The 11 Best Data Analytics Certification Programs of 2023

There has never been a better time to add data analytics to your skillset.

Data analysts are essential to most organizations in operation today, and experts are increasingly concerned about the talent gap within the field.

Still, if you’re thinking about investing in a data analytics certification, you’ll want to know: What are the best data analytics certification programs to consider? As well as that, you might wonder is a data analytics certification really worth it in 2023? We’re here to help.

Here’s what we’ll cover. If you want to skip ahead to a particular option, just use the clickable menu:

Which data analyst certificate is best?
Is it worth getting a data analytics certificate?
How to choose the right data analytics certification program for you
What skills do you need to become a data analyst?
Frequently asked questions

Keen to try your hand at data analytics before committing to a full program? Work your way through this free introductory short course first. In the space of five tutorials, you’ll try some basic data analysis—a great insight into the kinds of things you’ll learn in more depth in the full program.

In this post, we’ll consider the benefits of becoming a certified data analyst. We’ll then share our list of the best courses and programs available right now, based on extensive market research.

We’ll then give you some tips on choosing the right course for you, as well as the skills required to become a data analyst.

So: What are the best data analytics certification programs? Let’s find out.

1. Which data analyst certificate is best?

So, without further ado, here’s our round-up of the best data analytics certification programs.

All prices will be listed in U.S. Dollars (USD).

1. CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program

The CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Beginners and career-changers
Duration: 4 months full-time (30-40 hours per week) or 8 months part-time (15 hours per week)
Price: $7,505–7,900

Who is it for?

The CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program is ideal for beginners looking to learn how to become a data analyst from scratch. This is one of the most comprehensive certification programs on the market, offering a hands-on curriculum, a dual mentorship model, a job guarantee, career coaching, and an active student community.

What’s more, the program is delivered entirely online, making it an accessible option if you’re working or juggling other commitments. You can even try a free, introductory five-day short course.

How does it work?

This program will see you taking a very hands-on approach to learning all the techniques and tools of the trade. Upon enrollment, you’ll be assigned a one-to-one mentor and a tutor—two industry experts who will provide regular guidance and feedback.

The course content is accessed through the online learning platform, and you’ll work your way through practical exercises as well as portfolio projects. You’ll graduate with a professional data analytics portfolio and a certification. You can learn more about how the program works on this page.

How long does it take to complete?

The program takes four months to complete while studying 30-40 hours per week, or eight months to complete while studying about 15 hours per week. It’s flexibly paced; you can work largely to your own schedule, but you will need to meet certain deadlines in order to stay on track for a timely finish.

How much does it cost?

The CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program costs $7,900 (or $6,555 if you’re able to pay in full up-front) but the cost of the tuition is dependent on your location and is competitively priced. A range of flexible payment options include paying upfront, or getting a small course discount. Contact CareerFoundry to find out your local pricing and if there are any partial scholarships available.

Useful links

2. Springboard Data Analytics Career Track

The Springboard Data Analytics Career Track at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Career-changers with some experience
Duration: 6 months (15-20 hours per week)
Price: $11,300–13,618

Who is it for?

The Springboard data analytics certification is designed for people who can demonstrate an aptitude towards critical thinking and problem solving, and who have two years of work experience.

This is a fully online, mentored course that offers both flexibility and a job guarantee—ideal if you’ve already got some industry know-how but want to switch to a career in the field. If you don’t meet the requirements for the Data Analytics Career Track, Springboard also offers an Intro to Business Analytics course; however, this one doesn’t come with a job guarantee.

How does it work?

When you enroll, you’ll be matched with a mentor based on your availability and the kinds of skills you want to develop. You’ll learn completely online, applying your newly acquired theory to case studies and project-based assignments.

To complete the course, you’ll work on a final project which is reviewed by your mentor. You’ll graduate with a certificate of completion which you can display on your LinkedIn profile.

How long does it take to complete?

This is a six month program, with most students dedicating 15-20 hours per week.

How much does it cost?

