About This Course
In today's data-saturated business environment, the ability to rapidly explore, visualise, and communicate data insights is a critical competitive advantage. Qlik Sense has emerged as one of the world's leading self-service business intelligence platforms, enabling organisations across every sector to move beyond static reports and embrace interactive, associative analytics that reveal hidden relationships in data.
This ten-day Qlik Sense Essentials Training programme, delivered by TrainingComplex, provides a comprehensive and practical foundation in Qlik Sense — from initial installation and data connectivity through to advanced scripting, data modelling, and enterprise-grade dashboard design. The course is structured to progressively build each participant's capability, beginning with core platform concepts and culminating in the delivery of a fully functional, publication-ready Qlik Sense application.
Participants will spend significant time working directly within the Qlik Sense environment, applying skills to realistic business scenarios drawn from finance, operations, sales, and HR. By the end of the programme, delegates will be confident in designing robust data models, writing Qlik load scripts, building intuitive sheets and visualisations, and sharing insights securely across their organisation. Whether you are new to Qlik Sense or looking to formalise and deepen existing knowledge, this course delivers the structured, expert-led learning you need to become an effective Qlik Sense practitioner.
Who Should Attend
- Business analysts and data analysts seeking to build self-service BI capabilities
- IT professionals and developers tasked with deploying or supporting Qlik Sense
- Reporting specialists transitioning from spreadsheet-based tools to interactive dashboards
- BI developers looking to add Qlik Sense to their technical skill set
- Operations, finance, sales, and HR professionals who consume or produce data reports
- Project managers and team leads who require dashboard skills for performance monitoring
- Data managers and database administrators involved in data integration projects
Learning Objectives
- Understand the Qlik Sense platform architecture, licensing model, and deployment options
- Connect Qlik Sense to multiple data sources including databases, spreadsheets, and cloud APIs
- Write and debug Qlik load scripts to transform and load data efficiently
- Build and optimise robust associative data models free of circular references and data islands
- Design professional, interactive sheets and dashboards using the full range of Qlik Sense visualisations
- Apply set analysis and calculated dimensions to perform advanced analytical expressions
- Use Qlik Sense's associative engine to perform dynamic, multi-path data exploration
- Implement master items, variables, and bookmarks to ensure consistency and reusability
- Publish, share, and govern Qlik Sense applications using the Qlik Management Console
- Apply data security and access control measures to protect sensitive information
- Optimise application performance through data model refinement and incremental loading
- Develop a complete, business-ready Qlik Sense application as a capstone project
Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Qlik Sense and the Associative Engine
- Qlik Sense platform overview: architecture, editions, and deployment models
- Understanding the associative analytics engine vs. query-based BI tools
- Navigating the Qlik Sense hub, app overview, and sheet editor interface
- Creating and saving your first Qlik Sense application
- Understanding how green, white, and grey selection states communicate data associations
- Exploring the Qlik Sense mobile experience and cloud collaboration capabilities
Module 2: Connecting to Data Sources
- Configuring data connections: ODBC, OLE DB, REST, and file-based sources
- Loading data from Excel, CSV, JSON, and databases using the Data Load Editor
- Using the Data Manager for point-and-click data loading and field association
- Evaluating data profiling results and handling missing or inconsistent values
- Managing connection credentials securely and understanding connection scope in multi-developer environments
- Using the SELECT statement wizard and reviewing auto-generated script from the Data Manager
Module 3: Qlik Load Script Fundamentals
- Load script syntax: LOAD statements, field selection, and aliasing
- Applying WHERE clauses, DISTINCT, and field transformations in the script
- Using inline loads, preceding loads, and resident loads effectively
- Debugging scripts using the debugger, log files, and synthetic error messages
- Organising multi-section scripts with tab naming conventions and execution order awareness
- Controlling script flow using IF, FOR, and DO WHILE loop constructs for conditional and iterative loading
Module 4: Data Transformation and Cleansing
- String, date, numeric, and conditional functions in the load script
- Using Crosstable, Intervalmatch, and Generic load for complex data structures
- Cleansing and standardising source data before it enters the data model
- Building reusable subroutines and include files for script modularisation
- Applying AutoNumber and hash functions to optimise key fields and reduce memory consumption
- Handling null values explicitly using NullAsValue, IsNull(), and null substitution strategies
Module 5: Data Modelling Best Practices
- Star schema and snowflake schema design within Qlik Sense
- Identifying and resolving synthetic keys, circular references, and data islands
