Data analytics is the process of examining data sets to draw conclusions about the information they contain. It involves using specialized systems and software to transform, organize, and model data. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of data analysts is projected to grow 23% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Earning a data analytics certification can significantly boost your career, offering opportunities for higher salaries and professional growth.

In this article, we’ll explore the best data analytics certifications for 2024, helping you choose the right program to advance your career and stay competitive in the job market.

After reviewing more than 20 data analytics courses and certifications, we narrowed our list down these top five for 2024:

TechnologyAdvice is able to offer our services for free because some vendors may pay us for web traffic or other sales opportunities. Our mission is to help technology buyers make better purchasing decisions, so we provide you with information for all vendors — even those that don’t pay us.

Featured partners

Certification

Provider

Key Features

Pros

Cons

Pricing

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Visit website

Google via Coursera

Covers entire data lifecycle, practical projects, tools like SQL, R, Tableau

Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on projects, Google-backed, self-paced, included in Coursera Plus

Focuses on R programming, capstone project requires independent work

$49/month, typically 6 months ($294); Coursera Plus: $59/month or $399/year

IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

Visit website

IBM via Coursera

Python programming, Excel, SQL, IBM Cognos Analytics

Career support services, hands-on projects, recognized certification, free audit option

Not in Coursera Plus, lacks advanced topics

$49/month, typically 3-4 months ($147-$196); free audit option available

Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate

Visit website

Microsoft via Coursera

Data prep, modeling, visualization, dashboard creation, Power BI focus

Comprehensive curriculum, practical projects, PL-300 exam preparation, self-paced

Power BI-specific, not in Coursera Plus, additional exam cost

$49/month, typically 3-5 months ($147-$245); financial aid available

Data Analytics Bootcamp

Visit website

Udemy

Python, data cleaning with pandas, visualization with Matplotlib and Seaborn, 20+ case studies

Cost-effective, practical examples, career-focused, lifetime access

No interactive support, technical setup required

$150, lifetime access; 30-day money-back guarantee

SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate

Visit website

SAS

Statistical analysis, regression, predictive modeling, real-world projects

High earning potential, networking opportunities, practice exams, real-world applications

Requires SAS knowledge, not in Coursera Plus, technical setup required

$79/month per course, typically 3 months ($237); addl. exam fee; 7-day free trial

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Visit Website

Pros

  • Curriculum covers entire data lifecycle
  • Practical, hands-on projects
  • Google-backed certifications hold significant weight in the industry
  • Self-paced
  • Included in Coursera Plus subscription

Cons

  • Focuses on R for programming (not as widely used as Python)
  • Capstone project requires learners to figure out many aspects on their own

The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is a solid choice if you’re looking to get your feet wet in the world of data. Offered through Coursera, it covers all the basics, from data cleaning to creating visualizations and reports. You’ll get hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like SQL, R, and Tableau.

The program is split into eight courses, each packed with real-world projects. This means you’re actually putting your skills to the test while learning terminology and taking knowledge-focused exams. And, being a Google certification, employers will notice this achievement on your resume.

One of the best things about this program is its flexibility. If you’re juggling a full-time job or studying, you can learn at your own pace. Plus, if you’re already a Coursera Plus subscriber, you can access this along with all of their other courses.

Keep in mind, though, that it leans heavily on R programming. If your organization’s software utilizes Python, or if you’re hoping to build a more diverse portfolio, you might want to consider other options.

Monthly Subscription:

  • Cost: $49 per month
  • Duration: Typically completed in about 6 months
  • Total estimated cost: Around $294 if completed in the recommended 6 months

Coursera Plus Subscription:

  • Monthly Plan: $59 per month
  • Annual Plan: $399 per year
  • Access: Unlimited access to over 7,000 courses, including the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Also read: Advanced Data Analytics Guide: Definition, Benefits, & Techniques

IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

Visit Website

Pros

  • Access to mock interviews, resume building, and other career support services
  • Includes Python, SQL, and data visualization
  • Instantly recognizable certification for employers
  • Hands-on projects
  • Recognized for college credits by ACE and ECTS
  • Free audit option available

Cons

  • Not included with Coursera Plus subscription
  • Does not delve into more advanced data analytics topics

The IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera offers a comprehensive approach to developing your data analysis skills. This program comprises nine courses covering essential topics such as Python programming, Excel fundamentals, SQL, and data visualization using IBM Cognos Analytics.

