9 Popular Data Analyst Certifications 2025 Guide

The demand for data analysts is skyrocketing. With businesses continually collecting and leveraging vast amounts of data, the role of a data analyst has become essential.

However, breaking into this field or advancing your career requires more than just an interest in data. Employers are looking for candidates with proven skills in tools like SQL, Excel, Python, and Power BI, as well as strong data analytics skills. And this is where certifications can help. They enhance your credentials, validate your expertise, and open doors to exciting career opportunities.

This guide breaks down 9 popular data analyst certifications for 2025, covering essential details like cost, time commitment, skills covered, and job market demand. Whether you’re a beginner exploring this field or a seasoned professional looking to upskill, there’s something for everyone.

What is Data Analysis?

Before we dive into certifications, let’s first understand what data analysis is.

Data analysis is the process of collecting, organizing, and interpreting large sets of data to discover meaningful patterns and insights. Data analysis aims to use statistical techniques and algorithms to make sense of complex data sets and provide valuable information that can guide decision-making processes.

What Does a Data Analyst Do?

Data analysts collect, organize, and analyze large data sets to extract valuable insights. They use various analytical tools and techniques to identify patterns and trends in the data that can inform business strategies and decisions.

Some common tasks that a data analyst may perform include:

Collecting and cleaning data from multiple sources
Performing statistical analysis on the data to identify correlations and trends
Creating visualizations and reports to present findings in a clear and concise manner
Collaborating with stakeholders to understand their needs and provide actionable insights
Developing predictive models using machine learning algorithms to forecast future outcomes

Demand for Data Analysts in the Job Market

The demand for data analysts has surged in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. As industries increasingly rely on big data and analytics, companies are looking for skilled professionals who can precisely analyze and interpret complex datasets.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth in employment for roles like operations research analysts by 2032, highlighting the increasing demand for data-driven expertise. Supporting this trend, 365 Data Science reports a notable rise in entry-level salaries for data analysts, reflecting the high demand for professionals in this field.

With the rise of data-driven decision-making, the role of data analysts has never been more critical or in demand, providing those with the right skills a competitive edge.

What Are Data Analyst Certifications?

With the growing demand for data analysts, you might be wondering how to stand out in this competitive field. Earning a data analysis certification is a powerful way to showcase your skills and set yourself apart.

Data analyst certifications are professional credentials that highlight your expertise in analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. Offered by leading tech giants like Google and Microsoft, these certifications validate your proficiency in key tools and techniques such as SQL, Python, and Power BI.

Investing in a data analyst certification not only enhances your confidence but also improves your job prospects. It can open doors to career advancement, higher salaries, and help you achieve your professional goals in today’s competitive job market.

9 Popular Data Analyst Certifications

Here’s a look at 9 of the most sought-after data analyst certifications for 2025.

1. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is designed to equip learners with the foundational skills needed for a career in data analysis. This certificate includes 9 courses and covers topics such as spreadsheet modeling, SQL querying, data visualization, and more. It also requires hands-on projects that allow learners to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

Provider: Google
Key Skills Covered: Data cleaning, data visualization, SQL, R programming
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Cost: $49/month (Coursera subscription)
Why It’s Popular: Designed for beginners, this certification provides comprehensive training in basic data analysis concepts, helping you land entry-level analyst roles.

2. Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate

This certification is aimed at individuals who wish to prove their expertise in analyzing and visualizing data using Microsoft Power BI. It validates your ability to prepare, model, and visualize data, as well as deploy and maintain deliverables for businesses.

Provider: Microsoft
Key Skills Covered: Data modeling, data visualization, Power BI tools
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Cost: $165 (exam fee)
Why It’s Popular: Recognized globally, this certification is ideal for those looking to advance their careers in data analysis and demonstrates proficiency in leveraging Power BI for valuable business insights.

3. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a globally recognized certification that validates your expertise in analytics. It is designed for analytics professionals who aim to demonstrate their ability to transform data into valuable insights and drive decision-making.

