Top 5 Certifications for Data Analysts

As organisations across every sector seek to harness the power of data and make greater data driven decisions, the demand for data and analytics professionals is only going to increase. 

Data analyst certifications are a key way for professionals to validate their skills, progress their careers and make a transformative difference within their organisation. 

To help you choose the best qualification for you, our Technical Learning Consultant for Data, Sian Davies, has selected her Top 5 certifications for data analysts. 

Sian Davies is an experienced data visualisation, data science trainer with more than 14 years in industry with a background in BI and data consulting. 

1. Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate

The Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification exam showcases a learners ability to use the Databricks SQL service to complete fundamental data analysis tasks. 

Considering the popularity of the Databricks platform, certifying that you know how to transfer your traditional SQL querying and report design skills to this technology is a smart move. 

Who is Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate best for?

This certification is aimed at data analysts and database specialists in companies that use Databricks, and write SQL queries to answer business questions or provide queries to support dashboards and reporting.  

Prerequisites

You should have a working knowledge of SQL for data analysis, and have a familiarity with data formats, including CSV, JSON, TEXT and Parquet. You should also have an understanding of how data is created, stored and managed. 

Our expert says

"Databricks is one of the hot data platform technologies in the market today with solid data governance and a slick interface which creates space for data analytics alongside modelling and engineering" - Sian Davies

Prepare for this certification with our Data Analysis with Databricks course

2. Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate 

The Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate course and exam are designed for individuals aiming to demonstrate their expertise in analysing data with Power BI.

It provides an all-encompassing journey into data analysis, Power BI and Microsoft Fabric, equipping participants with the essential skills needed to transform data into actionable insights. 

Who is Power BI Data Analyst Associate for?

This certification is aimed at data analysts and report creators who want to demonstrate their expertise in analysing data with Power BI desktop, including how to ingest and transform data, define a data model and develop reports that satisfy end user requirements.  

Although this certification is open to all, basic knowledge of data analysis is recommend, as well as an understanding of key data concepts, like data tables, relationships and data visualisation. 

Our expert says

"Power Bi is an enormously popular end user reporting tool. While many know how to use it at a basic level given its similarity to excel, preparing for and taking the certification will put your technical skills head and shoulders above the rest" - SD

Book a Power BI Data Analyst Associate course with our experts 

3. Tableau Certified Data Analyst 

The Tableau Certified Data Analyst exam is delivered through the Salesforce Trailhead Academy, and helps learners to make greater business decisions by helping them to better understand business problems. 

Who is Tableau Certified Data Analyst for?

This certification is perfect for data analysts and report creators who work with complex data sets and want to use Tableau to build engaging dashboards and worksheets. 

Prerequisites

There are no official prerequisites, but learners would benefit from taking a course on the fundamentals of Tableau beforehand. 

Our expert says

"Earning Tableau accreditation has opened many doors for me professionally. I have worked as a Tableau consultant and trainer and I continue to enjoy using Tableau's extensive data visualisation ecosystem to showcase my skills as a visual data analyst." - SD

Book a fundamentals of Tableau course today

4. CompTIA Data+

CompTIA's Data+ Certification is an early-career data analytics certification for professionals tasked with developing and promoting data-driven business decision-making.

The exam covers essential data management topics and statistical methods with no coding prerequisites

Who is CompTIA Data+ For?

This is an entry-level data analytics certifications, aimed at those who are responsible for enabling data-driven business decisions. 

Prerequisites

It is recommended that learners have around 18-24 of hands-on business intelligence or data analytics experience before taking this exam. 

Our expert says

"When you are starting down a data analyst career path it can be hard to demonstrate your value without a qualification. This exam is a great option for early career data analysts, as Comptia is an industry recognised and vendor neutral awarding body." - SD

Book a CompTIA Data+ Certification Course

5. Google Cloud Platform Associate Data Practitioner 

An Associate Data Practitioner Certification is responsible for securing and managing data on the Google Cloud Platform. Learners can prepare for this exam by taking the From Data to Insights with GCP course, which trains users how to gain insights through data analysis and visualisation. 

Who is Google Cloud Associate Data Practitioner for?

This is a certification for mid-career data specialists who want to focus on securing and managing data within the google cloud platform.

Prerequisites

Although there are no formal pre-requisites, learners should have a basic proficiency with ANSI SQL. 

Our expert says

"Getting noticed in an increasingly virtualised data industry is made much easier by having a formal cloud certification under your belt and this one is accessible if you have time to learn the Google Platform." - SD

Prepare for this certification with the From Data To Insights with GCP Course

Gain a data certification with QA

Interested in data certification training with us? Book a course online or contact our team today to discuss your requirements.

We have an experienced team of AI and data trainers who support businesses and individuals in upskilling in essential data skills, including analytics, data science, data visualisation, AI and data engineering and more.