Data Analytics examines, cleans, transforms, and modelsg data to discover useful information,informg conclusions, and support decision-making. 

This involves using statistical and computational techniques to extract insights and knowledge from data in various forms, such as structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data. 

The process of data analytics can be used to support business intelligence and improve organisational decision-making.

Making the proper judgments with data is the core concept of data analytics. By gathering, cleansing, and evaluating data, you can determine the most strategic and practical course of action to accomplish a specific objective.

As a result, many aspiring and experienced professionals in data analytics are still determining which certification to pick to advance their careers.

This article includes six well-known data analytic credentials and certificates and recommendations for introductory courses.

This article includes the information you need to decide how to proceed, whether you want to start as a beginner or turn your skill set into a career as a data analyst or data scientist.

What is Data Analytics Certification?

Data Analytics Certification recognises a person's proficiency in analysing and interpreting data, usually obtained by passing an exam or completing a course. 

Certifications are awarded by organisations or educational institutions and are designed to demonstrate the holder's expertise and knowledge in data analytics. 

Certification can show employers that you have a specific skill set and help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Is a data analyst certification worth it?

Whether a data analyst certification is worth, it depends on various factors, including your career goals, the job market, and the certificate you are considering. Some potential benefits of obtaining a data analyst certification include the following:

• Validated skills: A certification formally recognises your knowledge and skills in data analysis, making you a more competitive job candidate.
• Career advancement: A certification may help you to stand out in a competitive job market and provide you with opportunities for career advancement.
• Networking opportunities: Obtaining a certification can allow you to connect with other professionals in your field and expand your professional network.
• Increased earning potential: A certification may increase your earning potential, as many organisations are willing to pay a premium for certified data analysts.

However, it's essential to remember that certifications are not a guarantee of success and may only sometimes be required for specific job roles. 

It is recommended to research and weigh the potential benefits and costs before deciding to pursue a certification.

List of 6 Popular Data Analytics Certifications

Here are six popular data analytics certifications:

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). It is a globally recognised certification that validates a professional's knowledge and expertise in analytics.

To obtain the CAP certification, candidates must complete an online exam that covers various topics, including data analytics methodologies, statistical analysis, data visualisation, and ethics in analytics. The certification requires ongoing continuing education to maintain, ensuring that CAP-certified individuals stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Holding the CAP certification can demonstrate to employers and clients a commitment to the field of analytics and the ability to apply best practices to real-world problems. It can also enhance career advancement opportunities and increase earning potential for individuals in data analytics.

Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst

Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst is a certification program offered by Cloudera for professionals who use Cloudera technologies to analyse big data. The certification is designed for data analysts, business intelligence professionals, and prominent data professionals. The certification tests an individual's ability to perform core data analyst tasks, such as data loading, data transformation, data analysis, and results interpretation using Apache Hive, Apache Pig, and Apache Spark.

Benefits of Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst:

• Demonstrates expertise in Cloudera technologies for extensive data analysis.
• Increases job prospects and earning potential.
• Improved credibility and recognition by peers and industry.
• Access to Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst community and resources.

Requirements for certification:

• Pass the Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst exam.
• Have hands-on experience with Cloudera technologies, including Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, Apache Pig, and Apache Spark.
• Have a strong understanding of data analysis, data warehousing, and SQL.

Exam format:

• 120-minute duration
• 8-12 hands-on, performance-based tasks
• Exam fee of $295

Exam preparation:

• Study Cloudera training courses and resources.
• Practice using Cloudera technologies, including Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, Apache Pig, and Apache Spark.
• Participate in Cloudera user groups and attend Cloudera events.
• Use the Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst Study Guide as a reference.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate certification demonstrates your expertise in using Azure services to design and implement data science solutions. 

This certification requires passing a single exam, AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies, which covers topics such as Azure Machine Learning, Azure Databricks, and Azure Cognitive Services.

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate certification is designed for data science professionals with experience using Azure services to design and implement data science solutions. This certification is designed to showcase your ability to:

• Design and implement Azure data storage solutions.
• Use Azure Machine Learning for predictive analytics.
• Use Azure Databricks for big data processing.
• Use Azure Cognitive Services for natural language processing and computer vision.

Holding this certification demonstrates your expertise in using Azure to implement data science solutions and can help you advance your career in data science. 

