Data Scientist Certifications

Data science certifications help Data Scientists establish themselves in the field. Certifications prove that the Data Scientist has demonstrated proficiency in the field of data science, typically by passing a standardized exam. Because certifications are earned through a standardized process, they are recognized and respected throughout the field. This signals to recruiters in different locations and industries that you have the core skills required of a Data Scientist. The following sections detail more about the role of a Data Scientist, the differences between data science certifications and certificates, how to become certified as a Data Scientist, and top certifications in data science to consider.

What is a Data Scientist?

Data Scientists extract meaning from raw data to detect patterns and propose solutions that meet an organization’s needs, especially the needs to compete and grow. A Data Scientist’s responsibilities include finding valuable data from data sources, developing machine learning algorithms, improving data collection procedures, cleansing and validating data integrity to ensure accuracy, and detecting patterns and solutions based on data. Data Scientists build models based on data, create data visualizations that communicate patterns and findings to stakeholders, and automate collection processes. Because data plays a critical role in the success of any organization, Data Scientists can build careers in business, technology, finance, nonprofits, and many other industries. 

Those who wish to become a Data Scientist should develop the analytical, statistical, and programming skills needed to manage and interpret raw data. These skills include understanding statistics, machine learning, and reporting tools. Aspiring Data Scientists also benefit from understanding the programming languages R, SQL, Python, Java, and C++. 

Read more about what a Data Scientist does.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Data Scientist?

If you are interested in a data science career, you might wonder if you need a degree to become a Data Scientist. Data Scientists have a thorough understanding of mathematical and scientific principles including statistics, linear algebra, calculus, statistics, probability, computer science, and certain programming languages. With the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI), Data Scientists should also understand machine learning algorithms and their uses as this branch of AI plays an increasingly crucial role in gathering, sorting, managing, and analyzing data. While most Data Scientists hold a four-year college degree of some kind, often in a subject such as computer science, there are other ways besides university to learn the necessary skills required of a Data Scientist.

You can learn the skills needed to start a career as a Data Scientist by attending in-person or live online data science classes. Such classes may include training on data science fundamentals, the use of data visualization tools, and the use of machine learning. Data Scientists should also understand the programming languages R, Python, Java, and SQL, so classes that provide hands-on experience with these programming languages will greatly benefit aspiring Data Scientists. Some courses focus on specific skills while others, such as certificate courses, cover a range of skills and topics.

Read more about if you need a degree to become a Data Scientist.

Do Certifications Matter for Data Scientists?

While most Data Scientist jobs do not require specific certifications, data science certifications can help your resume to stand out and act as evidence of your proficiency as a Data Scientist, which can help you advance your career and earn a higher salary compared to those without certification. There are different levels of certification based on your skills, knowledge, and years of experience, so both beginners and experienced Data Scientists can pursue certification.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

The difference between certifications and certificates is that certifications are earned through an industry-recognized, standardized process such as passing a standardized exam, while the criteria for earning a certificate varies from program to program. While earning a data science certificate can serve as evidence of your education, earning a certification recognized across the industry signals to recruiters exactly what skills and expertise you have demonstrated mastery of. Many data science certificate programs cover the topics and skills needed to pass certain certification exams. Some programs even include certification testing and exam fees in your tuition and prepare students specifically for those certifications, allowing you to earn a certificate and certification simultaneously.

How to Get Certified as a Data Scientist

To become certified as a Data Scientist, you must first master the data science knowledge and skills tested by a certification exam. You can review the kinds of questions to expect on an exam through practice tests, study materials, and classes that cover topics related to the exam. Of course, more than simply studying for the exam is required to earn certification. The certification exam is intended to verify your knowledge of data science itself, not simply your knowledge of the test questions.

Experienced and aspiring Data Scientists can take data science classes to further their knowledge and skills. If you are new to data science, a data science certificate program that covers multiple topics will help you gain a well-rounded education and develop skills across the board. If you have experience in data science, but want to explore a specific topic, you can find classes with a singular focus, such as teaching a specific data science tool or software. For example, if you want to focus on learning Python programming, you could enroll in a Python for Data Science Bootcamp. If you want a program that covers multiple subjects, such as Python, machine learning, and SQL, you may wish to enroll in a data science certificate program. If you have a particular certification in mind that you wish to obtain, you can research in-person and live online data science classes to find one that covers the necessary topics or even includes the certification exam as part of your tuition.

Top Certifications & Certificates for Data Scientists

Earning a data science certification can make a powerful impression on recruiters and help advance your career as a Data Scientist. Some of the most respected data science certifications include: 

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) - to take this exam, you must have three years of experience with a Master’s degree in a related area, five years of experience with a Bachelor’s in a related area, or seven years of experience with any degree and confirmation of soft skills from an employer. Those who do not meet these qualifications can look into taking the aCAP exam, which has fewer requirements.

• Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS) - this certification is for those with four years or more of experience in data engineering, application development or data analytics.

• DASCA Principal Data Scientist (PDS) - this is one of the world’s top certifications for Data Scientists. Applicants must have over ten years of work experience in strategic areas of organizational data management.

Other respected data science certifications centered on specific tools or specializations include:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate

• SAS Certified AI and Machine Learning Professional

• SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional Using SAS 9

• SAS Certified Data Scientist

You can also benefit from earning a data science certificate, which testifies to your education and training as an aspiring Data Scientist. Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate program is available in-person in New York City or live online and covers: 

• Python for Data Science 
• SQL 
• Python for Automation
• Python Data Visualization and Interactive Dashboards
• Python Machine Learning

This program includes hands-on projects, real-time guidance from an expert instructor, job search assistance, one-on-one mentoring, small class sizes, a free retake, and flexible financing options.

Key Takeaways

• Data science certifications help your resume stand out and help to advance your career by proving your mastery of data science skills and topics.
• Certifications differ from certificates. Certifications are earned through a standardized process, such as passing an exam administered by a third party. Certificate criteria varies from program to program.
• You can receive comprehensive training to become a Data Scientist through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.