Table of Contents
Resources to Prepare for Data Analyst Exam
Following section contains the Course Exam Guidelines Domain, main subject areas and topic points mentioned in each domain.
We have provided topic wise resources to supplement your preparation.
This is an exhaustive list prepared from exam point of view. After the removal of hand-on questions from the Data Analyst exam, the need to have a good understanding of all concepts has immensely increased and it is expected for you to touch each and every topic mentioned in the course outline.
Types of resources
We have mostly relied on the following resources
Getting Started with Tableau Desktop
Tableau Desktop and Web Authoring Help Book - HTML Version
Tableau Desktop and Web Authoring Help Book - PDF Version
and related You Tube videos, articles and blogs published by individuals and organizations.
Exam Preparation Tracker
We have created an Exam Preparation Tracker that will be super helpful to keep an eye on your progress and track your pace. This google sheet is available for you to download and use as per your need.
We would appreciate if you find any resource to be included or you think is irrelevant, we could like to review and correct it.
Let us work together to make it more authentic and useful for all of us.
Connect and Transform Data
1.1 Connect to data sources
1.1.1. Identify data source
1.1.2. Determine live connection vs. extract
Live versus extract discussion
Live Versus Extract Discussion on Community
1.1.3. Connect to extracts
Create Data source for Live Connection
1.1.4. Connect to files
Tableau Connecting to Files– Knowledge Base
Tableau Connecting to Files – YouTube Video
1.1.5. Connect to relational databases
Supported Connectors Showing all types of data sources to connect
1.1.6. Connect to published data sources from a Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud site
Connect to Published Data Sources
Determine how others access your published data
1.1.7. Replace the connected data source with another data source for an existing chart or sheet
1.2. Prepare data for analysis
How to Prepare Data in tableau – Eric Youtube
1.2.1. Assess data quality (completeness, consistency, accuracy)
How to measure data quality issues- General Understanding document
1.2.2. Perform cleaning operations
Cleaning and shaping your data in tableau
1.2.3. Organize data fields into folders
Organize and Customize Fields in the Data Pane
1.2.4. Use multiple data sources (establish relationships, create joins, union tables)
How Relationships Differ from Joins
Concepts of Union – Join - Blend
Tableau Relations vs Join = YouTube
1.2.5. Prepare data by using Data Interpreter, pivot, and split
Connect Data by Luks for Data Interpreter, pivot, and split
Reference Link 1 on same topic
Reference Link 2 on same topic
1.2.6. Create extract and data source filters
Editing a Published Data Source On Tableau Server
1.3. Perform data transformation in Tableau Prep
Data Transformation using Prep
1.3.1. Choose which data transformation to perform based on a business scenario
Conceptual document explaining in detail
Data Transformations Using Pivot - YouTube
Data restructuring using Tableau – YouTube
Data Transformations in Tableau
1.3.2. Combine data by using unions
Aggregate, Join, or Union Data
Union your Data in Tableau Prep - YouTube
1.3.3. Combine data by using joins
1.3.4. Shape data by using aggregations
Shape Data using aggregation - YouTube
Why Aggregations Are Important in Tableau Calculations
1.3.5. Perform filtering
Context Filters and their usage
Power of Context Filters - YouTube
Using Actions to Access Linked Data
1.3.6. Shape data by using pivots
3 ways to Pivot in Tableau Desktop YouTube
1.3.7. Determine which output type to use
Tableau Prep - Branches and Multiple Outputs?