You must pass the AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies exam to obtain this certification. 

The exam covers various topics, including designing and implementing Azure data storage solutions, using Azure Machine Learning for predictive analytics, using Azure Databricks for big data processing, and using Azure Cognitive Services for natural language processing and computer vision.

Tableau Desktop Certified Professional

Tableau Desktop Certified Professional is a certification program offered by Tableau Software to demonstrate proficiency in using the Tableau Desktop data visualisation tool. 

The certification involves passing an exam that tests one's ability to connect to and prepare data, create and publish dashboards, and perform advanced data analysis techniques. This certification is valuable for data analysts, business intelligence professionals, and others looking to demonstrate their Tableau skills to employers or clients.

Benefits of Tableau Desktop Certified Professional:

• Recognition of expertise in Tableau Desktop by peers and industry
• Improved job prospects and higher earning potential
• Enhanced credibility when delivering Tableau projects
• Access to Tableau Certified Professional community and resources

Requirements for certification:

• Pass the Tableau Desktop Certified Professional Exam
• Have a solid understanding of Tableau Desktop and data visualisation concepts
• Have experience using Tableau Desktop to connect to and analyse data

Exam format:

• 60-minute duration
• 25-35 questions, multiple-choice and scenario-based
• Exam fee of $250 for non-Tableau customers and $100 for Tableau customers

Exam preparation:

• Study Tableau Desktop resources and tutorials
• Practice using Tableau Desktop to connect to and analyse data
• Participate in Tableau Desktop user groups and attend Tableau events
• Use the Tableau Desktop Certified Professional Exam Preparation Handbook as a guide.

SAS Certified Data Scientist

SAS Certified Data Scientist is a certification program offered by SAS Institute for professionals who use SAS software to build and deploy advanced analytics models. 

The certification tests an individual's ability to collect, process, analyse, and interpret large data sets and use statistical methods to make predictions and drive business decisions. 

The certification is designed for data scientists, advanced analytics professionals, and business intelligence professionals.

Benefits of SAS Certified Data Scientist:

• Demonstrates mastery of advanced analytics skills
• Increases job prospects and earning potential
• Improved credibility and recognition by peers and industry
• Access to SAS Certified Data Scientist community and resources

Requirements for certification:

• Pass the SAS Certified Data Scientist exam
• Have hands-on experience with SAS analytics tools and programming languages
• Have a strong understanding of statistics, machine learning, and data mining

Exam format:

• 120-minute duration
• 60-70 multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
• Exam fee of $180 for SAS customers and $250 for non-SAS customers

Exam preparation:

• Study SAS training courses and resources
• Practice using SAS analytics tools and programming languages
• Participate in SAS user groups and attend SAS events
• Use the SAS Certified Data Scientist Study Guide as a reference.

IBM Certified Data Analyst – Watson AI

IBM Certified Data Analyst – Watson AI is a certification program offered by IBM for professionals who use IBM Watson AI technologies to analyse data and build AI models. 

The certification tests an individual's ability to use Watson AI tools, such as Watson Studio and Watson Knowledge Studio, to process, analyse, and interpret data and build machine learning models. 

The certification is designed for data analysts, business intelligence professionals, and AI developers.

Benefits of IBM Certified Data Analyst – Watson AI:

• Demonstrates expertise in IBM Watson AI technologies.
• Increases job prospects and earning potential.
• Improved credibility and recognition by peers and industry.
• Access to IBM Certified Data Analyst – Watson AI community and resources.

Requirements for certification:

• Pass the IBM Certified Data Analyst – Watson AI exam
• Have hands-on experience with IBM Watson AI technologies and data analysis
• Have a strong understanding of machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence

Exam format:

• 90-minute duration
• 45-55 multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
• Exam fee of $200

Exam preparation:

• Study IBM Watson AI training courses and resources
• Practice using IBM Watson AI tools and technologies
• Participate in IBM Watson AI user groups and attend IBM events
• Use the IBM Certified Data Analyst – Watson AI Study Guide as a reference.

These certifications demonstrate a professional's knowledge and expertise in data analytics and can help individuals stand out in the job market. 

It is essential to research each certification to determine which one aligns with your career goals and industry.