13 Best and In-demand Data Science Certification for Rewarding Career Path

Data Scientists pay attention! Companies and businesses are reliant on data professionals who can make sense of the wide range of data and can undercover the hidden value from organizations’ ever-growing data stores. No doubt, the demand for data scientists is long-lasting as it is one of the hottest professions as we move into the 2023 or coming years. But you can also have to take notice that to acquire a job in the Fortune 500, you must validate skills that recruiters stipulate. Data science certifications are your way to go. 

However, whether you’re a novice, want to stand out from the competition, or want to gain cutting-edge skills, you’ve landed in the right space. So if you’re ready, let’s dive into the best data science certifications to aid you in taking your data science career to new heights.

Is Data Science Certification Worth Taking?

The worth of the data science certification is not rocket science and if you want to move ahead as a data scientist, you must be aware of the benefits of having a certification. The worth of having a data science certification cannot be explained in a single section, but there are some important facts that you need to know before acquiring a certification. 

Cultivate Advanced Skills: We live in the big data world and the substantial data requires specialists that can alter it into useful insights. Getting a certification in data science helps you cultivate skills that are demanding and set you apart from the competition. The certifications will validate your expertise and skills that are not commonly found in the desired industry. 

Increase Marketability:  Data science certifications don’t only hone your craft; they will propel your career by validating skills that employers stipulate. Moreover, certifications are unbiased proof that you have a know-how of big data and can carry out all the desired roles effectively thus increasing your marketability.

Improve Career Trajectory: If you want a substantial salary hike and want to improve your career trajectory, certification is a way. The truth is having a professional certification will not land you a coveted job; the skills and expertise that come with it are all you need. These skills are the mark of excellence and persistence that will aid you enhance your career trajectory by putting your foot into a lucrative job. To add more, according to a survey, 75 percent of graduates in the US reported an improvement in their career trajectory, such as a new job, promotion, or raise) within six months of completing certification.

13 Best Data Science Certifications to Uplift Your Career Trajectory

Having one of the below top-rated data science certifications on your resume will help you acquire your dream career. Without any further ado, let’s explore below.

1- Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

CAP is the vendor and technology-neutral certification that provides competency in the seven domains of analytics and validates technical expertise and soft skills that are crucial for data science professionals and valued by analytics-oriented organizations. 

Basic Requirement 

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
  • 3 years of professional experience with MA/MS in a related area, OR

5 years with BA/BS in a related area, OR

7 years with any degree in an unrelated analytics area

  • Pass the required exam

2- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals

Microsoft Azure AI fundamentals certification will act as a foundation to build your career and showcase your knowledge of common AI, machine learning workloads, Azure concepts, and related services. The certification also validates that you can describe the following:  workloads and considerations; fundamental principles of machine learning on Azure; features of computer vision workloads on Azure; and features of Natural Language Processing (NLP) workloads on Azure. 

Basic Requirement

3- Cloudera Data Platform Generalist Certification

The certification exam test broad knowledge of the CDP platform and unlike other role-based certifications, CDP Generalist will prepare you for various job roles including administrator to data scientist. Whether an experienced professional or just starting an enterprise data career, this exam allows candidates to demonstrate their broad understanding of CDP.

Basic Requirement

  • Pass the CDP-011 exam 

4- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate

When we’re talking about other data science certifications how can we ignore the most recognized one? The Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate certification from Microsoft showcases your subject matter expertise in integrating, transforming, and combining data from various structured, streaming, and unstructured data systems into a streamlined plan for building analytics solutions. After getting this certification, you will develop skills such as designing and implementing data storage, developing data processing, monitoring, securing, and optimizing data storage and processing.

Basic Requirement

  • Solid knowledge of data processing languages including SQL, Python, and Scala
  • Pass the required Microsoft Azure Data Scientist Associate (DP-100) exam

5- Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS)

The DASCA senior data scientist is considered one of the best data scientist certifications and validates expertise for professionally accomplished big data analysts and experts. The certification consists of four tracks and you can choose the track for DASCA’s Senior Data Scientist (SDS) credential based on your experience and education.

Basic Requirement

  • Track 1: Bachelor’s degree in computer science (or related field) +5 years’ experience
  • Track 2: Master’s degree in computer science (or related field) +4 years’ experience
  • Track 3: Bachelor’s degree from a DASCA-recognized institution, +3 years of experience
  • Track 4: Master’s degree from a DASCA-recognized institution, +3 years of experience

6- Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Principal Data Scientist (PDS)

The DASCA Principal data scientist certification is the most renowned and validates your technical and strategic potential to perform challenging Data science leadership roles. This credential includes three tracks depending on education and experience. The credential covers everything from fundamental to advanced data science concepts such as big data best practices, business strategies for data, building cross-organizational support, machine learning, natural language processing, scholastic modeling, and more.