The program costs $11,300 (and you’ll get a 25% discount if you’re able to pay the full tuition up-front). Other payment plans are available, with various effects on the total cost.

Useful links

3. Wharton Business Analytics Online Certificate Program

The Wharton Business Analytics Program at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Managers and leaders looking to upskill
Duration: 3 months (6-8 hours per week)
Price: $2,750

Who is it for?

This online program is ideal for managers and leaders who wish to learn how data analytics can help improve their decision-making processes.

If you’re looking to excel in your current role and lead your team to success (rather than make a career-change into data analytics), this is a flexible, low-intensity way to learn the fundamentals of data analytics for business.

How does it work?

The course comprises nine modules, which will take you through the different types of data analysis as well as the key methods and tools.

The course content is delivered via a combination of video and live online lectures. At the same time, you’ll work on individual assignments and receive feedback. Upon completion, you’ll come away with a digital Wharton certificate.

How long does it take to complete?

The course takes three months to complete, and you’ll need to dedicate between six and eight hours per week.

How much does it cost?

The course costs $2,750, making it one of the more affordable options on our list.

4. Cloudera Data Analyst Training Course and Certification

The Cloudera Data Analyst Training Course at a glance:

Mode of study: Classroom-based, virtual classroom, on demand, or private instruction available
Ideal for: Professionals with some knowledge of SQL
Duration: Four days
Price: $2,235–$3,195 (plus $295 for the CCA Data Analyst Exam)

Who is it for?

If you’re already working in a technical or analytical capacity, this course will help you take your data skills to the next level. The course is designed for data analysts, business intelligence specialists, developers, system architects, and database administrators who want to learn how to work with big data and get their skills certified.

You’ll need some knowledge of SQL, as well as basic Linux command-line familiarity.

How does it work?

The course is based on instructor-led discussions and interactive, hands-on exercises. There are a range of study options available, allowing you to choose when and how you learn.

Both the in-person classroom and virtual classroom options take place on set days (with start dates available every two months), while the on-demand option enables you to work through the course content at your own pace for up to 180 days. Upon completion of the course, you are eligible to register for the CCA Data Analyst exam in order to receive your certification.

How long does it take to complete?

The course takes four full days to complete, but you can work at a more flexible pace with the on-demand option.

How much does it cost?

If you opt for the virtual classroom, it’ll cost you $3,195. The on-demand option is slightly cheaper at $2,235. The CCA Data Analyst exam costs an additional $295.

Useful links

The CCA Data Analyst exam

5. BrainStation Data Analytics Certificate

The BrainStation Data Analytics Course at a glance:

Mode of study: Online or in-person (U.S., Canada, and UK)
Ideal for: Beginners looking for an introductory course
Duration: 10 weeks part-time
Price: $3,950

Who is it for?

Spanning just ten weeks on a part-time basis, the BrainStation course is one of the less time-intensive options on our list—ideal if you’re not quite ready to commit to a lengthy program.

This course will teach you all the fundamentals of data analytics, equipping you to apply what you’ve learned to your existing role or to embark on further training. It’s important to note that the BrainStation course is less focused on career change than some of the other options on the market, so you won’t benefit from extensive mentorship or career coaching.

How does it work?

The course is available both in person—with venues across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.—and online via Synapse, their data-driven learning platform.

Whether onsite or via engaging live lectures, you’ll focus on three core topic areas: building and managing databases, identifying trends in data, and visualizing and presenting insights. To earn your data analytics certificate, you’ll complete a project on a dataset of your choosing.

How long does it take to complete?

The course takes ten weeks to complete on a part-time basis. The exact scheduling and duration depends on whether you attend in person or complete the course online.

How much does it cost?

The course costs $3,950, with a range of flexible payment plans and scholarship opportunities available.

Useful links

6. Harvard University Business Analytics Course

The Harvard University Business Analytics Course at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Beginners and professionals looking to upskill
Duration: 8 weeks (5-6 hours per week)
Price: $1,750

Who is it for?

This introductory course is ideal for anyone looking to learn the fundamentals of data analytics.

