11 Best Data Analytics Certifications To Get Hired [2024 Update]

In this article, I share my picks for the best data analytics certification in 2024.

Whether you’re looking to land a job as a data analyst or want to boost your career with an enhanced data analytics resume, I’ve included data analytics certification options for juniors and experienced pros alike.

As we embark on 2024 and beyond, data analytics remains crucial for modern organizations that want to unlock hidden value from their ever-growing data stores. One of the best ways to stand out is to earn a data analytics certification. 

Often challenging to achieve, a data analytics certification can validate your data analytics skills and show future employers that you have what they’re looking for.

And with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual salary of more than $100,000 for data professionals, earning a data analytics certification can be a very rewarding career decision.

So, let’s dive into the best data analytics certifications, including the skills you need to pass the exam, exam formats, and more.

Featured Data Analytics Certifications [Editor’s Picks]

• [Certified Analytics] Associate Certified Analytics Professional (aCAP)
• [DataCamp] Data Analyst Associate Certification
• [CompTIA] Data+
• [Turing College] Data Analytics Certification

The Best Data Analytics Certifications in 2024

1. [Certified Analytics] Associate Certified Analytics Professional (aCAP)

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

Taking the top spot on my list is the aCAP from Certified Analytics.

What I really like about this data analytics certification is that it's designed for entry-level analytics professionals while also bridging the gap for early-career graduates with an educational background in analytics but a lack of practical experience.

It's also the perfect first step towards the more advanced Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) designation.

Another plus point for the aCAP certification is that it's vendor and technology-neutral, choosing instead to focus on seven key domains of analytics:

• Business Problem Framing
• Analytics Problem Framing
• Data
• Methodology Selection
• Model Building
• Deployment
• Lifecycle Management

The idea here is that by passing an exam that comprehensively covers these areas, you can professionally demonstrate your understanding and competency in analytics.

Main areas examined:

• Business problem and analytics problem Framing.
• Methodology selection
• Model building and data.
• Deployment and lifecycle management.

Prerequisites: No formal requirements, but you must pledge to adhere to ethics guidelines

Price:

• INFORMS members: $150
• Non-members: $245
• Non-refundable application fee: $55

Validity Period: 3 years

Total Exam Questions: 100

Content: Multiple-choice questions

Exam Duration: 180 minutes

Exam Location: Online

Passing Score: N/A

Who is it best for? Entry-level analytics professionals or those with education in analytics but lacking practical experience.

2. [Certified Analytics] Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

Next is the natural progression from my top pick in the form of the CAP from Certified Analytics.

If you're unfamiliar with the Certified Analytics Professional certification, it's one of the most prestigious and comprehensive credentials for analytics professionals.

This makes it ideal if you have a reasonable amount of experience in analytics but want to validate your expertise and advance your career.

Much like the aCAP, the cornerstone of the CAP is the seven key domains of data analytics (which we covered above if you want a recap).

You'll also need to demonstrate competence in various data areas like regression, predictive and prescriptive analytics, pattern recognition, job task analysis, data visualization, and more. 

Plus, your employer will need to verify you have the requisite soft skills to sit the CAP exam.

This encompasses collaborating with clients, defining stakeholder challenges, operating within team settings, conducting expert interviews, presenting findings to key decision-makers, and generating value for the employer or client.

As you can see, unlike the aCAP, this is not designed for graduates or juniors who are early-career data analysts. Instead, depending on your educational background, you'll need 3-8 years of experience.

To get started,  submit your application to the CAP panel for review. If they approve your application, you can then sit for the examination.

Main areas examined:

• Business problem framing (14% of exam questions)
• Analytics problem framing (17% of exam questions)
• Data (23% of exam questions)
• Methodology selection (14% of exam questions)
• Model building (16% of exam questions)
• Deployment (10% of exam questions)
• Lifecycle management (6% of exam questions)

Prerequisites:

• 2 years analytics experience with an MA/MS degree or higher
• 4 years analytics experience with a BA/BS degree
• 8 years analytics experience with any level of education.
• All candidates must also demonstrate soft skills and adhere to the CAP Code of Ethics.

