing, scheduling, and maintenance.

Typically, a Data Analyst aspiring for this certification would have at least six months of hands-on experience with Tableau’s suite, including Tableau Prep, Tableau Desktop, and either Tableau Server or Tableau Online.

Furthermore, these candidates are already equipped with the skills required to clear the Tableau Desktop Specialist (TDS) certification exam. The Data Analyst exam builds upon this foundation. It’s important to note that the exam won’t retest the competencies of the TDS level, as candidates are expected to have already mastered these skills.

Purpose of this Exam Guide

This guide is crafted to assist you in assessing your readiness for the Tableau Certified Data Analyst exam. It offers detailed insights into the intended exam participants, suggests pertinent training and resources, and includes a comprehensive rundown of the exam objectives.

To optimize your likelihood of acing the exam, we strongly advocate a balanced approach encompassing practical work experience, participation in relevant courses, and dedicated self-study.

Exam Overview

Content Breakdown:

  1. Knowledge-Based Section:
    • 40-45 questions, varying in type (multiple-choice, multiple-select, active screen).
    • A tutorial before the exam showcases the question formats.

  2. Performance-Based Section:
    • 8-10 practical lab tasks.
    • The pre-exam tutorial also demonstrates what to expect in this section.

Technical Details:

  • Product Version: Testing on version 2022.3.
  • Time Limit: 120 minutes in total, including 3 minutes for the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and 5 minutes for the tutorial.
  • Languages: English and Japanese.
  • Passing Score: 750 points.
  • Results: Emailed within 48 hours post-exam.

Administrative Aspects:

  • Prerequisite: None.
  • Registration Fee: USD $250, plus local taxes if applicable.
  • Reschedule Fee: USD $25, plus local taxes if applicable.
  • Delivery Options: Proctored test available at Pearson VUE centers or online.
  • Exam Check-in: Begins 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
  • References: No hard-copy or online materials allowed during the exam.

Exam Registration, Scheduling, and System Preparation

  1. Getting Started:

    • Access your Tableau Certification Account (create one if you haven’t).
    • Select “Schedule My Exam”.
    • Opt for “Schedule or Manage my exam with Pearson”.

  2. On the Pearson Dashboard:

    • Choose the desired exam.
    • Follow the steps to schedule your exam.


System Preparation:

  • Pre-Exam Check: Ensure your computer, network, and environment are exam-ready.
  • System Test: Conduct a system test under the same conditions as your exam (time of day, internet usage, etc.).
  • Technical Requirements: Review them for detailed guidelines. Using larger monitors is advised for better visibility, especially for hands-on lab sections.


Check-in Process:

  • Identification: Present a valid, government-issued ID. It must be original (not a photocopy), match the name on your exam registration, and include a recent photo.
  • ID Requirements: Note that not complying with ID requirements will lead to exam session termination.

Exam Structure

Timeliness:

  • Importance of Efficiency: In line with industry standards, the exam is timed to assess candidates’ ability to complete tasks effectively and swiftly, a key skill for success.


Exam Sections:

  1. First Section: Knowledge-Based
    • Contains 20-25 questions, varying in type but without practical tasks.

  2. Second Section: Hands-On Lab
    • Comprises 6-10 practical tasks requiring Tableau skill demonstration.
    • Time Management: Allocate 30-45 minutes for this section.

  3. Third Section: Knowledge-Based (Similar to First)
    • Another set of 20-25 questions, again focusing on theoretical knowledge, without practical tasks.
    • Note: Once you move to the next section, returning to a previous one is not permitted.

Access to Materials and Applications:

  • Internet and External Application Restrictions: No access to the internet or external applications during the exam.
  • Tableau Platform Use: Only the second section (hands-on lab) involves using the Tableau Platform.
  • Resource Availability: A .pdf version of Tableau Help is accessible during the hands-on lab section.

Comments:

  • Feedback Opportunity: Candidates can comment on exam items.
  • Note on Responses: Direct responses to comments are not provided.
  • Review Process: The Certification Team reviews all comments and incorporates feedback in future exam versions, also considering item performance statistics.

Results and Scoring

Results:

  • Notification: You’ll receive an email within 48 hours post-exam when your score report is ready.
  • Accessing Score Report:
    1. Log into your certification account.
    2. Click on “Schedule My Exam/Schedule or Manage my exam with Pearson”, then select “GO TO PEARSON”.
    3. In your Pearson VUE account, choose “my Exam History” or “View Exam Results” to download the score report.


