There is a wide range of degrees, schools, and training programs for students and professionals interested in becoming data scientists. The data science field you choose will determine what certificate(s) or certification(s) may be required. Each of these programs offers differentiated data science skills training and documentation, and understanding the distinctions between certificate programs and certifications is crucial for making informed decisions.
The Difference Between Data Science Certificates & Certifications
There is a difference between data science certificates and certifications despite the name similarity. Data science certificates, or certificate programs, usually encompass courses or bootcamps offered by a university, college, or training school. After completing the program, students receive a Certificate of Completion that can be used to demonstrate their knowledge of the skills covered. In contrast, data science certifications are administered by a professional organization or company and generally require that students take an exam or standardized assessment to demonstrate their proficiency in the skills learned. Consequently, certifications are usually not conferred through the training school but through a third-party vendor or granting agency to assess the student's abilities.
Another difference is that certificate programs are usually completed by choice and include skills and experiences relevant to multiple jobs and employment opportunities. At the same time, most certifications are required for particular jobs. For example, many data science certificates are applicable for a position as a database administrator. Still, if you are looking for a database-specific position, you need to pursue certification in that database even to be considered for the job. Certificate programs usually reflect a more general skill-set or knowledge base, while certifications focus on a particular type of software, tool, or applicable skill. It is more common for beginner data science students to enroll in a certificate program, while data science professionals usually complete certifications through a company or organization to advance their careers.
Benefits of Data Science Credentials
There are many benefits to gaining data science credentials through certification or a certificate program. Certificate programs cover general data science skills, hands-on training, and professional development, providing a well-rounded introduction to the industry and experience in multiple skills. If you're sure of your career path, certification verifies your job- or industry-specific abilities. Having multiple credentials and certifications that directly support your career choice will set you apart from other data science professionals.
A skills-based profession like data science requires job candidates to prove their knowledge and capabilities in the field. Professional certifications and certificate programs demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the knowledge and skills to excel in the profession. So, taking an exam to receive certification or completing the curriculum of a certificate program puts you on a sure path to a career in the industry.
Top Professional Programs and Certifications for Data Scientists
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and (aCAP) certifications give data scientists with college or graduate degrees confirmation of their data science skills to offer prospective employers. CAP certification upholds rigorous examination standards and is well-regarded by employers in the field. CAP is a neutral and objective certification, meaning that it tests your skills and abilities broadly and is not affiliated with a specific technology or vendor. CAP certifications are offered via INFORMS, a data analytics organization that unites researchers and professionals from multiple industries and institutions with a shared commitment to building a community of data scientists.
SAS Certified Data Science Professional
Statistical analysis software is fundamental to the data science industry, and SAS is an established leader in data analytics. So, it is worthwhile for data science students and professionals to train in the software and tools created and developed by this corporate mainstay. The SAS Certified Data Science Professional program and exam offer training in data management tools and applications, such as Apache Hadoop. And the SAS Academy for Data Science offers certifications in areas such as Data Curation and AI and Machine Learning. After completing training from the SAS platforms, students sit for certification exams for SAS tools via the Pearson VUE system of software certifications, which you can add to your resume's skills or education section.
Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Certifications
The Data Science Council of America (DASCA) is led by data science experts and partners with hundreds of universities and institutions focused on training tomorrow's data science practitioners and professionals. DASCA offers certifications for aspiring big data scientists, analysts, and engineers by creating curricula and exams. DASCA offers two data scientist certifications, the Senior Data Scientist for data leadership roles and the Principal Data Scientist for business intelligence roles. The Associate Big Data Analyst certification is also offered as professional credentials for students with a data science and business analytics background.
IBM Data Science Certifications
IBM has a decades-long reputation for developing cutting-edge data science tools used across industries by many of the largest companies in the world. If you’re looking for a job in information technology, database administration, or data engineering, the IBM Data Science Professional Certification can boost your resume. Many of IBM's certifications also focus on training in cloud-based software and data storage systems, such as IBM Cloud and IBM Watson. Additionally, IBM offers digital badges for skills-based training that you can feature on your professional website or networking platforms.
Microsoft Data Scientist Certifications
Microsoft is another preeminent software and technology company offering a wide range of certifications and programs for aspiring data scientists, developers, and engineers. Most of these certifications focus on training in specific data science tools from Microsoft, such as the Azure Data Scientist Associate certification, correlating to advanced knowledge in Microsoft Azure's database management and data analytics technologies ecosystem. In addition, the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate confers certification in Microsoft's business intelligence tools. These platform-specific certifications would significantly benefit students new to data science and analysis or professionals looking to boost their technical skills in Microsoft programs.
Top Certificate Programs for Data Scientists
Want to get started on a Data Science Certificate? Noble Desktop offers several data science certificates. The Data Science Certificate program includes training and mentorship from industry professionals and hands-on experience with popular tools and software. The Data Analytics Certificate provides in-depth training in spreadsheet software and other data analytics technologies relevant for future data and business analysts. These data science classes and certificate programs are available in-person locally and live online through several training schools and locations.