Which Power BI Training Format Is Right for Me?

Microsoft Power BI is one of the market's most widely used data visualization and business intelligence products. Those who know how to work with Power BI are an asset to their organization because they can extract insights from large volumes of raw data, then use these findings to make predictions and provide insights to drive the decision-making process. When comparing types of Power BI training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the proper training is critical to your experience.

Keep reading to find out more about the different formats of Power BI training, how they compare to one another, and how to determine which is best for you.

What is Power BI?

Microsoft Power BI is a group of BI (business intelligence) services and products that converts data from various sources into reports, visualizations, and interactive dashboards. This allows users to share data insights with others who work at their organization or to embed them onto a website or application. Power BI offers effective business solutions with each of its individual elements and provides users with even more capabilities when these components work together.

One of the main benefits of working with Power BI is that it can integrate with other Microsoft services and products and third-party platforms. Users can connect Power BI to Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and Exchange, among others. Whether your data is stored in an on-premises data warehouse, a cloud-based warehouse, or an Excel spreadsheet, Power BI can easily connect to these data sources, provide visualizations based on the data they contain, and offer insights that you can then share with other stakeholders. There are several Power BI products, each of which has different uses; Power BI Desktop creates reports, Power BI Services publishes the reports, and the Power BI mobile app provides users with a way to view each dashboard or report.

Read more about what Power BI is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Power BI?

Power BI is a valuable tool for illustrating what’s happening within an organization in the present. It also has applications for helping to anticipate what may transpire in the future. Because it relies on machine learning capabilities, Power BI can locate patterns in data, then draw from these patterns to predict various “what-if” scenarios. Based on these predictions, Power BI users can create forecasts and work to prepare for different demand patterns that may emerge. They can then communicate this information through data visualizations, which impart key data findings to stakeholders to make more educated business predictions.

Power BI is a go-to for those who work with data because it can be used to input huge stores of data that would be a struggle for other platforms to process. Because this intelligence suite is cloud-based, it provides users with regularly updated algorithms and intelligence capabilities. Those who use Power BI can personalize their experience by creating dashboards that allow them to quickly and easily access necessary data. In addition, it’s possible to create alerts in Power BI, which provide users with up-to-date measurements. Best of all, because this platform can integrate with other business management tools, such as Office 365, SharePoint, SAP, Google Analytics, and Hadoop, it remains a hugely popular tool for those working with data across platforms. 

Training Formats for Power BI

If you want to learn the basics of Power BI or master more advanced capabilities, many learning options are available in the in-person and online formats. Certifications, bootcamps, and Power BI classes are offered by many top educational providers. Some give students the choice of studying in-person or completing coursework remotely in the live online learning environment. In addition, various self-paced study options are also available, such as pre-recorded webinars, YouTube videos, written tutorials, blogs, and community forums, which can provide a starting point for your Power BI study.

In-Person Power BI Training

In-person Power BI classes provide learners with many benefits. They offer access to an instructor who is there to field questions and provide support, and they also allow students to connect with other learners on the same educational journey. Those studying Power BI in person have access to a computer lab with the latest software already loaded. Although this form of training involves regularly commuting to and from campus, which can require additional transportation or parking fees, it provides extroverted learners an excellent opportunity to retain the information they learn. 

Noble Desktop currently has an in-person Power BI Bootcamp available for learners who want to study in Manhattan. This course provides participants access to an expert instructor who guides them through Power BI’s capabilities. Students receive instruction on topics such as using Power Query for querying data, working with Power BI’s data model for connecting to datasets, and this tool’s report view to design data visualizations and dashboards. Case studies help learners work with multiple Power BI capabilities and teach participants to use the DAX language to depict their data findings visually. 

In addition, other top educational providers also have Power BI courses available in-person as well. Interested learners may consider enrolling in Skillspire’s Intro to Data Analytics class. Intermediate learners can sign up for ONLC Training Center’s Power BI Intermediate. And those seeking advanced instruction might opt for The Academy’s Analyzing Data with Power BI.

