For many who are starting their careers, this will often include gaining a data analytics certification. This is because certification shows potential employers that you are capable of completing the tasks required in an analyst role, even if you don’t have experience. Data analysis is an evolving industry, with standards, technologies and practices constantly changing. The best way to stay on top of these changes would be by completing a relevant certification program. A data analytics certification program is a course designed to teach data management and analytics concepts. After completing a certification course, you will have the skills needed to work within a highly competitive industry.
Certification vs Certificate
When considering a program, you might notice that there are both certifications and certificates to choose from. It can seem as though they are the same, but there are a few key differences. Primarily, a certificate shows that you have received education in a subject in the form of a completed course, whereas a certification shows that you have passed an exam in that subject. For this reason, a certification will often hold more weight with employers compared to a certificate.
What Should a Certification Program Include?
Analytics is a broad industry with a variety of specializations. This is why, when you choose to complete a certification, you should be sure to choose the one which is most relevant to your career. As a general rule, employers will be looking to see that you possess several key skills. For this reason, you should try to ensure that your chosen certification includes as many of them as possible. Some of the key skills to consider are:
Structured Query Language Microsoft Excel Python and alternative programming languages Predictive Modelling Data Optimization Statistical Analysis Machine Learning Algorithms
Choosing the Right Course for You
Although there are many courses to choose from, there are a few things to think about when choosing the best one for your needs.
Remote or In-person Studying?
Many courses will offer the option to study remotely, and others will need to be attended in person. Some will be a combination of both. It is important to consider which type of studying would be best for your needs. If you are planning to work alongside your course, then a remote course will probably be the best option.
Cost
Everybody has different budgets, and the cost will be the deciding factor for many people considering taking a course. No matter which course you choose, a certification will have a cost attached. If you have a tight budget, then it is worth considering whether there are payment plans available.
Potential Employers
Before choosing a course, think about the type of employer you are hoping to work for in the future. Some employers will only recognize specific qualifications from designated institutions. Make sure that whichever course you choose is one that will be recognized by your dream employer.
13 Best Data Analytics Certification Programs
It is ideally suited to those who already have some experience in data analytics but wish to improve their knowledge and gain certification as a result. Once individuals feel that they are ready, they can apply to take the Analyzing Data with Microsoft Power BI exam. This costs $165, although the instructor-led option is more expensive.
Ideally, those taking this course should have some prior knowledge of data analysis and Azure. The course is self-paced, which means that individuals can study around other time commitments. The modules are free, but to gain certification, an exam must be completed. This costs $165 and will be more if the instructor-led option is chosen.
There is no requirement for prior knowledge, all of the study materials are online, and individuals are able to work with a flexible schedule which means that they are able to complete the course while maintaining other commitments. On average, it will take six months to complete this course, although someone studying full-time would be able to complete it more quickly. The course itself is free, but to use the certification, a membership to Coursera is required. This costs $39 per month.
The course is designed to provide an overall understanding of the principles of data analysis with four separate modules. The course is free to take, and individuals have seven days to complete it. However, to use the certification, individuals are required to register with Coursera, which costs $39 per month.
Over the course of 10 weeks, students will spend five hours per week completing online learning tasks. There are no course entry requirements, which makes it a good choice for those wanting to learn about data analysis or supplement their knowledge. The course costs $3,250, although there are scholarships and payment plans available.
The course is designed for those who have little-to-no experience, meaning that it is a good choice for those who are hoping to begin a career in the data analysis industry. This course doesn’t launch until 2022, which means that information regarding course length, cost and exam objectives are yet to be released.
This means that they are able to work around other commitments at a pace that suits them best. There is no requirement for prior knowledge of analytics which makes it a good choice for those considering a career in this field. Individuals are required to pay $294 for a year of access to the course materials.
The course is self-paced, meaning that it is possible to complete the materials in your own time and at a pace that suits you, with most people spending five or six hours a week working towards certification. The cost for this course is $1,600 and includes a certificate of completion.
There are hundreds of courses to choose from, each specializing in a different area of expertise. To complete these certifications, individuals are required to become members of the DataCamp website. There are free membership options available, but the unlimited membership will offer the best when it comes to completing certifications. This is $25 per month.
The course offers a flexible learning schedule, meaning that individuals are able to complete the course materials in their own time and around other commitments. The materials featured are suitable for beginner and entry-level data analysts, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to begin a career in this industry. It is possible to enroll on this course for free with Coursera, but membership will be required to complete the course and use certification. This costs $39 per month.
There is no need for prior knowledge, which means that the course is ideally suited for those who are looking to begin a career as a data analyst. Offered through Coursera, this is a free course to take. Individuals are able to access the materials by using a seven day trial. Once completed, a membership to Coursera is required to use the certification. This costs $39 per month.
It is also beneficial to be familiar with the excel interface and basic formulas. This course will typically take four months to complete, with most individuals dedicating three hours per week to the course materials. However, it is completed online at a student’s own pace, which means that they are able to work as quickly or as slowly as they need to. Those who are able to dedicate more time to the course will find that they completed it in considerably less time. The course is free to enroll, but a membership to Coursera will be required in order to complete the materials and use the certification.
The course is self-paced, meaning that individuals are able to study around other commitments, devoting as much or as little time as they are able to gain certification. Three exams must be completed, costing a total of $610. If individuals already possess the skills required to take the exams, there is no need to complete the course modules, they can instead choose to just sit the exams.
Although a data analytics certification isn’t necessarily required for a career as a data analyst, it can help you to take the first steps in your chosen career. If you are considering taking a course in data analytics, then it’s important you choose the right one. Selecting the right course for your individual needs can mean that you are able to progress through your career, apply for more advanced positions and cement your knowledge of your chosen area of expertise.
