Top 11 Analyst Certifications

Certifications are increasingly important in the job market for analysts because they provide evidence of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience in a given field. They demonstrate that the individual has taken the time to gain specialized knowledge and training, making them more attractive to employers. Certification also provides employers with assurance that the analyst is competent in their chosen field and can perform the job efficiently and effectively. Certifications can also help an analyst stand out from other applicants by showing commitment to their profession and providing proof of subject matter expertise.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Analysts and explain how these certifications can help build a successful career in the analytics field.

What are Analyst Certifications?

Analyst certification is a type of professional certification that verifies an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform a specific job. Analyst certifications are typically granted by professional organizations or industry associations, and they may be required for certain types of positions. For instance, some financial analyst positions require a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) credential.

The benefits of becoming certified as an analyst are numerous. Not only does it demonstrate expertise and commitment to the profession, but it can also give potential employers confidence in an applicant’s ability to perform the job correctly. Additionally, analyst certifications often come with continuing education requirements, which helps ensure that analysts stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Finally, analyst certifications can provide access to exclusive resources such as networking events or publications that can help individuals further their careers.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing any analyst certification, make sure to research the qualifications and requirements for that specific program. This will ensure you have the necessary background knowledge and experience to achieve success.

Related: What does an Analyst do?

Top 11 Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Analysts today.

1. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a certification program offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). The CBAP certification is designed to recognize the expertise and experience of professionals who are involved in business analysis activities. It is one of the most sought-after certifications for business analysts, as it provides recognition for their knowledge and skills.

To obtain the CBAP certification, applicants must have at least seven years of professional experience in business analysis, with at least 900 hours spent in each of two out of the six knowledge areas defined by IIBA. They must also pass an exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering all six knowledge areas. The exam can be taken online or in person at a testing center.

The cost of obtaining the CBAP certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or in person, but typically ranges from $325 to $450 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam, such as registration fees and travel costs if applicable.

In general, it takes about three to four months to prepare for and complete the CBAP certification process. This includes studying for and taking the exam, submitting all required documentation to IIBA, and receiving your official certificate from IIBA once you have passed the exam.

2. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of analytics and data science. The certification is based on a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as data mining, predictive modeling, optimization, simulation, and programming.

It typically takes about two years to prepare for the CAP exam. To get certified, applicants must first submit an application and pay a fee. Once approved, applicants must complete an online course or attend an in-person workshop. They then take the four-hour exam at a proctored testing center.

The cost of obtaining CAP certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for the exam. Online courses range from $500 to $2,000 while in-person workshops can cost up to $3,000. The exam fee itself ranges from $400 to $500 depending on whether you are an INFORMS member or not.

3. Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute. It is a globally recognized credential for financial professionals who specialize in investment analysis and portfolio management. The CFA program provides a comprehensive curriculum of topics related to financial analysis, portfolio management, and ethical and professional standards.

The CFA program consists of three levels of exams which must be passed in order to obtain the CFA designation. Each level requires approximately 300 hours of study time and can take up to four years to complete. The first two levels are offered twice a year while the third level is offered once per year.

To get the CFA designation, you must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, pass all three levels of exams within four years, have at least 48 months of acceptable professional work experience in an investment decision-making role, and adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

The cost for each level varies depending on when you register for the exam; however, it typically ranges from $700 - $1,000 per exam. Additionally, there is an annual membership fee that needs to be paid in order to maintain your certification status.

4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. The CFA credential is globally recognized as the highest standard of investment knowledge and ethical practice. It is designed to measure the competence and integrity of financial analysts, portfolio managers, and other investment professionals.

The CFA program consists of three levels of exams - Level I, Level II, and Level III. To become a CFA charterholder, candidates must pass all three exams within seven years. Each exam covers different topics in finance such as economics, accounting, portfolio management, equity investments, fixed income investments, derivatives markets, alternative investments, corporate finance and more.

Candidates must also have four years of professional work experience in an investment-related field before they can apply for the charter. Candidates are also required to adhere to a code of ethics that includes standards related to integrity and confidentiality.

In order to take the CFA exams candidates must first register with the CFA Institute and pay an examination registration fee which varies depending on when you register (early or late). The total cost for all three levels of the exam ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 USD depending on when you register and where you live.

Overall it takes approximately two years to complete all three levels of the exam if studying full time; however it can take longer depending on how much time you are able spend studying each week.

5. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It is designed for professionals in management accounting and financial management. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

It typically takes between 12 to 18 months to become a CMA. The process involves passing two exams, completing an experience requirement, and submitting an application for certification.

The first exam is the CMA Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance and Control. This exam covers topics such as cost management, budgeting, performance measurement and reporting, strategic planning and decision-making. The second exam is the CMA Part 2: Strategic Financial Management. This exam covers topics such as corporate finance, investments, risk management and international financial management.

To get started on your path to becoming a CMA you will need to enroll with IMA and pay the enrollment fee of $250 USD plus applicable taxes. You will then need to register for each of the two exams which costs $415 USD each plus applicable taxes per part. Once you have passed both exams you will need to complete your experience requirement which requires at least two years of work experience in management accounting or financial management in order to be eligible for certification. Finally you will need to submit an application for certification which costs $225 USD plus applicable taxes.

In total it costs around $1125 USD plus applicable taxes to become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

6. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a certification offered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). It is designed to recognize professionals who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to audit, control, monitor, and assess information technology and business systems.

The CISA certification requires that professionals demonstrate their expertise in five domains: information systems auditing; governance and management of IT; information systems acquisition, development, and implementation; information security management; and protection of information assets.

To become certified as a CISA professional, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in one or more of the five domains listed above
• Pass an exam administered by ISACA
• Agree to abide by the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics
• Maintain your CISA status through continuing professional education credits.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CISA exam. The cost for taking the exam is $575 for members of ISACA or $760 for non-members.

7. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification program offered by ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance. The CRISC certification is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and assess risk, design and implement information systems controls, monitor control effectiveness, and provide appropriate recommendations for improvement.

The CRISC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of cumulative work experience in two or more of the four domains covered by the exam: Risk Identification; Risk Assessment; Risk Response; and Risk Monitoring & Reporting.

In order to obtain the CRISC certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 450 out of 600. The cost for taking the exam is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $85 due each year to maintain your certification status.

The CRISC certification can be beneficial for those seeking career advancement opportunities in risk management or IT security roles. It demonstrates expertise in risk management practices and provides recognition from peers in the industry.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP certification is the most widely recognized and respected credential in the project management field. It demonstrates a professional’s ability to lead and manage projects effectively and efficiently.

The PMP certification process consists of three steps:

1. Applying for the exam

2. Passing the exam

3. Meeting the experience requirements

To apply for the exam, you must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience and 7,500 hours leading and directing projects; or a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience and 4,500 hours leading and directing projects. You must also complete 35 contact hours of formal education in project management topics prior to taking the exam.

The PMP exam is administered by Prometric testing centers worldwide. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within four hours. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $405-$555 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you must meet certain experience requirements in order to maintain your PMP certification status. This includes completing 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years, as well as adhering to PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Overall, obtaining a PMP certification can take several months or even longer depending on how quickly you are able to complete all of the necessary steps outlined above.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful Six Sigma practitioners. It is a process improvement methodology that focuses on reducing waste, improving efficiency, and increasing customer satisfaction.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program typically takes about four months to complete, depending on the type of course you choose. Most courses include online learning modules, instructor-led classes, and hands-on projects. The curriculum covers topics such as statistics and data analysis, process mapping and improvement, project management, problem solving techniques, and more.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt practitioner, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization or institution. You can find these organizations through the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC). The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam and received your certification, you will be able to demonstrate your proficiency in applying Six Sigma principles in business operations and processes. This will help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in quality assurance or process improvement roles.

10. Data Science Certification

Data Science Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in data science. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in the field of data science, which includes big data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

The length of time required to obtain a Data Science Certification varies depending on the type of certification and the provider. Most certifications require at least one year of experience in the field before taking the exam. Some providers offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as three months.

To get a Data Science Certification, you must first meet any prerequisites set by the provider. This may include having a certain amount of work experience or completing specific courses or training programs. Once these requirements are met, you can then register for and take the exam.

The cost of a Data Science Certification varies depending on the provider and type of certification chosen. Generally, certificates range from $500 to $2,000 USD depending on the provider and level of certification desired.

11. SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9

SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 is a professional certification program offered by SAS Institute. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of individuals who have a working knowledge of SAS programming language and the ability to create, debug, and maintain valid SAS programs.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 2 hours. The topics covered in the exam include: data set options, data step processing, macro language elements, SQL processing, debugging techniques, reading and writing external files, and using system options.

To get certified as a SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 you must first complete an online application form on the official website of SAS Institute. Once your application is approved you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. You can then select a date and time to take the exam at one of the authorized testing centers.

The cost of taking the SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 exam is $180 USD.

Do You Really Need a Analyst Certificate?

Whether or not you need an analyst certificate depends on your career goals and the industry in which you are interested. If you are looking to work in a field such as financial analysis, data analysis, or business intelligence, then an analyst certificate can be extremely valuable. It can give you the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in these fields and provide employers with evidence of your qualifications.

In addition to giving you the technical skills needed for success, an analyst certificate can also provide employers with evidence of your commitment to the profession. It shows that you have taken the time and effort to learn more about this field and that you are serious about pursuing it as a career. An analyst certificate can also help open doors for networking opportunities within the industry, as well as providing access to professional development courses and resources.

So if you are looking for a career in analysis or data-driven decision making, then having an analyst certificate is highly recommended. However, if your goals do not include becoming an analyst or working in data science-related fields, then it may not be necessary to earn one. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether getting an analyst certificate is worth the investment of time and money.

Related: Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Analyst Certifications

Q1. What are the different types of analyst certifications?

A1. The most common analyst certifications include Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP), Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), and Certified Financial Analyst (CFA).

Q2. How do I become certified as an analyst?

A2. Generally, you will need to pass an exam administered by a professional organization in order to become certified as an analyst. Depending on the type of certification, additional requirements may also be necessary such as experience or educational qualifications.

Q3. Is there any cost associated with becoming certified?

A3. Yes, there is typically a fee associated with taking the exam and/or becoming certified as an analyst. The cost varies depending on the type of certification and the organization administering it.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years to become certified depending on the type of certification and your own study schedule.

Q5. Are analyst certifications recognized internationally?

A5. Yes, many analyst certifications are recognized globally, although some may have regional variations or restrictions in certain countries or regions