Data science certifications offer you a key to one of the most attractive career paths of the 21st century. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data scientists can expect a 22 percent job growth by 2030. Getting a certification in data science will help kickstart your career.
There are many certifications for data science for various professionals in the field. This article provides information on the highest-paying data science certifications, resources to prepare you for your data science certification examination, and the best jobs available to you after achieving certification.
What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a professional accreditation that ensures a person’s ability to do a job or task. Professional societies, colleges, and private certification firms award professional certification. Most certification programs have links with professional bodies, trade organizations, or private vendors who are working to improve industry standards.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between certification and a certificate is that certification is the outcome of an evaluation process while a certificate is the outcome of a learning process such as the completion of an undergraduate degree. Previous work experience is usually required for certification, and while certification doesn’t provide access to a degree, a certificate does.
Why Is Certification in Data Science Important?
A certification in data science is important because it not only demonstrates that you have valuable technical skills in your field but also authenticates your data science expertise. If you have a certification, recruiters and hiring managers know that you’re eligible and certified to practice according to professional standards.
Best Data Science Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal Data Scientist | Data Science Council of America (DASCA) | $150,129 | $1250 |
| Senior Data Scientist | Data Science Council of America (DASCA) | $144,441 | $775 |
| Data Curation for SAS Data Scientists | SAS | $140,246 | $180 |
| AI & Machine Learning Professional | SAS | $137,335 | $180 |
| Professional Machine Learning Engineer | $113,806 | $200 | |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals | Microsoft | $99,066 | $99 |
| Professional Data Engineer | $97,602 | $200 | |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate | Microsoft | $95,102 | $165 |
| Advanced Programming Professional | SAS | $91,000 | $180 |
| CompTIA Linux+ | CompTIA | $78,000 | $348 |
Best Data Science Certifications to Further Your Career
How to Choose the Best Data Science Certification for Your Career
Selecting the best data science certification for your career can be challenging. Researching job requirements and understanding your own abilities and interests are some factors to consider. Continue reading for some pointers to assist you in selecting the best data science certification.
Review Job Specifications
Discover what you’ll need to meet the precise requirements for the job you seek. Several data science occupations demand specialized knowledge. Machine learning, coding, creativity, communication, and data visualization are skills you are likely to find in data science.
Analyze Your Abilities
Since you’ll be dealing with projects that need knowledge in data science, with little or no time to review basic concepts, you need to analyze your abilities to know what type of job will be best suited for you. Most certifications come with specialized training that allows you to learn new skills or sharpen existing ones.
Know What Topics You’re Interested In
A data science certification program may focus on a single area of data science or a certain set of abilities, like machine learning and AI or Azure. Project-based and hands-on jobs make up the majority of data science careers, and having specialized knowledge will help you in your career search.
Which Data Science Certifications Pay the Most?
The data science certifications that pay the most are Principal Data Scientist, Senior Data Scientist (SDS), SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional, and Data Curation for SAS Data Scientists.
Highest-Paying Data Science Certifications
- Principal Data Scientist: $150,129
- Senior Data Scientist (SDS): $144,441
- Data Curation for SAS Data Scientists: $140,246
- SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional: $137,335
- Professional Machine Learning Engineer: $113,806
Which Data Science Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The data science certifications that are the best for beginners are Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, SAS Base Programming Specialist, and CompTIA A+. These certifications help you grasp the fundamentals of systems like Microsoft Azure and SAS and give you skills you can extend out into software, hardware, networking, and even cyber security.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Data Science Certification Exam
After you decide on the right data science certification for you, you need to prepare effectively for the exam. You might enroll in recommended data science exam prep courses to equip yourself with adequate knowledge and hands-on experience to pass the exam. It’s recommended to take practice tests before the actual exam if they are available.
Best Courses to Prepare for Data Science Certification Exams
There are various data science prep courses available to prepare you for your certification exam. While some of them are free and self-paced, others are paid, and instructor led. You may consider any of the following data science training courses that are suitable for your upcoming exam.
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Other Resources to Prepare for Your Data Science Certification Exams
There are many resources you can use as your data science certification exam preparation kit. These range from free prep courses to paid options. Below are some helpful resources to help you prepare for your data science certification.
