Data Visualization Certifications Worth Getting
Getting a data visualization certification is not required to be a data analyst, but having one can set you apart from other candidates as it shows dedication and commitment to the craft. The most common data visualizations software you will see being asked are Power BI and Tableau.
Tableau
Tableau has been around since 2003 and was bought by Salesforce in 2019. Tableau is known for its user-friendly UI and its ability to generate dashboards quickly and efficiently in very little time. I personally find you don’t really need to obtain a certification when using just the basic features, but if you would like to become the subject matter expert (SME) then it’s worth investing in.
As Salesforce has taken over Tableau, they have included a training pathway to help you prepare for the exam. I have found it to be pretty easy to follow along as it includes small reading samples, practice problems, and knowledge checks to help you solidify your Tableau skills.
If you are interested in what the Tableau certification roadmap has to offer, follow this link.
Microsoft Power BI
Power BI was first introduced back in 2011 under the name Project Crescent and was bundled with a SQL server. It was later renamed to Power BI and was released in 2015.
Power BI is not as user-friendly as its competitor, the reason being it’s made for more technical people like data analyst who know how to easily navigate its clunky UI. Once you get the basics of its navigation system, you’ll master it fairly quickly as it pairs well with other Microsoft products like Excel and their servers to help capture live or static data. It also integrates with Salesforce.
Microsoft has their own roadmap on preparing for their exam and it’s similar to Salesforce with a bit more interaction on how to navigate Power BI like a pro. Most of their training is condensed into sections but can be overwhelming as some sections can be a days’ worth of studying.
If you are interested in what the Power BI certification roadmap has to offer, follow this link.
Each certification has their own level of investment when it comes to time and money. Depending on how comfortable you are with each software take that into consideration for which exam would be the most beneficial for you.
As I mentioned earlier, these certifications are optional for a data analyst to take as your degree would have included both of these software’s in their curriculum, or at least they should’ve. If you were unlucky in the quality of education you received, I would recommend investing in the Power BI certification as most employers are leaning towards it, and Tableau is fairly easy to master.
Which data visualization software is worth getting for you?