Can I Learn Power BI For Free?

Do you want to learn how to use Microsoft Power BI but don’t want to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in training? If so, you can work with a range of free resources to help you get started with this popular business solution. Resources like online blogs and tutorials, YouTube videos, and on-demand courses are just a few training options you can select from to learn Power BI basic skills and concepts. Read on to learn more about the different options for free Power BI training that you can choose from, how to utilize these resources, and how they can be used as a springboard for further Power BI training. 

What Free Resources are Available for Learning Power BI?

Every day, an estimated 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created. This number is expected to continue to grow as more organizations embrace technological advances and expand their online presence. Because of how widespread data collection is, it’s relatively easy to find online resources that teach data analytics tools like Microsoft Power BI. Approximately 6 million individuals and 97% of Fortune 500 companies use this leading business intelligence solution. While some opt to enroll in skills classes, bootcamps, or certificates to learn this in-demand tool, many free online resources are also available that require no financial investment. Learners can select from YouTube channels that provide short video instruction on specific Power BI skills or online resources like tutorials, articles, or blog posts that cover a relevant Power BI topic. Additionally, several top educators post longer free courses that offer more robust instruction on how to work with Power BI. Since there’s no cost associated with these resources, they provide a low-stakes way for students to learn how to work with data. 

Online Tutorials & Learning Resources

One no-cost study option for aspiring Power BI users is through online tutorials and learning resources. Many top educators post informative, well-researched articles on pertinent Power BI topics. These can be a good resource for those looking to explore a specific Power BI feature or topic. Noble Desktop’s Power BI Learn Hub is one such outlet. It provides a range of short articles on topics like the various uses of Power BI, career paths in which this tool is used, and how learning this BI solution compares with other comparable tools. 

YouTube & Video Content

Another way some learners opt to study Power BI is through online videos. Those wishing to learn Power BI skills like how to create eye-grabbing charts or share their data reports with other Power BI users can select short video content that takes an hour or less to watch and provides answers to their questions. Some educators post more involved, longer content that provides an overview of Power BI’s main features and functions and how to navigate this tool. Since there’s no cost to watch YouTube videos, this training provides a low-stakes way to learn how to analyze and visualize data with Power BI. 

On-Demand Power BI Classes

Another Power BI learning option that doesn’t always involve a monetary commitment is on-demand courses. Cost-wise, on-demand content is generally a much less expensive option than live training. While some providers charge for asynchronous content like video lessons or certificate programs, others offer these resources for free. On-demand Power BI 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. 

Since not all on-demand content is available for free, interested learners should research the provider to make sure they understand whether any costs are associated with the content they’re accessing. Some providers, for example, may offer specific courses for a fee but charge students to take other classes. Additionally, some on-demand content is available as part of a platform subscription that requires a monetary investment. 

How to Make Use of Free Power BI Resources

Free data analytics resources provide a low-stakes, flexible way to get a basic feel for the Power BI interface and its essential features. This content also offers task-specific instruction in skills like how to create your first dashboard, work with Power Query, or share data insights with other relevant stakeholders. Those interested in working with free online Power BI resources can best utilize this type of training by considering it a supplement to other training or a precursor to further studies. 

Those who are interested in getting the most out of free Power BI training should be self-motivated learners who can devote the time needed to their studies. This type of instruction includes no formal deadlines or assignments with due dates. It leaves it up to the student to set aside time to regularly practice the Power BI skills they’re learning and ensure they’re committing them to memory. 

Because no instructor is present in this training format, students can’t ask questions or receive personalized feedback and support. This means that for most, free supplementary data analytics resources alone won’t suffice to completely master Power BI’s range of features and tools. Those interested in progressing from beginner-level training to advanced-level Power BI skills may also struggle to do so entirely via free training material. Instead, this content can be used alongside more formal training, such as that which is provided through live online or in-person bootcamps or certificate programs, to provide students with a robust understanding of this BI solution.

Limitations of Free Resources

Free Power BI resources provide many learning benefits and are a largely accessible way to get started working with this tool. However, this educational approach has its own drawbacks all learners should weigh. One important consideration with free online training material is that learners will not be reaping the benefits of hands-on instruction. Students don’t have the support of a classroom of learners studying alongside them or formal deadlines to structure their learning process. It’s up to the individual to find the time and motivation to complete lessons and practice the skills they’re learning. This can pose some challenges for those new to working with data or without prior experience working with BI products. It also may be difficult for students who typically rely on the structure of live coursework to motivate them to complete their studies.

In this form of training, it’s entirely up to the learner to find answers to their questions on their own since no instructor is there to provide guidance or clarification. This training format, therefore, may require additional time and effort, which would not be necessary in a live bootcamp or skills class, where an instructor is present during each lesson. This is why free training material is often a good starting point in a longer Power BI learning journey, but usually alone will not suffice.

Another challenge of asynchronous study is deciding which Power BI training materials are best for you since there are so many options available. Some learners may not be certain that the material they’re working with is at the appropriate difficulty level, which can lead to repeating lessons or choosing content that is more advanced than the learner wishes. Also, free online training material like YouTube videos or tutorials can quickly become dated. 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. Those hoping to learn Power BI with free online resources will need to research the educator and the content they’re interested in to ensure it reflects the current best practices with Power BI and is at the appropriate learning level.

What to Do After Utilizing Free Power BI Resources

After you’ve watched YouTube videos on Power BI and read online resources to learn the basics of how to work with this tool, you may wonder what to do next to help you further develop your skills. For most learners serious about studying Power BI, the next logical step is to enroll in a live class. Live data analytics training is available in person in many major cities. It’s also taught online using teleconferencing platforms like Zoom. One of the main benefits of live coursework is that it offers direct access to an instructor in real-time. Those teaching these courses have industry experience analyzing and visualizing data with Power BI and are ready to share their insights and experience with students. Participants also benefit from the support of learning alongside others, which can provide an additional sense of community and camaraderie that’s not possible from asynchronous material.

Live Power BI classes, such as those available from Noble Desktop, take many forms. Students interested in focusing their studies entirely on Power BI can opt for a beginner, intermediate, or advanced-level skills class. These short courses usually take only a day or so to complete and cost between $500 and $1,000. Bootcamp programs are typically longer and more involved. These programs take several days or weeks to complete (some bootcamps require a longer commitment, especially for those who study on a part-time basis). These programs are often available for $500-$5,000, depending on the program’s length and depth of instruction. 

Certificates are the most rigorous and comprehensive form of live Power BI study. These classes typically take weeks or months to complete (depending on whether they’re attending full-time or part-time). Instead of focusing solely on Power BI, many certificate programs teach this tool alongside other software and programming languages like Tableau, Power BI, Excel, Python, and SQL. Courses like Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate allow participants to take a deep dive into the skills they’ll need to succeed as a Data Analyst. Most certificate programs provide learners with more than in-depth classroom study; they also offer professional development services to help graduates secure a job with their skills. Some certificates provide 1-on-1 mentoring, access to networking events, resume critiques, LinkedIn profile guidance, or professional portfolio feedback. 

Regardless of which learning option you select, in-person or live online Power BI courses, such as those available from Noble Desktop, are an excellent way to prepare for a career in data analytics in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Learn Power BI with Noble Desktop

If you’re ready to take your Power BI skills further than you can with free online training resources, 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 importing data from sources like SQL, Text/CSV, and Excel, as well as working 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 have the flexibility of opting instead 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.