Udemy
Udemy is a top-rated website that provides one of the best data science courses to prepare you for your data science certification exam. The instructors are experts who teach the theoretical and practical aspects of data science. You also have access to quizzes and exercises that improve your understanding of data science.
Udemy Overview
- Type of Resource: Website
- Cost: $94.99
- Ideal For: Beginners and professionals
Practical Statistics For Data Scientists
Practical Statistics For Data Scientists explains statistics in a simplified manner from a data scientist’s perspective and provides a guide on the practical application of statistics to data science. It also explains possible mistakes a data scientist may make in the application of statistics and teaches how to avoid such mistakes.
Practical Statistics For Data Scientists Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $15.68
- Ideal For: Beginners and professionals
Kaggle
Kaggle is the world’s largest online community for data scientists. Kaggle offers free access to online resources that will help you prepare for a data certification exam. In Kaggle, you have unlimited access to notebooks, datasets, information, and new coding tricks. You also get to compete with other data scientists and challenge yourself with real data science projects.
Kaggle Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Professionals looking for the newest data science updates
IBM Data Science Community
IBM Data Science Community is a fully online community that provides knowledge in the most crucial aspects of data science. You also have access to updates, blog posts, and group discussions where new updates about data science are shared.
IBM Data Science Community Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Professionals looking for the newest data science updates
Python For Data Analysts
Python for Data Analysts is a book by Wes McKinney. It explains the essentials of manipulating and processing data in Python. It also provides a practical guide to help you solve a broad set of data in Python language. The book also simplifies basic and advanced Numerical Python and provides practical examples of how to solve data problems.
Python For Data Analysts Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $40.70
- Ideal For: Beginners
Best Online Courses
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Data Science Job Outlook and Average Salary
According to BLS, the growth rate of data science-related jobs within the next ten years is 22 percent. This is due to the world’s growing dependence on data science and the high pay for data science jobs. The average salary of a data scientist is $131,490 according to BLS.
Best Data Science Jobs After Certification
The best data science jobs available to students after certification include database developer, statistician, database architect, database administrator, and operation research analyst.
Best Data Science Associations
The best data science certification associations are the Digital Analytics Association (DAA), the American Statistical Association (ASA), and the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (IFORMS). Continue reading as we look at what these data science associations can offer you.
Digital Analytics Association (DAA)
The DAA is an internationally recognized data analytics non-profit association that aims to advance data research to improve the digital world. The DAA provides a professional network platform for its members to connect and also offers professional development resources through free educational webinars and digital analytics cookbooks.
American Statistical Association (ASA)
The ASA is the largest association of statisticians. Being a member of this association helps you connect with other statisticians and data scientists working in various sectors. ASA organizes professional development programs, professional accreditation, webinars, and awards for its members.
Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS)
INFORMS is the leading international association for operation research and analytical professionals. Being an INFORMS member gives you access to connect to academic and industrial experts whom you can learn from. Members also have access to discounted journals that discuss diverse areas of data science and new updates in the field.
Are Data Science Certifications Worth It?
Yes, data science certifications are worth it because they give you credibility and increase your chances of getting top-paying jobs in the field. A Pearson study revealed that 51 percent of employers believe that certifications improve the interview process while 71 percent of employers encourage applicants to get a certification.
Additional Reading About Data Science
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Data Science Certifications FAQ
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is the best certification for a data scientist. The CAP certification is recognized internationally. This certification is ideal for any data science learning path. Obtaining this certification guarantees your chance of securing a high-paying job.
You can become a data scientist in six months. You can do this by attending the best data science bootcamps or online courses. However, an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant data science field takes at least 18 months.
Yes, a data scientist is a coder. A good level of coding skill is required to become a data scientist. One of the most crucial requirements of being a data scientist is the ability to solve a wide range of data with programming language. Furthermore, some data science certifications require you to have several months of programming experience.
No, a data science certificate is not necessary to work as a data scientist. Recruiters are more interested in your skills than your certificate. However, in most circumstances, a professional certificate helps you to stand out amongst other job applicants.
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