LEVEL 1: Foundation — Getting Started with Tableau

Goal: Build familiarity with Tableau’s interface, data basics, and visualization concepts.
Duration: 1 week (6–8 hours total)

1. Introduction to Data Visualization & Tableau

   • What is Tableau and why it’s used

   • BI vs Data Visualization

   • Tableau products: Desktop, Prep, Online, Server, Public

2. Getting Around Tableau Desktop

   • Interface overview (Data Pane, Shelves, Marks Card, Toolbar)

   • Connecting to data sources (Excel, CSV, Google Sheets, SQL)

   • Exploring data connections and extracts

3. Understanding Data Types & Structure

   • Dimensions vs Measures

   • Discrete vs Continuous fields

   • Working with metadata and data preparation basics

4. Building Your First Visualizations

   • Bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, maps

   • Using “Show Me” to quickly build visuals

   • Formatting visuals and applying filters

5. Foundational Dashboard Design

   • Combining sheets into dashboards

   • Adding interactivity with filters and highlights

   • Publishing and sharing dashboards

Practical Exercises:

• Connect to a sample sales dataset

• Create a regional sales dashboard

LEVEL 2: Intermediate — Visual Analytics and Dashboard Design

1. Data Preparation & Cleaning

   • Using Tableau Prep

   • Handling nulls, joins, blends, and unions

   • Creating data extracts vs live connections

2. Advanced Chart Types & Visual Techniques

   • Heat maps, tree maps, scatter plots, dual-axis charts

   • Parameter controls and dynamic calculations

   • Custom color schemes and design consistency

3. Calculated Fields & Analytics Features

   • Basic calculations, aggregations, and logical functions

   • Table calculations (running totals, rank, percent of total)

   • Trend lines, forecasts, and reference bands

4. Designing Interactive Dashboards

   • Dashboard actions (filters, highlights, URL actions)

   • Navigation buttons and interactivity

   • Mobile layout optimization

5. Storytelling with Tableau

   • Using Tableau Stories

   • Narrative flow and user experience

   • Aligning visuals with business context

Practical Exercises

• Create an interactive “Executive Sales Performance” dashboard

• Build a story dashboard showcasing a business trend

LEVEL 3: Advanced — Data Strategy and Automation

Goal: Enable learners to apply Tableau in real-world business intelligence contexts.
Duration: 2–3 weeks (15–18 hours total)

Modules:

1. Advanced Data Modelling

   • Relationships, joins, and blending multiple data sources

   • Using Data Extract API

   • Parameter-driven and dynamic dashboards

2. Performance Optimization & Best Practices

   • Dashboard performance tuning

   • Data extracts vs live connections trade-offs

   • Efficient workbook design

3. Data Governance & Collaboration

   • Publishing on Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud

   • Managing permissions and user roles

   • Version control and collaboration workflows

4. Integrating Tableau with Other Tools

   • Tableau and Excel, SQL, Google Analytics, Power BI

   • Exporting dashboards and embedding visuals

   • Using Tableau extensions and APIs

5. Capstone Project

   • Real-world dataset (finance, marketing, or operations)

   • Design, build, and present a full business dashboard

   • Peer review and feedback

Outcome:

• Create and publish a professional BI dashboard.

• Present insights as a data-driven story.

LEVEL 4: Tableau Proficiency & Certification Prep

Goal: Prepare for Tableau Desktop Specialist / Certified Associate exams.
Duration: 1–2 weeks

Focus Areas:

• Exam domain review (data connections, organization, calculations, analytics)

• Mock tests & timed practice

• Portfolio review and final presentation