Basic Requirement 

  • Track 1: Ph.D. or Master’s degree in data science or related field, +10 years of experience (Invite-only)
  • Track 2: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field, and +10 years’ experience (Employer sponsorship)
  • Track 3: Master’s degree in computer science, data science, or related fields, and +10 years’ experience (SDS Certified)
  • Track 4: Master’s degree in computer science, data science, or related fields, +10 years’ experience, or +8 years’ experience with Ph.D. (Open to anyone)

7- AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty

The certification is for professionals with years of expertise in AWS and big data. Earning AWS Certified Data Analytics-  Specialty validates expertise in using AWS data lakes and analytic technologies. The credential is intended for individuals with experience and expertise working with AWS services to design, build, secure, and maintain analytics solutions.

Basic Requirement

  • Five years of experience with common data analytics technologies
  • Pass the AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty (DAS-C01)

8- SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional

The credential is intended for individuals who want to demonstrate AI and Analytics Talent using open-source and SAS tools to get insight from data. Having a SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning professional will showcase your skills in Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, and Model Forecasting and Optimization.

Basic Requirement 

The certification is awarded to individuals who have passed the below exams:

  • SAS Certified Specialist: Machine Learning
  • SAS Certified Specialist: Forecasting and Optimization
  • SAS Certified Specialist: Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision

9- Google Professional Data Engineer

Earning this certification will validate your skill as a data engineer that can be able to design, build, operationalize, secure, and monitor data processing systems. You can also able to leverage, deploy, and continuously train pre-existing machine learning models.

Basic Requirement

  • 3+ years of industry experience including 1+ years designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud.

10- SAS Certified Data Scientist

The SAS-certified data scientist is highly recommended for individuals who want to showcase open-source tools and SAS data management to manipulate and get better insight from big data. 

Basic Requirement

  • Complete the Data management plus advanced analytics professional or AI & Machine learning professional certifications
  • Complete all 18 courses and pass the five exams between the two separate certifications.

11- IBM Data Science –Machine Learning Specialist v1

The IBM Machine Learning Data Scientist is for anyone who can dissimilar data sets to design, plan, and present a proper business solution using IBM AI processes and tools (Watson Studio). The individuals for this certification can evaluate business problems including ethical implications. They can perform exploratory data analysis that includes data preparation. They can also determine and implement proper models as well as refine and deploy and monitor the model. 

Basic Requirement

  • Pass the required exam C1000-144: IBM Machine Learning Data Scientist v1

12- Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS)

The Open Group Certified Data Scientist is one of the comprehensive certifications in the field of data science and validates essential skills, knowledge, and experience important for data scientists. The Open CDS certification validates that you have the abilities required to produce an effective analysis of data for the overall improvement of the business. 

Basic Requirement 

  • Open CDS certification requires applicants to demonstrate skills and experience against a set of conformance requirements through written applications and peer interviews. 
  • There are no training courses to attend and no written exams to complete.

13- SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9

SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professionals showcase you have the skills and expertise to analyze big data with a variety of statistical analysis, machine learning, optimization, and predictive modeling techniques.

Basic Requirement 

  • Pass the predictive Modelling using the SAS Enterprise Miner exam
  • Pass the SAS Advanced Predictive Modeling exam
  • Pass the SAS Text Analytics, Time Series, Experimentation, and Optimization exam

Data Science Certifications Cost

While getting any data science certification, check how much it will cost and if is it falling in your budget. Some professional-level data science certifications are costly. Moreover, some vendors like AWS, Google, and Microsoft try to keep the price of certification at average so that it is reachable to anyone. Besides the certification exam cost, other miscellaneous costs add to acquiring a certification such as exam prep material costs, training costs, and practice test costs. 

Data Science Certifications Exam Cost
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) $495 INFORMS Member $695 Nonmember
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals $99
Cloudera Data Platform Generalist Certification $300
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate $165
DASCA Senior Data Scientist (SDS) $775
DASCA Principal Data Scientist (PDS) Track 1: $850 Track 2: $1,050 Track 3: $750 Track 4: $1,250
AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty $300
SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional $180 per exam
Google Professional Data Engineer $200
SAS Certified Data Scientist $180 per exam
IBM Data Science –Machine Learning Specialist v1 Contact for pricing
Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS) Contact for pricing
SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9 $180 per exam

What Next After Getting a Data Science Certification?

