Compare online data analytics certificates

Data analytics certificate vs. certification

Although a data analytics certification and a data analytics certificate sound similar, they differ in crucial ways. Obtaining a data analytics certificate means an individual has completed a specific training course. In contrast, anyone holding a data analytics certification has taken and passed a specific exam to prove competency. 

Both data analytics certificates and data analytics certifications have value if you’re interested in data analytics, but choosing one or the other should align with your career goals and circumstances. Over time, you can earn both certificates and certifications to continue enhancing your knowledge and stay competitive in the job market. Exploring available online certificates may help clarify your learning path.

Browse data analytics certificates online

Learn in-demand skills to solve data-driven problems for leading organizations across various industries using a broad range of data analysis techniques, tools, and methodologies. Online data analysis courses teach learners to extract insights from big data and translate them into actionable initiatives. Choose from data analytics executive education opportunities like data analytics boot camp programs online.

Admission requirements for a certificate in data analytics 

Admission requirements vary for each data analytics certificate course or program. Often, open course programs have no barrier to entry. In contrast, professional certificate programs or executive education programs may require base knowledge of certain concepts to excel. Meanwhile, MicroMasters® programs are open to all and offer a path toward a traditional master’s degree if this is what you desire.

Most schools offering data analytics certificate programs recommend a strong foundational knowledge of statistics and probability, calculus, and discrete mathematics but don’t usually require more complex mathematical skills.

Visit each data analytics certificate course or program page to learn more about their requirements.

What you’ll learn

Although the curricula of data analytics certificate programs vary, topics generally include:

• Understanding and visualizing data: This data analytics certificate course topic covers the grounding principles of data analysis, teaching learners to derive unbiased insights from data.

• Implementing scientific decision making: Data analytics certificate courses often teach learners to come to data-driven insights and then use those takeaways to inform decision making. Students use statistical results to guide organizational strategy.

• Using predictive data analysis: Data analytics certificate programs teach learners to choose variables using statistical methods, helping to reduce uncertainty in business decisions. Over time, learners will develop their own robust decision models.

Are data analytics certifications or certificates worth it?

Whether the data analytics certifications and certificates you’re looking at are worth it depends on your career goals and circumstances. However, a certificate in data analytics shows recruiters and future employers you have relevant skills. Once you’ve completed one of the available data analytics certificate programs, you’ll be an attractive candidate for a data-driven organization. Exploring how analytical skills can boost your résumé may help influence your decision.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data science positions, including operations research analyst jobs, will likely grow 35% by 2032 — much faster than the average for all occupations.^{Footnote 1} The BLS lists data analytics certification salary information, for data science fields and positions like operations research analyst, as having a median annual wage of USD103,500. The highest 10% of data scientists earn more than $174,790.^{Footnote 2}

Completion of a data analytics certification online program allows you to pursue careers across many industries. Positions include:

• Data analyst

• Business analyst

• Market research analyst

• Operations analyst

• Financial analyst

• Healthcare analyst

• Supply chain analyst

• Data visualization specialist

• Quality assurance analyst

• Risk analyst

• Credit analyst

• HR analyst

• Environmental analyst

• Nonprofit analyst

• Government analyst