Top 10 Knowledge Analyst Certifications

Certifications play a key role in the job market for knowledge analysts. Certifications provide employers with an assurance that the analyst has met certain standards of quality and expertise in their field. They are also a way to differentiate one applicant from another, as they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and a willingness to invest time and effort into honing one's skills. In addition, certifications can help an analyst stand out when applying for jobs, as they show potential employers that the individual possesses specialized knowledge and experience in their area of expertise. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for advancement within organizations by demonstrating mastery of topics or technologies that may be required for higher-level positions.

This article reviews some of the best certifications available for Knowledge Analysts, and explains how they can help to advance a Knowledge Analyst's career.

What are Knowledge Analyst Certifications?

Knowledge Analyst Certification is a certification program offered by the International Institute of Knowledge Analysts (IIKA). It is designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful knowledge analysts in their respective fields. The certification is based on a comprehensive set of learning objectives, which cover topics such as data analysis, research methods, problem solving, decision making, and communication.

The IIKA Knowledge Analyst Certification program provides training in both theoretical and practical aspects of knowledge analysis. This includes training in data collection and management, quantitative analysis techniques, qualitative analysis techniques, research methodologies, problem-solving strategies, decision-making processes and communication skills. Upon completion of the program, participants will have acquired a set of valuable skills that can be used in various professional settings.

The certification can be beneficial for a variety of professionals from different industries such as business consultants, market researchers or data analysts. By becoming certified as a Knowledge Analyst they will be able to demonstrate their expertise in the field and expand their opportunities for career advancement. Furthermore it can provide an opportunity for those interested in pursuing higher levels of education within the field or expanding their current skill set.

Pro Tip: Consider seeking out a knowledge analyst certification to demonstrate your expertise in data analysis and help you stand out from the competition. Many certifications are available, so make sure to research the requirements and benefits of each one before deciding which is right for you.

Related: What does a Knowledge Analyst do?

Top 10 Knowledge Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Knowledge Analyst (CKA)

Certified Knowledge Analyst (CKA) is a certification program offered by the International Institute for Analytics (IIA). It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in data analytics, business intelligence, and decision-making. The CKA certification is based on the IIA’s Certified Knowledge Analyst Body of Knowledge and requires applicants to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge areas covered in the exam.

The CKA exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as data analysis, predictive analytics, business intelligence, decision-making, and project management. The oral exam focuses on the application of these concepts in a real-world setting.

The entire process takes approximately 3 months to complete. To get certified, applicants must first pass the written exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once they have passed the written exam, they can then take the oral examination which will be conducted by an IIA-certified examiner. Upon successful completion of both exams, applicants will receive their CKA certificate from the IIA.

The cost for taking the CKA certification exams varies depending on where you take them and what materials you use for studying. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to become certified.

2. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in business analysis and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of 7500 hours of business analysis experience over the past 10 years, as well as 35 hours of formal education in the field. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering six knowledge areas: Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring; Elicitation & Collaboration; Requirements Life Cycle Management; Strategy Analysis; Requirements Analysis & Design Definition; and Solution Evaluation.

In order to receive the CBAP certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam takes about four hours to complete and costs $325 USD. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by earning 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) through professional development activities such as attending conferences or taking courses. The renewal fee is $100 USD.

3. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of analytics principles, practices, and processes. The CAP certification is an internationally recognized credential that provides assurance to employers that certified professionals have the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully apply analytics in their organizations.

The CAP certification process includes passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as data management, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, optimization, simulation, and decision analysis. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of professional experience in analytics or related fields. Applicants must also submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts from an accredited university or college.

The cost of the CAP certification varies depending on whether you are an INFORMS member or non-member. For members, the cost is $495 USD while non-members pay $695 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also complete a minimum of 30 continuing education credits every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

4. Certified Data Scientist (CDS)

Certified Data Scientist (CDS) is a professional certification designed to recognize and validate an individual’s expertise in data science. The certification is awarded by the Institute of Data Science Professionals (IDSP), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the field of data science.