Provider: INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences)
Key Skills Covered: Data storytelling, advanced analytics, problem framing
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Cost: The exam fee is $440 for INFORMS members, $640 for non-members
Why It’s Popular: CAP is well-regarded for its industry recognition and focus on real-world application, making it ideal for established analytics professionals who want to validate and advance their careers.

4. Tableau Certified Data Analyst

Tableau is a popular data visualization and analytics tool used by businesses of all sizes. The Tableau Certified Data Analyst certification focuses on the skills needed to analyze and visualize data using Tableau.

Provider: Tableau
Key Skills Covered: Tableau dashboards, data visualization, performance tuning
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Cost: $250 (exam fee)
Why It’s Popular: Tableau is a leading tool for data visualization, and this certification proves your ability to analyze and present data effectively.

5. AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty

The AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialty certification is designed for professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in data analytics. This certification validates advanced skills in using AWS services to design, build, secure, and maintain analytics solutions that meet the needs of business stakeholders.

Provider: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Key Skills Covered: Big data, data lakes, AWS analytics tools
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Cost: $300 (exam fee)
Why It’s Popular: This certification is perfect for professionals working with cloud-based analytics platforms.

6. IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

This certification is offered by IBM and provides a comprehensive learning path for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a data analyst. It covers various topics such as data analysis, SQL, Python programming, data visualization, and machine learning.

Provider: IBM
Key Skills Covered: Data analysis, SQL, Python programming, data visualization, machine learning
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Cost: $49 USD per month (for the Coursera platform)
Why It’s Popular: IBM’s program is beginner-friendly and offers extensive practical experience, making it great for those new to data analytics.

7. SAS Certified Data Scientist

The SAS Certified Data Scientist certification is designed for professionals who want to master advanced analytics, machine learning, and data manipulation using SAS. It focuses on equipping candidates with the ability to draw meaningful insights from vast datasets and create predictive models.

Provider: SAS Institute
Key Skills Covered: Machine learning, predictive modeling, data manipulation, SAS tools
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Cost: $180 per exam (multiple exams required)
Why It’s Popular: This certification is highly regarded among data professionals due to its emphasis on practical skills and hands-on experience using SAS, a leading tool in statistical analysis and data science.

8. Cloudera Data Analyst Certification

Cloudera is a leading provider of big data solutions and services, and their Data Analyst certification is designed for professionals who work with large datasets in Hadoop environments.

Provider: Cloudera
Key Skills Covered: Big data analytics, Apache Hadoop, HiveQL
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Cost: $295 (exam fee)
Why It’s Popular: This certification is excellent for analysts working with large, complex datasets in the big data ecosystem.

9. CompTIA Data+

CompTIA Data+ is a vendor-neutral certification that covers the fundamentals of data analysis, management, and visualization. This certification is designed for professionals who work with data to make business decisions and provides a strong foundation in SQL, statistics, and Excel.

Provider: CompTIA
Key Skills Covered: Data analysis, data management, data visualization
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Cost: $255 (exam voucher)
Why It’s Popular: The CompTIA Data+ certification offers a comprehensive understanding of data analysis and management principles, making it a valuable asset for professionals working with data in any industry.

Compare Data Analyst Certifications

Certification	Provider	Cost	Difficulty	Skills Covered
Google Data Analytics	Google	$49/month	Beginner	SQL, R Programming
Microsoft Data Analyst Associate	Microsoft	$165	Intermediate	Power BI
Certified Analytics Professional	INFORMS	$440-$640	Advanced	Advanced Analytics
Tableau Certified Data Analyst	Tableau	$250	Intermediate	Tableau Dashboards
AWS Data Analytics Specialty	AWS	$300	Advanced	Cloud-Based Analytics
IBM Data Analyst	IBM	$49/month	Beginner	Excel, SQL, Python
SAS Certified Data Scientist	SAS	$180/module	Advanced	Predictive Modeling
Cloudera Data Analyst	Cloudera	$295	Advanced	Big Data Analytics
CompTIA Data+	CompTIA	$255	Intermediate	Data Reporting

Data Analyst CareerPath Program at ONLC

Are you passionate about analyzing data and looking to start a career as a data analyst? The ONLC Data Analyst CareerPath Program is designed to help you gain the skills you need to succeed in this in-demand field.