What sets this certificate apart is its emphasis on practical application. You’ll work on projects that simulate real-world data analysis tasks, allowing you to build a substantial portfolio alongside your theoretical knowledge. This hands-on experience is invaluable when demonstrating your capabilities to potential employers.

The certificate’s credibility is enhanced by IBM’s industry reputation and its recognition by respected educational bodies. The American Council on Education (ACE) and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) both acknowledge this certification, potentially opening doors for college credit opportunities and improving your employability.

Whether you’re new to the field or looking to advance your existing skills, this IBM certificate provides a structured path to professional development in data analysis. Upon completion, you’ll have a well-rounded skill set, a portfolio of practical work, and a recognized qualification to support your career aspirations in the data analytics field.

Monthly subscription:

  • Cost: $49 per month
  • Duration: Typically completed in 3 to 4 months
  • Total Estimated Cost: $147 to $196, depending on the completion time

Free audit option: Allows access to course materials without hands-on exercises or certification upon completion.

Also read: What is Data Analytics?

Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate

Visit Website

Pros

  • Ensures a deep understanding of Power BI upon completion
  • Holistic curriculum covering data cleaning, modeling, visualization, and dashboard creation
  • Access to practice exams, study guides, and additional resources
  • Opens doors to other roles in business intelligence

Cons

  • MS Power BI-specific focus
  • Not included in the Coursera Plus subscription
  • Additional cost for L-300 exam

The Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera is a program that’ll sharpen your data analysis skills using Power BI specifically. It’s made up of eight courses that cover everything from data prep to modeling, visualization, and dashboard creation.

Targeted at new and intermediate users, you can work through it at your own pace, typically taking three to five months to complete. Since its focus on Power BI—a tool used by nearly all Fortune 500 companies, you’re learning skills that are in high demand across industries.

Each course is packed with hands-on exercises and real-world projects. You’ll be applying what you learn right away, building a portfolio that showcases your skills to potential employers. The curriculum is thorough, covering all aspects of data analysis, including ETL techniques.

The goal of this program is to prepare you for the PL-300 exam—a respected certification known as the gold standard when it comes to Power BI. 

It’ll cost you $49 per month, with the total ranging from $147 to $245 depending on how quickly you complete it. Financial aid is available for qualified users. It’s important to note, however, this isn’t included in the Coursera Plus subscription, so you’ll need to pay separately. 

Monthly Subscription:

  • Cost: $49 per month
  • Duration: Typically completed in 3 to 5 months
  • Total Estimated Cost: $147 to $245, depending on the completion time

*Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.

Also read: Business Intelligence vs. Data Analytics

Data Analytics Bootcamp

Visit Website

Pros

  • Cost effective compared to similar in-person boot camps
  • Includes over 20 real-world case studies with practical examples of applications in retail, health, sports
  • Specifically designed for career preparation
  • Beginner and advanced Python, data cleaning with pandas, data visualization with Matplotlib and Seaborn

Cons

  • Does not offer interactive support or live mentoring
  • Software such as Anaconda installation required

The Data Analytics Bootcamp on Udemy covers a wide array of topics essential for data analysis, including Python programming, NumPy, pandas, data collection, data cleaning, data preprocessing, and data visualization. The curriculum is designed to provide both foundational and advanced knowledge, making it suitable for beginners and those looking to deepen their skills.

Key learning objectives include mastering Python from beginner to advanced levels, understanding and working with text files, obtaining real-time data from APIs, and engaging in data cleaning exercises using pandas Series and DataFrames. The course emphasizes practical experience, featuring over 20 real-world case studies in various industries such as retail, health, and sports. This hands-on approach ensures that learners are well-prepared for the job market, capable of handling real-world data analysis tasks.

The bootcamp includes 20.5 hours of on-demand video, 211 coding exercises, 17 articles, and 143 downloadable resources, all accessible on mobile and TV. Learners benefit from lifetime access to course materials and receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the program.

Udemy’s pricing for this bootcamp is around $150, offering significant value compared to traditional in-person bootcamps that can cost thousands of dollars. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also provided, allowing learners to request a refund if they are not satisfied with the course.