Price: (After 1 January 2024)

• INFORMS members: $445
• Non-members: $645
• Non-refundable application fee: $55

Validity Period: 3 years

Total Exam Questions: 100

Content: Multiple-choice questions

Exam Duration: 180 minutes

Exam Location: Online

Passing Score: N/A

Who is it best for? Mid-career analytics professionals who want to boost their credentials and showcase their ability to apply analytics in various business scenarios.

3. [DataCamp] Data Analyst Associate Certification

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

The next choice on my list is a newer entry from DataCamp. Widely regarded as one of the best places to learn data skills, their Data Analyst Certification is a great choice for anyone taking a DataCamp course in data analysis.

Plus, it's also been voted the #1 data analyst certification by Forbes, which is quite the accolade.

Available in two flavors, you can choose between associate and professional levels, depending on your experience and existing skills with data analysis and SQL.

What I really like about the associate certification is that it's truly aimed at both professionals with a wide range of existing skills and beginners who are just starting out.

The idea is that you can start from scratch with DataCamp's range of interactive data analyst courses before rolling these skills over into their certification program, which requires you to pass both timed and practical exams.

I should also point out that the certification cost is bundled into the premium subscription, so there are no additional costs after getting yourself set up to take their courses.

Hackr readers can also access an exclusive 25% discount on the annual Learn Premium and Teams subscriptions.

I'm a big advocate for this approach because it means complete beginners can not only learn the technical skills they need to pursue data analytics, but they'll also be able to level up their resume with an industry-recognized certification, which is a big step up from a standard course certificate.

Plus, the certification examination criteria have also been designed to focus on skills that are truly relevant to the job market. This means you’re gaining a certification that proves you have the in-demand skills required for today’s data analytics jobs.

Main areas examined:

• Data management in SQL (PostgreSQL).
• Data analysis in SQL (PostgreSQL).
• Exploratory analysis theory.
• Statistical experimentation theory.
• Practical business problem to extract data, assess data quality, perform cleaning, and calculate metrics to produce reports.

Prerequisites: Beginners will need to take DataCamp's data analytics and SQL courses to prepare adequately.

Price: Requires DataCamp premium subscription at $25 per month

Validity Period: 2 years

Total Exam Questions: N/A

Content: 1x timed exams & 1x practical exam.

Exam Duration:

• DA101: 2 hours with 2 attempts
• Practical exam: 30 days and instant result

Exam Location: Online.

Passing Score: N/A

Who is it best for? Beginners and professionals who want to validate their data analytics skills in a practical and business-facing setting.

4. [CompTIA] Data+

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

The CompTIA Data+ certification is a fine choice for early-career professionals who want to pursue data analytics.

Being a beginner-friendly certification, it's designed to validate your skills in data analysis, reporting, and the ability to make data-driven business decisions.

If you're new to data analytics, grabbing this certification from reputed CompTIA is a great way to validate your foundational understanding of data analytics in various business contexts.

Main areas examined:

• Data concepts, such as schemas, dimensions, and structures.
• Data mining via acquisition, cleansing, profiling, and manipulation.
• Application of descriptive statistical methods and types of analysis.
• Visualization via reports and dashboards with appropriate design components.
• Data governance, quality, & controls.

Prerequisites: 18-24 months of experience, exposure to databases and analytical tools, basic understanding of statistics, and data visualization experience.

Price: $246

Validity Period: 3 years

Total Exam Questions: 90

Content: Multiple choice.

Exam Duration: 90 minutes

Exam Location: Approved testing center or online.

Passing Score: 75%

Who is it best for? Early-career data analysts looking to demonstrate competency in data-driven decision-making.

5. [Microsoft Certified] Power BI Data Analyst Associate

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

Next, we have the Power BI Data Analyst certification from Microsoft, which is ideal for business intelligence professionals and data analysts who currently use Microsoft Power BI as an integral part of their roles.

