Tableau Learning Resources for Beginners

If you're looking to grow your skillset by learning Tableau Desktop and Tableau Cloud functionality, you've come to the right place. Tableau has revolutionized the way organizations visualize and analyze their data. So, it's no surprise that we get the question of 'how can I get started learning Tableau' from our clients and community.

While everyone has different preferred learning mediums, the following collection is aimed at distance learning (preferably via video).  In this blog post, we'll explore the best Tableau training resources available, covering everything from official Tableau resources to online courses, YouTube channels, blogs, books, and more. Let's dive in!

Official Tableau Training Resources

Starting with the source, Tableau offers some fantastic resources to help you learn the ropes. Here are a few options to consider:

• Tableau's free on-demand training videos: This is an excellent starting point, offering a comprehensive collection of well-produced videos covering various Tableau topics.  The videos are purposely bite-sized to teach concepts quickly and effectively.
• Tableau eLearning platform: Gain access to self-paced, interactive lessons and hands-on activities to build a strong foundation in Tableau (eLearning license purchase required).
• Tableau Certification Program: Validate your skills and expertise by obtaining a Tableau certification.  In our experience hiring and supporting recruiting, certifications make it easier to land an interview for any Tableau-related positions.

New to Tableau? Check out our 'What is Tableau?' guide!

Online Courses

Online courses can provide a more structured learning experience at an accessible price. Check out these popular platforms offering Tableau courses:

• Coursera's Tableau courses: Partnering with leading universities and institutions, Coursera offers a variety of Tableau courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
• Udemy's Tableau training offerings: With a vast selection of courses, Udemy has something for everyone, whether you're just starting or looking to refine your Tableau skills.  The A-Z courses created by Kirill Eremenko are a solid choice, and be sure to wait for discounts on the platform (i.e. never pay the full list price).
• LinkedIn Learning's Tableau classes: Benefit from expert-led courses and real-world examples that cover essential Tableau techniques and best practices.

YouTube Channels

Prefer learning through video? These YouTube channels offer a wealth of Tableau knowledge:

• TableauTim's YouTube channel: Featuring beginner to intermediate topics, TableauTim provides clear explanations and practical examples - and is always one of the first videos to release with new Tableau functionality.
• Tableau User Group Recordings: Tableau's YouTube channel is full of customer stories, keynotes, and product updates.  Tableau also regularly publishes Tableau User Group recordings from around the world to get actionable tips and tricks from experienced professionals.
• VizWiz's YouTube channel: As a long-time Tableau blogger, Andy recently started publishing insightful videos tailored to beginners with walk-throughs on more advanced functionality.

Informative Blogs

The Tableau community is brimming with helpful blogs and websites. Here are a few favorites:

• The Flerlage Twins blog: This blog offers regular tips for beginners and experts alike, along with engaging visualizations and tutorials, from an experienced duo.
• VizWiz.com: Perfect for beginners, Andy Kriebel features useful articles, Makeover Monday challenges, and dashboard development tips.
• Data + Science: Explore advanced topics and dive into the Tableau Reference Guide section for a deeper understanding of Tableau techniques.
• Tableau Visionaries: Discover Tableau developers and community builders who regularly share their expertise and insights via personal blogs (and on Twitter).

Books

Sometimes, there's nothing quite like learning from a good book. Here are a few must-reads for Tableau beginners:

• Practical Tableau: This book serves as a great primer on best practices and essential Tableau concepts.
• Storytelling with Data: Learn the 'why' of data visualization and how to effectively tell stories with your data.
• Big Book of Dashboards: Improve your business dashboards with visual design principles and real-world examples.
• Don’t Make Me Think!: Understand user experience design and create compelling data interaction experiences.
• Signal: Delve deeper into the 'why' of data visualization with Stephen Few's thought-provoking book.
• The Functional Art: Discover the concepts of good data visualization, particularly in journalism, with Alberto Cairo's groundbreaking book.