Whether you’re a college student or graduate preparing for the world of business, a mid-career professional looking to develop a more data-driven mindset, or if you’re considering a more comprehensive course in data analytics and simply want to strengthen your analytical skills beforehand.

Offered entirely online, at a flexible pace, and at a relatively reasonable price, this is a good option if you want to dip your toes in without investing too much time and money.

How does it work?

The course content is delivered online via the Harvard Business School platform. The course is divided into five modules, starting with describing and summarizing data and progressing to more complex concepts such as hypothesis testing and regression analysis.

You’ll work with various case studies and complete practical exercises for each module. To get your certificate of completion, you’ll need to complete all five modules and achieve an average quiz score of at least 50%.

How long does it take to complete?

The course takes eight weeks to complete, comprising around 40 study hours in total.

How much does it cost?

The course costs $1,750.

Useful links

7. Thinkful Data Analytics Immersion Course

The Thinkful Data Analytics Immersion Course at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Beginners and career-changers with a bigger budget
Duration: 4 months (full-time)
Price: $13,475

Who is it for?

The Thinkful program is an immersive, full-time course that promises to take you from complete beginner to job-ready data analyst in just four months.

If you’re keen to start a career in data analytics—and have the time and money available to invest—this is undoubtedly one of the most in-depth programs on the market.

However, if you are focused on starting a career in the field, bear in mind that the Thinkful course does not offer a job guarantee.

How does it work?

With instructor-led learning in a virtual classroom environment, you’ll master all the key concepts of data analytics, starting with an introduction to data analytics in modern business and finishing with a deep dive into Python and statistics.

Most importantly, you’ll work on real-world projects which will help you build your portfolio—a crucial tool when it comes to finding a job in the field. Unlike many online programs, the Thinkful course follows a structured schedule, so you’ll need to stay on track each week.

How long does it take to complete?

The Thinkful course takes four months to complete on a full-time basis (around 50-60 study hours per week).

How much does it cost?

The course has increased in cost in 2023 to a heft $13,475. However, there are a range of different payment options available, including loans, income share agreements, and stipends.

Useful links

8. General Assembly Data Analytics Course

The General Assembly Data Analytics Course at a glance:

Mode of study: Online or on campus (U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia)
Ideal for: Beginners looking to upskill
Duration: 10 weeks part-time (4 hours per week) or a one-week intensive
Price: $3,950

Who is it for?

If you’re not necessarily looking to work as a data analyst but do want to master some of the key skills and tools, the General Assembly course offers a solid introduction at just four hours per week.

This is an entry-level program suitable for career-starters and career-changers who want to build a practical skillset, for marketers and product managers who want to advance in their careers, as well as for data analysts who want to formalize their skillset.

How does it work?

For part-time students, classes take place twice per week in the evenings or all day on Saturdays, depending on your availability. Alternatively, you can opt for an intensive one-week course.

Either way, the program will see you getting hands-on with data and using your newfound skills to solve real-world problems. You’ll complete a capstone project based on all the techniques you’ve learned throughout the course, as well as two additional smaller projects that reinforce what you’ve covered in each unit.

You’ll finish with a portfolio-ready project and a certificate of completion.

How long does it take to complete?

The course takes 10 weeks to complete at a pace of four hours per week. Alternatively, you can opt for the one-week intensive approach. It’s important to note that most of your project work will be done independently outside of classroom hours.

How much does it cost?

The course costs $3,950, slightly increased in price from last year.

Useful links

9. MIT Sloan School of Management Applied Business Analytics Certificate

The MIT Sloan Applied Business Analytics course at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Non-technical business professionals
Duration: 6 weeks (4-6 hours per week)
Price: $2,714

Who is it for?

The MIT Sloan course has been designed to appeal to non-technical professionals who want to learn how to apply data analytics to business.

Offered entirely online and requiring just four to six hours of study per week, this is a highly flexible option if you’re working full-time and managing a busy schedule. This is also one of the more accessible courses on the market in terms of pricing.

How does it work?