  • Cost: $150 (subject to change based on Udemy promotions and discounts)
  • Access: Lifetime access to course materials, including any future updates.

Refund Policy:

  • Money-Back Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing learners to request a refund within 30 days of purchase if they are not satisfied with the course.

SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate

Visit Website

Pros

  • Mid-level SAS pros earn between $90,000 and $120,000 or more annually
  • SAS community provides networking opportunities with other professionals
  • Includes Statistical analysis, regression modeling fundamentals, and predictive modeling using logistic regression modules
  • Access to practice exams, study guides, and sample questions
  • Skills translate well to real-world job scenarios

Cons

  • Not included in Coursera Plus subscription
  • Learners need access to SAS software and may need to set up and configure the software

The SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate is designed to sharpen your predictive and statistical modeling skills using SAS software. It covers crucial topics like ANOVA, regression, and logistic regression through three main courses: Introduction to Statistical Analysis, Regression Modeling Fundamentals, and Predictive Modeling using Logistic Regression.

This certificate prepares you for the SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9: Regression and Modeling exam, a globally recognized certification that can significantly boost your resume. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with real-world case studies and projects, helping you build a portfolio before starting your first job.

While valuable, the program does have some limitations. It requires prior knowledge of SAS programming, which can be a significant roadblock for newcomers. The courses are not included in the Coursera Plus subscription and must be purchased separately. Each course costs around $79 per month on Coursera, with an estimated total cost of $237 for the full program.

Monthly Subscription:

  • Cost: $79 per month per course
  • Estimated completion time: Typically completed in 3 months
  • Total estimated cost: Approximately $237 if completed in the recommended timeframe

Additional Costs:

  • Exam fee: Separate fee for the SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9: Regression and Modeling exam. Check the SAS certification page for the most current pricing.

Refund Policy:

  • Free trial: 7-day free trial period during which you can cancel at no penalty
  • Cancellation: You can cancel your subscription at any time, but refunds are not provided after the free trial period​

Who stands to benefit from a data analysis certification?

Data analysis certifications are beneficial for anyone looking to improve their data literacy, advance their career, or transition into a data-centric role. The growing importance of data across all sectors underscores the value of these certifications. Here’s who stands to benefit the most:

1. Aspiring data analysts

Individuals looking to enter the field of data analysis can greatly benefit from certifications. These credentials provide foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to start a career in data analysis. According toJessup University, data analysts are in high demand, and having a certification can make candidates more competitive.

2. Current data professionals

For those already working in data-related roles, certifications can help in skill enhancement and career progression. Professionals such as data scientists, business analysts, and statisticians can use certifications to validate their expertise and stay current with industry trends and tools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in data-related fields will grow significantly, making continued education essential for career advancement.

3. IT professionals

IT professionals can expand their skill set with data analysis certifications, being particularly beneficial for roles in database management, system administration, and IT support, where understanding data analysis is increasingly important.

4. Business managers and executives

Business managers and executives can leverage data analysis skills to make more informed decisions, improve operational efficiencies, and drive business strategies. Certifications provide a structured way to learn how to interpret data insights and apply them to real-world business scenarios.

5. Career changers

Professionals looking to switch careers into the growing field of data analytics can benefit from certifications as they offer a formalized path to gaining the necessary skills. Certifications can provide a structured learning path and recognized credentials that can help career changers transition smoothly into data-focused roles.

6. Academics and researchers

Academics and researchers in fields such as social sciences, economics, and healthcare can benefit from data analysis certifications to enhance their research capabilities. These certifications teach advanced analytical techniques that can be applied to research projects, leading to more accurate and insightful findings.

7. Marketing professionals

Marketing professionals can use data analysis to measure campaign performance, understand customer behavior, and optimize marketing strategies. Certifications in data analysis provide the skills needed to analyze marketing data effectively, which is crucial for creating data-driven marketing campaigns.

What are the benefits and drawbacks to certification?

