Top 10 Cognos Developer Certifications

Certifications for Cognos developers are important in the job market because they provide proof of a developer's knowledge and skills. They demonstrate to employers that the developer is knowledgeable about Cognos technology and can implement solutions effectively. Certifications also show a commitment to keeping up with industry trends and best practices. Employers often look for certifications when hiring, so having one or more can make a candidate stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher salaries and improved career prospects.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Cognos Developers and explains how they can contribute to a cognos developer's career growth.

What are Cognos Developer Certifications?

Cognos Developer Certification is a professional certification program offered by IBM that provides recognition and validation of the skills and knowledge needed to develop applications using the Cognos platform. The Cognos Developer Certification program offers two levels: Associate and Professional. The Associate level focuses on basic development skills, while the Professional level focuses on advanced development topics such as integration and customization.

Cognos Developer Certification can help organizations ensure they have qualified personnel capable of developing applications using the Cognos platform. It can also help individuals prove their expertise in this area and increase their marketability to potential employers. In addition, having certified developers can reduce training costs since it eliminates the need for organizations to bring in outside resources to assist with application development tasks. Finally, having certified developers on staff can provide an organization with peace of mind knowing that its applications are being developed by experts who have been tested and verified as possessing the necessary skills and knowledge.

Pro tip: When preparing for a Cognos Developer Certification exam, make sure to become familiar with all of the components of the Cognos suite, including Report Studio, Framework Manager, and Query Studio. Additionally, practice creating reports using real data to better understand how the different features work together.

Related: What does a Cognos Developer do?

Top 10 Cognos Developer Certifications

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

1. IBM Certified Developer - Cognos Analytics

IBM Certified Developer - Cognos Analytics is a professional certification program offered by IBM. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who are developing and deploying Cognos Analytics solutions. The certification includes topics such as reporting, dashboarding, data modeling, and analytics.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To get certified as an IBM Certified Developer - Cognos Analytics, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To prepare for the exam, you can take online courses through IBM's e-learning platform or attend instructor-led training sessions at an IBM training center. You can also purchase study materials from third-party vendors such as ExamCollection or Prepaway.

The cost of the certification exam varies depending on your country of residence and currency exchange rate. In the US, it typically costs around $200 USD.

2. IBM Certified Solution Expert - Cognos Analytics

IBM Certified Solution Expert - Cognos Analytics is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in using the IBM Cognos Analytics platform. This certification validates a professional’s ability to design and develop solutions for organizations that use IBM Cognos Analytics to analyze data and make decisions.

The IBM Certified Solution Expert – Cognos Analytics certification requires a minimum of two years of experience with the IBM Cognos Analytics platform, as well as passing one or more exams. The required exams are:

1) IBM Cognos Analytics 11.0 Administration (C2090-622);

2) IBM Cognos Analytics 11.0 Author Professional (C2090-623);

3) IBM Cognos Analytics 11.0 Data Modeling Professional (C2090-624).

The cost of each exam is $200 USD, plus applicable taxes. The total cost of obtaining the certification will depend on how many exams you take and whether or not you choose to take any additional courses or practice tests. It typically takes several weeks to prepare for each exam, so it can take several months to obtain the certification if all three exams are taken.

3. IBM Certified Application Developer - Cognos Analytics

IBM Certified Application Developer - Cognos Analytics is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual's proficiency in developing applications using IBM Cognos Analytics. It validates the skills and knowledge required to develop, deploy, and manage applications that use IBM Cognos Analytics.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge of the various components of IBM Cognos Analytics. Candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to become certified.

To get IBM Certified Application Developer - Cognos Analytics, candidates must first register for the exam and pay the associated fees. The fees vary depending on location and currency exchange rates, but typically range from $200-$300 USD. Candidates can then schedule their exam at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, it takes around 4-6 weeks to complete all of the necessary study materials and practice tests before taking the actual exam.

The cost of getting certified varies based on location and currency exchange rates, but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD for registration fees alone. Additional costs may include study materials, practice exams, and travel expenses if you are not able to take your exam at a local testing center.

4. IBM Certified System Administrator - Cognos Analytics

IBM Certified System Administrator - Cognos Analytics is a professional certification program offered by IBM. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in the administration and deployment of IBM Cognos Analytics solutions. This certification demonstrates that a professional has the skills necessary to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot an IBM Cognos Analytics solution.

The duration of the certification process can vary depending on a candidate’s experience level and preparation. Generally speaking, it takes around 40 hours to complete all the required coursework and exams.

In order to become certified as an IBM Certified System Administrator - Cognos Analytics, candidates must first complete two courses: IBM Cognos Analytics Administration (V11.0) and IBM Cognos Analytics Troubleshooting (V11). Both courses are available online or in-person from authorized training providers. After completing both courses, candidates must then pass two exams: C2090-621: IBM Cognos Analytics Administration V11 and C2090-623: IBM Cognos Analytics Troubleshooting V11. The exams are administered through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

The cost for the certification process varies depending on which training provider you choose to use for your coursework. Additionally, there is a fee for taking each exam ($200 USD per exam).

5. IBM Certified Specialist - Cognos Analytics

IBM Certified Specialist - Cognos Analytics is a professional certification program offered by IBM. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in the areas of data analysis and reporting using IBM Cognos Analytics.

It takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete the certification exam, which consists of multiple choice questions. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you take an official training course from IBM or an authorized partner. Additionally, there are many online resources available that can help you study for the exam such as practice tests, tutorials, and study guides.

6. IBM Certified Professional Developer - Cognos 8 BI

IBM Certified Professional Developer – Cognos 8 BI is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to develop, deploy, and maintain Cognos 8 Business Intelligence solutions. The certification is intended for developers who have a working knowledge of the Cognos 8 BI suite of products and are responsible for developing and deploying business intelligence solutions.