The curriculum is based on a series of case studies which demonstrate how real companies use data analytics to their advantage.

You’ll also learn through interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and optional code snippets for R and Python if you’re keen to take a more technical approach.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a verified digital certificate from MIT Sloan School of Management. The program also counts towards an MIT Sloan Executive Certificate.

How long does it take to complete?

The course takes six weeks to complete, requiring between four and six hours of study per week.

How much does it cost?

The course costs $2,714, up slightly from 2022’s price. Flexible payment options are available.

10. Cornell Data Analytics Certificate Program

The Cornell Data Analytics Certificate Program at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Stats and Excel-savvy learners
Duration: 9 weeks (3-5 hours per week)
Price: $3,900

Who is it for?

Longer than MIT’s course and with a price to match, this certification program is also aimed at those already working in business looking to add some data training to their portfolio—with a certification from Cornell University to show for it.

How does it work?

The online program is split into three separate courses of three weeks each: Understanding and Visualizing Data, Implementing Scientific Decision-Making, and Using Predictive Analysis.

Learning happens via video tutorials and hands-on exercises.

How long does it take to complete?

It takes nine weeks in total to complete, with only 3-5 hours of work per week, ideal to build around those with busy work schedules.

How much does it cost?

Total price for the program is $3,900, but there is also an option to pay $1,350 per month, should your schedule demand it.

11. Google Data Analytics Certificate with Coursera

The Google Data Analytics Certificate at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Absolute beginners taking their first steps on a budget
Duration: Approx 6 months (10 hours per week)
Price: $234 or $49 per month

Who is it for?

Just like their UX Design Certificate, this offering from Google seeks to educate as many people as possible on the basics of data analytics and what it’s like to work as a data analyst at Google. However, it’s important not to think that this is a substitute for a full program—it’s more of a whistle-stop tour of analytics.

As a result, this is perfect for those who want to learn about the basics of data analytics to get started out, before building on their learning with other courses and more mentored programs.

Further reading: Google Data Certificate vs CareerFoundry Data Analytics Program

How does it work?

The online certificate is split into eight separate courses on basic topics including data processing, learning the programming language R, and a final capstone project.

You’ll learn within the Coursera platform, with all lectures, readings, and assignments based on it. Assessments are graded via a peer-feedback system.

How long does it take to complete?

You can take this at your own pace, but typically completing the nine courses will take six months, if you study 10 hours per week. If you’d like to take longer that’s perfectly fine, provided you keep paying the Coursera access fee.

How much does it cost?

If you wrap up the whole data analyst certification in six months it should cost you $234, or $49 per month.

11. Turing College Data Analytics Program

The Turing College Data Analytics Program at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Those looking for an online program with human support
Duration: 6-10 months (15-30 hours per week)
Price: $4,421

Who is it for?

If you’re looking to gain a solid foundation in the basics of data analysis and then build upon it, as well as learn how to work in the same sprint cadence as a pro does, then Turing College (not to be confused with Turing School)’s offering will be for you.

On top of that, you’ll get some face-time with a data professional who’ll serve as your tutor, reviewing your projects.

How does it work?

Similar to CareerFoundry’s (but without the dual mentorship system and career support) in design, the fully online, fully flexible program goes through the foundation of data analytics.

Then, students will be able to add a specialization in areas such as marketing analytics or product analytics.

How long does it take to complete?

Once accepted, you’ll be studying at your own pace, meaning that depending on how much time you dedicate to it, you can finish in between six and ten months.

How much does it cost?

The cheapest of their programs, the Data Analytics Program costs $4,421. Top of their other offerings is their Online Data Science Masters Degree, which will set you back $12,964.

12. DataCamp Data Analytics Certification

The DataCamp Analytics Certification at a glance:

Mode of study: Online
Ideal for: Self-guided learners looking for certification
Duration: Flexible
Price: $25 per month

Who is it for?

Long known for offering engaging bite-sized courses helping budding and professional analysts build and brush up on their data skills, DataCamp is an established name.