- Using link tables and concatenation to create clean, performant models
- Reviewing and validating the data model using the Data Model Viewer
- Applying the mapping load and ApplyMap() function to enrich tables without creating additional table joins
- Understanding the impact of data model structure on associative behaviour, memory usage, and query performance
Module 6: Visualisations and Sheet Design
- Choosing the right chart type: bar, line, pie, scatter, map, and combo charts
- Configuring dimensions, measures, and chart properties for clarity and accuracy
- Applying conditional colouring, reference lines, and custom tooltips
- Designing responsive, accessible sheet layouts with consistent visual styling
- Using dimension limits, sorting options, and null value handling to control what appears in visualisations
- Creating KPI objects and text-and-image objects to provide contextual metrics and narrative on sheets
Module 7: Expressions, Calculated Dimensions, and Master Items
- Writing Aggr() expressions for advanced virtual table calculations
- Building calculated dimensions and measures for dynamic analytical views
- Creating and managing master items: dimensions, measures, and visualisations
- Using variables and input boxes to make applications interactive and flexible
- Applying If(), Match(), and nested conditional logic within chart expressions for context-aware measures
- Linking master items across multiple sheets to ensure consistent definitions and simplify future maintenance
Module 8: Set Analysis and Advanced Calculations
- Set analysis syntax: identifiers, operators, and modifiers explained
- Building comparative analyses: period-over-period, budget vs. actual, YTD
- Using alternate states to enable parallel data comparisons in a single sheet
- Applying RangeSum, Above(), Below(), and peek() for time-series calculations
- Using P() and E() set functions to reference possible and excluded values within set expressions
- Combining set analysis with Aggr() to produce segmented and conditionally scoped aggregations
Module 9: Filters, Bookmarks, Storytelling, and User Experience
- Configuring filter panes, search, and selection behaviours for usability
- Creating and sharing bookmarks to preserve and communicate key analytical states
- Building Qlik Sense stories for structured, narrative-driven data presentations
- Applying UX principles: consistent fonts, colour palettes, and layout grids
- Using smart search and associative selection to guide end users through exploratory analysis
- Designing sheet navigation, app descriptions, and guided analytics flows that reduce time to insight for business users
Module 10: Maps, Extensions, and Mashups
- Building map visualisations with area layers, point layers, and density layers
- Integrating approved visualisation extensions from the Qlik branch ecosystem
- Introduction to Qlik Sense mashups: embedding content in web applications
- Using the Dev Hub and Sense APIs for basic custom integration scenarios
- Configuring map background layers and controlling drill-down behaviour across geographic hierarchies
- Understanding the Capability APIs: how to use the App API and Visualization API to embed and interact with Qlik objects programmatically
Module 11: Incremental Loading and Performance Optimisation
- Designing incremental load scripts using QVD files for efficient data refresh
- Reducing data model size through field exclusion, data compression, and table consolidation
- Profiling application performance using the Qlik Sense log and built-in tools
- Best practices for scheduling reloads and managing large-scale data volumes
- Implementing QVD layers: raw, transformed, and reporting tiers for scalable data pipeline architecture
- Using on-demand app generation to deliver targeted subsets of large datasets to end users without loading full data models
Module 12: Publishing, Governance, and the Qlik Management Console
- Understanding the Qlik Management Console: streams, tasks, and user management
- Publishing applications to streams and managing access for different user groups
- Scheduling data reload tasks and monitoring task execution and failure alerts
- Implementing Section Access for row-level data security and user-based data filtering
- Configuring custom properties and tags to support governance, app classification, and lifecycle management at scale
- Auditing user activity and app usage through the Operations Monitor and License Monitor governance apps
Module 13: Capstone Project and Course Consolidation
- Receiving and scoping a real-world business brief for the capstone application
- Designing the data model, scripting data loads, and building all dashboard sheets
- Presenting the completed Qlik Sense application to the group with a live walkthrough
- Course review, certification guidance, Qlik continuous learning pathways, and next steps
- Applying peer review and structured feedback to evaluate expression logic, data model integrity, and dashboard usability
- Reflecting on personal learning outcomes and drafting a post-course development plan aligned to role-specific Qlik use cases
Requirements & Prerequisites
Participants should have a basic understanding of data concepts such as tables, rows, columns, and relational structures. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet tools is recommended, as is a general comfort with navigating Windows-based software environments. No prior experience with Qlik Sense is required, though exposure to any BI or reporting tool is a helpful advantage.
