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In this article
In today's digital age, data is the lifeblood of any successful business. It's the key to gaining a competitive edge and gaining valuable insights into how markets function and how users behave in specific scenarios.
With the ever-growing importance of data, individuals with expertise in data analysis are in high demand, and a plethora of exciting job opportunities await them. Many have already achieved remarkable success by harnessing the power of online courses and certifications to develop these essential skills and kickstart their careers.
If someone were to ask me about pursuing a career in data analytics, my advice would be to consider obtaining a certification. Why? Because a certification serves as tangible proof to potential employers that you possess the necessary training and expertise to excel in this field.
Now, let's dive into the heart of this blog article: a comprehensive list of the best data analyst courses and certifications. But before we do that, let's establish a solid understanding of the fundamentals.
What is Data Analyst Certification?
Professional certification in data analytics attests to your competence in gathering, organizing, and analyzing data to produce actionable business insights. Many professional associations or academic institutions offer data analytics certifications, which include a wide range of abilities. Others may originate from data analytics software providers, where the certification typically attests to your proficiency with the company's analytics technology. Typically, certification programs include a brief training period that can be completed online or in person. You typically take an exam after completing your training to demonstrate that you comprehend the program's ideas.
Is Data Analyst Certification worth it?
In my opinion, Data analyst certification is definitely worth it. The following are some major advantages of obtaining a certification in data analytics:
- Helps you learn the latest skills and technologies: Data analytics is an evolving field, and analysts' methods and strategies can quickly change. For instance, the significance of AI is a relatively recent development in the sector. Getting certified is a terrific way to stay up to date on industry advancements and make sure you know how to use the technologies that employers are using right now.
- Enhances your credibility: Employers can see that you have the in-demand abilities your area of work calls for if you obtain a professional certification from a reputable organization, such as a well-known software maker or a renowned institution. It also demonstrates your commitment to the subject and concern for improving your knowledge. By doing so, you can increase the hiring manager's faith in your skills and the business's confidence in the data-driven decisions you assist it in making.
- Better career opportunities: Earning a certification could help you be considered for jobs involving data analytics if you have a bachelor's degree in a field unrelated to data. A certification might complement your experience and strengthen your application for new positions, for instance, if you have experience in advertising but want to focus on applying marketing analytics and demographic data to better campaign ideas. Data analysis courses can also support your argument for a wage increase or promotion by demonstrating that you can add more value as a data analyst.
Skills Required for Data Analyst Certifications
You require a wide variety of skill sets to become a Certified Data Analyst. Here are all the abilities you need to become a Certified Data Analyst, from tool proficiency to subject knowledge:
- Knowledge of data analytics tools and techniques: You can gain better insights about your quantitative and qualitative data using a variety of tools. You can utilize previous data to forecast outcomes with the aid of tools like machine learning, algorithms, and protective modeling, which is especially pertinent in the financial and sales industries. You can also acquire a comprehensive understanding of your data sets by using statistical and regression analyses to identify the link between various data points. Joining a credible Data Analyst Bootcamp training is an effective way to increase your knowledge.
- Languages: Prior to obtaining a related certificate, it's crucial to have at least a basic understanding of SQL since it is the most often used language in data analytics. Python is useful for various data analytics positions. You can work on a range of data projects by using other programming and scripting languages, such as R, C++, and Java.
- Mathematics and Statistics: A key component of solving problems is making decisions that are objective. You must rely on mathematics and statistics to make decisions in an objective manner. You must identify patterns, divide them into groups, and use previous data to generate forecasts. In order to properly execute Data Analysis and come up with the optimal solution to a problem, you must have a solid background in mathematics and statistics.
- Strong communication skills: When a data analyst is successful in finding hidden insights inside a sizable data collection, the next step is to convey those insights to the relevant stakeholders. This is when soft skills come into play significantly. You should be able to effectively communicate with the prospective teams as a Data Analyst and present your results to them.
Popular In-Demand Data Analyst Certifications
1. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- Introduction: In order to train students with data analytics abilities in R, SQL, Spreadsheets, Tableau, and BigQuery, Google created the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. With this qualification, learners can work as entry-level data analysts without a degree.
- With more than 180 hours of instruction and hundreds of practice-based examinations distributed across 8 courses, the Certification is fairly substantial.