Scaled Scoring:

  • Concept: Scaled scoring converts raw scores to a consistent scale across different exam versions, akin to converting pounds to kilograms.
  • Range: Tableau exam scores range from 100 to 1000, indicating overall performance and pass/fail status.
  • Purpose: This method equates scores across various exam forms with slightly different difficulty levels.


Score Reports for Failed Attempts:

  • Content: Provides a performance breakdown by exam section.
  • Use: Offers general feedback on strengths and weaknesses. It’s advised to use this feedback cautiously and combine it with other remediation methods before retaking the exam.


Scoring Insight:

  • Method: Your final score is based on the number of correct answers and completed tasks.
  • No Partial Credit: Unanswered questions or incomplete tasks earn no credit. For multi-part questions, all parts must be correct for credit.
  • Lab Tasks: There may be several correct ways to complete a task; you’re graded on meeting all the requirements in your final response.


Unscored Content:

  • Purpose: Some items on the exam are unscored and used to gather data for future exams.
  • Impact: These items are indistinguishable during the exam and do not affect your score.

Recommended Training and References

To enhance your preparedness for the Tableau Certified Data Analyst exam, we advocate a blended approach that includes:

  1. Hands-On Experience: Engage in practical, real-world use of Tableau tools. This experience is invaluable for understanding the nuances of the software and its application in various scenarios.

  2. Self-Study: Dedicate time to studying the topics outlined in the Exam Outline section of this guide. Self-study allows you to deepen your understanding at your own pace and focus on areas where you need more practice. 

    In addition to the above, familiarity with the following Tableau training materials and resources is highly recommended:

ForceDigest: Tableau Data Analyst Practice Exam –  Tableau Data Analyst Exam Guide

Instructor-Led Courses: Analyst Learning Path Tableau Training Pass

Exam Outline

DOMAIN TITLE% OF EXAM CONTENT
Domain 1: Connect to and Transform Data
24%
Domain 2: Explore and Analyze Data
41%
Domain 3: Create Content
26%
Domain 4: Publish and Manage Content on Tableau Server and Tableau Cloud
9%
TOTAL
100%

 

Domain 1: Connect to and Transform Data


1.1 Connect to Data Sources

  • 1.1.1.   Choose an appropriate data source
  • 1.1.2.  Choose between live connection or extract
  • 1.1.3.   Connect to extracts
  • 1.1.4.  Connect to spreadsheets
  • 1.1.5.  Connect to .hyper files (or .tde files)
  • 1.1.6.  Connect to relational databases
  • 1.1.7.  Pull data from relational databases by using custom SQL queries
  • 1.1.8.  Connect to a data source on Tableau Server
  • 1.1.9.  Replace the connected data source with another data source for an existing chart or sheet


1.2.     Prepare data for analysis

  • 1.2.1.  Assess data quality (completeness, consistency, accuracy)
  • 1.2.2. Perform cleaning operations
  • 1.2.3.  Organize data into folders
  • 1.2.4. Use multiple data sources (establish relationships, create joins, union tables, blend data)
  • 1.2.5. Prepare data by using Data Interpreter, pivot, and split
  • 1.2.6. Create extract filters


1.3.     Perform data transformation in Tableau Prep

  • 1.3.1.   Choose which data transformation to perform based on a business scenario
  • 1.3.2.  Combine data by using unions
  • 1.3.3.  Combine data by using joins
  • 1.3.4. Shape data by using aggregations
  • 1.3.5.  Perform filtering
  • 1.3.6. Shape data by using pivots


1.4.    Customize fields

  • 1.4.1.  Change default field properties (types, sorting, etc.)
  • 1.4.2. Rename columns
  • 1.4.3. Choose when to convert between discrete and continuous
  • 1.4.4. Choose when to convert between dimension and measure
  • 1.4.5. Create aliases


Domain 2: Explore and Analyze Data


2.1.     Create calculated fields

  • 2.1.1. Write date calculations (DATEPARSE, DATENAME…)
  • 2.1.2. Write string functions
  • 2.1.3. Write logical and Boolean expressions (If, case, nested, etc.)
  • 2.1.4. Write number functions
  • 2.1.5. Write type conversion functions
  • 2.1.6. Write aggregate functions
  • 2.1.7. Write FIXED LOD calculations