But did you know that you can get a full certification from them to put on your resume, attesting to your data skills proficiency?

How does it work?

To receive your data analyst certification from them, you’ll be assessed on six areas, which they will teach you on their platform:

Data management
Exploratory analysis
Data communication
Coding for production
Analytics fundamentals
Statistical experimentation

How long does it take to complete?

That’s up to you—the speed at which you go through the six topics and successfully pass the certification exam depends on your own pace of learning.

How much does it cost?

You can access the first chapter of the course for free under the Basic plan, but to get the certification you’ll need the Premium plan, which is $25 a month. For those whose companies are encouraging them by investing in their professional development, there is also a similarly priced Team plan.

2. Is it worth getting a data analytics certificate?

In a word, yes. Data analytics isn’t just a buzzword; it has huge implications for business.

Data analytics enables companies like Netflix and Spotify to personalize their offerings down to the very last detail. It allows marketers to understand customer behavior like never before. It’s transforming education, healthcare, travel, and politics—to name just a few.

Those who can work with and leverage data are seen as extremely valuable, and companies both big and small are turning to data analysts to help them secure a competitive edge.

But can’t you just teach yourself?

It’s true that you can master at least some data analytics tools and techniques yourself—in fact, you probably already have. If you use Excel or Google Analytics, for example, you’ll understand some of the basic concepts.

However, there’s a big difference between performing very simple analyses and being able to call yourself a qualified data analyst. With that in mind, there are many advantages of completing formal training in the field and obtaining a certification.

When hiring a data analyst, employers are looking for a thorough understanding of the key concepts, together with the ability to apply your knowledge to real-world problems. While self-taught analysts may well know their way around a dataset, a certification demonstrates that you’ve been through extensive, hands-on training.

That’s not to say that self-taught analysts aren’t as qualified as those who have completed a program or course, but a certification from a reputable institution instantly sets you apart as a credible, professionally trained analyst. Employers can see, at a glance, that you’ve mastered the necessary skills—immediately putting you in the running for any data analyst role.

If you’re brand new to the field, a certification program will take you right from A-Z, leaving you with the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to start your career as a data analyst. Even if you don’t necessarily want the data analyst job title, a certification will undoubtedly prove valuable in your current role.

As more and more companies recognize the value of data analytics, those who can apply it to their jobs are an excellent asset for any team. The right certification program will allow you to expand your skillset and excel in your current position.

In short, a data analytics certification will equip you with some of the most in-demand skills in today’s business world—and provide you with an instantly recognizable qualification.

However: Not all data analytics certification programs are created equal! Before you invest, it’s important to do your research and ensure you find a course that matches your budget, availability, skill level, and aspirations.

3. How to choose the right data analytics certification program for you

With so many data analytics certifications on the market, choosing the right one for you can be a daunting task. In this section, we’ll cover a few factors for you to consider.

How much can you spend on a data analytics course?

We’ll start with what’s likely the greatest deciding factor for many people: cost. Just from our previous list, you can see that tuition costs for recognized data analytics certifications range from the four-to-five figure range.

However, many institutions will offer flexible payment options, such as paying in installments, authorized loans, government-funded options, and even scholarships in some cases.

How and where do you want to study?

Some data analytics certifications offer online-only study, some offer in-person, and some may offer a combination of the two.

For those who are looking to change careers into data analytics while still actively working in another field, part-time study is likely to be the most suitable option for you. Those with more time available for studying naturally have the most flexibility when it comes to this deciding factor.

With regards to in-person study, check to make sure what options for data analytics certifications are available in your area.

What type of data analytics certification do you need for your career?

When considering a career in data analytics, it helps to do some research into potential future employers.

Why? Because some companies may only allow certain certifications from particular institutions, which would narrow down your options for study greatly. Check out careers pages or do some research on data analytics discussion boards—there are many industry experts using those boards, providing an invaluable resource for those looking to get into the field.

While there are many other factors to consider—some more relevant or personal to you than others—we think the three we’ve mentioned are great starting points for your research.

