Is Power BI a Hard Class?

If you’re just getting started working with Microsoft Power BI, you may not be certain what to expect from coursework and what challenges of learning Power BI you may encounter along the way. Many types of Power BI courses are available, which means the content provided in each and the level of difficulty can vary significantly from one class or training format to another. Some Power BI courses, such as introductory-level skills classes and bootcamps, are geared toward beginners, whereas other coursework is more comprehensive and can be much more difficult. Certificate programs that cover Power BI alongside other data analytics tools, as well as advanced-level skills classes, may be much more challenging for students than introductory-level programs. The good news is that many excellent training options are available to accommodate students at all levels of Power BI proficiency. Anyone dedicated to learning Power BI can do so with the proper instruction and motivation to practice their skills. In the following sections, several factors that can pose challenges for Power BI learners will be explored, as well as some tips to streamline the learning process.

What is Hard about Learning Power BI? 

No two learners are the same, regardless of which skill is being taught. Power BI is no different in this sense. Similar to other skills, the difficulty of learning to use this business intelligence solution varies depending on the individual, their prior training, and their ultimate goals for using this tool. Studying Power BI requires time and dedication. This process can present challenges for some learners, especially those who don’t come from a data-heavy background or who may lack experience with Excel or other Microsoft products.

Even though most individuals consider Power BI a relatively easy-to-learn tool, there are several challenging aspects to learning this product. The first is mastering Data Analysis Expressions (DAX). DAX was released in 2009 by Microsoft and has evolved from the MDX language for data cubes into a commonly used library in data platforms like PowerPivot, Power BI, and SQL Server Analysis. It consists of operations and functions that can be used to create expressions and formulas. DAX helps Power BI users create measures, custom tables, and calculated columns. Because certain DAX formulas work like Excel formulas and others do not, DAX poses certain challenges for some learners. Whereas SQL and relational databases are fairly concrete and don’t require guesswork with processing commands or data, DAX’s data structure and query content are considered more abstract. Those with a concrete mindset may, therefore, find it difficult to learn DAX. A great way to learn DAX is to study the context in which it operates and how this library views various data models. 

Another challenge of learning Power BI is the transition some learners face when moving from Excel to this tool. Even though both of these Microsoft products share data manipulation functionalities, Power BI extends well beyond Excel in its ability to handle complex BI operations, analytics, and advanced data modeling. Some Power BI students require formal training to help them bridge the gap from Excel to Power BI.

It’s important for Power BI students to remember that this tool’s landscape continues to evolve as Microsoft introduces new features and performs regular updates. Students must be aware of these changes and adapt to them. Some rely on resources like the online Power BI Community for troubleshooting and knowledge-sharing, whereas others choose online resources, blogs, or video tutorials. The most effective way for most students to stay current on Power BI best practices is through live instruction.

How Can I Make Learning Power BI Easier?

Learning Power BI can be challenging for some learners, especially those who don’t come from a data-heavy background. The good news is that there are many excellent learning tools and types of training available to help with this process. In the following sections, several study options will be briefly explored, such as free online resources, on-demand content, skills classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs, and the unique benefits of each type of training.

Free Power BI Learning Resources 

If you want to get started learning Power BI but don’t want to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in your studies, one alternative is to use free online resources. Resources like YouTube videos and online tutorials can provide answers to specific Power BI questions without requiring an extensive time commitment. Those interested in learning a specific Power BI skill, such as how to merge data, connect with a database, or publish a report, can find short YouTube video content that provides guidance. Since most Power BI videos are relatively short, learners can follow along in real-time and put their skills to use immediately. 

Some educators also post educational articles on pertinent Power BI topics, which can be a great resource for those looking to explore a specific topic or skill. Noble Desktop’s Power BI Learn Hub provides well-researched content on the various uses of Power BI, career paths in which this tool is used, and how learning Power BI compares to studying other software.

