DATA ANALYTICS
2025 Comparison

Tableau vs Power BI Certification

Compare Tableau and Power BI certifications for data visualization and business intelligence. Which BI tool certification is better?

Side-by-Side Comparison
Salary Insights
Expert Verdict

Tableau Desktop Specialist

Tableau/Salesforce

Difficulty
Foundational
Duration60 minutes
Cost$100 USD
Valid ForDoes not expire
Salary Range$75,000 - $115,000

Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)

Microsoft

Difficulty
Associate
Duration120 minutes
Cost$165 USD
Valid For1 year (renewal)
Salary Range$80,000 - $120,000
Detailed Comparison

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side

FeatureTableau Desktop SpecialistMicrosoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)
ProviderTableau/SalesforceMicrosoft
Difficulty Level
Foundational
Associate
Exam Duration60 minutes120 minutes
Exam Cost$100 USD$165 USD
Exam FormatMultiple choice, hands-onMultiple choice, case studies
PrerequisitesNoneNone
Validity PeriodDoes not expire1 year (renewal)
Ideal ForData analysts, BI developersMicrosoft ecosystem data analysts
Salary Range$75,000 - $115,000$80,000 - $120,000
Coverage Areas

What Each Certification Covers

Key topics and domains covered in each exam

Tableau Desktop Specialist Focus Areas

  • Connecting to Data
  • Organizing Data
  • Analyzing Data
  • Sharing Insights

Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) Focus Areas

  • Prepare Data
  • Model Data
  • Visualize Data
  • Deploy Assets
  • DAX
Expert Verdict

Our Recommendation

Tableau is industry-leading for visualization; Power BI integrates with Microsoft 365.

Choose Tableau Desktop Specialist

Choose Tableau for best-in-class visualization and enterprise analytics.

Choose Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)

Choose Power BI if you work with Microsoft tools or want cost-effective BI.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Tableau Desktop Specialist or Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)?

Tableau is industry-leading for visualization; Power BI integrates with Microsoft 365.

What are the salary differences between Tableau Desktop Specialist?

Tableau Desktop Specialist typically offers salaries around $75,000 - $115,000, while Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) offers $80,000 - $120,000.

Which certification should I get first?

Choose Tableau for best-in-class visualization and enterprise analytics. Choose Power BI if you work with Microsoft tools or want cost-effective BI.

How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?

Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.

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