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few choices, it would be wise to spend some time speaking to an advisor from each institution to see how else the certification can benefit you—you may find out more about the course through them than you could have through solo research.

4. What skills do you need to become a data analyst?

A high-quality data analytics certification will ideally set you up to succeed in most entry-level jobs in the field.

So what does that mean, exactly? It means you’ll learn about how to deal with every aspect of the data analysis process: from data cleaning to creating visualizations, and everything in between.

When working as a data analyst, you’ll need to have some knowledge or experience in the following hard skills/tools:

Programming languages, such as Python
Querying languages, such as SQL or SAS
Data visualization tools, such as Tableau
Microsoft Excel (or Google Sheets)
Decision making
Building data sets
Data optimization
Machine learning algorithms
Predictive modeling
Statistical analysis
Data engineering
Regression analysis

Some required skills of a data analyst will be things that you may have learned in other fields of work—such as communication skills or problem-solving skills. If you haven’t got much experience in these, a good data analytics certification will help you.

For a more in-depth look at the skills required for a career in data analytics, check out this guide: What Are The Key Skills Every Data Analyst Needs?

5. Frequently asked questions

To round up, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about data analytics certification programs.

Is a data analytics certification worth it?

If you’re looking for a career in data analytics: yes! Gaining a certification in data analytics will equip you with all of the necessary skills and know-how required to land a job as a data analyst.

Throughout your chosen course, you’ll complete practical projects that apply your learned skills, giving you material for your data analytics portfolio. You may also gain invaluable industry contacts and advice that would be nigh on impossible if you were coming into the industry without a certification.

How do I get certified in data analytics?

You could take one of the data analytics courses we’ve listed in this article, or continue your research and look for another industry-recognized data analytics certification.

Enquire, enroll, learn, study, complete projects, become certified! Depending on the course you land on, there may be some other steps in-between, but that’s the general process you can expect to follow.

Which certification is best for data analytics?

Unfortunately, we can’t answer that for you, as it depends entirely on your own personal circumstances and your future career goals.

We’ve given some ideas on how to narrow down what is surely a long list of potential data analytics educational providers, but ultimately, you’ll need to decide which one is best for you based on your personal needs, circumstances, and goals.

How long does it take to become a certified data analyst?

Starting as a total beginner, becoming a certified data analyst can take as little as 4 months on a dedicated program, or as long as 4 years on a university program.

As an upskiller, learning additional data analytics skills can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the extent that you want to upskill! Take a look at the courses on our list—they run the gamut of courses for beginner through to intermediate data analysts.

Will a data analytics certification help me get a job in tech?

Many advertised job openings for data analysts will feature a data analytics certification requirement. Some companies will go a step further and list specific certifications that they will accept, with all others not being counted.

We recommend doing some research into the field of data analytics you’d be interested in entering—such as healthcare data analytics, or marketing analytics—and even saving some listed job descriptions, and make note of which certifications will suit your future needs best.

How much does a data analytics certification cost?

It depends on the type of course you choose to take. Going by our list, you’ll find yourself spending at least a few thousand dollars on a certification, but there are usually ways of delaying payment or receiving assistance on the cost of tuition.

However, this will depend on the institution providing the course, as well as other qualifying factors.

If you’re not in a position to enroll in a paid program, you’ll find a list of free data analytics courses for beginners here.

Next steps

In this post, we’ve covered eleven of the best data analytics certification programs available on the market. Hopefully you found something that fits both your budget and your learning requirements!

Now it’s time to delve a little deeper with your research and run some thorough background checks on your shortlisted programs.

Before you commit to anything, read through independent reviews and graduate testimonials, and consider the course content in detail.

Then figure out which skills you’ll need to learn for any ideal prospective employers, and speak to an advisor from your chosen institution to ask any questions you might have.

If you’re still have more questions about a career in data analytics and how CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics Program sets you up for it, then have a chat with one of our program advisors and they’ll clear it up, or attend one of our free online data events.

Keen to learn more about starting a career as a data analyst? Check out the following: