Posted by The world of data analytics is evolving rapidly, and to stay ahead of the curve, getting certified in this competitive field helps you remain relevant to employers who are looking for your skillsets. With so many options available online, how do you choose the best certification program to invest your time and money in? Do you even need them?
Well, we have done the research and compiled a list of the 15 best data analytics certifications online in 2023 that will elevate your skills and career in this exciting field. With this article, we hope to be able to answer all the burning questions you might have on how to advance your career in the thriving data analytics industry.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional seeking to upskill, these certifications cover a range of topics, from data science fundamentals to advanced machine learning and business intelligence techniques. So, let’s dive in and explore the top certifications that will help you make your mark in the world of data analytics.
So, You Want to be a Data Analyst—What Do You Need a Certificate For?
If you’re interested in becoming a data analyst, it’s likely that you already have a passion for working with numbers and data. However, in today’s job market, passion alone isn’t enough. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and skills through certifications and formal training programs.
Having a reputable data analytics certification on your resume can enhance your job prospects by making you stand out from other candidates. It can demonstrate to potential employers that you have a solid understanding of data analysis concepts and tools and that you’re committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Here’s a table from Coursera (~via BLS) showing the average pay range of data analytics professionals who:
- have a certification but no license;
- have a license but no certification;
- have no certification or license.
| Median Weekly Wage | Unemployment Rate | |
| With a certificate but no license | $1,288 | 3.6 percent |
| With a license but no certificate | $1,223 | 2.7 percent |
| Without a certificate or license | $931 | 6.1 percent |
As you can see, getting a reputable certification in your data analytics practice significantly bolsters your skills and helps put a gold pen on your CV. In addition, data analysts with certificates from top organizations like Microsoft and Cloudera get paid more. So, this is something you must not overlook if you plan to advance your data career further and earn more money.
Health data analysts, on the other hand, may require licenses to practice; one of the biggest license providers in that area is the American Health Information Management Association.
Certifications can also help you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in the field. In short, a data analytics certification is a valuable investment in your career. It can help you gain credibility, increase your earning potential, and open up opportunities for advancement in the field.
So, are you convinced about the key reasons why you need a data analytics certification?
Let’s now go over the 15 data analytics certificates that are highly relevant in 2023.
List of the 15 Best Data Analytics Certifications Online
Ideally, data analytics certificate exams are provided to test your skill level and competence in handling data. So, it is safe to say that most of these certifications are not for beginners.
However, we will kick off the list with certificates that we think beginners can take and give their careers a boost to continue to improve themselves. Two of these certifications are offered by Google and IBM, two recognizable tech giants in the world, in collaboration with the renowned Coursera MOOCs platform. Afterward, it gets serious from there.
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
- Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
- AWS Certified Data Analytics
- SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate
- CompTIA Data Analytics Plus Certification
- Data Analytics Cornell Certificate Program
- Cloudera Certified Associate Data Analyst
- CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program
- Springboard Data Analytics Career Track
- Wharton Business Analytics Online Certification Program
- BrainStation Data Analytics Certificate
- Harvard University Business Analytics Course
- MIT Sloan School of Management Applied Business Analytics Certificate
- Thinkful Data Analytics Immersion Course.
Overview of the Best 15 Data Analytics Certifications Online
The demand for data and business analysts is increasing significantly, but to position yourself for these roles, you have to show why you are the best candidate. There is a need for professionals to obtain certifications to demonstrate their expertise. So, with that knowledge, let’s gloss over the 15 data analytics certifications online that you need to know about.
1. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Cost: Free. But costs $39 via Coursera subscription.
The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is a beginner-friendly comprehensive program designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge to analyze data to make informed business decisions.
This certification covers a range of topics such as data cleaning, data analysis, data visualization, and data storytelling using tools such as Google Sheets, SQL, and R. It comprises seven courses and a capstone project that focuses on analyzing real-world data sets. This certificate is recognized by top companies such as Google via the “Grow with Google” initiative, making it a valuable asset for those seeking a career in data analytics.
2. IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
Cost: $39 via Coursera.
The IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate is another highly-rated program designed to provide learners with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to start a career as a data analyst. In this course, you will learn how to code Python and use its libraries, you will also learn to code SQL for data science, and data visualization with Python.
It also covers topics such as probability, statistics, and data ethics. Like Google’s data science program, IBM made this too for complete beginners. So, if you have no experience whatsoever in data science, this course is recommended for you.
3. Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Cost: $165
Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification is our first data analytics certification course for non-beginners on this list. It is a certification exam designed for individuals who are proficient in using Power BI to create data visualizations, reports, and dashboards. This certification demonstrates your ability to connect to data sources, perform data transformations, and model data with Power BI.
To get this certification, you must achieve a passing score of 700 (and above) in this exam:
The exam tests your knowledge of the Power Platform and its components, including Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents.
This certification is intended for data analysts, business analysts, and other professionals who work with data and want to leverage Power BI to create compelling visualizations and insights.
Getting a Microsoft-certified puts a gloss on your CV because it is proof of your expertise in using Power BI to analyze and visualize data, making you a valuable asset to any organization that wants to leverage data for business insights.
4. AWS Certified Data Analytics
Cost: $300
The AWS Certified Data Analytics certification is designed for AWS data analytics professionals. It demonstrates your ability to design and maintain scalable data solutions using AWS tools.
It also tests your knowledge of data security and compliance, as well as your ability to design and implement data solutions that meet business requirements.
Data engineers, data analysts, and other professionals who work with data and want to leverage AWS services to extract value from it are highly encouraged to get this certificate.
5. SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate
Cost: $49 per month. The exam fee is $180.
The SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate is a certification program designed for individuals who want to acquire skills and expertise in data analysis and interpretation using SAS software. The program is focused on providing practical training in data analysis, modeling, and visualization using SAS tools.
To earn this certification, you must complete the following courses:
- Data Manipulation Techniques, Linear and Logic Regression
- Predictive Modeling Using Logistic Regression
- SAS Visual Analytics 1 for SAS Viya
- SAS and Hadoop
The courses cover topics such as the fundamentals of SAS programming, data manipulation techniques, predictive modeling, data visualization, and big data analytics using Hadoop.
The examination mandated for you to be SAS-certified is a two-hour online exam administered by SAS and Pearson VUE. To pass this exam, you must score at least 68%.
This certification is intended for data analysts, business analysts, and other professionals who work with data and want to leverage SAS tools to extract value from it. It is also relevant for developers who want to integrate SAS data analytics into their applications.
Earning this certification demonstrates your expertise in SAS programming, data manipulation techniques, and data visualization using SAS tools.
6. CompTIA Data Analytics Plus Certification
Cost: $246
CompTIA Data Analytics Plus Certification is one of the most-recognizable professional certification programs for data analytics professionals in their early career stages. It helps professionals demonstrate their expertise in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from various sources to support business decisions.
Also, in this program, you should expect to learn and interact with data concepts like mining, data manipulation, data report and visualization, and datasets analyses.
The CompTIA Data Analytics Plus Certification Exam consists of 90 multi-choice questions; you are scored between 100 – 900 and must obtain a passing score of 675 to become eligible to get this certificate from CompTIA.
7. Data Analytics Cornell Certificate Program
Cost: $3,750
The Data Analytics Certificate Program at Cornell University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of data analytics and its applications in various industries. The program offers courses in statistics, data science, and machine learning, among other related topics. The program can be completed entirely online and can be taken on a part-time basis. It typically takes about 9 weeks to complete.
8. Cloudera Certified Associate Data Analyst
Cost: $449.40
Cloudera Certified Associate Data Analyst (CCA Data Analyst) is a professional certification program for data analysts working with big data using Apache Hadoop. The certification exam tests the candidates’ ability to work with datasets and data processing using Apache Hive and Pig, and to perform data analysis using Hive and Impala. It also tests their knowledge of working with data in Hadoop Distributed File Systems (HDFS), Sqoop, and Flume.
9. CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program
Cost: $6,900
CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program provides a boot camp platform for non-professionals who want to get their skin in the game and learn how data analytics is crucial to business operability and success. The program features a curriculum that covers core concepts and practical skills required for data analysis in various industries.
It is a self-paced program and is open to beginners who want to become expert in data analytics. Some topics covered in this program include data wrangling, data visualization, statistical analysis, and machine learning.
10. Springboard Data Analytics Career Track
Cost: $8,500
Springboard Data Analytics Career Track is an online certification program by Springboard in partnership with Microsoft. It is a boot camp designed for individuals who want to pursue a career in data analytics. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers core concepts and practical skills required for data analysis in various industries.
The program is structured as a mentor-guided course, where students work on real-world projects and receive personalized feedback and support from experienced industry professionals throughout the course.
When you complete this course, you receive a Springboard certificate, which is recognized by employers across various industries. The program is ideal for individuals who want to start a career in data analytics.