- Certification provider: Google
- Duration: By devoting around 10 hours per week, you can finish the certificate in less than 6 months
- Cost: The certificate is charged in two different ways: a $49/month membership fee and a set fee of $98 for three months or $117 for six months. However, as the majority of students finish it in 3 months, the total cost of the certificate will be $147.
- Importance: The Google Data Analytics Professional Certification is undoubtedly time and effort-worth while. When beginning a career as a data analyst, it's one of the most important entry-level qualifications to pursue.
- This data analyst course online was developed by Google Engineers and is accepted in the field as a legitimate professional credential for entry-level roles.
- Additionally, obtaining a data analytics certification expands one's job options. All kinds of businesses are searching for qualified experts to examine their data and provide data-driven solutions.
You may want to think about pursuing the Google Advanced Data Analytics Certificate once you finish this course. It is the arguably the best data analyst course available.
2. IBM Data Analyst Professional certificate
- Introduction: The IBM Data Analyst Professional certificate is an online certification course taught by IBM experts that aids students in developing employable skills and launching a career as a data analyst. The course is entirely online and is appropriate for those without any prior knowledge of data analytics or a degree in a relevant field.
- During the data analyst training, students will learn data science and machine learning inside and out over the course of 4 months. Students will study the theory of data analytics as well as how to use Python and SQL for data analysis.
- Certification provider: IBM
- Duration: 4 months with 10 hours per week study
- Cost : You choose how quickly you want to finish each of the specialization's courses when you enlist in this self-paced certificate program. Your $35 monthly access fee to the courses determines how much your professional certificate will ultimately cost you.
- Importance: It is unquestionably worthwhile to earn the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate. This professional certification was given out by IBM, a reputable name in data science and analytics. Every course and lesson is created and presented by IBM specialists, and it is very practical and simulates the duties that a data analyst would be expected to carry out in the real world.
- Data analysis related occupations are in high demand right now. The demand for qualified data analysts to assist businesses with data collection and analysis is likely to increase over the next few years, therefore this trend is expected to continue.
- You can also join the IBM Talent Network, a tool that aids with job searching, by enrolling in this certificate.
- Last but not least, many of the courses included in this certificate are also included in other certificates. This means that by enrolling in a few extra courses, you can increase the number of qualifications on your CV.
3. Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
- Introduction: The Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate equips you with the knowledge and abilities needed to be successful in the business intelligence sector. In just five months, you can learn everything you need to know to launch a lucrative career in data analysis. The credential proves the holder's ability to create and scale data models, clean datasets, and use an analytics methodology that yields insightful data analysis.
- Certification provider: Microsoft
- Duration: 5 months with 10 hours per week input
- Cost: $165
- Importance: You can resolve problems that come up in the workplace and enhance business operations if you have an understanding of the Power BI program. You can advise the business about its value propositions and potential for growth by learning how to read, create, and manage dashboards, comprehend the reports inside the Power BI program, and derive insights from the data. A plan to increase the company's revenue and decrease expenditure can also be proposed, along with corrective action procedures. Overall, your contributions could make it easier for the organization to meet its yearly operational goals.
- From the perspective of the recruiting manager, you might be a diligent professional who is eager to put forth the time and effort necessary to improve his or her skills. This is a desirable quality because it shows that you'll probably keep up your self-improvement habits in the future for the sake of the business. In comparison to another applicant who hasn't shown the capacity or desire to advance their talents, the hiring manager might regard your portfolio and application more favorably.
4. AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty
- Introduction: Software engineers and data specialists who wish to showcase their data analytics expertise on the AWS platform can do so by earning the AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty certification. Your ability to develop, protect, maintain, and design data analytics solutions will be put to the test in the exam. The five core test domains—Data Collection, Storage and Data Management, Processing, Analysis and Visualization, and Security—are all covered by this route. In order to successfully pass the AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty test, preparation using the material and resources in this course is essential.
- Certification provider: AWS
- Duration: Dedicated preparation of 2 to 3 months
- Cost: $300
- Importance: Achieving AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty status is a remarkable professional accomplishment that attests to your proficiency in using AWS data lakes and analytics services to derive insights from data. It also makes you stand out from the competition. This industry-recognized credential aids organizations in identifying and developing individuals with the essential abilities for implementing cloud initiatives. This certification will benefit you in a variety of positions and career pathways, such as Data Engineer or Business Intelligence Engineer, and it will give you the specialized knowledge you need to better serve your clients in a range of IT and cloud professions.
5. SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate
- Introduction: SAS Certified Statistical Business Analysts are adept at performing complex statistical data analysis using SAS/STAT software, including analysis of variance, logistic and linear regression, as well as preparing the inputs for predictive models and evaluating model performance. This course is designed for those who wish to improve their predictive and statistical modeling abilities to produce data-driven business results. It can be a useful data analysis course for beginners as well. This certificate is a valuable indication of your proficiency if modeling data for business results is important to your employment function or industry.
- Certification provider: SAS Institute
- Duration: 1 months with 10 hours per week study
- Cost: $180
- Importance: You can use the knowledge you gain in the SAS Statistical Business Analyst specialization to become a business analyst, researcher, statistician, or data scientist. With the SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9 - Regression and Modelling Certification certificate, you stand out from the competition and demonstrate that you possess the knowledge necessary to contribute to your organization.
6. CompTIA Data Analytics Plus certification
- Introduction: The CompTIA Data+ exam will certify the successful candidate has the knowledge and abilities necessary to transform business requirements in support of data-driven decisions through data mining and manipulation, the application of basic statistical methods, and the analysis of complex datasets while adhering to governance and quality standards throughout the entire data life cycle.
- Certification provider: CompTIA
- Duration: 2 to 3 months
- Cost: $246
- Importance: The corporate world requires experts that can create and promote data-driven, intelligent decision-making for today's enterprises. Better data analysis and interpretation skills, effective communication of data-driven insights, and competence are requirements for these people.
- By passing the new CompTIA Data+ certification exam, these individuals can demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and abilities necessary to allow data-driven business decisions.
7. Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst
- Introduction: The value of big data in the modern economy is enormous. Data analysts are needed by businesses in order to generate insights that will help them go forward. According to recent assessments, 90% of all big data has been produced in the last two years. As a result, there is a growing demand for people who can assess and analyse data.
- The CCA Data Analyst CCA159 Exam is a fundamental examination for the popular Big Data Tools, Apache Hive and Apache Impala. Your proficiency in the field of big data is verified by this exam.
- Certification provider: Cloudera
- Duration: 2 to 3 months of consistent effort
- Cost: $295
- Importance: This certification is even more sought-after because of the rising demand for individuals who are knowledgeable in the field of data analytics. You obtain useful knowledge and get your experience validated. Your ability to organize and analyze data in Cloudera's CDH environment is demonstrated by your Cloudera Certified Associate Data Analyst accreditation. The course instructs students in fundamental tasks such building and modifying tables, creating reports using specific queries, and importing data from MySQL into Hadoop which is relevant in the industry.
8. SAS Certified Data Scientist
- Introduction: There are three data science certifications offered by the SAS Certified Data Scientist credential program. Data Curation Expert, Advanced Analytics Expert AI and Machine Learning Expert. These certification programs instruct you on how to work with data, extract insights from it using a variety of SAS and open-source tools, create business suggestions using complex learning models, and scale models utilizing the SAS environment.
- Certification provider: SAS Institute
- Duration: 4 to 6 months
- Cost: $180
- Importance: Productivity, decision-making, and product development can all significantly improve when SAS Certified Data Scientist’s insights are integrated into your company's operations. It can help improve productivity and customer service while reducing or eliminating the risk of fraud and error.
In order to free up human labor for more important duties, SAS data scientists can assist companies in automating time-consuming processes.
9. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
- Introduction: The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), a global professional society of analytics and operations research professionals, offers a certification program called Certified Analytics Professional (CAP). In order to certify analytics professionals' knowledge and skills, INFORMS has created this certification program. Additionally, it seeks to advance professionals' analytics skills and expertise while setting certified analytics experts apart from their contemporaries. It establishes a criterion through which the organizations can identify and cultivate promising analytics specialists. No doubt it is considered as one of the best data analyst certifications.
- Certification provider: INFORMS
- Duration: On average, 4 to 6 months of preparation
- Cost: The base price is $695. For members of INFORMS, it is $495
- Importance: The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) credential verifies the knowledge and abilities of analytics professionals, showcasing their proficiency in every step of the analytics process, from defining business and analytical problems to gathering data, designing models, developing methodologies, and implementation. The CAP certification, which is acknowledged across a wide range of industries, guarantees prospective employers that a candidate has the skills necessary to use analytics-based insights to create improvement inside an organisation. The seven domains of business problem framing, analytics problem framing, data, technique selection, model creation, deployment, and lifecycle management are used to evaluate applicants. Consequently, obtaining the CAP certification can improve professional credibility and career prospects in the analytics industry.
