Tableau Data Analyst study plan
Tableau Data Analyst · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Data Preparation and Connection
Build a Tableau workbook connected to at least two different source types (a file and a database or published data source)
Create and document join, union, and relationship configurations on sample tables, noting how each changes row counts
Classify five sample fields by data type and geographic role, then correct any misassignments
Write three calculated fields using string and date functions and verify outputs against source rows
Your checkpoint
A documented workbook with a data model diagram listing each connection, join/relationship type, and resulting row count
Data Preparation and Connection
Clean a messy dataset by splitting, pivoting, and fixing data-type inconsistencies
Build a reusable data source with renamed fields, folders, and default number/date formats
Extract a subset of data and compare extract performance and filters against the live connection
Resolve at least three data quality issues (nulls, duplicates, outliers) and record the rule applied to each
Your checkpoint
A cleaned, documented data source with a one-page data quality log describing every transformation applied
Exploratory Analysis and Data Visualization
Choose the correct chart type for five analytical questions and justify each choice in writing
Build a view using at least two dimensions and two measures with proper aggregation and disaggregation
Create calculated fields using LOD expressions and confirm results against manually computed values
Apply filters at dimension, measure, and table-calc levels and explain the order of operations
Your checkpoint
A dashboard-free workbook of five worksheets, each annotated with the question it answers and why the chart type fits
Exploratory Analysis and Data Visualization & Data Preparation and Connection
Construct reference lines, bands, and distributions to highlight thresholds in three views
Build a small-multiples or trellis view and tune it for readability
Audit a prior data source for aggregation mismatches and correct at least two
Write three table calculations (rank, percent of total, running sum) and verify each
Your checkpoint
A revised analysis workbook with five views and a short notes page listing every calculation and its verification
Dashboard and Story Design
Assemble a dashboard using containers and layout hierarchy rather than floating objects
Add at least three interactive actions (filter, highlight, parameter) and test each across sheets
Design a consistent color, font, and number-format scheme and apply it across all sheets
Add a title, subtitle, and tooltip set that explains the dashboard's purpose without external notes
Your checkpoint
A single-screen dashboard with three working actions and a screenshot-based layout plan showing container structure
Dashboard and Story Design
Build a two-to-three-point story that walks a viewer from problem to conclusion
Refine dashboard performance by reducing marks, removing unused fields, and simplifying extracts
Test the dashboard at two device layouts and fix overflow or unreadable elements
Run a five-person usability check and log at least three concrete improvements
Your checkpoint
A published story plus a usability log with the fixes you made in response to feedback
Sharing, Governance, and Analytics Best Practices
Configure permissions for a project and a published data source, then verify access with a second account
Set up a scheduled extract refresh and confirm it runs successfully
Apply row-level security using a user filter and test it against two user roles
Document data source lineage and ownership for one published source
Your checkpoint
A governance one-pager covering permissions matrix, refresh schedule, and RLS test results
Sharing, Governance, and Analytics Best Practices & Exploratory Analysis and Data Visualization
Review all four domains and list remaining weak spots with a fix for each
Complete two timed practice sets mixing calculation, dashboard, and governance questions
Revisit incorrect items and write the reasoning for the correct approach
Finalize a portfolio page linking your dashboard, story, and governance documentation
Your checkpoint
A completed practice log with scores, error analysis, and a final portfolio index
Milestones
Week 2: Data source is cleaned, documented, and reproducible from raw inputs with a written quality log
Week 4: Five verified analytical views exist, each with a stated question, chart rationale, and checked calculations
Week 6: Dashboard and story pass a usability check with at least three logged improvements applied
Week 8: Practice scores show improvement across all four domains, with a portfolio index complete