Benefits

  1. Enhanced career prospects: Data analysis certifications can significantly enhance career prospects by providing recognized credentials that validate your skills and knowledge. Certified professionals are often preferred by employers and may have access to more job opportunities and higher salaries. According to the International Association of Business Analytics Certifications, certified data analysts can earn up to 20% more than their non-certified counterparts.
  2. Skill development: Certifications provide structured learning paths that cover a comprehensive range of topics, from basic data manipulation to advanced statistical analysis and machine learning. This structured approach ensures that learners acquire essential skills that are directly applicable to their job roles. Coursera highlights that certifications help learners stay up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies in data analysis.
  3. Professional credibility: Holding a certification from a reputable institution, such as SAS or IBM, adds credibility to your professional profile. It demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and proficiency in specific areas of data analysis, which can enhance your reputation among peers and potential employers.
  4. Networking opportunities: Certification programs often provide opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field through online forums, study groups, and professional networks. These connections can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship, enriching your professional journey.
  5. Practical experience: Many certification programs include hands-on projects and real-world case studies, allowing learners to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. This practical experience is invaluable for building a strong portfolio and demonstrating your abilities to potential employers.

Drawbacks

  1. Cost: One of the significant drawbacks of pursuing a certification is the cost. Certification programs can be expensive, with fees for courses, exams, and additional study materials. For example, the cost of the SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate can add up to several hundred dollars. This can be a financial burden, especially for those who are self-funding their education.
  2. Time commitment: Earning a certification requires a substantial time commitment. Balancing study time with work, family, and other responsibilities can be challenging. Programs often require several months to complete, and maintaining the discipline to study regularly can be demanding.
  3. Prerequisite knowledge: Many certification programs require prior knowledge or experience in the field. For instance, the SAS certification requires a foundational understanding of SAS programming. This prerequisite can be a barrier for beginners who might need to invest additional time and resources to acquire the necessary background knowledge.
  4. Variable recognition: Not all certifications carry the same weight in the job market. The value of a certification can vary depending on the institution offering it and the specific industry or employer. Some certifications might be highly regarded in one sector but less recognized in another, making it crucial to choose a certification that aligns with your career goals and industry standards.
  5. Continuous learning requirement: The field of data analysis is constantly evolving, with new tools and techniques emerging regularly. Obtaining a certification is just the beginning; professionals need to engage in continuous learning and possibly renew their certifications periodically to stay current. This ongoing requirement can be both time-consuming and costly.

Also read: Data Analysis Methods & Techniques for Businesses

Why is a data analysis certification important for your team members?

Data analysts with recognized certifications bring a higher level of expertise to your team. They’re trained to interpret complex data sets accurately, helping your business spot trends, predict outcomes, and make informed decisions. This expertise can give you a tangible edge over competitors who might be missing key insights.

Certified analysts also ensure your data quality stays top-notch. They’re up-to-date with the latest tools and methods, which means your business can leverage cutting-edge techniques in data analysis. This can improve your operations, spark innovation, and enhance customer experiences.

There’s a cultural benefit too. By supporting professional development through certifications, you’re likely to see improved job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. This can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.

Ultimately, having certified data analysts on board helps your business manage risks better, optimize operations, and stay competitive.

FAQs

Most data analysis certification courses are designed for both beginners and professionals, although some advanced courses may require prior experience in data analysis or programming.

The duration of data analysis certification courses varies, but most can be completed within three to six months, depending on the learner’s pace and the specific program requirements.

The “Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate” is highly regarded for beginners, offering comprehensive, industry-recognized training. Other top choices include Coursera’s “Data Science Specialization” by Johns Hopkins and IBM’s “Data Analyst Professional Certificate.”

Yes, a data analytics certificate is useful. It validates your skills, enhances your resume, and can open up job opportunities in a growing field, making you more competitive in the job market.

The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate can be completed in about 6 months with around 10 hours of study per week, though some may finish it faster depending on their prior knowledge and time commitment.

Data analytics can be challenging, especially for those new to statistics, programming, and data interpretation. However, with dedicated study and practice, it is manageable and rewarding, offering valuable skills in a high-demand field.

Aron Vaughan Avatar
Aron Vaughan
Staff Writer
linkedin
Aron Vaughan is a TechnologyAdvice Staff Writer focused on coverage and research in the fields of Business Intelligence, Sales, and IT software categories. During his career, he has covered a wide array of cutting-edge tech topics from Artificial Intelligence to Sustainable Energy, Augmented Reality, and more. With a background in journalism, he is dedicated to crafting articles that inform readers and deliver the best possible answers for data-driven decision making.