11. Wharton Business Analytics Online Certificate Program
Cost: $2,700
Wharton Business Analytics Online Certificate Program is offered by the renowned Wharton Business Schools. Known for its dedication to advancing technologies that show how best data is implemented in business operations, WBS offers this top course that is designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field of business analytics.
The certification program covers various topics such as data visualization, predictive analytics, and data mining. The course also emphasizes the use of analytical tools such as Excel, R, and Python to analyze and interpret data, clean data sets, and effectively deploy them in the best way possible to maximize business success.
12. BrainStation Data Analytics Certificate
Cost: 3,950
BrainStation Data Analytics Certificate is an online certification program that provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field of data analytics. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes topics such as data wrangling, data visualization, machine learning, and statistical analysis.
The curriculum is designed to help participants learn practical skills that can be applied in real-world situations. Participants will be taught how to use modern tools and technologies such as Python, SQL, and Tableau to analyze and interpret data.
The program is flexible and can be completed in as little as 9 weeks. It is taught by industry experts who have extensive experience in the field of data analytics. Participants will also have access to a range of resources such as case studies, quizzes, and assignments that will help them reinforce their learning.
13. Harvard University Business Analytics Course
Cost: $1,750
Harvard University offers a Business Analytics Course designed to equip individuals with the skills and tools necessary to analyze and interpret complex data sets. The course covers key concepts, including data visualization, predictive modeling, and machine learning.
It is through a combination of online coursework and in-person sessions, with a focus on hands-on projects and case studies that allow participants to apply their new knowledge in real-world scenarios. This program is highly regarded and attracts professionals from a wide range of industries, including finance, marketing, and technology.
14. MIT Sloan School of Management Applied Business Analytics Certificate
Cost: 2,350
The MIT Sloan School of Management offers an Applied Business Analytics Certificate that will retrain professionals on concepts in business data analytics that are in practice in modern-day data technologies and techniques.
MIT, widely acclaimed as one of the best universities in the world, leaves no table unturned in this program. Students who enroll in this course should expect to learn the technique of interpreting data from multiple sources.
It is a self-paced course projected to be completed in 6 weeks. Finally, students have access to Success Advisers who help them manage their time, and provide support on technical or administrative queries they may have while taking this course.
15. Thinkful Data Analytics Immersion Course
Cost: $8,240 – $13,475
By far the most expensive data science boot camp on this list, the Thinkful Data Analytics Immersion Course is an intensive program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to analyze and interpret complex datasets. The course includes hands-on projects, one-on-one mentorship, and career coaching designed to prepare participants for a career in data analysis.
Its curriculum lays a strong emphasis on building foundational skills in data science; so, this is a program that beginners can enroll in. And graduates of Thinkful are known to be competent hires in top companies like Microsoft and IBM. However, the downside to this program is that it is very expensive. But if it is something you’ll be able to afford, then it is highly recommended.
FAQs About the Best Data Analytics Certifications Online
What is a data analytics certification?
A data analytics certification is a program that provides training and education in the field of data analytics. These are typically high-quality programs offered by tech industry leaders for professionals who want to obtain better qualifications that show their competence and skill level to employers.
Why should I get a data analytics certification?
Obtaining a data analytics certification can provide a competitive advantage in the job market, increase earning potential, and enhance career opportunities.
What is the best data analytics certification available online?
This is tough to answer because many industry leaders offer elite certification programs. However, if you’re hard-done to make a choice, these are our top three selections:
- Microsoft’s Power BI Data Analyst Associate Program
- Cloudera’s Certified Associate Data Analyst Program
- AWS Certified Data Analytics Program
However, these certification exams are nowhere near the level of beginners. You must have bagged some serious experience to be able to stand any chance in the professional exams.
Can I learn data science in 2 months?
Well, I can say that 2 months is enough time to get really familiar with all the terminologies and get to understand how the data science ecosystem works. However, you will need more time and practice to get really good at this skill. The average online data science program for beginners take up to six months. You can start with Google’s or IBM’s data science free courses on Coursera if you’re interested. Scroll up to find where we talked about them in this article.
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Wrapping It Up
Earning a certification in data analytics is a great way to enhance your skills and advance your career in the field. There are so many options available online, so it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for you. However, by considering factors such as course content, cost, and recognition, you can make an informed decision. The certifications discussed in this blog post are among the best available online, and pursuing any of them will undoubtedly equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the data analytics industry.