I'd also say that this is a great choice if you'd like to professionally demonstrate your ability to deliver actionable insights and provide business value through data visualization and analysis.

Main areas examined:

• Preparing, modeling, visualizing, and analyzing data using Power BI.
• Deploying and maintaining Power BI assets and solutions.
• Proficiency in Power Query and Data Analysis Expressions (DAX).

Prerequisites: Familiarity with Power BI and related data analytics concepts.

Price: $165

Validity Period: Certification needs renewal; check your region.

Total Exam Questions: N/A

Content: Single and multiple-choice questions.

Exam Duration: 180 minutes

Exam Location: Online

Passing Score: 70%

Who is it best for? Data analysts and BI professionals who want to prove their skills in data analysis and visualization with Microsoft Power BI.

6. [Cloudera] Cloudera Data Platform (CDP) Data Analyst

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

The CDP Data Analyst certification is a great choice for experienced data analysts and BI professionals who work with the Cloudera suite of data tools and software in their daily roles.

Equally, if you want to advance your data analytics career and want to learn the skills needed to utilize Cloudera's platform, this is a great goal to shoot for, as it can professionally validate your technical skill level.

If you're unsure whether this is the right certification for you, expect to be tested on Cloudera Data Visualization, Cloudera Machine Learning, Cloudera Data Science Workbench, Cloudera Data Warehouses, SQL, Apache Nifi, and Apache Hive.

If you've read that list and feel confident, this is a fantastic way to level up your resume.

Main areas examined:

• Use of Cloudera Data Visualization for building dashboards.
• Combining data sets using Apache Hive or Apache Impala.
• Creating machine learning applications with Cloudera Data Science Workbench.
• Developing and implementing databases using Cloudera Data Warehouse.
• Calculating statistics during queries with Apache Hive or Apache Impala.
• Using Apache Hive or Apache Impala to combine data sets.

Prerequisites: Experienced with Cloudera's data suite and SQL, plus it helps to be familiar with Salesforce, BI tools, Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, Python or R

Price: $330

Validity Period: 2 years

Total Exam Questions: 40

Content: N/A

Exam Duration: 120 minutes

Exam Location: Online

Passing Score: N/A

Who is it best for? Data professionals who want to build or enhance their skills in data analytics, specifically with Cloudera's diverse set of tools and platforms.

7. [DataCamp] Data Analyst Professional Certification

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

Next up is the professional-level Data Analyst Certification from DataCamp.

As I already mentioned, DataCamp has developed a well-deserved reputation for teaching data skills, but it's really good to see them offering industry-recognized certifications for analytics professionals.

This option is designed for experienced analysts with existing skills and 2 or more years of experience, although ambitious juniors can stretch themselves as long as they're willing to learn a wider range of data skills, including SQL and Python or R.

As a professional-level certification, the expectations are higher, which is why there are two timed exams, the second of which is more challenging than the associate level.

The practical exam is also more challenging and will require you to record a presentation where you share findings and convey data stories.

If you're not sure whether you're ready for this certification, DataCamp has an assessment you can take to get a feel for where you stand.

Just as with the associate version, the certification cost is again bundled into the premium subscription, so you don't need to pay any additional costs after getting yourself set up to take their courses.

Plus, you still have time to take advantage of their New Year sale to get a 50% discount until the end of January.

Main areas examined:

• Data Management in SQL (PostgreSQL)
• Data Management in R or Python
• Data Analysis in SQL (PostgreSQL)
• Data Analysis in R or Python
• Exploratory Analysis in R or Python
• Statistical Experimentation in R or Python
• Practical business problem to create visualizations and convey stories with data by presenting written and verbal findings.

Prerequisites: 2+ years of data analytics experience, or you'll need to take DataCamp's data analytics and SQL courses to prepare adequately.

Price: Requires DataCamp premium subscription at $25 per month

Validity Period: 2 years

Total Exam Questions: N/A

Content: 2x timed exams & 1x practical exam.

