Becoming a Tableau Certified Data Analyst was an intense and memorable journey. From unexpected obstacles to valuable lessons learned, here's how my exam day went and tips to help your experience go smoothly.
Before the Exam
It all started with a small panic: my phone shut down during the commute, leaving me without navigation. I'm very bad with directions, but thankfully, I managed to find the test center just in time. Lesson learned: charge your phone and check the route beforehand. Planning extra time for your commute is also recommended. My exam was scheduled for 11:00, and I arrived 20 minutes early, as I always allow extra time for any potential mishaps.
Checking in took longer than expected. You'll need to read and sign some papers, present two IDs (such as a driver’s license and a passport) and have your photo taken. Additionally, you'll need time to lock your belongings away, pat yourself down and show your empty pockets. My locker key and ID were the only items I was allowed to bring into the room. Surprisingly, they didn’t check my glasses for smart tech, as mentioned on the Tableau exam page. Don't stress too much about being a few minutes late, the exam only begins when you sit down and click 'Start.'
The test room was small but well-equipped. Noise-canceling earmuffs at each seat defintely helped me focus. You will be alone with your fellow test takers but you’re monitored via cameras and the others will have slightly different questions.
During the Exam
The format changed from November 1, meaning my exam was theoretical, not practical. As a result, I didn’t need to use the two keyboards (GER/ENG) provided. The exam layout was slightly different compared to the mock tests, so I didn’t notice the instructions in the top-left corner indicating how many answers to choose. For the first 24 questions, I assumed all were single-choice (thankfully they were). But I had to double-check each one, so I kept clicking the "Previous" button. At one point, I accidentally clicked past the first question, triggering a screen asking if I wanted to finish the exam. I panicked but I clicked "No" and returned to to questions 24. However, the "Previous" button disappeared, adding even more pressure. At this point my stress level was through the roof. From there, I could only flag questions to review later.
I’ve split this blog into two parts, as I learned a lot in just a few hours. In part two, I’ll wrap up my day and share my top tips for success.