The certification requires passing two exams: one on the fundamentals of Cognos 8 BI (exam code COG-310) and one on development within the Cognos 8 BI environment (exam code COG-320). Both exams are offered through Pearson VUE testing centers.

The cost of each exam varies by country but typically ranges from $100 - $200 USD. It usually takes between 2-4 weeks to prepare for the exams depending on your experience level with Cognos 8 BI.

Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded an IBM Certified Professional Developer – Cognos 8 BI certificate. This certificate is valid for three years after which time you will need to renew it by taking additional tests or completing continuing education courses related to the technology.

7. IBM Certified Professional Application Developer - Cognos 10 BI

IBM Certified Professional Application Developer - Cognos 10 BI is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to develop applications using the IBM Cognos 10 Business Intelligence (BI) suite of products. This certification is intended for individuals who have experience developing applications with the IBM Cognos 10 BI suite of products and who want to demonstrate their expertise in this area.

It typically takes around 6-12 months of study and practice to prepare for the IBM Certified Professional Application Developer - Cognos 10 BI exam. To get certified, you must pass one exam, which covers topics such as creating reports, dashboards, scorecards, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to two hours to complete.

To become an IBM Certified Professional Application Developer - Cognos 10 BI, you must purchase an exam voucher from IBM and register for the exam at Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam voucher varies depending on your geographic region but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Business Intelligence for Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Business Intelligence for Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a certification program designed to demonstrate expertise in the implementation and management of business intelligence solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics 365. This certification focuses on the ability to design, implement, and maintain BI solutions using the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform.

It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the exam preparation materials, pass the exam, and receive your certification. To get this certification you must first pass Exam MB-310: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance or Exam MB-320: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. Once you have passed either of these exams, you will be eligible to take Exam MB-500: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations Apps Developer. After passing this exam, you will earn your Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Business Intelligence for Microsoft Dynamics 365 certification.

The cost of taking the three exams required for this certification varies depending on where you take them and what type of discounts are available. Generally speaking, each exam costs between $165-$200 USD.

9. Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials Certification

Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials Certification is a certification program that demonstrates your expertise in the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g. It validates your knowledge of Oracle BI tools and techniques, as well as how to use them to create effective business intelligence solutions.

How long does it take to get it?

The Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials Certification exam typically takes between 2-3 hours to complete.

How to get it?

In order to obtain the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials Certification, you must pass the 1Z0-591 Exam. This exam is offered through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the exam varies depending on location, but typically ranges from $200-$250 USD.

10. SAS Advanced Predictive Modeling Certification

SAS Advanced Predictive Modeling Certification is a professional certification offered by SAS Institute, Inc. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in advanced predictive modeling techniques and methods. The certification covers topics such as data preparation, model building, model validation, and model deployment. It also includes an introduction to the SAS programming language and how it can be used to develop predictive models.

The certification requires passing a two-hour exam which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. In order to pass the exam, candidates must achieve a score of at least 70%. The exam fee is $180 USD.

To get the certification, individuals must first register for the exam with SAS Institute, Inc., either online or through a local testing center. After registering for the exam, individuals will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online practice exams and other resources that may be helpful in preparing for the actual exam. Once registered for the exam and all required materials have been reviewed, individuals can take the exam at their convenience within six months of registration.

In addition to passing the two-hour exam, individuals must also submit proof of completion of three courses related to predictive modeling from SAS Academy for Data Science or another approved provider in order to obtain their certification.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on whether or not you are taking courses from SAS Academy for Data Science or another approved provider. If you are taking courses from SAS Academy for Data Science then your total cost would include both course fees as well as your registration fee for the exam ($180 USD). If you are taking courses from another approved provider then you would only need to pay your registration fee ($180 USD).

Do You Really Need a Cognos Developer Certificate?

Cognos Developer Certificate is a certification program designed to help Cognos developers become proficient in the use of the software. The certificate proves that the developer has mastered the necessary skills to create and maintain Cognos applications.

Whether you need a Cognos Developer Certificate or not will depend on your particular career goals. If you are looking to advance in your current role, then having a certificate can be beneficial as it shows employers that you have achieved a certain level of proficiency with the software. This could make you more attractive to potential employers when applying for new positions.

If you are looking to move into a different field, then having a Cognos Developer Certificate may not be necessary. However, depending on the type of job you are looking for, having this certificate may still be beneficial as it demonstrates that you have strong technical knowledge and experience working with specific software.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Cognos Developer Certificate will depend on what type of career path you want to pursue and how much emphasis employers in that field place on having this certification. It’s important to research job postings in your desired field and see if having this certification is required or recommended before making any decisions about pursuing it.

Related: Cognos Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Cognos Developer Certifications

1. What is the purpose of Cognos Developer Certifications?

Answer: Cognos Developer Certifications are designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in developing and customizing Cognos solutions. They provide employers with a benchmark for assessing the capabilities and qualifications of potential employees, as well as providing developers with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills.

2. What types of certifications are available?

Answer: There are three levels of Cognos Developer Certification: Associate, Professional, and Master. Each certification has its own set of requirements and objectives that must be met in order to achieve the certification.

3. How much does it cost to become certified?

Answer: The cost of each certification varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking and the country where you live. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200 - $500 USD per exam to become certified.

4. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Your certification is valid for two years from the date you pass your exam(s). In order to maintain your certification, you will need to retake the exam every two years or complete continuing education credits from approved courses or activities related to Cognos development.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Cognos Developer Certification exam?

Answer: Yes, there are certain prerequisites for taking each level of the exams such as having prior experience with IBM Cognos software development tools or having taken specific training courses related to IBM Cognos software development tools. Additionally, some exams may require that you have successfully completed other IBM cognizant certifications before taking them.