Data science certifications are an invaluable tool to showcase your skills, boost your credibility, and propel your career in the rapidly growing field of data science.
However, finding the right certification to suit your needs and goals can be a daunting task.
While data science certifications themselves are an excellent way to solidify your knowledge and demonstrate your expertise, it’s crucial to consider various factors before making your choice:
- How comprehensive is the course content, and does it cover the latest industry trends?
- What’s the reputation of the certification provider?
- How easily can you access course materials and resources?
- What’s the cost and time commitment involved in obtaining the certification?
- How long will the certification remain valid, and will it require renewal?
In this article, we’ll explore the best data science certificate available, making it easier for you to make an informed decision and kickstart your journey towards becoming a certified data scientist.
Bootcamp more your style? Don’t worry we have you covered in this post about the best data science bootcamps.
What are the Best Data Science Certifications?
Here are our top picks for best data science certificates this year.
| Course Name | Provider | Price | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM Data Science Professional Certificate | IBM / Coursera | $39 – $79/month | None |
| Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate | Microsoft | $165 USD | 2 years |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate | Microsoft | $165 USD | 2 years |
| Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) | INFORMS | $695 USD | 3 years |
| Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS) | The Open Group | $1,250 USD | 3 years |
| Data Science Council of America (DASCA) | DASCA | $465 – $695 USD | 5 years |
| Cloudera Certified Data Scientist | Cloudera | $400 USD | 2 years |
| SAS Certified Data Scientist | SAS | $180 – $540 USD | None |
| Tensorflow Developer Certificate | TensorFlow | $100 USD | None |
| Dell EMC Data Science Track (EMCDS) | Dell EMC | $230 – $460 USD | None |
| Amazon AWS Data Analytics Certification | Amazon AWS | $300 USD | None |
| Google Professional Data Engineer Certification | Google Cloud Platform | $200 USD | None |
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) data science certificate is a widely recognized and respected credential in the analytics and data science industry. Offered by INFORMS, this certification is vendor- and technology-neutral, covering the entire analytics process from business problem framing to model deployment and lifecycle management.
Benefits of CAP Certification
Earning a CAP certification provides numerous benefits:
- Enhance your credibility in the field of analytics and data science.
- Improve your skillset and stay current with industry trends.
- Access new opportunities and a network of professionals through INFORMS.
CAP Eligibility and Exam Details
To obtain the CAP certification, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including education, experience, soft skills, and adherence to the CAP Code of Ethics. The certification exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover the seven domains of analytics, with a time limit of three hours.
CAP Costs and Renewal
The cost of applying for CAP is $495 for INFORMS members and $695 for nonmembers, including the exam fee. The CAP credential is valid for three years, with a renewal fee of $150 for INFORMS members and $250 for nonmembers. To maintain the certification, you must complete 30 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.
Cloudera Data Platform Generalist Certification
The Cloudera Data Platform (CDP) Generalist Certification is one of the top data science certifications for professionals who work with Cloudera’s comprehensive cloud-native platform for data engineering, data warehousing, operational database, machine learning, and data flow. This data science certificate is applicable to multiple roles, such as administrator, developer, data analyst, data engineer, data scientist, and system architect.
Benefits of CDP Generalist Certification
Obtaining a CDP Generalist certification offers several advantages:
- Demonstrate your proficiency with Cloudera Data Platform.
- Gain recognition and credibility in the data science field.
- Align your skills with Cloudera, the leader in enterprise data cloud solutions.
CDP Generalist Exam Details
To earn the CDP Generalist certification, you must pass a 90-minute online proctored exam consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers eight topics related to CDP architecture, including the main components, security features, analytic experiences, deployment requirements, and major functions of various Cloudera tools.
CDP Generalist Costs and Updates
The cost of applying for CDP Generalist is $295 USD, including the exam fee. While the CDP Generalist credential does not expire, you may want to update your certification as new versions of CDP are released to stay current with industry advancements.
IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
The IBM Data Science Professional Certificate is an online course designed for beginners who want to build a strong foundation in data science. Offered on the edX platform, this comprehensive program covers a wide range of data science topics and skills through 10 courses.
In our opinion it’s one of the best certifications for data scientists and analysts.
Benefits of IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
By enrolling in the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, you can:
- Learn from IBM data scientists with extensive industry experience.
- Gain hands-on experience with real datasets and access to IBM Cloud services.
- Showcase your work and build a portfolio of data science projects.
IBM Data Science Professional Certificate Details
To obtain the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, you must complete all 10 courses with a passing grade of 70% or higher. Each course takes about 3 to 6 hours per week for 2 to 4 weeks, with a total program duration of approximately 10 months if following the suggested pace.
IBM Data Science Professional Certificate Costs
The cost of enrolling in the data science certificate is $873 USD, which includes access to all course materials and graded assignments for one year. You can also audit the courses for free if you only want access to the ungraded materials. The certificate does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new data science technologies emerge.
