Data science certifications grant you an in-depth understanding of the methods used to gain knowledge about processes and behaviors. As an interdisciplinary field, data science certificates vary in the type of knowledge and skill sets they offer.
Data science is constantly evolving, and pros in the space need to keep up with the latest techniques. Certificates allow you to update your knowledge in specific areas of data science.
Here are the 10 top data science certifications to break into the market or level up your skill set:
See more: Today’s Data Science Job Market
Data Science Certifications
1. SAS Data Science Certification
The SAS Certified Data Scientist certification covers the programming skills and data managing, processing, and visualization techniques needed to work with databases.Â
Its 18 courses are made for individuals with experience in data science and programming. The certification has no expiration date.
Duration: Self-paced; guidance, 12 months
Location: Online
Cost: $900 ($180 per exam)
To prepare, check out this course!
2. DASCA Senior Data Scientist
The Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS) certification program is for professionals with five or more years of experience in research and data analytics.
It’s a vendor-neutral program that covers functional frameworks, big data analysis for businesses, and building organization-wide support, in addition to high-volume streaming data storage and batch data processing. The certification is valid for five years from the examination date.
Duration: Self-paced
Location: Online
Cost: $650
To prepare, check out this course!
3. DELL EMC Data Science Track
The EMC Data Science Track (EMCDS) by Dell consists of two learning paths at the associate and specialist levels — the Data Science Associate (DCA-DS) and the Data Science Specialist (DCS-DS) certifications — that start with foundation-level training for data science and analytics.Â
The program also covers advanced topics, such as natural language processing (NLP), advanced analytical methods, Hadoop, Hive, and various data visualization methods. The certification has no expiration date.
Duration: Self-paced
Location: Online
Cost: $460 ($230 per exam)
To prepare, check out this course!
4. IBM Data Science Professional
The Data Science Professional certification by IBM is a nine-course program in data science methodology, open-source tools, Python, data visualization, and data analysis.
The program is beginner-friendly, and the certification has no expiration date.
Duration: Self-paced; average, 11 months
Location: Online
Cost: $29-$99 per month with a Coursera subscription; financial aid options available
To prepare, check out this course!
5. Azure Data Scientist Associate
The Azure Data Scientist Associate is a certification from Microsoft that teaches you to utilize machine learning (ML) on Azure for data processing. The program requires pre-existing experience in basic data science using Azure Databricks, visualization, and governance.
The certification focuses on ML and artificial intelligence (AI) data solutions, NLP, computer visions, and predictive data analytics. The credential doesn’t expire.
Duration: Self-paced
Location: Online
Cost: $165
To prepare, check out this course!
See more: Data Science Market Trends
6. Open Certified Data Scientist
The Open Group Professional Certification Program for the Data Scientist Professional (Open CDS) is an advanced-level certification. The program is a customizable, three-step process that takes candidates from a Certified Data Scientist level to Master Certified Data Scientist level to a Distinguished Certified Data Scientist level.
With no fixed classes or curriculum, the Open CDS certification is a peer-reviewed, vendor-neutral program that teaches skills with hands-on projects. The credential is acquired by attending and passing a board review and can be extended in three-year periods.
Duration: Depends on level and individual
Location: On-site
Cost: Depends on individual
To prepare, check out this course!
7. Professional Certificate in Data Science
The Professional Certificate in Data Science offered by HarvardX is a nine-course, beginner-friendly program. The course covers all the skills and knowledge necessary in data science, such as basic R programming, statistical data analysis, implementation of data processing algorithms, and data visualization techniques and tools.
The certification includes hands-on projects about real-life situations and scenarios. The credential doesn’t expire.
Duration: Self-paced; average, 17 months
Location: Online
Cost: $792
To prepare, check out this course!
8. DASCA Principal Data Scientist
The DASCA Principal Data Scientist (PDS) certification program is designed for professionals with 10 years of experience in the field of data science. The program is divided into four tracks depending on your level.
It focuses on advanced knowledge in techniques in data science, such as regression, scholastic modeling, deep learning models, and neural networks. The credential doesn’t have an expiration date.
Duration: Self-paced
Location: Online
Cost: $300-$950 depending on the learning track
To prepare, check out this course!
9. Tableau Data Scientist
The Data Scientist learning path by Tableau is a beginner-friendly program that starts from the basics of data science, data analytics, and the Tableau platform.
This certification can take you to an intermediate level in data science, mastering skills from data visualization and complex calculations to modifying data sources and building advanced charts. The credential has no expiration date.
Duration: Self-paced; average, three months
Location: Online
Cost: $250
To prepare, check out this course!
10. Applied Data Science with Python Specialization
The Applied Data Science with Python Specialization is a program by the University of Michigan for intermediate data scientists looking to advance their skills by specializing in Python. Consisting of five courses, the program focuses on the application of statistical analysis, ML, data and information visualization, and social network analysis.Â
Created by four university professors, the program is designed to take candidates from the intermediate to the advanced level. The certification doesn’t expire.
Duration: Self-paced; average, five months
Location: Online
Cost: $29-$99 per month with a Coursera subscription; financial aid options available
To prepare, check out this course!
