7 data analytics certifications to transform your career

Many organisations rely on data-driven decisions to grow their business and stay competitive. That’s where data analysts come in. 

Data analytics involves examining raw data to spot patterns and draw meaningful insights. If you have a passion for problem-solving, enjoy working with numbers and making sense of complex information, a career as a data analyst could be for you.

As technology progresses, the need for highly skilled workers that can work with complex data is expected to grow. The 2023 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report estimates that data analyst and data scientist roles are expected to increase by 30 to 35 percent by 2027.

Gaining a data analytics certification can be a way to stay ahead of the curve, demonstrating that you have both a passion for the field and practical skills in data.

In this article, we’ll explore what certifications in data analytics cover, as well as a range of data analytics certifications you can take to boost your career. 

What are data analytics certifications? 

The best data analytics certifications will give you a comprehensive understanding of data science and how it can be used in an organisation. 

You’ll gain an understanding of key concepts in data analysis, as well as industry-standard tools used to collect, prepare and visualise data. Many courses will also offer practical assignments that can be used to create a portfolio of work. 

A background in mathematics, statistics or computer science can be helpful when embarking on a data analytics career, but there are courses to suit all levels of experience. 

FutureLearn offers data analytics courses suitable for entry-level analysts through to those looking to advance their career with postgraduate studies. 

Key concepts covered in data analytics certifications

Common skills taught in data analytics certifications include:

• Data Cleaning and Preparation: You’ll learn how to clean up and standardise data so it’s ready for analysis.
  
• Data Visualisation: Learn how to use tools like Tableau, Power BI and Excel to create charts and dashboards that communicate insights effectively.
  
• Programming for Data Analysis: Gain an understanding of languages like Python, R, or SQL to manipulate and analyse data.
  
• Statistical Analysis: Delve into core concepts such as regression, hypothesis testing, and probability when working with data
  
• Machine Learning Basics: Some courses include an introduction to machine learning, with concepts such as predictive modeling, clustering, and classification for advanced analytics.

7 data analytics certifications to transform your career 

There are a range of certifications in data analytics that you can take to transform your career, ranging from shorter microcredentials to longer courses aimed at teaching the subject in-depth.

Whether you’re looking to make a career change or looking to boost your skills as someone already in the field, here are some of the top data analytics certifications you can take with FutureLearn. 

Data Analytics (Part-Time)

Become a qualified data analyst in eight months with a flexible course that fits around your other commitments. This 32-week General Assembly bootcamp covers all the essential skills needed for a career in data analysis, including SQL, Excel, Tableau, PowerBI, and Python.

Through expert-led sessions and practical resources, you’ll learn how to turn data into compelling stories and have a professional portfolio to show to future employers. 

Find out more: Data Analytics (Part-Time) – General Assembly

Data Analytics for E-Commerce 

Data analysis is a vital skill for anyone working in the data-driven e-commerce industry. This six-week microcredential from Deakin University gives you a comprehensive introduction to data analysis and the skills needed to interpret, prepare and visualise data.

Practical sessions will teach you how to work with real e-commerce data sets to explore and diagnose trends. You’ll also consider the political, legislative, and ethical context of data to learn how e-commerce data can be used responsibly and legally.

Find out more: Data Analytics for E-Commerce – Deakin University 

Data Analytics 

This fast-track course will give you the skills you need to excel in a data analytics career by learning how to acquire, analyse, and visualise data sets in real-time. You also gain valuable skills in tools such as SQL, Excel, Tableau, PowerBI, and Python.

This full-time General Assembly course aims to get you job ready with practical training and exercises that will get you ready for your first data analyst job in just 12 weeks.

Find out more: Data Analytics (full-time) – General Assembly

Big Data – Aligning Strategy, Analytics & Operations

Learn how to harness big data to drive an organisation forward and achieve operational efficiency. You’ll learn the major fundamental concepts of big data before moving on to learn how it can be used in business. 

Through flexible learning, you’ll finish the course knowing how to develop a big data strategy that can be scaled and understand how to use and manage big data for a competitive advantage. 

Completing this online microcredential also leads to 10 UK level 7 credits, which can be used towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership and Management Practice.

Find out more: Big Data – Aligning Strategy, Analytics & Operations – Nottingham Business School

Data Science 

Get the skills you need to become a data scientist with this 12-week bootcamp. You’ll gain a deep understanding of data science via live online instruction, career coaching and practical portfolio-building exercises to get you ready for the workplace. 

The course teaches you how to collect and clean data for analysis as well as how to use industry-standard tools such as SQL, Git, and Python. You’ll also develop key skills in predictive modelling, exploratory data analysis and statistical modelling. 

Towards the end of the course,  you’ll learn how to build machine learning models to find patterns and insights in data and create advanced data models.

Find out more: Data Science – General Assembly 

Data Analytics for Supply Chain Logistics

In supply chain management and logistics, data analysis skills are in high demand. Data analysis can be used to boost efficiency, improve customer satisfaction and streamline an organisation’s operations.

This course equips you for this important role by delving into data analysis and the skills needed to prepare, decode and visualise data. You’ll use data sets and case studies from the supply chain logistics industry to prepare you for real-world applications.

Practical weekly activities will give you hands-on training in how to use and present data, while training in the context and ethics of data analysis will allow you to use your skills efficiently and legally. 

Find out more: Data Analytics for Supply Chain Logistics – Deakin University 

Data Analytics for Insurance 

This microcredential prepares you with all the skills needed for data analysis in the insurance industry.

You’ll begin with a comprehensive overview of data analysis in general before learning how to apply these skills to insurance industry roles. The course teaches how to clean, prepare and analyse data using software such as Tableau as well as different approaches and tools needed to spot patterns and trends. 

Find out more: Data Analytics for Insurance – Deakin University 

Become a data analyst with FutureLearn

With FutureLearn, you can kick-start or grow your data analytics career with flexible courses from world-renowned institutions. 

Whether you’re looking for a career change or wanting to dive deeper into your chosen field, our online courses are designed to fit around your other commitments and get you ready for the next step in your career. 

To be successful as a data analyst, you’ll need practical training from industry experts and a portfolio of work ready to show off your skills.