Acquiring data science certification is the first step toward honing your niche-specific skills and showcasing the world your talent. Certification will help you in several ways; once you take it you will realize how it improves your career path, and salary, and opens doors to various job opportunities. 

Start Efforts Toward Getting Top Job: Though certification improves your chances of getting a job, you still need to make efforts to land your dream job. You must know that in recent years, according to Glassdoor statistics, data scientist jobs ranked on number third in the United States. So, it is clear that this domain has gigantic job openings and if you have cutting-edge skills and practical experience, you can swiftly get lucrative opportunities. 

Enjoy Salary Perks: Being the number third job role in the USA, Data scientists also get highly paid and if you have a certification, it tripled the salary hike. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is reported that the annual salary of a data scientist is more than $100,000 which is a lucrative career decision and is taking the traffic toward its side. After getting the best data science certification and procuring a top job role, you can now get a negotiable salary.

Keep Yourself Up to Date with the Latest Skills: As data science is a dynamic field and its landscape continues to outgrow and change, you must keep yourself updated with the latest technological advancements. Getting familiar with the advanced skills enables you to enjoy the long-term benefits of your company and refining your knowledge. It also helps you to get better in your field and achieve your career goals. 

How Much You Can Earn Having a Data Science Certification On Your Resume?

Besides a certification, several factors play a significant role in your current salary. The factors are your experience level, degree level, location, size of organization, and industry. However, the below table consists of the average salary that you will get after earning a data science certification.

Data Science Certifications Average Salary
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) $118,000
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals $121,570
Cloudera Data Platform Generalist Certification $101,150
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate $160,723
DASCA Senior Data Scientist (SDS) $141,8565
DASCA Principal Data Scientist (PDS) $180,171
AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty $134,793
SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional $158,799
Google Professional Data Engineer $129,704
SAS Certified Data Scientist $127,128
IBM Data Science –Machine Learning Specialist v1 $127,082
Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS) $108,988
SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9 $126,955

How To Prepare for Data Science Certifications?

Till now you must decide on and make an informed decision which certification you want to get. Deciding is a significant step and another important part is how to prepare and get the data science certification.

STEP 1: Get Acquainted with Certification Exam Syllabus

After you choose the certification based on your interest, first get familiar with the syllabus and read thoroughly the study guide. Every certification has its study guide that includes the exam format, syllabus, and all other pertinent information.

STEP 2: Gather Study Resources

Gather and utilize authentic study resources. Many vendors are offering training, classroom sessions, and courses for preparation. Choose the resources from and enroll in training from authentic and accredited vendors. 

STEP 3: Enroll in Community Forums

Every top vendor such as AWS, Microsoft, and many others has their community forums. The community forums have certified professionals and an expert panel through which you can get complete resources and insights into the exam. Moreover, you can also do discussions and take help where you need it. 

STEP 4: Practice Exam Dumps from Dumpsgate

Practicing your concepts is a real task and it is crucial for acing the exam. Dumpsgate offers exam dumps for every certification and aids you in several ways. It will help you get a grasp on every concept and also help to identify knowledge gaps. Most certified professionals recommend practicing exam dumps to increase your readiness level before appearing in the exam.

Wrapping Up

As big data is becoming increasingly predominant among all businesses, it has fueled the demand for data scientists. This demand doubled the opportunities which also increased the competition. Getting a data science certification should be your top priority if you want to stand out in the competition and want to grow your career. 

Several data science certifications are in the market but you must get the one that makes you marketable and enhance your career trajectory. That’s the reason this blog comes in to give you a complete picture of the best data science certifications and the benefits you’ll get after acquiring one of those certifications. So, give this blog a read, choose a certification that matches your interest and goals, and thrive on your career goals.

FAQs

If you have read this blog, you should be familiar with the best data science certifications. Though there are many certifications, we have pointed out only 13 most worthwhile certifications. Some of the certifications are:

  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
  • Cloudera Data Platform Generalist Certification
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
  • DASCA Senior Data Scientist (SDS)

Well, the data scientist ranked number third job in the United States. It implies that starting a career in this domain is the choice and wish of many. Data science certification helps you get a breakthrough in this widely opted field. Moreover, the certifications also give you a salary surge and give access to many job opportunities. 

Usually, professional-level certifications are considered hard. Out of all the data science certifications, SAS Certified Data Scientist is the most challenging certification. It is comprised of five exams and four complete credentials.

  • Data Analyst.
  • Data Engineers.
  • Database Administrator.
  • Machine Learning Engineer.
  • Data Scientist.
  • Data Architect.
  • Statistician.
  • Business Analyst.

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