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
The Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals data science certificate is designed for individuals looking to validate their foundational knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence concepts, as well as related Microsoft Azure services.
This is a great certificate program in data science for those who work in businesses deep into the Azure stack, and is one of the best data science courses with industry recognition.
Benefits of Azure AI Fundamentals Certification
By obtaining the Azure AI Fundamentals certification, you can:
- Demonstrate your understanding of common ML and AI workloads and their implementation on Azure.
- Showcase your familiarity with cloud basics and client-server applications necessary for working with AI solutions.
Azure AI Fundamentals Exam Details
To earn the Azure AI Fundamentals credential, you need to pass a single online proctored exam with 40 to 60 multiple-choice questions and a 60-minute time limit. The exam covers six topics related to Azure AI services.
Azure AI Fundamentals Costs
The cost of taking the exam is $99 USD. You can schedule the exam through Pearson VUE, an online testing provider. The Azure AI Fundamentals credential does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new AI technologies emerge.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate ertificate is designed for professionals with existing knowledge of Python and machine learning frameworks who want to demonstrate their expertise in applying data science and machine learning to Microsoft Azure workloads.
It does a long way to being seen as a certified data scientist.
Benefits of Azure Data Scientist Associate Certification
By obtaining the Azure Data Scientist Associate certification, you can:
- Showcase your ability to design and create a suitable working environment for data science workloads on Azure.
- Demonstrate your expertise in exploring data, training models, preparing models for deployment, and deploying ethical machine learning solutions.
- Leverage your skills to use Azure Databricks and integrate Databricks machine learning processes with Azure Machine Learning.
Azure Data Scientist Associate Exam Details
To earn the Azure Data Scientist Associate credential, you need to pass a single online proctored exam with 40 to 60 multiple-choice questions and a 180-minute time limit. The exam covers five topics related to designing and implementing a data science solution on Azure.
Azure Data Scientist Associate Costs
The cost of taking the exam is $165 USD. You can schedule the exam through Pearson VUE, an online testing provider. The Azure Data Scientist Associate credential does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new data science technologies emerge.
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Read about all of the best data science bootcamps that are available online.
Or, how to land a data science job after completing a bootcamp.
Otherwise just head over to our Data Science Category page to look at all of our content on data science!
OK back to the list of certificates…
Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS)
The Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS) certification is offered by The Open Group and validates your skills, knowledge, and experience as a data scientist.
As a vendor-neutral and globally recognized data science certificate, it covers the entire data science process, from data exploration to model deployment and management.
Benefits of Open CDS Certification
By obtaining the Open CDS certification, you can:
- Demonstrate your ability to integrate statistical, economic, and computer science techniques to address business problems using data.
- Showcase your professional communication and development skills.
- Prove your adherence to ethical principles and best practices in data science.
Open CDS Certification Details
To earn the Open CDS credential, you need to meet the conformance requirements for one of the three levels of certification (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3) and complete the necessary milestone badges, experience application form, and board review.
Open CDS Certification Costs
The cost of applying for Open CDS depends on the level of certification and the number of milestone badges required. Fees for each milestone badge range from $100 USD to $250 USD, while fees for each level of certification range from $500 USD to $1500 USD. The Open CDS credential is valid for three years, with a renewal fee of $150 USD for Level 1 or 2, or $300 USD for Level 3. You also need to complete 30 continuing professional development units (CPDUs) every three years.
SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional
The SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional certification is designed for individuals skilled in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and model forecasting and optimization.
It validates your ability to apply data science and machine learning techniques to solve real-world problems using SAS Viya and various open source tools.
Benefits of SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional Certification
By obtaining the SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional data science certificate, you can:
- Demonstrate your ability to apply data science and machine learning techniques using SAS Viya.
- Prove your proficiency with various open source tools, such as Python, R, TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, ONNX, and DLPy.
SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional Exam Details
To earn the SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional credential, you need to pass three exams that cover different aspects of artificial intelligence and machine learning on SAS Viya. Each exam consists of 40 to 60 multiple-choice questions and lasts 90 minutes.
SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional Costs
The cost of taking each exam is $180 USD. You can take the exams at any authorized testing center or online proctored environment. The SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional credential does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new AI technologies emerge.
SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9
The SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9 data science certificate is designed for individuals experienced in applying advanced analytics methods to real-world business problems using SAS tools. It validates your proficiency with various SAS products and your ability to use open source tools such as Python and R within the SAS environment.
Benefits of SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9 Certification
By obtaining the SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9 certification, you can:
- Demonstrate your proficiency with various SAS products, such as SAS Enterprise Miner, SAS/STAT, SAS/ETS, and SAS/OR.