While free online resources like articles or YouTube channels can be a good place to start in your Power BI training, it’s important to remember that they usually only offer a very basic type of training that doesn’t go into great depth about any Power BI topic or skill. If you’re interested in mastering Power BI’s more advanced functions like DAX or ETL processes, you will most likely need to enroll in a more structured type of training. Additionally, since Power BI Desktop is updated each month and released on a monthly basis to account for new features and customer feedback, free online content has the potential to quickly become obsolete with this tool. Aspiring data professionals hoping to acquire Power BI training for their current job or to progress into another professional role will typically benefit more from live coursework, such as that which is provided in a skills class or bootcamp, where an instructor is available in real-time to provide in-the-moment support and guidance. 

On-Demand Power BI Classes

Another learning option that can make learning Power BI easier is through on-demand classes. This sort of instruction is available from top providers around the globe, including Coursera, Udemy, and Microsoft. Self-paced study takes many forms; some providers offer short introductory-level lessons that take just an hour or so to complete and provide a basic overview of Power BI’s main features and tools, as well as how to navigate the interface. Other courses combine Power BI training with other data analytics concepts and tools and are more comprehensive. Because all content is pre-recorded and placed online, the student gets to dictate their learning speed and how long each day they want to devote to their studies. Unlike live coursework, in which an instructor determines the lesson speed, on-demand content affords learners the flexibility of pausing content to take notes or rewatching entire lessons to ensure they’re retaining the information being covered. 

Cost-wise, on-demand content is generally a much less expensive option than live training. Since content is pre-recorded and no instructor is present, short on-demand classes are available for around $100, sometimes less. Longer certificate programs and bootcamps can cost several hundred or thousand dollars. Some providers offer platform subscriptions that require a monthly fee and provide learners with access to video lessons, articles, and other online resources. Along with the additional flexibility of on-demand training comes the need for students to be self-motivated learners to carve out time and energy to focus on learning Power BI. Since no instructor or cohort of students is present, it’s up to the students to find answers on their own to any questions that arise during coursework.

Skills Classes

Power BI skills classes are another great way to learn this in-demand tool. Most providers offer these courses in person or online using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Students can choose between introductory-level, intermediate, and advanced coursework. This ensures that students don’t waste their time or money revisiting skills they already possess and can find classes at the appropriate difficulty level. Depending on the course’s focus, those enrolled receive hands-on training in a variety of essential Power BI skills, such as how to connect with databases, work with query syntax, transform and combine data from multiple sources, and visualize data findings. These short programs usually take only a few days to complete (some only require an afternoon of time). Busy professionals can easily complete their training over a weekend without taking off work. 

Cost is a major incentive for enrolling in a skills class. Most educators provide Power BI classes for $500-$1,000. However, one important consideration is that in a skills class, the level of instruction will not be as in-depth as it would be in a longer, more intensive course, such as a data analytics certificate. Students interested in taking a deeper dive into Power BI or the field of data analytics may benefit more from enrolling in a longer, more intensive type of training once they learn the basics in a skills class.

Power BI Bootcamps

If you’re looking for longer and more in-depth live training than that which is provided in a skills class, enrolling in a Power BI bootcamp is a good alternative. These live courses offer students hands-on training and employ a “learning by doing” approach that encourages them to practice the skills they’re being taught and apply them to real-world data scenarios. Those who are interested in bootcamp study have the chance to work alongside others in a small class environment and are taught by an expert instructor who has industry experience working with Power BI. Learners progress from basic Power BI concepts into intermediate and advanced-level training over the course of several days (for full-time training) or several weeks (for part-time study).

Although the content taught in bootcamps depends on the provider and the scope of instruction, there are several core Power BI skills you’re likely to encounter during your studies. Bootcamps typically teach students how to connect to different data sources, create reports that tell a data story, share these reports with other pertinent stakeholders, and visualize data findings so that even non-technical audience members can understand. While these programs cost more than skills classes (typically several thousand dollars), the added investment is worth it for most learners, who can put their training to immediate use at their workplace when they graduate.