Training Methodology
- Guided platform walkthroughs in a live Qlik Sense environment, with each participant working on an individual installation or cloud tenant
- Hands-on load script exercises using real-world datasets from finance, sales, and HR domains to practise data transformation techniques
- Data modelling labs where participants diagnose and resolve common model problems such as synthetic keys, circular references, and data islands
- Dashboard design workshops in which delegates build complete, themed applications from a supplied business brief
- Set analysis and expression-writing clinics with progressive challenge exercises and peer review
- Case study analysis of real Qlik Sense implementations across retail, healthcare, and public sector contexts
- Group troubleshooting sessions where teams diagnose and correct faulty scripts and broken visualisations
- Capstone project: each delegate designs, builds, and presents a fully functional Qlik Sense application addressing a chosen business problem
- Instructor-led live demonstrations of the Qlik Management Console for publishing, scheduling, and access control
- Reflection and Q&A sessions at the close of each day to consolidate learning and address individual challenges
Organisational Benefits
- Faster, more informed decision-making through real-time interactive dashboards
- Reduced dependency on IT for ad-hoc reporting as business users gain self-service capability
- Improved data quality and consistency through standardised, governed data models
- Higher return on investment from existing Qlik Sense licences and infrastructure
- Stronger data literacy culture across departments and business units
- Reduced reporting cycle times and manual spreadsheet effort
- Better cross-functional collaboration through shared, transparent data visualisations
- Enhanced regulatory compliance through well-governed data access and audit trails
Where Is Qlik Sense Essentials Training Offered?
This course runs in-person across: Zanzibar, Riyadh, Mombasa, Abuja, Dar es Salaam, Pretoria, Kisumu, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, Nakuru, Accra, Arusha, Naivasha, Cape Town, Nairobi, Kampala, Dubai, Lagos, Kigali, plus Live Virtual (online) cohorts. Browse live dates for your city below.
Upcoming Schedules
| Location | Format | Dates | Price |
|---|
| Zanzibar, Tanzania |
In-Person |
28 Sept 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 |
USD 5,000 |
| Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
In-Person |
28 Sept 2026 – 9 Oct 2026 |
USD 9,000 |
| Mombasa, Kenya |
In-Person |
5 Oct 2026 – 16 Oct 2026 |
KES 230,000 |
| Abuja, Nigeria |
In-Person |
5 Oct 2026 – 16 Oct 2026 |
USD 5,600 |
| Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
In-Person |
12 Oct 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 |
USD 4,600 |
| Live Virtual |
Online |
19 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 |
KES 160,000 |
| Pretoria, South Africa |
In-Person |
19 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 |
USD 6,600 |
| Kisumu, Kenya |
In-Person |
19 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 |
KES 240,000 |
| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
In-Person |
19 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 |
USD 4,800 |
| Johannesburg, South Africa |
In-Person |
19 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 |
USD 7,000 |
| Nakuru, Kenya |
In-Person |
19 Oct 2026 – 30 Oct 2026 |
KES 230,000 |
| Accra, Ghana |
In-Person |
19 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 |
USD 7,600 |
| Arusha, Tanzania |
In-Person |
19 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 |
USD 4,200 |
| Naivasha, Kenya |
In-Person |
19 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 |
KES 240,000 |
| Live Virtual |
Online |
24 Oct 2026 – 13 Dec 2026 |
KES 160,000 |
+236 more dates — view live schedule →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience with Qlik Sense to attend this course?
No prior Qlik Sense experience is required. The course is designed to take you from the fundamentals to an intermediate-advanced level over ten days. A basic understanding of data concepts and comfort with spreadsheet tools is sufficient to get started.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes, TrainingComplex awards a certificate of completion to all delegates who attend and successfully participate throughout the programme. The course also prepares you well for Qlik's official certification exams, and the trainer will provide guidance on recommended next steps.
What software will I need, and will it be provided?
All participants will work in a live Qlik Sense environment. For in-person sessions, the venue computers are pre-configured; for the Live Virtual cohort, detailed setup instructions and a trial licence link are sent in advance so your environment is ready on day one.
Is this course suitable for non-technical business users?
Yes, while some modules cover technical scripting, the course is structured so that business analysts and reporting users gain genuine value. The trainer calibrates the pace and depth to the group, ensuring both technical and non-technical delegates leave with practical, applicable skills.
How large are the training cohorts?
TrainingComplex keeps cohort sizes small — typically between 8 and 16 participants — to ensure each delegate receives sufficient hands-on time and individual attention from the instructor during lab exercises and troubleshooting sessions.