Hands-On Practice

One of our favorite aspects about the #datafam community.  Real, hands-on exercises to truly build your Tableau muscle using the completely-free resources on Tableau Public.

• Workout Wednesday - Digs into the technical aspects of developing with Tableau and covers a wide range of skill levels (particularly great for intermediate and advanced users).  You can search for keywords or find a challenge by difficulty.
• Makeover Monday - Learn Tableau and how to think critically about how to apply data visualization to a variety of different situations.  This a great spot to start building your Tableau muscle and receive community feedback on #DataFam Twitter before moving on to the technical challenges of Workout Wednesday.
  
  

Google (+ Tableau Forums)

There are soooo many amazing resources out there for learning this tool, which is a testament to the incredible community that has been built around it.  You can find valuable help from an unbelievable amount of blogs, all written by developers with lots of experience.  If you ever feel stuck, use Google to type in the error message and/or what you are trying to accomplish, and you will likely find a blog or Tableau Forum answer in the top 5 results.

Conclusion

Tableau offers endless possibilities for data visualization and analysis. With this comprehensive list of Tableau training resources, you're well on your way to mastering the platform. To get the most out of your Tableau training journey, here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

• Set clear learning goals: Determine your objectives and what you hope to achieve with Tableau. This will help you choose the right resources and stay focused on your learning journey - because there is a lot you could learn and master.
• Learn at your own pace: Some people prefer a fast-paced learning environment, while others may need more time to digest information. Find the right balance and progress at a pace that suits you.
• Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more proficient you'll become. Make a habit of working with Tableau daily or weekly to reinforce your learning.  Working through challenges with real-world data is the best way to test your knowledge.
• Join the Tableau community: Connect with other learners and professionals in the Tableau community. Participate in forums, attend Tableau User Groups (TUGs), and engage with fellow Tableau enthusiasts on social media, particularly #DataFam Twitter.
• Seek feedback: Share your work with others, ask for feedback, and learn from their insights. This will help you identify areas for improvement and grow as a Tableau user and data professional.  

As a Tableau Partner, our DataDrive team provides customized training for organizations looking to accelerate their team's learning using real datasets from within your own organization. Now, go forth and conquer the world of Tableau!

Speed Up Your Team's Learning Journey

DataDrive has trained over 500+ developers on Tableau and data visualization through a customized training curriculum that uses real-world data.  Speed up your team's Tableau journey by reaching out today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best resources for Tableau training?

Some popular Tableau training resources include official Tableau courses, online platforms like Coursera and Udemy, YouTube channels, blogs, books, and community-led practice exercises.

Is it hard to learn Tableau?

Tableau is easy to learn and tough to master.  While Tableau was designed for non-technical business users to create interactive dashboards without writing a line of SQL, Tableau also has a technical depth that requires a deeper understanding of how to work with data (e.g. granularity, aggregation, order of operations, advanced analytics).

How long does it take to learn Tableau?

As an intuitive yet complex data analysis engine, Tableau can take between 2 days to 12 months to learn.  Most new users can start creating interactive dashboards after a few days of learning Tableau's interface.  After a few months of digging into more complex analysis, intermediate Tableau users will generally feel comfortable after 6-12 months of regular usage.  Tableau can take years to truly master all of its features and functions.  

How can I learn Tableau for free?

There are plenty of free resources available, such as Tableau's free on-demand training videos, YouTube channels, blogs, and community-led practice exercises like Workout Wednesday and Makeover Monday.  Tableau Public is a completely free way to use and learn Tableau Desktop's functionality.

Should I learn SQL or Tableau first?

SQL is not required to use Tableau, but understanding the core concepts of SQL can help you create powerful data analysis and set up Tableau connections for optimal performance.

Where can I find Tableau courses online?

Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of Tableau courses to suit different skill levels and learning objectives.

What are some must-read books for learning Tableau?

Books like Practical Tableau, Storytelling with Data, Big Book of Dashboards, Don't Make Me Think!, Signal, and The Functional Art are essential reads for Tableau learners.