1.4. Customize fields
Organize and Customize Fields in the Data Pane
Organize Data Pane into Folders in Tableau - YouTube
1.4.1. Change default field properties (types, sorting, etc.)
Edit Default Settings for Fields
1.4.2. Rename columns
Create Aliases to Rename Members in the View
1.4.3. Choose when to convert between discrete and continuous
Convert Fields between Discrete and Continuous
1.4.4. Choose when to convert between dimension and measure
Convert a Measure to a Dimension
1.4.5. Create aliases
Create Aliases in Tableau - YouTube
Domain 2: Explore and Analyze Data
2.1. Create calculated fields
Get Started with Calculations in Tableau
Create a Simple Calculated Field
Calculated Fields in Tableau - YouTube
2.1.1. Write date calculations
2.1.2. Write string functions
Regular Expressions in Tableau
2.1.3. Write logical and Boolean expressions
Additional Material on Boolean Expressions
2.1.4. Write number functions
Number Functions
Pass-Through Functions (RAWSQL)
FORMAT() Function Workarounds in Tableau
2.1.5. Write type conversion functions
Convert a Field to a Date Field
Tableau Type Conversion with STR, INT and FLOAT functions. - YouTube
2.1.6. Write aggregate functions
Aggregate Functions in Tableau
2.1.7. Write basic spatial calculations
Spatial Function – YouTube Link 1
Spatial Function – YouTube Link 2
2.3. Create table calculations
Tableau Calculation by Andy - YouTube
2.3.1. Moving average and window average
How to Calculate % over a Running Total - YouTube
How Predictive modeling works in Tableau
Predictive Modeling Functions – YouTube Link1
Predictive Modelling Functions – YouTube Link 2
2.3.2. Percent of total
Calculate Percentages in Tableau
How to Calculate a Percent of Total for Measure Values in Tableau
Percent of Total in Tableau – YouTube Link
2.3.3. Running total
Running Calculations in Tableau
Recommended to read full article of Table Calculation Types
Running Total and Moving Average – YouTube Link 1
Running Total with Relative Dates in Tableau – YouTube Link 2
2.3.4. Difference and percent of difference
Percent Difference From calculation
Year Over Year Difference of the Percent Of Total
Calculations Difference, Percent of Total and Rank - YouTube
2.3.5. Percentile
Percentile Calculation in Tableau
How Percentile works in Tableau - YouTube
2.3.6. Index
Index Function Knowledge Link 1
2.3.7. Ranking
Rank Function and its variants- YouTube
Rank Using Table Calculation - YouTube
2.3.8. Apply quick table calculations
2.3.9. Customize table calculations
Transform Values with Table Calculations
Modifying Table Calculations in Tableau - YouTube
2.4. Create and use filters
Create a User Filter and Secure it for Publishing
Tableau Filters - Comprehensive Tutorial - YouTube
Adding Filters to Tableau Dashboards
2.4.1. Apply filters to dimensions and measures
Add filter on a Specific Value of a Dimension - YouTube
2.4.2. Configure filter settings including Top N, Bottom N, include, exclude, wildcard, and conditional
Four Ways to Perform a Top N in Tableau
Advanced Filtering Top and Bottom 10 - YouTube
Wildcard and conditional filter - YouTube
MULTIPLE FILTER CONDITIONS (INCLUDE & EXCLUDE) - YouTube
2.4.3. Add filters to context
Understanding Context Filters - YouTube
2.4.4. Apply filters to multiple sheets and data sources
Apply Filters to Multiple Worksheets
Apply Filter to Multiple Worksheets in Tableau - YouTube
Filter Across Multiple Data Sources - YouTube
2.5. Create parameters to enable interactivity
Use Parameters to Make Views More Interactive
Tableau Parameter Actions - YouTube
Add Interactivity To Tableau With Dashboard Actions - YouTube
2.5.1. In calculations
Use Parameters with Calculated Field in Tableau - YouTube
2.5.2. With filters
How to Add Interactivity to Your Dashboards - YouTube
2.5.3. With reference lines
Creating Adjustable Reference Lines
Using Parameter as a reference Line
Dynamic Reference Lines using Parameters - YouTube
2.5.4. Set parameters to dynamically refresh
Dynamic data changes using dynamic parameters
Dynamic Parameters in Tableau - YouTube
2.6. Structure the data
2.6.1. Sets
Various Ways to use sets in Tableau
How to Use Set in Tableau - YouTube
Ultimate Guide on Sets - YouTube
2.6.2. Bins
Create Bins from a Continuous Measure