Certificates

If you’re looking to learn Power BI for your current career or professional advancement purposes, certificate study is an excellent choice. These intensive programs are available in the live online and in-person format from many top educators around the globe. The focus of each certificate program is different, though most of them focus more broadly on the field of data analytics than a specific tool like Power BI. In these robust programs, students work with a range of essential data tools, such as Excel spreadsheets, Power BI dashboards, Tableau data visualizations, SQL and Python programming, machine learning, and automation. In addition to several weeks or months of rigorous, in-class training (depending on whether they’re completed on a part-time or full-time basis), students in these programs also have the opportunity to receive career-focused support during their studies. 

For example, the Certificate in Data Analytics, available from Noble Desktop, provides students with supplemental 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. These can be used for additional help on coursework or for professional development purposes, such as resume critiques or LinkedIn profile help. Certificates also usually offer learners the time and space to compile a professional portfolio of work, which can be shared with prospective employers. 

Best Ways to Learn Power BI Without Difficulty

Even though free Power BI resources and on-demand training can provide a good starting point in your Power BI learning journey, resources such as these don’t provide you with access to a live instructor. This means that if you need additional support or have questions about the content you’re learning, you’ll be on your own to find answers. Most learners ultimately benefit much more from live coursework for this reason, whether in the form of a skills class, bootcamp, or certificate program. 

Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool is a useful resource that can help you find Power BI courses live online or close to home. This tool allows you to compare the study options that are currently available at professional training centers and from Noble and other educators to find live training options most in line with your educational needs. These courses are available from many top providers around the country and are offered in person at designated training facilities in major cities or remotely through a teleconferencing platform. Lessons are taught by an expert instructor who has real-life experience analyzing and visualizing data and is ready to impart these skills to others. In addition to the feedback and guidance provided by the teacher, students benefit from learning alongside others in their cohort, which can provide an additional sense of community and camaraderie and can also be a valuable way to network. 

Those who opt for live training can often acquire Power BI skills much faster than they would independently and ensure the material they’re studying is current. While live training is generally a more expensive training option than asynchronous coursework because it includes access to a live instructor, the additional financial investment is well worth it for those hoping to fully master data analytics tools, software, and skills to use for professional purposes. 

Learn Power BI with Noble Desktop

If you want to learn Microsoft Power BI, let Noble Desktop help. Noble offers several excellent training options for learners at all levels of Power BI proficiency. In Noble’s Power BI Bootcamp, students create interactive data visualizations like maps, graphs, and charts in which they present data findings in an engaging and colorful way. Instruction is provided on how to create dynamic dashboards and reports that covey data trends and patterns. This comprehensive program includes training in how to import data from sources like SQL, Text/CSV, and Excel, as well as how to work with Power Query. Students also learn how to aggregate data using MIN/MAX, COUNT, and SUM to gain further insights. By the end of this bootcamp, those enrolled will have the opportunity to work with the DAX language for visualizing data.

If you’re interested in earning Power BI certification for work-related reasons, an excellent study option is Noble’s Power BI Certification Program. This program is intended for those looking to become expert Power BI users and earn a Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analysts Associate designation. This comprehensive class combines all the teaching benefits of the Power BI Bootcamp with six hours of additional private tutoring. Coursework takes students from introductory-level Power BI training up through advanced-level data skills. Participants work with Power Query to import data from a range of sources. They then learn how to structure, filter, and analyze this information to create stunning data visualizations. Training then progresses into higher-level skills, such as data aggregation and training with the DAX language. Participants are encouraged to ask questions in real time and have the opportunity to interact with other learners in a supportive classroom environment. Learners can use their three private tutoring sessions to further explore topics of interest so they will be ready to pass the certification exam. Tuition includes the fee for the Power BI Data Analyst Associate Exam, test proctoring, and a free test retake (for those who need it). Learners who would prefer not to take the exam at the end of this class can opt for an additional hour of private tutoring. 

All Noble classes are taught in person in New York City and are also available live online. Tuition for these programs includes a free course retake for up to a full year.