10. Data Scientist Associate v2 (DCA-DS) Certification
- Introduction: Your capacity to contribute to data analytics initiatives is demonstrated by the Data Scientist Associate v2 (DCA-DS) Certification, which is provided by Dell Technologies. During the data analyst classes, you will learn to:
- Implement the data analytics life cycle.
- Apply relevant analytical approaches to basic and sophisticated evaluations of business data
- Use tools like MapReduce, Hadoop, window functions, R and RStudio, as well as in-database analyses.
- Certification provider: DELL Technologies
- Duration: 2 months
- Cost: $230
- Importance: The certificate holder can create projections and predictions using big data and statistics, allowing executives to modify operations in accordance with the predictions.
These professionals can customize a company’s practices to a certain set of people or make adjustments depending on what's happening with competitors in the market. Collecting data and analytics can also provide organizations with forecasts on customer feedback, market trends, and general trends in the public.
You can show employers that you have the in-demand abilities your career requires by obtaining a data analyst certification online from a reputable organization, such as DELL.
11. Columbia University Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences
- Introduction: This Data Analyst certification course of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences equips students with the fundamental data science abilities they need to advance their career prospects or change directions.
A minimum of 12 credits, including the four required courses Algorithms for Data Science, Probability and Statistics for Data Science, Machine Learning for Data Science, and Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualization, must be completed by candidates for the Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences, a non-degree, part-time program. - Certification provider: Columbia University
- Duration: 6 to 12 months
- Cost: $395
- Importance: Employing Columbia University Certified data scientist helps businesses find solutions to problems and generates insights that can be put to use. Data scientists gather, clean, organize, and analyze enormous data sets. Data scientists therefore mine massive data in their day-to-day work to identify trends, create projections, and generate hypotheses that businesses use to make decisions about their operations, target markets, or products.
Top Data Analyst Courses to Learn in 2024
Data Analyst Bootcamp: A data analytics boot camp is a brief but intense training course with a heavy emphasis on data analysis and related subjects. A profession in data analytics can be pursued with the help of the extensive training offered by the boot camp. Statistics, data management, data mining, data visualization, predictive modelling, and machine learning are some of the topics that may be covered in the courses.
1. Data Analyst Bootcamp
Data analyst boot camps are offered online, in-person, or in a hybrid style that mixes the two by colleges, universities, and private training organizations. Some programs take months to finish, while the majority last four to six weeks. Additionally, even though entry requirements differ, many boot camps don't demand prior knowledge of data analytics, especially if they provide core courses. Here are some top Data Analyst Bootcamp options:
- KnowledgeHut Data Analytics Bootcamp
- Columbia University Data Analytics Bootcamp
- Berkeley Data Analytics Boot Camp
- USC Viterbi Data Analytics Boot Camp
- CareerFoundry Data Analyst Bootcamp
2. SQL for Data Analytics
The mainstay of any data analyst's work is database manipulation, which may be done effectively with SQL. However, it's also a requirement for obtaining any position in the data industry, regardless of whether you want to work as a database administrator or develop into a full-fledged data scientist. You'll need to establish that you possess the requisite skills for any data role in addition to learning SQL. I have compiled a list of best SQL courses for Data analysts:
- KnowledgeHut - SQL for Data Analytics
- Udemy – The Complete SQL Bootcamp
- Udacity – Learn SQL
- Codecademy – Learn SQL
- Simplilearn – SQL Certification Training Course
3. Big Data Analytics Certification
Big Data Analytics Certification: Big data, which refers to the vast amount of data that can be accessed by data analysts, is information that organizations gather for analytical purposes. They frequently make use of this data to monitor the online shopping behaviors of their existing or future clients. In order to enhance operations, deliver better customer service, create individualized marketing efforts, and forecast client engagement rates, they may analyze this data and make critical business decisions.
Big Data certification training enables Data Analysts to specialize in a particular area or platform because those who work with big data sets utilize a variety of platforms or computer languages to modify information. Adding certifications to your CV allows you to highlight your proficiency in using technologies that are common in your sector to provide positive outcomes. Here is the list of top training options for Big Data Analytics:
- KnowledgeHut - Big Data Analytics Certification
- University of California San Diego- Big Data Specialization
- Big Data Fundamentals with PySpark
- Edureka - Big Data Hadoop Certification Training Course
- Big Data: The Big Picture by Pluralsight
How to Choose the Right Data Analyst Certification for You!
