How Long Do Tableau Courses Take?

When enrolling in a Tableau class, you’ll need to consider your schedule. Classes vary in length, with some lasting just several hours and others for several months. How much time you can dedicate to learning Tableau will also impact how quickly you learn. Those with more time to study and practice tend to learn faster than those with less time to dedicate to learning. This article will help you understand how long different Tableau classes last so that you can determine which type suits your schedule. 

Length of Classes

The time it takes you to learn Tableau depends on several factors, including your prior experience with data visualization tools and your willingness to learn. Also important to consider is how much time you can dedicate to learning. Training schools offer short-form programs, where students will take a class over one or two days, and longer programs, like bootcamps, which can last all day, several days, or several months. In addition, some schools offer part-time and full-time options. Part-time classes offer students shorter classes spaced out over a long period, while full-time classes tend to provide an accelerated pace with longer classes over a short period. The length of the class can also depend on how much material it covers. 

Introductory Classes

Introductory, or beginner-level, classes tend to run short. These classes can either last for one day, with the class meeting all day, or they can be spaced out across several days with shorter class times. An introductory class is one of the best ways to learn the foundations of Tableau. Classes will typically cover the basics of data management and data visualizations before introducing students to exploring, filtering, and managing data with Tableau. If you plan to use Tableau as part of your career, you’ll likely need to follow an introductory class up with an advanced class or bootcamp. 

Advanced

Advanced Tableau classes aim to cover more specialized skills and tools than an introductory course does. Students of all skill levels are eligible for an introductory course. But, in an advanced class, it’s expected that students understand the basics of using Tableau and have experience with the software. Training schools often offer advanced classes as a follow-up to their introductory Tableau class, but you can also find stand-alone advanced classes that cover the specific tools in Tableau that you want to learn how to use. 

Tableau Bootcamps

Attending a Tableau bootcamp is one of the most immersive ways to learn Tableau. Bootcamps and certificate courses provide lessons in Tableau that will prepare you to use the software as part of your career. Most bootcamps begin at the beginner level and work students up to advanced-level topics. A bootcamp aims to prepare students for their career path, and oftentimes training schools will include career mentoring, professional development projects, and even internship opportunities as part of that preparation. You can find a short-term accelerated Tableau bootcamp or look for one that is part of a data analysis or data science bootcamp, which typically runs for several weeks (full-time) or several months (part-time). 

On-demand

On-demand classes provide busy individuals the chance to learn Tableau in a way that works with their schedules. On-demand classes offer instruction in the form of video lectures, readings, and assignments. These classes do not include live instruction; instead, students learn from course materials uploaded to a virtual classroom and guide themselves through the program. On-demand classes benefit students who work or go to school and cannot attend an in-person or live online class. However, the lack of structure and an instructor to guide the class, along with the self-paced nature of the course, can make it difficult for students to find the motivation to learn on their own. As such, on-demand classes work best for students who know they can find the time and motivation to study and who feel comfortable troubleshooting problems themselves. 

Part-time or Full-time?

Another thing to consider when enrolling in a Tableau class is if you want to learn part-time or full-time. If you have a flexible schedule, then full-time classes will help you learn Tableau quickly. However, many students work or go to school, and, for them, part-time learning is the only option. If you have the choice between part-time and full-time classes, consider the benefits and drawbacks of each before enrolling. 

Full-time classes run for shorter periods, meaning you’ll finish sooner. However, enrolling in a full-time class is a big commitment. Doing so means devoting much of your day to learning and studying Tableau. Full-time classes often include homework and may require you to work on an end-of-class project. Part-time classes take longer to complete, but the slower pace will provide you with more time to become comfortable with Tableau and ask the questions that you need to. Prices for full-time and part-time learning options are typically the same but always check beforehand with the school you’re enrolling in. 

Learn Tableau with Noble Desktop

You can learn Tableau with Noble Desktop in one of their Tableau classes. Noble offers a variety of Tableau classes that will meet your learning needs. They offer classes in-person, at their NYC location, live online, and onsite for companies pursuing their corporate training options. 

Attend Noble Desktop’s Tableau Bootcamp for an immersive, practical introduction to Tableau. The bootcamp is 12 hours long and covers introductory, intermediate, and advanced-level Tableau tools. You’ll first learn about data visualization and datasets used in Tableau before moving on to exploring, filtering, analyzing, and structuring data to create eye-catching data visualizations. No prior experience with Tableau is necessary before enrolling, although you should feel comfortable using a computer. 

If you’re interested in certificate programs and all they offer, enroll in Noble Desktop’s Tableau Certification Program. This course prepares students for the Tableau Desktop Specialist certification exam, which many use to begin working as a Tableau Desktop Specialist. This exam requires thorough knowledge of and experience with Tableau, which you’ll gain in this bootcamp. You can expect to receive hands-on training and complete individual projects over the two-part program. Six hours of private tutoring will ensure you’re comfortable with course topics and prepared for the certification exam. 

Noble Desktop offers a Data Analytics Certificate program for those looking to take their knowledge of data analytics and visualization beyond Tableau. This program covers the foundations of data analytics, data visualization, and statistical analysis while walking students through Tableau, Python, Excel, and SQL. The length of the program varies, with a six-week full-time or 24-week part-time option available. 

Finally, companies have the option of registering their employees for Tableau training. Noble Desktop’s corporate training program allows companies to select from existing Tableau courses offered live online or onsite. From there, employees have the option of attending the classes that fit their schedule. You can also reach out to Noble Desktop to learn about customizable curricula to ensure that lessons meet your team’s learning goals.