- Leverage your skills to use open source tools such as Python and R within the SAS environment.
SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9 Exam Details
To earn the SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9 credential, you need to pass three exams that cover different aspects of advanced analytics on SAS 9. Each exam consists of 45 to 60 multiple-choice questions and lasts two hours.
SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9 Costs
The cost of taking each exam is $180 USD. You can take the exams at any authorized testing center or online proctored environment. The SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9 credential does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new advanced analytics technologies emerge.
SAS Certified Data Scientist
The SAS Certified Data Scientist certification is designed for individuals who can make business recommendations with complex machine learning models and deploy models using the flexible SAS environment. It validates your proficiency in various data science skills such as data curation, advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning.
This one of the really good accredited data science certifications for career growth
Benefits of SAS Certified Data Scientist Certification
By obtaining the SAS Certified Data Scientist certification, you can:
- Demonstrate your proficiency with various data science skills, including data curation, advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning.
- Leverage your skills to solve critical business challenges across every domain using SAS products.
SAS Certified Data Scientist Exam Details
To earn the SAS Certified Data Scientist credential, you need to obtain two underlying credentials: Data Curation Professional and either Advanced Analytics Professional or AI & Machine Learning Professional. Each credential requires passing one or more exams that cover different aspects of data science on SAS 9 or SAS Viya.
SAS Certified Data Scientist Costs
The cost of taking each exam is $180 USD. You can take the exams at any authorized testing center or online proctored environment. The SAS Certified Data Scientist data science certificate does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new data science technologies emerge.
Tensorflow Developer Certificate
The Tensorflow Developer Certificate is a foundational certification for students, developers, and data scientists who want to demonstrate practical machine learning skills through building and training models using TensorFlow. It showcases your AI and analytics talent using TensorFlow to solve deep learning and machine learning problems.
Benefits of Tensorflow Developer Certificate
By obtaining the Tensorflow Developer Certificate, you can:
- Prove your proficiency with various TensorFlow tools and techniques, such as computer vision, natural language processing, sequence modeling, convolutional neural networks, and deep neural networks.
- Leverage your skills to integrate machine learning into tools and applications using Python.
Tensorflow Developer Certificate Exam Details
To earn the Tensorflow Developer Certificate, you need to pass a single online proctored exam that consists of five tasks that require coding solutions using TensorFlow 2.x. The exam covers four topics related to building models with TensorFlow.
Tensorflow Developer Certificate Costs
The cost of taking the exam is $100 USD. You can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online proctored environment. The exam lasts five hours. The Tensorflow Developer Certificate does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new machine learning technologies emerge.
Dell EMC Data Science Track (EMCDS)
The Dell EMC Data Science Track (EMCDS) is a certification program that validates your skills and knowledge in data science and big data analytics. It is designed for individuals who want to pursue a career as a data scientist or enhance their existing role with data science skills.
Benefits of EMCDS Certification
By obtaining the EMCDS data science certificate, you can:
- Demonstrate your proficiency with various data science techniques and Dell EMC products.
- Leverage your skills to use Dell EMC products for data management, Hadoop, predictive modeling, advanced analytics, text analytics, time series analysis, experimentation, and optimization.
EMCDS Exam Details
To earn the EMCDS credential, you need to obtain two underlying credentials: Data Science Associate (DEA-7TT2) and either Advanced Analytics Specialist (E20-065) or Data Science Specialist (E20-007). Each credential requires passing one exam that covers different aspects of data science on Dell EMC products.
EMCDS Costs
The cost of taking each exam is $230 USD. You can take the exams at any authorized testing center or online proctored environment. The EMCDS credential does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new data science technologies emerge.
Amazon AWS Data Analytics Certification
The Amazon AWS Data Analytics Certification is a credential that validates your ability to design, build, and maintain analytics solutions using Amazon Web Services (AWS).
It is intended for individuals who have experience and expertise working with AWS services to perform data analysis.
This is a great data science certificate for scientists who want to work for copmanies deep into the AWS stack, and is one of the data science certificates worth the investment.
Benefits of AWS Data Analytics Certification
By obtaining the AWS Data Analytics certification, you can:
- Demonstrate your proficiency with various AWS data analytics services.
- Prove your knowledge of data collection, storage and management, processing, analysis and visualization, and security.
AWS Data Analytics Exam Details
To earn the AWS Data Analytics Certification, you need to pass a single online proctored exam that consists of 65 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions and lasts 180 minutes. The exam covers five domains related to data analytics on AWS.
AWS Data Analytics Costs
The cost of taking the exam is $300 USD). You can schedule the exam through Pearson VUE or PSI Online Testing Services. You can also take a practice exam for $40 USD before taking the actual exam.
The AWS Data Analytics Certification does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new data analytics technologies emerge.