The CDS certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in data science through a rigorous exam. This exam covers topics such as data collection, analysis, visualization, machine learning, and programming. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply these skills to solve real-world problems.

In order to become certified, applicants must first complete a two-day training course provided by IDSP. This course focuses on the fundamentals of data science and provides an overview of the different areas of data science that are tested on the CDS exam. After completing the training course, applicants can then register for the CDS exam with IDSP.

The CDS exam typically takes about three hours to complete. It consists of multiple choice questions as well as open-ended questions that require written responses from applicants. The cost of taking the CDS exam is $500 USD and includes access to study materials and practice tests prior to taking the actual exam.

Once applicants have successfully passed the CDS exam, they will receive their official Certified Data Scientist certificate from IDSP along with a digital badge that can be displayed on resumes or other online profiles. The certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

5. Certified Knowledge Management Professional (CKMP)

Certified Knowledge Management Professional (CKMP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field of knowledge management. It is offered by the Knowledge Management Institute (KMI), an international organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of knowledge management.

The CKMP program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical project. The written exam covers topics such as knowledge management principles, strategies, tools, and techniques. The practical project requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

The CKMP certification typically takes about six months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application for the program, which includes passing a background check and providing evidence of relevant education or experience in the field. After passing the application process, applicants must then pass both the written exam and practical project before being awarded the certification.

The cost of obtaining the CKMP certification varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. Online courses typically range from $500-$1000 USD while in-person courses can cost up to $3000 USD.

6. Certified Knowledge Engineering Professional (CKEP)

Certified Knowledge Engineering Professional (CKEP) is a certification program offered by the International Association for Knowledge Engineering (IAKE). The CKEP certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in knowledge engineering and related disciplines, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and natural language processing.

The CKEP program consists of two parts: a written exam and an online practical exam. The written exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of knowledge engineering principles, methods, and tools. The practical exam evaluates the applicant’s ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. Both exams must be passed in order to earn the CKEP certification.

The entire process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual's study habits and availability of resources. To get started with the CKEP program, applicants must first register with IAKE and pay a registration fee of $125 USD. Once registered, applicants will receive access to study materials such as webinars, tutorials, practice exams, and more. After completing both exams successfully, applicants will receive their official CKEP certificate from IAKE.

The cost of the CKEP program varies depending on whether or not you are already an IAKE member at the time of registration. For non-members, the total cost is $625 USD ($125 for registration plus $500 for the two exams). For existing members, there is no additional fee for registering for the CKEP program; however they must still pay $500 USD for both exams upon completion of their studies.

7. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an independent information security certification governed by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)². The CISSP is a globally recognized standard of achievement that confirms an individual’s knowledge in the field of information security. It is designed to prove an individual’s expertise in 10 domains of information security:

1. Access Control

2. Telecommunications and Network Security

3. Information Security Governance and Risk Management

4. Software Development Security

5. Cryptography

6. Physical (Environmental) Security

7. Security Architecture and Design

8. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning

9. Legal, Regulations, Compliance, and Investigations

10. Operations Security

To become a CISSP certified professional, you must have at least five years of experience in two or more of the 10 domains listed above, or four years with a college degree, and pass the CISSP exam administered by (ISC)² . The exam consists of 250 multiple choice questions and takes six hours to complete. The cost for the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $699 USD for members and $999 USD for non-members . Additionally, there is an annual fee to maintain your certification which is currently set at $125 USD per year for members and $85 USD per year for non-members .

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Management and Analytics (MCSE: DM&A)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Management and Analytics (MCSE: DM&A) is a certification program that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in data management and analytics. It validates the skills needed to design, implement, and maintain data solutions that use Microsoft technologies. The certification covers topics such as SQL Server, Azure Data Services, Big Data Analytics, Data Warehousing, and Business Intelligence.

It typically takes around three months of study to prepare for the MCSE: DM&A exam. To get the certification, you must pass two exams: 70-767 Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse and 70-768 Developing SQL Data Models. The cost of each exam is $165 USD.

To get started on your MCSE: DM&A journey, you should first become familiar with the technology stack used in data management and analytics solutions by taking online courses or attending boot camps or workshops. You can then practice your skills through hands-on labs or virtual machines before taking the exams. Finally, you should review any official Microsoft documentation related to the topics covered in the exams to ensure you are well prepared for success on test day.

9. SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional

SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional is a certification program offered by SAS that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated expertise in advanced analytics. This certification is designed to validate the skills of professionals who are proficient in using SAS software for data mining, predictive modeling, and other sophisticated analytics techniques.

The certification requires applicants to pass two exams: SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9: Regression and Modeling (Exam A00-240) and SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional Using SAS 9 (Exam A00-441). Each exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To obtain the certification, you must first register for the exams through the SAS website. Once you have registered, you will be given access to study materials including practice tests and sample questions. After studying and preparing for the exams, you can schedule an appointment with a Pearson VUE testing center to take your exams. The cost of each exam is $180 USD.

Once both exams have been successfully completed, you will receive your official certificate from SAS within six weeks of passing both exams.

10. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate (OCA) is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge of Oracle Database 12c. This certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to install, configure, maintain, patch, and upgrade Oracle databases. It also covers the basics of database security and backup/recovery procedures.

The OCA exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as database installation, configuration, administration, database security, backup/recovery procedures, performance tuning and troubleshooting.

To get the OCA certification you must pass the Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration 1Z0-062 exam. To register for this exam you will need to create an Oracle account at oracle.com/education. You can then purchase the exam voucher from Oracle or from a third-party vendor such as Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the exam varies based on your region but typically ranges from $125-$200 USD.

Once you have passed your exam you will receive your official OCA certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks after passing your test.

Do You Really Need a Knowledge Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. A knowledge analyst certificate could be beneficial for someone who is looking to break into the field of data analysis or analytics, depending on the type of certificate being pursued. These certificates can range from introductory courses in analytics and data science to more advanced programs that focus on specific areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

For those already working in the field, a knowledge analyst certificate may not be necessary but could still be beneficial. The certificate may provide additional skills and knowledge that can help enhance their current skillset, making them more valuable and competitive in the job market. In addition, having a formal certification shows potential employers that they have gone through rigorous training and possess an official credential proving their expertise in the subject matter.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they need a knowledge analyst certificate. For some, it may provide additional credentials that make them more attractive candidates for jobs in data analysis or analytics; for others, it may not be necessary given their existing experience and qualifications.

Related: Knowledge Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Knowledge Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a Knowledge Analyst Certification?

A1. A Knowledge Analyst Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of data analytics and knowledge management. It helps to validate the skills and knowledge required to effectively analyze, interpret and communicate data-driven insights.

Q2. Who should get a Knowledge Analyst Certification?

A2. This certification is ideal for data analysts, business intelligence professionals, data scientists, market researchers, product managers and other professionals who work with data and need to understand how to draw meaningful insights from it.

Q3. What are the benefits of getting a Knowledge Analyst Certification?

A3. The main benefit of obtaining a Knowledge Analyst Certification is that it validates your expertise in the field and helps you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within your current organization. It also provides you with access to specialized training materials which will help you stay up-to-date on best practices and industry trends related to knowledge analysis.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a Knowledge Analyst?

A4. The exact amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on the level of certificate you are pursuing (e.g., basic or advanced). Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months up to two years to complete the required coursework and exams depending on your experience level and dedication towards studying for the exam(s).

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified Knowledge Analyst?

A5. Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have at least two years of experience working in the field prior to attempting certification exams in order to ensure they have sufficient background knowledge and understanding of data analysis concepts before taking their exams