Exam Duration:

• DA101: 2 hours with 2 attempts
• DA201: 1 hour with 2 attempts
• Practical exam: 30 days and reviewed by a human panel.

Exam Location: Online.

Passing Score: N/A

Who is it best for? Professionals who want to validate their data analytics skills in a practical and business-facing setting.

8. [Turing College] Data Analyst Certification Program

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

The Data Analyst Certification program at Turing College is an innovative option, as it's an educational course that's designed to give you a comprehensive and practical approach to data analytics, not to mention a well-respected certification.

This is also entirely self-paced, and I really like that it combines hands-on projects with peer-to-peer learning.

Once again, if you're a newcomer who wants to make a career switch or you want to jumpstart your data analytics career, this program offers enormous value, not to mention the fact that you'll get to work with professionals in the field.

Just complete the 6-10 month program, and Turing College will award you with an industry-recognized certification. But perhaps the real value comes from the one-on-one mentorship, interview prep, and help finding a job with your new skills.

Plus, more than 96% of graduates from Turing College programs land jobs within six months of graduation. We rarely see a data analytics program boast these types of hiring rates for job-ready graduates, making it one of our favorites when curating our recommended data analytics certifications.

Turing College's Data Analytics program is an innovative and comprehensive course designed to equip students with hands-on skills and real-world knowledge in data analytics. This program is ideal for those who prefer a practical, project-based learning approach and seek a career in data analytics.

Main areas examined:

• Structured data analysis, spreadsheets, SQL, databases, and advanced SQL.
• Visualization tools like Looker Studio/Tableau and soft skills for effective presentations.
• Cohorts, retention, churn, funnels, AB tests, and customer segmentation.
• Linear and logistic regression.
• Specializations as a financial analyst, risk analyst, or data analyst.

Prerequisites: Designed for beginners with no prior experience

Price: approx. $5800

Validity Period: No expiry.

Total Exam Questions: N/A as the focus is on project work.

Content:  Emphasizes practical skills through projects and collaborative learning.

Exam Duration:  6-10-month program

Exam Location: Online.

Passing Score: N/A

Who is it best for? Anyone seeking a hands-on, project-based learning approach with a strong emphasis on real-world application and skill-building.

9. [AWS] AWS Certified Data Analytics - Specialty

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

Let's now take a look at the AWS Certified Data Analytics specialty. First things first, I need to point out that this certification is due to be retired in April 2024 because AWS has transitioned to role-specific certifications.

That said, I'd still highly recommend this, as it's valid for 3 years and can hugely boost your resume if you're a data analyst who also specializes in AWS data lakes and analytics services as part of your daily role.

Equally, if you're looking to design, build, secure, and maintain analytics solutions within AWS, this data analytics certification is a great way to professionally validate your skills and expertise.

Main areas examined:

• Data collection, storage, and management
• Transforming and preparing data for analysis.
• Data analysis and visualization
• Implementing security measures in data analytics.
• Monitoring AWS analytics services and troubleshooting common issues.

Prerequisites: 

• Five years of experience with data analytics technologies.
• Two years of hands-on experience working with AWS services for analytics solutions.
• Ability to define AWS data analytics services and integrate them with each other.

Price: $300

Validity Period: 3 years

Total Exam Questions: 65

Content: Multiple choice and multiple responses.

Exam Duration: 180 minutes

Exam Location: Approved testing center or online.

Passing Score: N/A

Who is it best for? Professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to design data processing architectures on AWS.

Note: This certification will be retired in April 2024, but if you pass before then, it remains valid for 3 years.

10. [SAS] Advanced Analytics Professional

Why We Chose This Data Analytics Certification

Next up, we have the SAS Advanced Analytics Professional certification, which is an excellent choice for data analysts (and data scientists) who want to validate their expertise in analytical modeling, machine learning, and optimization with SAS software.

If you're not sure whether you have the skills needed to pass the exam, this certification is also part of the SAS Academy for Data Science, which you can use to blend online course material to develop your skills and build your confidence.

