Top 10 Junior Data Analyst Certifications

Certifications are essential for a junior data analyst in the job market because they demonstrate proficiency and understanding in the field. Certifications can help junior analysts stand out from other applicants by showing that they have a knowledge base and skill set that is relevant to the job at hand. Certifications also provide evidence of commitment to the profession, helping employers know that an applicant is serious about their career. Certifications can also help open doors to new opportunities, as having certifications may qualify a candidate for higher-paying positions or roles with more responsibility.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Junior Data Analysts, and explains how they can help to advance a data analyst's career.

What are Junior Data Analyst Certifications?

Junior data analyst certification is an entry-level certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful data analysts. This certification focuses on teaching individuals how to collect, analyze, and interpret data in order to make informed business decisions. It covers topics such as basic statistics, database design, data mining, and predictive analytics. Additionally, it teaches learners how to use various software packages such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and R for data analysis.

Having a junior data analyst certification can be beneficial in many ways. For starters, it provides job seekers with a way to stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the field of data analysis. Companies are often looking for candidates who have specialized training and expertise in this area. Additionally, having this type of certification may also open up opportunities for career advancement within the organization. Furthermore, having a junior data analyst certification can provide individuals with the confidence needed to succeed in their current role or pursue higher-level positions within their organization or industry. Finally, having this type of certification can also enable professionals to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices related to data analysis that could benefit their company or organization.

Pro Tip: Before seeking out a junior data analyst certification, make sure to gain some practical experience working with data sets. This will help you gain a better understanding of the concepts and techniques required to become an effective data analyst. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the industry-standard tools and technologies used in the field.

Related: What does a Junior Data Analyst do?

Top 10 Junior Data Analyst Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) is a certification program that validates an individual’s technical skills and knowledge of Microsoft products, technologies, and solutions. The MCP credential is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Microsoft software applications, such as Windows operating systems, Office Suite programs, Visual Studio development tools, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server databases, and more.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the MCP exam depending on the individual's existing knowledge and experience level. To become certified as an MCP, you must pass one or more exams related to specific Microsoft products or technologies. The cost of each exam varies by product or technology but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

To get started with the MCP certification process you will need to create a Microsoft account and register for an exam at the Microsoft Learning website (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcp-certification.aspx). After passing your exam(s), you will receive an email notification from Microsoft confirming your certification status with instructions on how to access your digital badge and certificate.

2. Oracle Certified Junior Data Analyst (OCJDA)

Oracle Certified Junior Data Analyst (OCJDA) is an entry-level certification from Oracle that validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in data analysis. The OCJDA certification is designed for individuals who have basic knowledge of data analysis and want to demonstrate their proficiency in this area. It covers topics such as database design, SQL, data manipulation, data mining, data visualization, and predictive analytics.

The OCJDA exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a score of at least 70%. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive an Oracle Certified Junior Data Analyst digital badge.

To get the OCJDA certification, candidates must first register for the exam through Oracle University. The cost of the exam is $245 USD. Once registered and payment has been made, applicants can schedule their exam date at a Pearson VUE testing center.

The OCJDA certification does not expire; however, it is recommended that certified professionals stay up-to-date with new technologies and trends in order to maintain their expertise in data analysis.

3. IBM Certified Junior Data Analyst (IBMCJDA)

IBM Certified Junior Data Analyst (IBMCJDA) is an entry-level certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to work with data in a business environment. The certification focuses on areas such as data analysis, data visualization, predictive analytics, machine learning, data mining, and more. It is designed for those who have a basic understanding of data science concepts but need more hands-on experience in order to apply them in real-world scenarios.

The IBM Certified Junior Data Analyst (IBMCJDA) certification requires that candidates pass two exams - the IBM Certified Junior Data Analyst (CJDA) Exam and the IBM Certified Professional Data Scientist (CPDS) Exam. The CJDA exam covers topics such as data exploration, visualizations, predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, and model building. The CPDS exam covers topics such as big data technologies, distributed computing frameworks, advanced analytics techniques and tools.

In order to become certified as an IBM Certified Junior Data Analyst (IBMCJDA), you must first register for the exams through IBM's website. Once registered, you will be sent a voucher code which can be used to purchase the exams from Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam varies depending on location but typically ranges between $200-$300 USD per exam.