Make Your Tableau Bins Dynamic
How to use Calculated Fields and Bins in Tableau - YouTube
Tableau Bins & Histograms: Unlocking Data Distribution - YouTube
2.6.3. Hierarchies
How to Create and Use Hierarchies in Tableau – YouTube
The Power of Drill Down & Drill Up - YouTube
2.6.4. Groups
How do Tableau Groups Work? - YouTube
2.7. Map data geographically
Maps and Geographic Data Analysis in Tableau
Get Started Mapping with Tableau
The Mapping Workspace in Tableau
Location Data that Tableau Supports for Building Map Views
Building Geographic Maps in Tableau for Beginners - YouTube
2.7.1. Create symbol maps
Create Maps that Show Quantitative Values in Tableau
Understanding and Using Symbol Maps
Tableau Tutorial - Symbol Maps - YouTube
2.7.2. Create density maps
Create Heatmaps that Show Trends or Density in Tableau
How to create density maps using hexbins in Tableau
Mastering Density Maps in Tableau for Data Visualization - YouTube
2.7.3. Create choropleth maps (filled maps)
Tableau Choropleth Map Tutorial - YouTube
2.7.4. Create mark layers
Create Geographic Layers for Maps
2.8. Summarize, model, and customize data by using the Analytics pane
Apply Advanced Analysis to a View (Analytics Pane)
Tableau Visual Analytics - YouTube
2.8.1. Totals and subtotals
Show Totals in a Visualization
Displaying Only Selected Totals
Display Grand Totals and Subtotals in a Tableau Worksheet
Tableau Tip - Totals and Subtotals - YouTube
2.8.2. Reference lines
Tableau Charts: Box Plot - YouTube
2.8.3. Reference bands
Reference Line & Reference Band in Tableau - YouTube
2.8.4. Average lines
Total Average as a Reference Line
How To Create an Average Line in Tableau - YouTube
2.8.5. Trend lines
Add Trend Lines to a Visualization
Trend Line & Trend Model in Tableau
2.8.6. Distribution bands
Reference Line, Band & Box Plot in Tableau
2.8.7. Forecast by using default settings
How Forecasting Works in Tableau
Tableau: Forecasting - YouTube
2.8.8. Customize a data forecasting model
Forecast with Exponential Smoothing in Tableau
2.9. Create Level of Detail (LOD) calculations
Create Level of Detail Expressions in Tableau
How Level of Detail Expressions Work in Tableau
Table-Scoped Level of Detail Expressions
Level of Detail Expressions and Aggregation
Filters and Level of Detail Expressions
Data Source Constraints for Level of Detail Expressions
Tableau LOD (Level of Detail) Expressions - YouTube
2.9.1. Write FIXED LOD calculations
Fixed Level of Detail (LOD) - YouTube
2.9.2. Write INCLUDE LOD calculations
2.9.3. Write EXCLUDE LOD calculations
EXCLUDE Level of Detail (LOD) - YouTube
2.9.4. Write nested LOD calculations
Tableau Nested LODs - A Dummy’s Guide
The Basics of Nested Level of Detail Expressions - YouTube
Nested LOD's Made Easy - YouTube
Domain 3: Create Content
3.1. Create charts
3.1.1. Create basic charts from scratch (bar, line, pie, highlight table, scatter plot, histogram, tree map, bubbles, data tables, Gantt, box plots, area, dual axis, combo)
Build Common Chart Types in Data Views
How to build a Bar Chart - YouTube
How to build Line charts in Tableau - YouTube
How to build a Pie Chart in Tableau - YouTube
Creating a Highlight Table Tableau Visualization - Youtube
How to build Scatter plot in Tableau - YouTube
How to build Histograms in Tableau - YouTube
How to build a TreeMap chart in Tableau - YouTube
How to Build a Packed Bubble Chart in Tableau - YouTube
How to Create a Text Table -YouTube
How to create a Gantt Chart - YouTube
Tableau Charts: Box Plot - YouTube
How to Build an Area Chart in Tableau
How to Create a Combination Chart - YouTube
How to build a Bullet chart in Tableau - YouTube
Build with Density Marks (Heatmap)
Create one Density Map with Tableau - YouTube
3.1.2. Sort data (including custom sort)
How to Sort in Tableau (6 Different Methods!) - YouTube
3.2. Create dashboards and stories
Create Dashboard Layouts for Different Devices
Best Practices for Effective Dashboards
Explore Dashboards with Data Guide
Add a Tableau Data Story to a Dashboard
Best Practices for Telling Great Stories
Example – A Story That Examines a Trend
Make an AWESOME Tableau Dashboard in Only 10 Minutes - YouTube
Storytelling in Tableau with Dashboards - YouTube
3.2.1. Combine sheets into a dashboard by using containers and layout options