I really like this, as it's an excellent route for aspiring data analysts who don't have a degree or perhaps have minimal professional experience but want to boost their career prospects.

Plus, if you plan to use or are already using SAS software in your daily role, this is a no-brainer.

Main areas examined:

• Predictive modeling, with logistic regression and neural network modeling.
• Text analytics and time series, with text mining, time series forecasting, and optimization.
• Understanding the essentials of experimentation in data analysis and optimization concepts.

Prerequisites: 6 months of programming experience in SAS or another language and 6 months of experience using math or stats in a business environment.

Price:

• Predictive modeler: $250
• Advanced Predictive Modeling: $180
• SAS Specialist: Text Analytics: $180

Validity Period: No expiry for most exams, but check individual exam

Total Exam Questions: 

• Predictive modeler: 55-60
• Advanced Predictive Modeling: 50-55
• SAS Specialist: Text Analytics: 50-55

Content: Multiple-choice, short-answer questions, or interactive questions

Exam Duration:

• Predictive modeler: 165 minutes
• Advanced Predictive Modeling: 110 minutes
• SAS Specialist: Text Analytics: 110 minutes

Exam Location: Online

Passing Score:

• Predictive modeler: 72.5%
• Advanced Predictive Modeling: 67%
• SAS Specialist: Text Analytics: 68%

Who is it best for? Analysts looking to specialize in advanced analytical modeling and machine learning techniques using SAS tools.

11. [Coursera] Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Why We Chose This Data Science Certification

Rounding out my list is a data analytics certificate rather than a true certification. But, if you are an absolute beginner, this data analytics certificate program has been designed to be accessible to anyone with a passion for data.

Plus, you get the benefit of industry experts from Google, who have a partnership with Coursera to deliver their Google Career Certificates. 

I was really impressed by the Google Data Analytics Certificate for its depth and practicality, as you will learn the concepts and the specific tools you need to be a data analyst.

Expect to become very comfortable with spreadsheets, SQL, and R programming while also gaining hands-on experience in data cleaning, organizing, and data visualization.

The detailed modules also take you through each stage of data analysis, from understanding data ecosystems to mastering data visualization in Tableau. 

The capstone project is a real highlight for me with this program, as you get the chance to apply your skills in a comprehensive and real-world case study, which is ideal for showcasing your skills to potential employers or during interviews.

Overall, if you’re a beginner to data analytics and you have your eyes set on becoming a junior or associate, this data analytics course is a great starting point.

Main areas examined:

• Data types and structures, solving problems using data.
• Data integrity, preparation, cleaning, and visualization.
• Programming in SQL and R.

Prerequisites: Designed for beginners

Price: $59/month or $399 annually for Coursera Plus

Validity Period: No expiry.

Total Exam Questions: N/A

Content: Course-based learning with practical assignments and projects.

Exam Duration: Typically 6 months (10 hours per week)

Exam Location: Online.

Passing Score: N/A

Who is it best for? Beginners beginners seeking to learn data analytics fundamentals from an industry leader.

What Is a Data Analytics Certification?

Not to be confused with data analytics certificates, which are often awarded after you’ve attended and completed a data analytics course, data analytics certifications are industry-recognized credentials for verifying your competence and expertise within the field of data analytics.

To get a data analytics certification, you may need to meet prerequisites before attending and passing a data analytics certification exam or peer interview that tests your skills and knowledge in various aspects of data science. 

It’s also essential to point out that a data analytics certificate is much easier to get, and it can be a great stepping stone on your way to learning data analytics via an online course or boot camp. However, this article focuses on data analytics certifications awarded by a recognized body.

Do I Need To Know AI To Become a Data Analyst?

One thing is clear: as we navigate through our professional and personal lives, the presence of AI is becoming increasingly familiar to us all.

But do you need to be an AI wizard to excel in data analytics in 2024? This is a fascinating question that warrants a deeper exploration.

In the dynamic world of data analytics, the relevance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniably growing. However, it's essential to recognize that this does not overshadow the foundational aspects of data analytics.

