Power BI Roadmap

A step-by-step Power BI roadmap: what to learn in order, the related skills and the best places to learn each step.

The stack, end to end

  • Data: Excel, Formulas, Pivot tables, Data cleaning, Charts, Power BI, Tableau, DAX basics, Dashboard design, Data storytelling, Data warehousing, Star schema, Dimensional modelling, ETL vs ELT
  • Database: SQL, SELECT and WHERE, JOINs, GROUP BY and aggregates, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE

  1. Spreadsheets and Excel

    Suggested pace: Start here

    Most analysis starts in a spreadsheet. Learn formulas, lookups, pivot tables, charts, cleaning messy data and building a clear summary sheet.

    Skills

    • Excel
    • Formulas
    • Pivot tables
    • Data cleaning
    • Charts

    Tips

    • Re-do a report you have already seen, from raw data, to check your numbers match.

    Where to learn

  2. SQL basics

    Suggested pace: Next

    SQL is how you ask a relational database questions. Learn SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, GROUP BY, aggregate functions, joins and how to create, insert, update and delete data.

    Skills

    • SQL
    • SELECT and WHERE
    • JOINs
    • GROUP BY and aggregates
    • INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE

    Tips

    • Practise on real-looking data. Write the query by hand before using any tool that writes it for you.

    Where to learn

  3. Dashboards and BI tools

    Suggested pace: Then

    Turn data into dashboards people can use. Learn to choose the right chart, model data for reports, and build with Power BI or Tableau.

    Skills

    • Power BI
    • Tableau
    • DAX basics
    • Dashboard design
    • Data storytelling

    Tips

    • A dashboard should answer a question. Start from the decision it supports.

    Where to learn

  4. Data modelling and warehousing

    Suggested pace: After that

    Learn how data is organised for reporting: facts and dimensions, star schemas, and the difference between a transactional database and a warehouse.

    Skills

    • Data warehousing
    • Star schema
    • Dimensional modelling
    • ETL vs ELT

    Tips

    • Model a small business (a shop, a school) as a star schema on paper.

    Where to learn

Frequently asked questions

Where should I start with Power BI?

Start at step 1 and work down in order, because later steps build on earlier ones. If you are signed in, the roadmap compares your resume with each step and marks where you could start.

Is Power BI worth learning?

Check how many job adverts in your area mention Power BI, and whether it fits the kind of work you want. This roadmap shows what to learn; the Browse jobs page shows what employers are asking for.

How do I know I am ready to apply?

When you can build a small project from start to finish without copying a tutorial, and explain why you made your choices. Apply while you keep learning; you do not need to know everything.