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Overview
This course develops essential data analysis skills that can be applied across a wide range of job roles and industries. Learners will gain the ability to solve problems using data, support ideas with evidence, and make informed decisions with confidence. CompTIA Data Analysis Essentials provides a practical, beginner-friendly introduction to data analysis, focusing on real-world application rather than theory alone.
The course is designed for individuals with little or no prior experience in data analysis and offers an accessible pathway to building job-ready, resume-boosting skills. Through hands-on activities, guided examples, and applied projects, learners will develop a strong foundation in working with data using common tools and industry-aligned practices.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is designed for beginners and is accessible to learners with no prior data analysis experience. A basic level of digital literacy, including confidence using a computer and working with simple files, will help learners get the most from the course.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
- Individuals new to data analysis who want to build foundational, transferable skills
- Professionals in non-technical roles who work with data and want to improve decision-making
- Career changers exploring entry-level data, analytics, or business intelligence roles
- Students and early-career professionals seeking practical, workplace-relevant skills
Learning Objectives
On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define analysis objectives: Learn how to clarify business questions and set clear success criteria.
- Import and structure data: Work hands-on with real datasets—import, structure, and format information for effective analysis.
- Clean and transform data: Master essential data cleaning methods to ensure your results are accurate and relevant.
- Combine datasets and lookups: Integrate multiple sources and leverage lookup techniques for deeper insights.
- Perform analyses and calculations: Apply core data analysis techniques—calculate statistics, spot trends, and build useful formulas.
- Summarize and visualize data: Create compelling visuals and dashboards to communicate your findings.
- Ensure data integrity and ethics: Learn best practices for data accuracy, privacy, and ethical sharing.
Course Outline
Module 1: Course Introduction
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Topic 1.1: Getting Started
Module 2: Setting Up Your Data Project
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Topic 2.1: Defining the Analysis Objective
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Topic 2.2: Importing and Structuring Data
Module 3: Cleaning and Combining Data
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Topic 3.1: Cleaning Data
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Topic 3.2: Reshaping Your Data to be Useful
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Topic 3.3: Combining Datasets
Module 4: Core Analyses and Calculations
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Topic 4.1: Aggregate and Descriptive Calculations
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Topic 4.2: Conditional Logic
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Topic 4.3: Dynamic Formulas and Named Ranges
Module 5: Summarizing and Visualizing Data
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Topic 5.1: Pivot Tables
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Topic 5.2: Standard Charts and Customization
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Topic 5.3: Interactive Dashboards with Slicers
Module 6: Data Integrity, Ethics and Sharing Results
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Topic 6.1: Validate and Safeguard Data
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Topic 6.2: Document, Package and Share Results
What's included?
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Online platform voucher
Exams and Assessments
This course does not include a formal exam. Learners are assessed through an end-of-course assessment designed to validate understanding and skills gained throughout the learning journey.
On successful completion of the assessment, learners are awarded a CompTIA Competency Certificate (CompCert) - an official way to prove your data analysis proficiency to employers.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.