It typically takes around 4-6 weeks to complete both exams and receive your results. Once you have passed both exams you will be officially certified as an IBM Certified Junior Data Analyst (IBMCJDA).

4. SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9

SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 is a certification program offered by the SAS Institute. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of individuals who are proficient in using the SAS programming language to access, manipulate, and analyze data. This certification is ideal for individuals who are looking to demonstrate their expertise in the field of data analysis and statistical computing.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 2 hours. The exam covers topics such as accessing data with SAS, creating basic reports, working with SAS functions and formats, manipulating data with DATA Step processing, and debugging code.

To get certified as a SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9, you must first register on the official website of the SAS Institute. After registering, you will need to pay an exam fee which varies depending on your location. Once you have paid the fee, you will receive an email containing instructions on how to schedule your exam date and time. You can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online via proctored exams.

The cost of the SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 certification varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $180 - $250 USD.

5. Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate

Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate is a certification program offered by Tableau Software that validates an individual's ability to use the Tableau Desktop software. It is designed for individuals who work with data and want to gain proficiency in using Tableau for data analysis, visualization, and reporting.

To get the Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate certification, you must pass the Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate Exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as connecting to data sources, creating basic visualizations, working with calculations, formatting worksheets, and building dashboards.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive instructions on how to access it and take it.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate certification which is valid for two years from the date of passing.

6. Qlik Sense Data Analyst Certification

Qlik Sense Data Analyst Certification is a professional certification for those who want to demonstrate their skills in data analysis, data visualization, and creating effective dashboards with the Qlik Sense platform. It is designed to recognize and validate an individual’s expertise in using the Qlik Sense platform to create powerful insights from data.

The certification covers topics such as data modeling, scripting, visualizations, security, and performance optimization. It also covers advanced topics such as analytics and AI-driven insights. The certification program consists of two exams: the Qlik Sense Data Analyst Exam (QSDA) and the Qlik Sense Advanced Data Analyst Exam (QSADA).

The QSDA exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions that assess your knowledge of basic concepts related to working with the Qlik Sense platform. The QSADA exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions that assess your knowledge of advanced concepts related to working with the Qlik Sense platform.

To get certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. You can register for either exam on the official website at qlikcertify.com/qlik-sense-data-analyst/. The cost for each exam is $150 USD.

7. Cloudera Certified Associate Data Analyst (CCA-DA)

Cloudera Certified Associate Data Analyst (CCA-DA) is a certification program offered by Cloudera, Inc., a provider of enterprise data management and analytics solutions. The CCA-DA credential validates the knowledge and skills necessary to perform core data analyst tasks using Cloudera’s open source platform. It is designed for individuals who have hands-on experience working with large datasets, performing basic analysis tasks, and developing reports using Cloudera’s software tools.

The CCA-DA exam consists of 8 performance-based tasks that must be completed within 4 hours. The tasks include ingesting data into HDFS, querying data using Impala and Hive, transforming data using Pig and MapReduce, creating tables in Hive and Impala, running reports in Hue, and managing security permissions in Cloudera Manager.

To get the CCA-DA certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or on the Cloudera website. The cost of the exam is $295 USD.

It typically takes about 8 weeks to prepare for the CCA-DA exam depending on your prior experience with Cloudera products. To prepare for this certification, it is recommended to take an official training course from Cloudera or one of its partners. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help you prepare for the exam such as practice tests and sample questions.

8. Hadoop Developer Certification

Hadoop Developer Certification is a certification program offered by the Apache Software Foundation. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in developing applications for the Hadoop platform. The certification covers topics such as data processing, data storage, and distributed computing.

The certification process typically takes around two to three months to complete. To get certified, an individual must first pass a written exam and then complete a series of hands-on labs. The labs are designed to ensure that the candidate can effectively use the Hadoop platform to develop applications.

In order to get certified, you will need to register with the Apache Software Foundation and pay a fee of $300 USD. Once registered, you will be provided with access to study materials and practice exams which will help you prepare for the written exam. After passing the written exam, you will need to complete the hands-on labs in order to receive your certificate of completion.

