Top 11 Product Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for product analysts in the job market for a couple of reasons. First, certifications demonstrate to employers that a product analyst is knowledgeable and capable of performing the tasks associated with the position. By having certifications, a product analyst can show employers that he or she has taken the initiative to learn about their field and is up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. Furthermore, certifications can give an edge to a candidate when competing for jobs, as they demonstrate commitment and dedication to developing their skills beyond what may be required from other applicants. Finally, certifications can provide recognition from industry-leading organizations, which can boost one's credibility and reputation in the job market.

This article reviews the top certifications for Product Analysts and explains how they can help to enhance a product analyst's career.

What are Product Analyst Certifications?

Product Analyst Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful product analysts. Product analysts are responsible for analyzing customer data, identifying trends, and providing insights into product development and design. They also help companies make informed decisions about their products by understanding customer needs and preferences.

Product Analyst Certification provides individuals with the tools they need to become successful product analysts, including an understanding of customer analysis techniques such as market research, user experience (UX) analysis, usability testing, customer segmentation, customer journey mapping and more. Additionally, they learn how to use data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI to present insights in a visually appealing manner.

By obtaining Product Analyst Certification, individuals can gain the confidence they need to become successful product analysts. This certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in these areas and can be trusted by employers to accurately analyze customer data and make informed decisions about their products. It also allows them to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends so they can better advise their employers on the best strategies for improving their products. Ultimately, Product Analyst Certification can help individuals advance their careers in product analytics by demonstrating their knowledge of this field and giving them a competitive edge over other candidates when applying for jobs.

Pro Tip: When considering a product analyst certification, make sure to research the curriculum and accreditation of the program. Ensure that the course is up-to-date with the latest trends in product analysis and technology so you can gain the most valuable skills and knowledge.

Related: What does a Product Analyst do?

Top 11 Product Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated proficiency in analytics and data science. The CAP designation is globally recognized as the premier certification for analytics professionals.

The CAP exam consists of multiple choice questions, case studies, and an essay question. The exam covers topics such as data mining, predictive modeling, statistics and optimization, decision analysis, machine learning, business intelligence and visualization. The exam typically takes four hours to complete.

In order to obtain the CAP designation, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of professional experience in analytics or data science-related fields. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge of analytics techniques and technologies.

The cost of obtaining the CAP designation varies depending on the country where you are taking the exam. In the United States, it costs $450 USD to take the exam. Other countries may have different fees associated with taking the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official Certified Analytics Professional designation from INFORMS. This designation will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

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 high level of expertise in business analysis. The CBAP certification requires that an individual has extensive experience and knowledge in the practice of business analysis, as well as a commitment to continuing education and professional development.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the CBAP exam, depending on the individual’s prior experience and knowledge. To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, which include having at least 7,500 hours of documented business analysis experience over the past 10 years. In addition, applicants must complete 21 hours of training in topics related to business analysis and pass an exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions.

The cost of obtaining a CBAP certification varies depending on where you take the exam and what type of training you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $600-$1,500 USD for the exam itself, plus any additional training or study materials you may need.

3. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge to lead and support Lean Six Sigma projects. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in the Lean Six Sigma methodology.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification program typically takes 8-10 weeks to complete, depending on the provider. The program includes classroom instruction, online learning, and hands-on project work. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive their Green Belt certification.

The cost of obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification varies depending on the provider and type of course chosen. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,000 - $4,000 USD for an online course or $3,000 - $6,000 USD for an in-person course.

In order to obtain a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, individuals must successfully complete all components of the coursework including classroom instruction, online learning modules, and hands-on project work. Upon completion of all requirements of the program, participants will receive their official Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from the provider they completed their training with.

4. Certified Product Manager (CPM)

Certified Product Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to help product managers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully lead product development projects. The CPM program is offered by the Association of International Product Marketing and Management (AIPMM). It is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates mastery of the core competencies required for successful product management.