Data analysts are the backbone of insightful decision-making in organizations, tasked with the crucial role of distilling meaningful insights from structured data.

Their expertise often lies in employing a variety of sophisticated analytical techniques, where AI, and specifically machine learning (ML), can serve as powerful augmentations rather than replacements.

Incorporating AI and ML into the data analyst's toolkit can streamline the analysis process and enhance the precision of findings.

These technologies offer the ability to automate routine tasks, uncover deeper patterns within datasets, and even predict future trends based on historical data.

However, it's crucial to understand that AI and ML are part of a broader set of tools at a data analyst's disposal.

Proficiency in SQL for database queries, expertise in data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI, and a strong foundation in statistical analysis remains indispensable.

The ability to integrate AI and ML into this mix can indeed be a game-changer, enabling analysts to refine data processes, enhance analytical models, and introduce innovative solutions that elevate the efficiency and impact of their work.

Thus, while deep expertise in AI may not be mandatory for all data analytics roles, a foundational understanding coupled with a strong skill set in traditional analytics tools forms the ideal combination for a data analyst in 2024 and beyond.

If you're curious to learn more about the role of AI in modern data science and analytics, I'd highly recommend attending DataCamp's free digital conference, RADAR, in March 2024.

This is a great chance to learn how industry experts power success through analytics in an AI-driven world, with talks from the Founder & Chief Advocacy Officer of Alteryx, Head of Data & Analytics at JP Morgan, Senior Data Evangelist at Tableau, and the Chief Data Scientist at Marks & Spencer.

Choosing the Best Data Analytics Certification

If you’re not quite sure which data analytics certification is best for you, consider the following criteria:

• Required Skills: Do you have the necessary technical and theoretical skills?
• Cost: Can you afford the investment for the exam and potential practice tests?
• Renewal Period: How long will your certification be valid? Do you need to renew regularly or at all?

Note that all certification prices are accurate as of January 2024. 

Data Analytics vs. Data Science

While they’re often on the same Data team within an organization, there are some distinct differences between data scientists and data analysts.

Data scientists often work with structured and unstructured data to find interesting patterns or insights via sophisticated data techniques, machine learning, and predictive modeling.

Data analysts typically work with structured data to address real-world business problems using popular programming languages like SQL, R, or Python, data visualization software, and statistical analysis.

Wrapping Up: The Best Data Analytics Certification

So there you have it! That sums up the best data analytics certifications in 2024, including data analytics certification options for juniors and experienced professionals. 

Whether you’re just starting out in data analytics or you're leading a data team, each data analytics certification I've included can show your current or future employer that an industry-recognized body has validated your skills.

Whichever data science analytics certification you choose, I wish you the best of luck with your data analytics career!

Are you just starting your data analytics journey or unsure how where to start? Check out:

Dataquest's Career Path for Data Analyst with Python

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a Data Analytics Certification Worth It?

A data analytics certification can be worth it if it enhances your skillset, aligns with your career goals, and is recognized by employers that you'd like to work for. In general, adding a certification from a reputable awarding body is a great way to stand out from the competition.

2. What Jobs Can I Get With a Data Analytics Certification?

With a data analytics certification, you can pursue various roles, including data analyst, business intelligence (BI) analyst, marketing analyst, financial analyst, operations analyst, and data consultant, among others. These roles involve analyzing data to inform business decisions, improve processes, or understand trends across different industries.

3. What Are the Most In-Demand Skills in Data Analytics Today?

The most in-demand skills in data analytics include proficiency in programming languages like Python and R, expertise in data visualization tools such as Tableau and PowerBI, a strong understanding of machine learning algorithms, proficiency in SQL for database management, and the ability to interpret and communicate data insights effectively.

People Are Also Reading:

• What is Data Analysis?
• Top Machine Learning Certifications
• Top Python Certification
• Top SQL Server Certifications
• Top AWS Certifications

References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022, 15-2051 Data Scientists [Internet]. [updated 2021 Mar 31; cited 2024 Jan 15]. Available from: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes152051.htm