Size and Lay Out Your Dashboard
Tableau Layout Containers Explained
A shortcut for selecting layout containers
3.2.2. Add objects (containers, images, text)
3 Fun Tips for Containers in Tableau
How to Use Layout Containers – YouTube
How to Add a Text Box to a Tableau Dashboard - YouTube
Adding Images & Links to Tableau Dashboard - YouTube
3.2.3. Create stories using story points
How to Create a Story and Add Story Points in Tableau - YouTube
3.3. Add interactivity to dashboards
What are the different - YouTube
How to create Hover Charts on dashboards - YouTube
Use Field and Filter Values in Action Names
3.3.1. Use filter in a dashboard
Tableau Filter and Quick Actions - YouTube
3.3.2. Add filter, URL, and highlight actions
Highlight Actions in Dashboards - YouTube
Create Advanced Highlight Actions
Tableau Highlight Actions in Dashboards - YouTube
3.3.3. Create interactivity using dynamic zone visibility
Swap sheets, containers and more! Dynamic Zone Visibility - YouTube
Dynamic Zone Visibility with Tableau Dashboard Actions - YouTube
3.3.4. Add navigation buttons
Creation to Navigate to Other Dashboards
Navigation Bar Menu and Using Buttons - YouTube
3.3.5. Create interactivity using set and parameter actions
Tableau Set Actions - YouTube
Tableau Parameter Actions - YouTube
3.3.6 Create show/hide buttons for dashboard objects
Show and hide button for tiled layout items
3.4. Format workbooks, worksheets, and dashboards
3.4.1. Apply color, font, shapes, styling
Control the Appearance of Marks in the View
Top 10 Tableau Formatting Tricks - YouTube
3.4.2. Add custom shapes and color palettes
3.4.3. Add annotations
Annotations in Tableau - YouTube
3.4.4. Customize tooltips
3.4.5. Apply padding
Add padding, borders, and background colors around items
Inner and outer padding on a Tableau dashboard- YouTube
3.4.6. Format gridlines, row-level and column-level bands, and shading
How to remove horizontal and vertical grid lines - YouTube
Format Worksheets in Tableau - YouTube
Conditionally Format Text Cell Color in Tableau - YouTube
3.4.7. Create a responsive design for specific device layouts
Create Dashboard Layouts for Different Device Types
Responsive Tableau dashboards for mobile and desktop
Design for mobile devices (device specific designer) – YouTube
Domain 4: Publish and Manage Content on Tableau Server and Tableau Cloud
4.1. Publish Content
Publish Data Sources and Workbooks
Make Workbooks Compatible with Older Versions
Set Credentials for Accessing Your Published Data
Use Tableau Bridge to Keep Tableau Cloud Data Fresh
Comprehensive Steps to Publish a Workbook
4.1.1. Publish a workbook
Prepare for Publishing a Workbook
Simple Steps to Publish a Workbook
Upload Workbooks to a Tableau Site
Comprehensive Steps to Publish a Workbook
Set Permissions as You Publish a Data Source or Workbook
How to publish data source, extracts and workbooks - YouTube
4.1.2. Publish a data source from Desktop or Prep
Best Practices for Published Data Sources
Visual Segment Creation to Data Cloud
Restrict Access at the Data Row Level
Authorize Access to Cloud Data Published to Tableau Cloud
Publishing data sources - YouTube
4.1.3. Export content
Export Data from Tableau Desktop
4.1.4. Publish a flow
Publish a Flow to Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud
Publishing a Flow And Publishing a Data Source
4.2. Schedule data updates
4.2.1. Schedule data extract refreshes
Schedule Extract Refreshes as You Publish a Workbook
4.3. Manage published workbooks
Edit published data sources - YouTube
4.3.1. Create alerts
Send Data-Driven Alerts from Tableau
Data driven alerts in Tableau - YouTube
4.3.2. Create subscriptions
Create a Subscription to a View or Workbook
Create a Subscription to a View or Workbook - Tableau
How to Set up Tableau Subscriptions
4.3.3. Create and save custom views
Maintain Content with Custom Views
4.3.4. Understand user roles and permissions
Permissions, Site Roles, and Licenses
Permission Capabilities and Templates
Manage Permissions with Projects
Permissions, Site Roles, and Licenses
Quick Start: Set Up Permissions
Manage Permissions for External Assets
Tableau Server & Tableau Cloud Permissions: Part 1
4.3.5. Customize and distribute a published workbook