In today’s competitive job market, certifications are a powerful way to validate your expertise in specific technologies. For those seeking to build a career in business intelligence (BI) and data visualization, obtaining a QlikView certification can be a significant step towards establishing credibility and opening doors to more advanced job roles.
QlikView, one of the most popular BI tools, helps businesses make informed decisions by transforming raw data into meaningful insights. Earning a QlikView certification not only proves your proficiency with the platform but also showcases your ability to design, develop, and maintain QlikView applications. This guide provides an overview of the certification process, its benefits, the exam structure, and tips to prepare.
Why Pursue QlikView Certification?
Obtaining QlikView certification can provide several advantages for your career. Here’s why you should consider it:
- Industry Recognition: A QlikView certification is globally recognized and respected in the industry. It shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills to work with QlikView, which can set you apart from other candidates in the job market.
- Increased Job Opportunities: As businesses continue to invest in data analytics, the demand for certified professionals is on the rise. With a QlikView certification, you’ll be eligible for roles such as QlikView Developer, BI Developer, Data Analyst, or even QlikView Consultant.
- Higher Salary Potential: Certified professionals often command higher salaries than their non-certified peers. Employers are willing to pay a premium for individuals who have validated their skills through certification.
- Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: The process of studying for the certification exam allows you to deepen your understanding of QlikView, from data modeling and scripting to designing effective dashboards and reports.
- Career Advancement: Certification opens up opportunities for career progression. With the foundational knowledge certified, you can advance to more specialized roles or even transition to other Qlik tools like Qlik Sense.
Types of QlikView Certifications
Qlik offers different certification paths to cater to various levels of expertise. Currently, QlikView has two main certifications:
- QlikView Business Analyst Certification
- Focus: This certification is designed for individuals who specialize in the analysis and design of QlikView applications. It focuses on user interface design, data visualization, and understanding business requirements.
- Target Audience: Business analysts, data analysts, and users responsible for creating reports and dashboards.
- Skills Tested:
- Designing QlikView applications that meet business requirements
- Creating data visualizations and user-friendly interfaces
- Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure accurate data representation
- QlikView Data Architect Certification
- Focus: This certification is tailored for developers and architects who are involved in creating the data models, scripting, and infrastructure required to support QlikView applications.
- Target Audience: Data architects, developers, and advanced users who handle the back-end aspects of QlikView.
- Skills Tested:
- Developing complex QlikView data models
- Managing the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) process
- Implementing advanced scripting for data manipulation and integration
- Optimizing QlikView applications for performance
Both certifications are designed for individuals with practical experience in QlikView. While the Business Analyst certification focuses on the front-end, user-experience side of QlikView, the Data Architect certification emphasizes the technical, back-end aspects of the tool.
Certification Exam Structure
QlikView certification exams are typically conducted online or at authorized testing centers. Below is a general structure of the exams:
- Number of Questions: The exams consist of approximately 50-60 multiple-choice questions.
- Exam Duration: You will have 2 hours to complete the exam.
- Passing Score: The passing score is typically around 65-70%, but this may vary slightly depending on the specific certification.
- Topics Covered:
- QlikView Business Analyst Certification:
- QlikView basics and interface navigation
- Data visualization best practices
- Designing dashboards and reports
- Understanding business requirements and aligning them with QlikView solutions
- QlikView Data Architect Certification:
- Data loading and manipulation in QlikView
- Developing data models
- Scripting and transformations in QlikView load scripts
- Performance optimization
- Security considerations and best practices for deployment
- QlikView Business Analyst Certification:
- Language: The exams are usually available in English, but other languages may be supported depending on the location.
- Format: The questions are primarily multiple-choice or multi-response, where you select one or more correct answers from a list of options.
Preparing for the QlikView Certification Exam
Earning a QlikView certification requires adequate preparation, as the exams are designed to be challenging and test a wide range of skills. Here are some steps to help you prepare:
- Review the Official Exam Guide: Qlik provides official exam guides for both the Business Analyst and Data Architect certifications. These guides outline the specific topics that will be covered and help you focus your study efforts.
- Take Online Courses: Several online learning platforms offer courses dedicated to QlikView certification. Qlik also offers its own training programs, which are tailored to the certification paths. These courses cover both theoretical and practical aspects, making them a great resource for hands-on learning.
- Practice with QlikView: The best way to prepare for the certification exam is through hands-on practice. Working on real-world data sets, creating dashboards, and developing QlikView applications will give you the practical experience you need to succeed in the exam.
- Join Qlik Community Forums: The Qlik community is a valuable resource for learning. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and learn from others who have already achieved certification. The community often shares exam tips, best practices, and advice on troubleshooting complex problems.
- Use Practice Exams: Taking practice exams can help you get accustomed to the exam format and time constraints. They also allow you to assess your readiness and identify areas where you may need more study.
- Study Documentation and Whitepapers: Qlik provides a wealth of documentation, including product manuals, whitepapers, and technical guides. These resources provide in-depth information about specific features and functionality that may appear on the exam.
- Stay Updated: QlikView is continuously evolving, with new updates and features being added regularly. Ensure that you’re familiar with the latest features and updates by reviewing Qlik’s release notes and announcements.
Certification Maintenance and Renewals
Qlik certifications do not have an official expiration date. However, it’s recommended to stay current by taking recertification exams or earning certifications for newer versions of QlikView or other Qlik tools like Qlik Sense. Staying updated with the latest developments ensures that your skills remain relevant and that you’re equipped to handle any changes in the platform.
Conclusion
Obtaining a QlikView certification is a significant career milestone for professionals in the field of business intelligence and data analytics. Whether you choose the Business Analyst or Data Architect certification, the credential not only validates your expertise but also opens up new career opportunities and enhances your professional reputation. With the right preparation and hands-on experience, you can successfully pass the certification exam and take your QlikView skills to the next level.
By investing time in learning the nuances of QlikView and earning your certification, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence and your ability to help organizations turn data into actionable insights.