In this program, you’ll learn to use Microsoft Power BI to discover and unlock data insights both on-premise and in the cloud, while also preparing for the Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification.

The program begins with a solid foundation in data through Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals On-Demand (self-study) and SQL Querying Fundamentals (instructor-led). From there, you’ll choose between Power BI for Excel Users as a self-study or an instructor-led course. Finally, you’ll attend the authorized Microsoft Power BI course, PL-300, to complete your training.

With 40 hours of total course content, this comprehensive program will equip you with the tools and knowledge to jumpstart your data analyst career.

Choosing the Right Certification

With so many certifications available, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here’s a quick guide:

For Beginners: Start with programs like Google Data Analytics or IBM Data Analyst. These cover foundational skills at an affordable price.
For Intermediate Professionals: Consider Tableau Certified Analyst or Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate if you want to deepen your specialization.
For Advanced Analysts: Programs like AWS Certified Data Analytics Specialist or SAS certifications can help you master niche technologies and tools.

Training for Certification Exams

There are various resources available to prepare for certification exams, such as study guides, practice tests, online courses, and boot camps. These resources not only help you review the content but also give you an idea of the format and difficulty level of the exam.

Let’s review each one of these resources in more detail:

Study Guides

Study guides provide a comprehensive review of the exam topics and can be useful for self-study. They usually include practice questions and explanations, as well as tips and strategies for taking the exam. Some popular study guides for data analytics certifications are:

AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty (DAS-C01) Exam Guide by AWS
SAS Certified Specialist: Base Programming Using SAS 9.4 by SAS Institute

Practice Tests

Practice tests are an excellent way to assess your knowledge and identify any gaps in your understanding. They also help you get familiar with the types of questions that may appear on the actual exam. Many training providers offer practice tests or sample questions as part of their study materials. Additionally, you can find free practice tests online or purchase them from reputable sources.

When taking practice tests, try to simulate the exam environment by setting a timer and removing any distractions. This will help you get used to working under time constraints and improve your focus during the actual exam.

Online Courses

Alongside practice tests, a wide range of online courses and training programs are available to help you prepare for data analyst certification exams. These options are ideal for those who prefer self-paced learning or need flexibility to accommodate busy schedules.

ONLC offers an extensive selection of online courses tailored specifically for data analysts, developed in collaboration with industry experts. These courses cover essential topics such as data analysis and visualization, SQL, R programming, and more. Explore the following courses to take the next step toward your certification:

Exciting Career Opportunities

With a solid understanding of these certifications, you’re now ready to dive into the exciting career opportunities in data analytics.

Here are some of the top job roles in data analytics and their average annual salaries in the United States:

Data Scientist: Commands an impressive average salary of $112,590 per year.
Data Engineer: Provides an impressive annual salary of $122,818.
Data Analyst: Earns an average of $83,640 annually.
Business Intelligence Analyst: Earns an average of $98,354 annually.
Database Administrator: Brings in an average annual salary of $123,100.

These roles highlight the growing demand and lucrative opportunities in the field of data analytics.

These are just a few of the many job opportunities available in data analytics. As technology continues to advance and businesses rely more on data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled professionals in this field will only continue to grow.

In addition to these specific job roles, there are also opportunities to work as a consultant or freelancer in data analytics.

Conclusion

Data analytics is a rapidly expanding field, offering diverse career opportunities for those passionate about transforming data into actionable insights. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or seeking to advance your career, continuous learning and staying current with the latest tools, techniques, and trends are vital to success.

Mastering the core principles of data analytics, becoming proficient in essential software, and honing strong critical thinking skills can help you stand out as an indispensable asset to any organization.

Take the first step toward your future—start your certification journey today and elevate your career to the next level.

Categories: Data Analyst