Google Professional Data Engineer Certification
The Google Professional Data Engineer Certification is a credential that verifies your ability to design, build, and maintain data-processing systems and machine-learning models on Google Cloud Platform. It is intended for individuals who have experience and expertise working with Google Cloud services to perform data analysis.
This is one of the really career-boosting data science certifications.
Benefits of Google Professional Data Engineer Certification
By obtaining the Google Professional Data Engineer certification, you can:
- Demonstrate your proficiency with various Google Cloud data analytics services.
- Prove your knowledge of data collection, storage and management, processing, analysis and visualization, and security.
Google Professional Data Engineer Exam Details
To earn the Google Professional Data Engineer Certification, you need to pass a single online proctored exam that consists of 50 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions and lasts 120 minutes. The exam covers five domains related to data engineering on Google Cloud.
Google Professional Data Engineer Costs
The cost of taking the exam is $200 USD. You can schedule the exam through Kryterion Webassessor. You can also take a practice exam for $40 USD before taking the actual exam. The Google Professional Data Engineer Certification does not expire, but you may want to update your skills as new data engineering technologies emerge.
The Importance of Data Science Certifications
Data science certifications not only validate your knowledge and skills but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. Earning a top data science certification can boost your career prospects, increase your earning potential, and help you gain a competitive edge in the job market. Moreover, these certifications can help you transition into data science from another field or expand your current role with data science skills. As the demand for certified data scientists continues to grow, pursuing a data science certification course can be a wise investment in your career.
How to Choose the Best Data Science Certification
Before diving into the world of online courses for data science, it is essential to consider a few factors that can help you make an informed decision. These factors include:
- Provider Reputation: Choose a certification from a well-known and reputable organization, such as Microsoft, IBM, or SAS, to ensure that your certification is recognized and respected in the industry.
- Course Content: Ensure that the certification covers the essential data science skills and tools, such as programming languages (Python, R), machine learning algorithms, big data technologies, and data visualization techniques.
- Practical Application: Look for certifications that emphasize hands-on learning, real-world projects, and case studies to help you apply your knowledge in a practical context.
- Cost and Time Commitment: Consider the price of the certification and the time required to complete it, as well as your budget and schedule.
- Exam Format and Difficulty: Understand the exam format, passing criteria, and the level of difficulty to ensure that you are well-prepared for the certification process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of obtaining a data science certification?
Data science certifications help you stand out in a competitive job market, showcase your skills and knowledge in data science, and demonstrate your commitment to staying updated with the latest industry trends. They also provide a structured learning path and can help you network with professionals in the field.
Are data science certifications necessary to get a job in the field?
While a data science certification is not strictly necessary to land a job, it can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed by employers. Certifications validate your skills, show your dedication to the field, and can make you a more attractive candidate for data science positions.
How do I choose the best data science certification for my needs?
When choosing a data science certification, consider factors such as your current skill level, your career goals, the certification’s industry recognition, the skills and tools covered, the cost, and the time commitment required. It’s essential to select a certification that aligns with your professional aspirations and offers a comprehensive learning experience.
Can I complete data science certifications online?
Yes, many data science certifications can be completed online. Some providers offer self-paced courses, while others have instructor-led programs. Some certifications also offer a combination of online and in-person learning experiences.
How much do data science certifications cost?
The cost of data science certifications varies depending on the provider and the complexity of the certification. Prices can range from around $100 to over $2,000. It’s essential to consider the value that a certification offers in terms of industry recognition, learning resources, and networking opportunities when evaluating its cost.
How long does it take to complete a data science certification?
The time required to complete a data science certification depends on the specific program and your existing knowledge and experience. Some certifications can be completed in a few weeks, while others may take several months or even over a year to finish. It’s essential to select a certification that fits your schedule and learning pace.
Do data science certifications expire?
Some data science certifications do not expire, while others require you to renew them periodically. It’s essential to check the specific certification requirements to understand if you need to maintain your certification. Even if a certification does not expire, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest industry trends and skills to remain competitive in the job market.
Is a Data Science Certificate Worth It?
A data science certificate is definitely worth it for those looking to enhance their career prospects or transition into a data science role. A reputable data science certification can provide you with valuable skills, knowledge, and recognition in the industry.
Employers often consider certified data scientists as more qualified and credible candidates, which can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career growth. Moreover, pursuing a data science certificate can help you stay updated with the latest tools, techniques, and industry trends, ensuring that you remain competitive in the job market.
However, it’s important to choose a well-recognized certification program from a reputable provider to maximize the benefits and return on investment.
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Justin is a full-time data leadership professional and a part-time blogger.
When he’s not writing articles for Data Driven Daily, Justin is a Head of Data Strategy at a large financial institution.
He has over 12 years’ experience in Banking and Financial Services, during which he has led large data engineering and business intelligence teams, managed cloud migration programs, and spearheaded regulatory change initiatives.