Live Online Power BI Training

Another excellent learning option for those interested in studying Microsoft Power BI is to enroll in live online classes. This learning format provides many of the same perks as in-person study with none of the hassle. It allows students to connect with skilled instructors in real-time, who are available to offer support and answer questions as they arise. Instead of wasting time and money driving to and from class or searching for parking spots near campus, live online coursework has the added perk of allowing students to work remotely from the comfort of their home or office. 

Many live online Power BI training options are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. Noble Desktop’s Power BI Bootcamp is available for those interested in learning how to use Power BI to create business reports and data visualizations. Students receive guidance from an expert instructor on core Power BI concepts, such as how to use Power Query, connect multiple data sources into one relational model, and craft in-depth time intelligence reports. 

In addition, Certstaiffix Traning has several online Power BI courses available, like Microsoft Power BI Online, Microsoft Power BI Desktop, and Microsoft Power Query. The Knowledge Academy also has a beginner-friendly course, Microsoft Power BI Training, in which participants spend a day creating different data visualizations, such as tables and charts.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

If you’re not ready to invest in a lengthy course, you can still start learning how to work with data for free online. In Noble Desktop’s free Data Science Webinar, you’ll receive instruction on core data science concepts, such as how professionals can use data science in the business sector and the different tools Data Scientists use when handling data. This 80-minute webinar is a great way to familiarize yourself with the field of data science and learn more about how professionals manage and analyze large volumes of data.

In addition to Noble Desktop’s business intelligence and data science resources, other top educational providers also offer free Power BI instruction. Udemy’s Power BI Quick Start is a free, two-hour course containing helpful video content on creating your own interactive Power BI dashboard. Students also receive instruction on creating full reports and publishing them on the Power BI service. Udemy also has another free Power BI course, Learn Power BI Fast, in which users learn how to create a professional Power BI report in under two hours. Participants also receive instruction and both basic and advanced data visualization concepts.

In addition, Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Power BI is free from edX. This course teaches students how to use Microsoft Power BI in approximately four weeks. Certification is available for those who pay for the course, or students can elect to simply explore the free content. 

Read more about free Power BI videos and online tutorials. 

Another great resource for free Power BI content is Microsoft. It provides a wealth of free Power BI videos that can be accessed on YouTube, in the Microsoft Community video gallery, and directly from Microsoft. Video content is available on many pertinent Power BI topics, including how to use Power BI, understanding Power BI terminology, webinars, and conference videos. Microsoft also offers a Power BI video channel where interested learners can access timely, relevant content on this versatile data visualization tool.

On-Demand Classes

If you aren’t quite ready to commit to a class that meets at regularly scheduled times, another learning option to consider is self-paced Power BI courses. Asynchronous study allows learners to begin learning Power BI with the help of pre-recorded videos, pre-loaded tutorials, and instructional content. These classes allow learners to balance learning around other life commitments, such as family or work. You can pause videos or watch them multiple times when studying asynchronously, which can help you balance studying Power BI with other personal or professional commitments.

Read the full guide on how to learn Power BI. 

Comparison of Power BI Training Formats

For those who want to learn Microsoft Power BI, there are many learning options, both in person and online, to help you master this versatile tool. The primary study methods are in-person classes, live online coursework, and self-paced training. Deciding which format is best for you can depend on various factors, such as your learning style, professional goals, financial resources, and availability.

For extroverted learners, studying Power BI in-person is an excellent option. This engaging, interactive format allows you to not only receive feedback from an instructor who is in the room but also to connect with other learners. It provides the opportunity to ask questions as they arise and have an immediate response. Students studying in-person also have access to computer labs equipped with the most up-to-date software and applications. Although this type of study requires attending regularly scheduled meetings and commuting to and from campus, it provides opportunities such as the chance to network with peers and build professional portfolios.