The CPM certification requires applicants to complete a series of courses, exams, and practical experience in order to demonstrate their expertise in product management. The program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Product Manager (CPPM), Certified Senior Product Manager (CSPM), and Master Certified Product Manager (MCPM). Each level requires different levels of experience and skill sets.

The duration for obtaining the CPM certification depends on the level you are pursuing. For CPPM, it usually takes about six months to complete all the requirements; for CSPM, it can take up to one year; and for MCPM, it can take up to two years.

In order to get certified as a CPM, you must first apply online with AIPMM. After submitting your application, you will be asked to provide proof of your educational background and work experience in product management. Once approved, you will be able to register for the appropriate courses and exams needed for each level of certification.

The cost of obtaining the CPM certification varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The fees range from $500-$2000 USD depending on which level you are seeking certification at.

5. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of the Scrum framework and its application to product development. The CSPO certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the use of Scrum in software development.

The CSPO certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for maximizing the value of products and services developed using the Scrum framework. It covers topics such as product visioning, backlog management, stakeholder engagement, user story writing, and release planning. Upon successful completion of the coursework and exam, participants will receive their CSPO certification.

It typically takes between one to three months to complete the requirements for the CSPO certification. This includes completing a two-day classroom training program as well as taking an online exam. The cost of the CSPO certification varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $800-$1,000 USD.

6. Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ)

Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) is a certification program offered by Google to demonstrate proficiency in the basic and advanced features of Google Analytics. It is a globally recognized credential that proves an individual’s expertise in using the platform to measure, analyze and optimize digital marketing campaigns.

The exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as data collection, configuration, reports, analysis techniques, and more. To pass the exam, you must score at least 80%.

To get certified, you need to create an account on the Google Analytics Academy website and register for the exam. After registering for the exam, you will be given access to study materials and practice tests to help prepare for the actual test. Once you feel ready to take the exam, you can purchase it from Google for $50 USD.

Once you have passed your exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your official Google Analytics Individual Qualification certificate via email within 7 days.

7. IBM Certified Data Analyst

IBM Certified Data Analyst is a professional certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of data analysts in using IBM's advanced analytics tools and technologies. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in analyzing data, developing predictive models, and creating insights from large datasets. The certification consists of two exams: IBM Certified Data Analyst – Foundations (C2090-101) and IBM Certified Data Analyst – Advanced (C2090-102).

To become an IBM Certified Data Analyst, you must pass both exams. The Foundations exam focuses on basic concepts such as data manipulation, descriptive statistics, and machine learning algorithms. The Advanced exam covers more advanced topics such as feature engineering, deep learning architectures, natural language processing, and time series analysis.

The exams take approximately three hours each to complete. To prepare for the exams, it is recommended to take online courses or attend instructor-led training sessions offered by IBM or third-party vendors. Additionally, there are practice tests available online to help you gauge your readiness for the actual exams.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on the vendor. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$300 per exam.

8. Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification

Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification is a professional certification program offered by Tableau Software, Inc. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in using the Tableau Desktop software. The certification requires that individuals have a working knowledge of the Tableau Desktop interface and its features, as well as an understanding of how to create visualizations and dashboards.

The Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Candidates who do not pass the exam may retake it after waiting 30 days from their initial attempt.

The cost of obtaining the Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification varies depending on your geographical location. In the United States, it costs $250 USD per attempt; in Canada, it costs $300 CAD per attempt; and in Europe, it costs €200 EUR per attempt.

In order to prepare for the exam, candidates can take advantage of various resources provided by Tableau such as online tutorials, practice exams and webinars. Additionally, there are several third-party training providers that offer courses specifically tailored to help individuals prepare for the certification exam.

9. Microsoft Power BI Certification

Microsoft Power BI Certification is a professional certification program that validates an individual's proficiency in Microsoft Power BI, a cloud-based business intelligence (BI) service. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in creating and managing Power BI reports, dashboards, datasets, and visualizations.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To get the certification, individuals must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 1000.

To get the Microsoft Power BI Certification, individuals must first register for the exam through Pearson VUE, an online testing platform. The cost of the exam is $165 USD. Once registered, individuals can take practice tests and tutorials to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, individuals will receive an official certificate from Microsoft that they can use to demonstrate their skillset to employers or clients.

10. SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional

SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional is a certification program offered by SAS Institute. It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the use of SAS software for advanced analytics. This certification demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in predictive modeling, data mining, text analytics, optimization, and forecasting.

The certification process takes approximately 6-12 months depending on the individual's prior experience with SAS software. To become certified, individuals must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as programming, data management, statistical analysis, and machine learning. The exams are administered online and can be taken at any time.

The cost of the SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional program varies depending on the number of exams taken and whether or not training courses are included in the package. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,500 USD for all four exams and up to $4,000 USD for additional training courses.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also meet certain prerequisites before they can become certified. These include having at least two years of experience working with SAS software and having completed at least one project using SAS Enterprise Miner or other related products.

11. Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Implementation Specialist

Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Implementation Specialist is an Oracle certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to design, implement and maintain Oracle Business Intelligence solutions. The program covers topics such as designing a data warehouse, implementing Oracle BI Server components, creating dashboards and reports, and configuring security.

To get certified as an Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Implementation Specialist, you must first pass the 1Z0-591 exam. This exam consists of multiple choice questions on topics related to the design and implementation of Oracle BI solutions. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

You can take the 1Z0-591 exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through the Pearson VUE website. The cost for the exam is $245 USD.

Once you have passed the 1Z0-591 exam, you will receive your official Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Implementation Specialist certification from Oracle University. This certification is valid for two years after which time you must renew it by taking a new certification exam or completing additional training courses.

Do You Really Need a Product Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. For some, a Product Analyst Certificate may be a valuable asset in their professional development and career goals. For others, it may not be necessary.

For those considering pursuing a Product Analyst Certificate, it is important to consider their current level of knowledge and experience in the field. If they are already quite knowledgeable and experienced in product analysis, then a certificate may not be necessary as they likely already have the skills necessary for success. However, if they are relatively new to product analysis or looking to expand their skillset and knowledge base, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial.

A certification program can provide an individual with specialized training and knowledge that will allow them to become more proficient in product analysis. Additionally, having a certificate can demonstrate an individual's commitment to learning and advancing their career in the field of product analysis. Having such qualifications could help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within this field.

Ultimately, whether or not someone should pursue a Product Analyst Certificate is up to them. They must evaluate their current skill set, professional goals, and ambition before deciding if such a certification is worth pursuing.

Related: Product Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Product Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a Product Analyst Certification?

A1. A Product Analyst Certification is a professional certification that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze products and develop strategies for their success in the marketplace. The certification typically covers topics such as market research, pricing, product launch, customer segmentation, product life cycle management, competitor analysis, and more.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Product Analyst Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Product Analyst Certification can provide individuals with an edge in the competitive job market by demonstrating their knowledge of current trends and best practices in product analysis. It can also open up new career opportunities such as becoming a consultant or working for a large company as an analyst or project manager. Additionally, it can help individuals stay up-to-date on industry changes and gain insight into how to effectively manage products in today's dynamic marketplace.

Q3. What type of jobs can I get with a Product Analyst Certification?

A3. With a Product Analyst Certification you may be qualified to work in roles such as product manager, market analyst, business analyst, project manager, consultant or data scientist depending on your experience level and qualifications. These roles involve analyzing customer needs and preferences to develop effective product strategies that will meet those needs while simultaneously increasing revenue for the company or organization they are employed by.

Q4. How long does it take to complete a Product Analyst Certification?

A4: The length of time required to complete a Product Analyst Certification varies depending on which program you choose; however most require between 6-12 months of study time including completing coursework online or attending classes in person if available near you. You may also need additional time for studying for any exams required by the program you choose before receiving your certification credentials at completion.

Q5: What type of exams are required for obtaining a Product Analyst Certification?

A5: Depending on which program you choose there may be different types of exams required for obtaining your certification credentials at completion; however most include written tests covering topics such as market research, pricing models, customer segmentation and more as well as practical exams assessing your ability to apply what you have learned during the coursework portion of the program in real world scenarios.