The cost of the certification includes all necessary materials and fees associated with taking the exam and completing the labs.

9. MongoDB Certified DBA Associate

MongoDB Certified DBA Associate is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of MongoDB Database Administrators. This certification is offered by MongoDB, Inc., the company behind the popular open-source NoSQL database. The certification is designed to ensure that professionals have the necessary skills to manage MongoDB databases in production environments.

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of MongoDB’s core features and capabilities. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

In order to take the exam, applicants must first register with MongoDB University and create an account. Once registered, they can purchase the exam for $150 USD from the university website and schedule a time to take it online.

The exam covers topics such as data modeling, indexing, replication, sharding, security, performance tuning, backup & recovery, monitoring & alerting, and more. It is recommended that applicants have at least 6 months of experience working with MongoDB before taking the exam.

The cost of becoming a MongoDB Certified DBA Associate is $150 USD for the exam fee plus any associated costs for training or preparation materials if desired.

10. Microsoft Power BI Desktop Specialist

Microsoft Power BI Desktop Specialist is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in creating and managing interactive data visualizations with Microsoft Power BI Desktop. This certification is ideal for individuals who are interested in becoming an expert in the field of data visualization, analytics, and reporting.

To become a Microsoft Power BI Desktop Specialist, you must pass two exams: Exam DP-900: Microsoft Power BI Desktop Solutions and Exam DA-100: Analyzing Data with Microsoft Power BI. The exams can be taken online or at a local testing center. The total cost of both exams is $165 USD.

The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Microsoft Power BI Desktop Specialist depends on your experience level and how much time you are willing to dedicate to studying for the exams. Generally, it takes between four to six weeks to study for the exams if you have some prior knowledge of data visualization and analytics.

In order to get certified as a Microsoft Power BI Desktop Specialist, you must first purchase the exam vouchers from Microsoft (or an authorized reseller). Once you have purchased the vouchers, you will need to register for each exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. After registering for the exam, you will need to schedule an appointment with your chosen testing center.

The cost of becoming a Microsoft Power BI Desktop Specialist varies depending on where you take the exams and which version of the exam voucher you purchase. The standard version of the exam voucher costs $165 USD while the premium version costs $250 USD (which includes additional benefits such as practice tests).

Do You Really Need a Junior Data Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and ambitions. For some, a junior data analyst certificate may be necessary for entry into the field, while for others it may not be as important.

For someone looking to break into the data analysis field, a certificate can be beneficial in helping them stand out from other applicants. It demonstrates that they have taken the initiative to pursue additional education or training in the area, which can often be attractive to employers. A certificate also shows that they have a basic understanding of data analysis techniques and concepts, which can help them hit the ground running once hired.

On the other hand, if someone already has experience in data analysis and is looking to advance their career or move up within their current organization, then a junior data analyst certificate may not be as important. In this case, it may make more sense for them to focus on developing their skills further and gaining more experience rather than obtaining a certification.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a junior data analyst certificate depends on their own career goals and objectives. It is important for individuals to carefully consider their options before making a decision about pursuing certification.

Related: Junior Data Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Junior Data Analyst Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Junior Data Analyst?

Answer: To become a Junior Data Analyst, you typically need to have an undergraduate degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics or another related field. Additionally, experience with data analysis software and programming languages such as SQL and Python are beneficial.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Junior Data Analyst?

Answer: Depending on the program you choose, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete your certification as a Junior Data Analyst.

3. What type of job can I find with a Junior Data Analyst certification?

Answer: With a Junior Data Analyst certification, you can find jobs in a variety of industries including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, marketing and more. Job titles may include Business Intelligence Analyst, Database Administrator or Data Scientist.

4. Is there any help available if I want to become a Junior Data Analyst?

Answer: Yes! There are many online courses and bootcamps available that provide comprehensive instruction on data analysis tools and techniques. Additionally, many employers provide on-the-job training for new hires who wish to specialize in data analysis.

5. What is the salary range for Junior Data Analysts?

Answer: The salary range for Junior Data Analysts varies depending on experience level and location; however salaries typically range from $50,000 - $80,000 per year.