Here is everything you need to know about the recent Tableau Desktop Specialist Exam changes, and what it means for your studying with the Zero to Data Viz book.
Tableau Desktop Specialist Exam Changes Summary (2021)
Tableau software version tested is now 2020.3. This means relationships are now in scope for the testing, and you can expect to see a couple questions on this topic. There are also a couple of minor enhancement topics like exporting to PowerPoint. While that’s a a big change, the most significant change is the exam format and delivery.
The testing platform moves to PearsonVUE. Once setup on your machine, the exam itself is easier to navigate than using the virtual environment in the LES platform. However, setup took over 20 minutes.
Testing structure and format is all multiple choice. The exam no longer includes a practical component. There are 45 total questions, 40 scored and 5 unscored. The unscored questions are for Tableau’s learning to inform future exam enhancements. The scale for the remaining 40 questions is out of 1000 points, with 750 required to pass. This is an increase in the passing score threshold from the previous exam version. The requirement before the switch was 70% and 750 out of 1000 is 75%.
The topic weightings changed. The new exam version covers the same domains with a slightly different distribution.
The test is now full recall. Previously, you had access to the Tableau Desktop application, help files, and an internet browser. Now the test relies entirely on your ability to recall information, and you must have a clear desk / testing workspace.
Tips for Taking the updated Tableau Desktop Specialist Exam
Daily practice to familiarise yourself with the menus and ways to add elements to the visualization. There were a few questions that asked where can you click to add <insert element> to the viz. Daily practice will help with that recall.
Start with what you know. As with all timed tests, your best bet is to quickly answer every question you are certain to get right. Then, you can return to the more challenging questions. Thankfully, their is a checkbox in the exam for you to flag questions you want to review after going through all 45 questions. Using this review capability, ensures you receive the points for everything yo1u know, and that you do not run out of time, trying to remember answers to more difficult questions. Additionally, there may be a hint or screenshot in a later question that triggers your memory.
Have a glass of water on your desk. Productive pauses are helpful to calm the mind, which will improve recall. A small, mindful sip of water can help you relax and release the information you need from your incredible brainstores.
Take a practice exam. For $9.99 you can take the Zero to Data Viz practice exam, and there are others available on the web. Additionally, you can take the free Zero to Data Viz practice quiz.
What this means with the Zero to Data Viz book
Since I intended Zero to Data Viz to work with Tableau Public, it already covers the relationships. However, I recommend spending a bit more time on relationships, and reading through the Tableau documentation here.
There is enough information regarding relationships in the book for you know pass the exam, but when I took the PearsonVUE test there were a couple of questions not covered explicitly in the book.
Thanks taking the time to care about the students who bought your book. It is rare to find someone who cares enough to let us know how to keep up with the exam updates.
Truly great book by the way. You should really think about putting it in eformat (kindle, ebook, etc) so that it is readily available to others. It took me a long time to find this book and it took several days for the supplier to mail it to me. But the content is great which is why I stress that you seriously consider doing an ebook format so your students (many of whom of the younger generation) can purchase it instantly. Having it in eformat also makes it, by default, available to a larger audience. This is hands down the best book for prepping for the exam! Great work.
Thanks Ron! I appreciate the kind words. The book started out as a web page and the students I had at the time asked for print. I said I’d wait for the first person to ask for a kindle book and then figure out the layout. Looks like it’s game on now.
Let me know if I can help as you prepare for the exam.