9 data analytics certifications from top tech firms and universities
With data-related occupations growing at “rapid” rates, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, learning the necessary skills to excel in the field is an increasingly popular objective of many entry-level and even mid-career professionals. Master’s in data science programs have resulted in substantial growth over the last few years.
For those who are interested in the organization and visualization of data, becoming a data analyst can be an effective pathway toward a long career across many different industries. Plus, data analyst salaries average over $80,000, making it a lucrative career choice for many.
9 data analytics certifications from top tech firms and universities
| Organization | Cost | Program length | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA: Data+ | $253 (exam voucher) to $1,999 (exam plus live online training) | Self-determined | See details |
| Data Camp: Data Analyst in SQL | $25/month | 39 hours | See details |
| eCornell: Data Analytics Certification Program | $3,900 or $1,350/month | 9 weeks | See details |
| Google: Data Analytics Professional Certificate | $49/month (also part of Coursera Plus) | 6 months (at 10 hours/week) | See details |
| Harvard: Data Analytics Graduate Certificate | $13,360 | Average student takes 1.5 years (four courses) | See details |
| IBM: Data Analyst Professional Certificate | $49/month | 5 months (at 10 hours/week) | See details |
| Microsoft: Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate | $49/month (also part of Coursera Plus) | 5 months (at 10 hours/week) | See details |
| SAS® Certified Specialist: Visual Business Analytics | $180 (exam fee) | Self-determined | See details |
| Tableau: Certified Data Analyst | $250 (exam fee) | Self-determined | See details |
| 9 data analytics certifications from top tech firms and universities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA: Data+ | See details | ||
| Cost | $253 (exam voucher) to $1,999 (exam plus live online training) | ||
| Program length | Self-determined | ||
| Data Camp: Data Analyst in SQL | See details | ||
| Cost | $25/month | ||
| Program length | 39 hours | ||
| eCornell: Data Analytics Certification Program | See details | ||
| Cost | $3,900 or $1,350/month | ||
| Program length | 9 weeks | ||
| Google: Data Analytics Professional Certificate | See details | ||
| Cost | $49/month (also part of Coursera Plus) | ||
| Program length | 6 months (at 10 hours/week) | ||
| Harvard: Data Analytics Graduate Certificate | See details | ||
| Cost | $13,360 | ||
| Program length | Average student takes 1.5 years (four courses) | ||
| IBM: Data Analyst Professional Certificate | See details | ||
| Cost | $49/month | ||
| Program length | 5 months (at 10 hours/week) | ||
| Microsoft: Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate | See details | ||
| Cost | $49/month (also part of Coursera Plus) | ||
| Program length | 5 months (at 10 hours/week) | ||
| SAS® Certified Specialist: Visual Business Analytics | See details | ||
| Cost | $180 (exam fee) | ||
| Program length | Self-determined | ||
| Tableau: Certified Data Analyst | See details | ||
| Cost | $250 (exam fee) | ||
| Program length | Self-determined | ||
But data analyst’s day-to-day tasks are no joke. Experts in the field are good at mathematics, statistics, and computer science—areas that even just alone can be challenging. Moreover, data analysts are generally familiar with programming languages like SQL, R, and/or Python, plus software like Microsoft Excel and Tableau.
If this sparks your interest, it can be a good idea to check out free videos and data sets available on the Internet to see if data analytics is a subject that deeply interests you, says Joel Shapiro, clinical associate professor of managerial economics and decision sciences at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Then, with a growing number of flexible online learning options on the market, obtaining data analyst skills via a certification program is one way you can score the position of your dreams—no matter your skill level.
Shapiro says he is a big proponent of simply diving into real-world settings when it comes to learning.
“As someone learns basic data analytics, they can start applying those tools and concepts at work with whatever data they have at their disposal,” Shapiro adds. “Over time, they will naturally improve, because they will find a need for more data, better tools, and better methods for analysis, which will in turn lead to more inquiry and more learning.”
Learn more: Key traits of successful data analysts
When it comes to data analytics certification programs, Fortune has you covered with just some of the offerings out there. Most importantly, though, consider which programs best cater to your personal needs, experience level, and career trajectory.
CompTIA: Data+
Length: Self-determined
Cost: $253 (exam voucher) to $1,999 (exam plus live online training)
Prerequisite knowledge: “CompTIA recommends 18–24 months of experience in a report/business analyst job role, exposure to databases and analytical tools, a basic understanding of statistics, and data visualization experience.”
Course examples: N/A
Data Camp: Data Analyst in SQL
Length: 39 hours
Cost: $25/month
Prerequisite knowledge: None
Course examples: Data Manipulation in SQL, Data-Driven Decision Making in SQL, Understanding Data Visualization
eCornell: Data Analytics Certification Program
Length: 9 weeks
Cost: $3,900 or $1,350/month
Prerequisite knowledge: Experience in statistics and Excel is helpful
Course examples: Understanding and Visualizing Data, Implementing Scientific Decision Making, Using Predictive Data Analysis
Google: Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Length: 6 months (at 10 hours/week)
Cost: $49/month (also part of Coursera Plus)
Prerequisite knowledge: None
Course examples: Process Data from Dirty to Clean, Share Data Through the Art of Visualization, Data Analysis with R Programming
Harvard: Data Analytics Graduate Certificate
Length: Average student takes 1.5 years (four courses)
Cost: $13,360
Prerequisite knowledge: Experience in statistics, calculus, linear algebra, and business is viewed as positive
Course examples: Introduction to Statistical Modeling, Data Mining for Business, Designing and Developing Relational and NoSQL Databases
IBM: Data Analyst Professional Certificate
Length: 5 months (at 10 hours/week)
Cost: $49/month
Prerequisite knowledge: None
Course examples: Python for Data Science, AI & Development, Data Visualization and Dashboards with Excel and Cognos, Data Analysis with Python
Microsoft: Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate
Length: 5 months (at 10 hours/week)
Cost: $49/month (also part of Coursera Plus)
Prerequisite knowledge: None
Course examples: Harnessing the Power of Data with Power BI, Data Modeling in Power BI, Creative Designing in Power BI
SAS® Certified Specialist: Visual Business Analytics
Length: Self-determined
Cost: $180 (exam fee)
Prerequisite knowledge: “Experience with SAS Visual Analytics on either the SAS Viya platform or the SAS 9.4 platform is acceptable for your exam preparation.”
Course examples: N/A
Tableau: Certified Data Analyst
Length: Self-determined
Cost: $250 (exam fee)
Prerequisite knowledge: “Candidates are strongly encouraged to have a minimum of 6 months experience.”
Course examples: N/A
About the Contributors
Preston Fore is a reporter at Fortune, covering education and personal finance for the Success team.
Jasmine Suarez was a senior editor at Fortune where she leads coverage for careers, education and finance. In the past, she’s worked for Business Insider, Adweek, Red Ventures, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and more.
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