- The subject of data analytics is covered in a number of courses. You should first decide on your area of specialization before enrolling in a data analytics course, such as business analytics, marketing analytics, financial analytics, market research, etc. This will rely on your school background, professional experience, and/or the field you want to change careers into. Or, to put it another way, do you want to use your new talents to stay in your current position or industry, leave in favor of a different one, or work independently as a consultant or freelancer? Your chosen area of specialization ought to be current and have potential for growth.
- Your current skill level and skill set should be taken into account before enrolling in a data analytics course. You will be better able to comprehend where you are and what decision, of course, will best suit your needs if you take the time to carefully evaluate your competence level and skill set. Apply for data analyst certification for beginners if you are just starting out.
- Make sure you fulfil all requirements and that you meet the course's eligibility requirements. For instance, you might need to be familiar with statistical or mathematical principles for some courses, or you might need to read through some pre-course material.
- Your resume will undoubtedly gain credibility and value if you receive certification at the end of the course, which will also increase your career and wage chances. It is crucial to confirm the certification's authenticity and the institute's legitimacy before accepting it, among other things.
- Not least of all, it's crucial to take into account your time and financial limitations before enrolling in the course. Go for a data analysis short course in case you have time constraints.
Resources and Study Materials for Data Analyst Courses and Certifications
- Online Courses: Platforms like KnowledgeHut, Coursera, edX, Udacity, and LinkedIn Learning offer varied types of data analyst training and Data Science courses with user reviews and ratings.
- Textbooks: It’s good to seek recommendations from online forums, mentors, guides, professors, classmates or professionals in the field of Data Analysis. Request them to suggest textbooks that helped them in their data analyst success.
- Youtube videos: YouTube provides many data analysis tutorials and resources. Some of the famous channels include "Data School," "StatQuest with Josh Starmer," "Data School," and "Corey Schafer." You can check out these channels and others that offer content covering data analysis fundamentals, technical tools, languages, and practical applications.
Maintaining and Renewing Data Analyst Certifications
It's also important to remember that getting certified has benefits other than only landing high-paying jobs. Certain certificates demand ongoing maintenance and renewal. Renewal is a crucial need for keeping your certification as a professional current.
Every year, new developments are made, technologies are reviewed, and procedures can be revised or changed. Regular certification renewal is essential to keep up with all changes. If a newer, more efficient version of the technology is available, you should use it instead of the older version, especially if it has an immediate impact on the business.
Conclusion
In this article, I've shared insights into some of the finest data analysis courses available. I trust you've discovered options that align with both your learning goals and budget.
Now, the next step is to dive deeper into your research and conduct thorough due diligence on the programs you've shortlisted. I recommend delving into impartial reviews and gathering feedback from past students to gain a well-rounded perspective.
Take the time to meticulously examine the course materials, ensuring they cover the topics you aim to master. Additionally, consider the specific skills that prospective employers in your desired field value most.
Don't hesitate to seek guidance from an advisor at your chosen educational institution to address any concerns or queries you may have. This approach will enable you to make an informed decision about the ideal path for your data analytics journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a Fresher become a Data Analyst?
You can, without a doubt. Nowadays, employers look for people who have completed bootcamps and courses in data analytics. A portfolio of your completed projects can be used to apply for entry-level data analyst positions.
2. Is Python required for data analyst?
Although there are many different computer languages, Python is the language of choice for most data analysts. Python continues to be a popular choice because of its versatility, scalability, and great array of libraries, even though some data analysts utilize alternative programming languages like JavaScript, Scala, and MATLAB.
3. How to become a data analyst in 1 year?
Completing an online certification is one of the easiest (and most efficient) methods to learn all the skills required to be a successful data analyst. You'll gain access to industry mentors and learn everything you need to know.
4. Which exam is required for data analyst?
Each of the data analysis certification courses mentioned in this article have their own exam. Check the respective website for details.
5. Can I get a data analyst job in 6 months?
The time it takes to become a data analyst might range from few months to years. How long it takes you will rely on your current skill set, the educational path you choose, and how much effort you put into learning data analytics each week.
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