One may wish to ask, what is the need to have data science certification ? Well, as to the reasons for gaining a certification, these are as follows, which will be further explained below. But on top of that, the more perplexing question is – what are the leading data science certifications which will assist you in the creation of a proper career in data science?
In this article, we will explore the top data science certification programs that are designed to empower aspiring data science professionals as well as senior data scientists with the latest industry-relevant data science skills, tools, and technologies.
Overview of the Data Science Career
Data science is the field that helps organizations extract meaningful insights by identifying hidden trends and patterns, and assist in data-driven decision-making. The data science industry is growing as well as evolving rapidly. As of now, the data science market size is $133.12 billion in 2024 which is projected to reach $776.86 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 24.7% (as per Fortune Business Insights).
This also translates to a higher demand for skilled data science professionals who could convert business leaders’ data science vision into reality.
Why would you need a data science certification?
As mentioned abovHowever, as it was already mentioned, the popularity of data science is rapidly increasing and so does the competition for such specialists. Therefore, having a credible data science certification can distinguish you from the crowd as well as offer certain other advantages such as:
- Assist you in acquiring new data science skills which are trendy in the present and current market.
- Self-assert your competencies in several more detailed fields of data science
- Proving that you are a lifelong learner is one of the best strategies you will ever have to ace your applications.
- Enable you to gain actual working experience
- Provision of an opportunity to interact with other professionals in this field
- Improves bargaining power with the employers, and ultimately can lead to a better opportunity of receiving better pay.
Therefore, since all these are benefits and assets, it will not be advisable to allow passing on top data science certification.
Best Data Science Certifications
- Certified Lead Data Scientist (CLDS™) – USDSI®
‘I personally grew through the certification as I was able to acquire the skills and knowledge in data science workflow, and project management cycle, big data and data management, Hadoop 3, Database including MongoDB, Data Visualization, and other concepts of data science’, says Jefferson Macasarte (now a holder of this data science certification).
USDSI® is a premier institute of the United States providing industry-recognized Data Science Professional Certifications. Specifically, this CLDS™ certification targets mid-senior level data scientist who have a 2 to 6 years’ working experience who want to verify the quality of their data science, expertise and knowledge, to effectively and professionally lead and manage complex data science projects.
This program covers important concepts like big data, data analysis lifecycle, working with data and databases, machine learning and PowerBI, etc.
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
This is professional certification course by IBM for data science which is available at Coursera. This is a basic course certification, which is more suited for student or fresher who wants to make their career in data science. About concepts they can learn the basic of data science including Python, SQL, data analysis, data visualization, and building the right data science models.
Persons interested in enrolling for this course do not require prior experience in work or programming languages to enroll in this course as they are expected to gain this knowledge through the course. This is an online course for 5 months where students can learn and finish within the time frame and course work need at least 12 credits that is 3 hours per week.
- CompTIA Data+
CompTIA Data+ is another beginner-friendly certification in data science that helps applicants gain a basic understanding of various data science concepts. Through this program, you can master different types of data structures and file formats, and learn various data mining techniques. You will also learn about data governance, data quality control, data visualization, and other essential data science skills.
- Data science fundamentals certificate – University of Toronto
This is one of the leading data science certifications offered by the University of Toronto that prepares the learners for the basics of data science. This program includes of several courses for example statistics for data science, probability for data science, data analysis, machine learning and data visualization and many more.
This online program is provided in partnership with Coursera, so the students studying in the program can study it at their convenience and finish the program in 3-6 months depending on their learning pace. It is not a requirement that the person taking the course has prior knowledge in computer skills but it will be of advantage if the learner has some basic computer skills.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
Thinking to be a Data Scientist? You can begin with this data science certification program that will assist you to gain proficiency in deploying data science models on Microsoft’s Azure.
To accomplish the outcomes of this course successfully, you should be proficient in subject matter expertise, and you should have prior experience and knowledge in data science MLflo, Azure M, etc.
Conclusion
So, these were the top data science certification programs that will help you start your career in data science and even advance in your existing data science roles by helping you gain the latest data science skills and knowledge.
Most of the working data scientists have the opportunity to select the relevant data science certification in accordance with the current profession like needed skills, time and money to spend, and future prospect in the field of data science. Of course, data science is not a petrified profession, and to be a professional, you are expected to update yourself more often. Therefore, without wasting much time, enroll for a data science program and move your career to the next level.