2.2.   Create quick table calculations

  • 2.2.1. Moving average
  • 2.2.2. Percent of total
  • 2.2.3. Running total
  • 2.2.4. Difference and percent of difference
  • 2.2.5. Percentile
  • 2.2.6. Compound growth rate


2.3.    Create custom table calculations

  • 2.3.1. Year to date
  • 2.3.2. Month to date
  • 2.3.3. Year over year
  • 2.3.4. Index
  • 2.3.5. Ranking
  • 2.3.6. First-last


2.4.   Create and use filters

  • 2.4.1. Apply filters to dimensions and measures
  • 2.4.2. Configure filter settings including Top N, Bottom N, include, exclude, wildcard, and conditional
  • 2.4.3. Add filters to context
  • 2.4.4. Apply filters to multiple sheets and data sources


2.5.    Create parameters to enable interactivity

  • 2.5.1. In calculations
  • 2.5.2. With filters
  • 2.5.3. With reference lines


2.6.   Structure the data

  • 2.6.1. Sets
  • 2.6.2. Bins
  • 2.6.3. Hierarchies
  • 2.6.4. Groups


2.7.    Map data geographically

  • 2.7.1. Create symbol maps
  • 2.7.2. Create heat maps
  • 2.7.3. Create density maps
  • 2.7.4. Create choropleth maps (filled maps)


2.8.   Summarize, model, and customize data by using the Analytics feature

  • 2.8.1. Totals and subtotals
  • 2.8.2. Reference lines
  • 2.8.3. Reference bands
  • 2.8.4. Average lines
  • 2.8.5. Trend lines
  • 2.8.6. Distribution bands
  • 2.8.7. Forecast by using default settings
  • 2.8.8. Customize a data forecasting model
  • 2.8.9. Create a predictive model


Domain 3: Create Content

3.1.     Create charts

  • 3.1.1. Create basic charts from scratch (bar, line, pie, highlight table, scatter plot, histogram, tree map, bubbles, data tables, Gantt, box plots, area, dual axis, combo)
  • 3.1.2. Sort data (including custom sort)


3.2.    Create dashboards and stories

  • 3.2.1. Combine sheets into a dashboard by using containers and layout options
  • 3.2.2. Add objects
  • 3.2.3. Create stories


3.3.    Add interactivity to dashboards

  • 3.3.1. Apply a filter to a view
  • 3.3.2. Add filter, URL, and highlight actions
  • 3.3.3. Swap sheets by using parameters or sheet selector
  • 3.3.4. Add navigation buttons
  • 3.3.5. Implement user guiding sentences (click…, hover…, menu options)


3.4.   Format dashboards

  • 3.4.1. Apply color, font, shapes, styling
  • 3.4.2. Add custom shapes and color palettes
  • 3.4.3. Add annotations
  • 3.4.4. Add tooltips
  • 3.4.5. Apply padding
  • 3.4.6. Remove gridlines, row-level and column-level bands, and shading
  • 3.4.7. Apply responsive design for specific device layouts


Domain 4: Publish and Manage Content on Tableau Server and Tableau Cloud


4.1.    Publish Content

  • 4.1.1. Publish a workbook
  • 4.1.2. Publish a data source
  • 4.1.3. Print content
  • 4.1.4. Export content


4.2.   Schedule data updates

  • 4.2.1. Schedule data extract refreshes
  • 4.2.2. Schedule a Tableau Prep workflow


4.3.   Manage Published workbooks

  • 4.3.1. Create alerts
  • 4.3.2. Create subscriptions

Maintaining Your Certification

To keep your Tableau certification active and up-to-date, it’s essential to retake and pass the corresponding exam before your current title expires. Here are the key points to remember about maintaining your certification:

  1. Re-Examination Requirement: To maintain an active certification status, you need to successfully pass the relevant exam again.

  2. Consequences of Expiration:

    • Loss of Benefits: An expired certification may disqualify you from certain benefits associated with being a certified professional.
    • No Exam Discounts: The discounts typically offered for exam purchases will no longer be available.
    • Digital Badge Status: Your digital badge will still be accessible, but it will be marked as expired.

Regularly updating your certification not only ensures you keep up with the latest Tableau features and best practices but also signifies your ongoing commitment to professional development in the field of data analysis.

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