If you are a learner who thrives on receiving instruction in real-time but doesn’t want to commute to and from class for each meeting, a great alternative is live online Power BI study. This learning format offers many of the same perks as in-person coursework, such as access to an instructor in real-time, hands-on lessons from skilled instructors, and support from classmates on the same learning path. Live online classes also provide the added benefit of allowing learners to study from the comfort of their own home or office space without having to battle traffic or search for parking. Courses are currently available for those new to Power BI and learners with more advanced BI training who are looking for advanced instruction.

Another way some people elect to study Power BI is in the asynchronous format. Unlike in-person and live online study, self-paced coursework typically consists of pre-recorded videos and tutorials. This allows students to complete coursework on their own time, around other professional or personal commitments. It also enables learners to pause the lesson to take notes or rewatch content as often as needed for retention purposes. This learning option is typically the most affordable; some providers even offer free Power BI classes. While self-paced study can provide an overview of how to use Power BI, it can be difficult in this format to learn more complex features and functions since there is no instructor on call to field questions.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Power BI?

Suppose you’re interested in a general overview of Power BI or looking to become familiar with some of this software’s basic functions and features. In that case, it’s possible to learn this on your own with the help of video tutorials and online resources. However, if you’re looking to really grasp Power BI and use it professionally to help your organization get the most out of its data, you may need more than self-paced study. The support offered through live online classes or in-person study may be a more practical option to help you truly learn and retain Power BI skills.

On-demand Power BI resources are a good starting point when learning Power BI. Because these learning options don’t provide access to an expert instructor, this learning platform doesn’t allow you to ask questions or receive guidance on your learning path. In addition, because of the sheer number of online resources available, such as YouTube video tutorials, blogs, webinars, and community forums, it can also be challenging to know which self-paced study options are up-to-date and provide correct instruction. 

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Power BI

Thanks to the wealth of available learning options, learning Microsoft Power BI is easier than ever before. Ultimately, the one you decide depends on why you want to learn this tool and how you intend to use your training. If you’re interested in a general overview of Power BI or want to learn more about the field of business intelligence, free introductory-level classes are a great starting point. Top educational providers such as Udemy currently have free beginner-level Power BI courses, which are a great resource for those interested in learning more about how to use this business solution. Because most free online Power BI classes are available asynchronously, you can watch video content and read tutorials at your own speed, on your own time.

For those interested in developing a solid working knowledge of Power BI or who hope to fill a skill gap so they can progress in their current profession, Noble Desktop’s Power BI Bootcamp will provide a more rigorous study option. Those who elect to enroll in a bootcamp receive hands-on training from an expert instructor who is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer industry-relevant training with this tool. Bootcamps typically cover a range of pertinent business intelligence and data analytics concepts, such as creating data visualizations, business reports, and time intelligence reports, as well as working with Power Query. The cost of bootcamps is typically several hundred dollars.

If you want to develop your Power BI skills to begin a new career or pivot to a new industry, a Power BI certificate or certificate in a related field like data analytics can provide the training you need. Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate provides students with the necessary training to work as a Business Analyst or Data Analyst. An expert instructor teaches participants how to work with Python, SQL, Tableau, Excel, and Power BI. All students have access to one-on-one mentoring and have the option of a free class retake to revisit course material. Although certificate study typically costs several thousand dollars, it is an excellent professional investment for those serious about working with data.

Learn Power BI with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop's Power BI Bootcamp is an excellent option if you want to learn more about using Power BI. This project-based course prepares students to use Power Query for data querying, Power BI’s data model for connecting to datasets, and its report view for designing interactive data visualizations and dashboards. Students work with different case studies to learn how to work with various Power BI capabilities and this tool’s DAX language for creating visualizations based on their data. All students have the option of a free retake for up to one year to revisit the material and gain additional practice.

Another excellent learning option for individuals who are interested in working with Power BI is Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate. This intensive course is offered in the in-person and live online format and provides participants with hands-on instruction with core data analytics and business intelligence tools and programs. Those enrolled complete real-world projects using Microsoft Excel, Python, SQL, and Tableau and have the option of also taking the Power BI Bootcamp free of charge. All students receive instruction from an expert instructor and one-on-one mentoring.