Top 10 Report Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a report analyst in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that is highly valued by employers. Certifications provide evidence that the report analyst has taken the time to learn and master specific skills related to their profession, which can give them an edge over other applicants who may not have pursued such formal training. Additionally, certifications often come with continuing education requirements, so employers know that certified report analysts are always up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices. Finally, having certified credentials can open doors to more advanced opportunities within the field, as many organizations prefer to hire candidates who have already been formally trained in certain areas.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Report Analysts and explain how they can help to advance a report analyst's career.

What are Report Analyst Certifications?

Report Analyst Certification is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of report analysis. Report Analysts are responsible for interpreting and analyzing data from various sources, such as surveys, databases, and financial statements, in order to provide meaningful insights that can be used by businesses to make informed decisions. This certification helps professionals demonstrate their skills in report analysis and gain recognition for their knowledge and experience in this field. It also provides them with additional credentials which can help them stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions. Furthermore, it enables employers to find qualified employees with the necessary skillset to analyze reports more effectively.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to become a report analyst, consider pursuing a certification in the field. Certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the area, making you more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, some certifications may provide access to industry resources that can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

Related: What does a Report Analyst do?

Top 10 Report Analyst Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Power BI Developer

Microsoft Certified Power BI Developer is a certification that validates an individual’s expertise in building and managing business intelligence solutions using Microsoft’s Power BI suite. It demonstrates the ability to design, develop, deploy, and maintain Power BI solutions.

The certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-778 Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Power BI, and Exam 70-779 Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Excel. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE and cost $165 each.

The exams take approximately 2 hours each to complete, but the amount of time it takes to prepare for them varies depending on an individual’s background knowledge of the topics covered. It is recommended that individuals have at least 6 months of experience working with data analysis tools such as Power BI or Excel before attempting the exams.

In addition to passing both exams, candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in developing custom visuals for Power BI dashboards as well as writing DAX queries to create calculated columns, measures, and tables.

The overall cost of obtaining the certification can vary depending on how much preparation is required prior to taking the exams. The cost of study materials such as books or online courses can range from free to several hundred dollars depending on what resources are used.

2. Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification

Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification is a professional certification program offered by Tableau Software, Inc. It is designed to demonstrate expertise in the use of Tableau Desktop software for data analysis and visualization. The certification requires passing an online exam that covers topics such as connecting to data sources, creating visualizations, formatting worksheets, and analyzing data with calculations.

The certification process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish. To get started, you must first purchase a voucher for the exam from Tableau’s website. Once you have your voucher code, you can register for the exam on the same website. You will then be able to access the exam and take it at any time within one year of purchase.

The cost of the Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification exam varies depending on where you are taking it from (e.g., US or international). In the US, it costs $250 USD; in Canada, it costs $350 CAD; and in other countries around the world, it costs $400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your certificate and digital badge. You can also access your certificate through your profile page on Tableau’s website.

3. IBM Certified Data Analyst

IBM Certified Data Analyst is a professional certification program offered by IBM. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their skills in the areas of data analysis, data modeling, and data mining. The certification is valid for three years and requires passing an exam administered by IBM.

The exam covers topics such as statistics, machine learning, predictive analytics, big data analysis, and programming languages like Python and R. It also tests knowledge of IBM products like Watson Analytics, SPSS Modeler, and Cognos Analytics.

To get the IBM Certified Data Analyst certification you must pass the associated exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. You can register for the exam through the IBM website or through Pearson VUE testing centers.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $200 to $300 USD.

4. Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist

Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist is an Oracle certification program that validates a professional's expertise in implementing and configuring the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g. It is designed for professionals who have experience in designing, developing, and deploying business intelligence solutions using the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g.

To become an Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist, you must pass the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist exam (1Z0-591). The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and has a time limit of 120 minutes.

You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or through online proctored delivery. The cost of the exam is $245 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, you should have hands-on experience with the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g and be familiar with its components such as Oracle BI Server, Oracle BI Publisher, and Oracle BI Answers. You should also have knowledge of data warehousing concepts such as star schemas, fact tables, and dimension tables. Additionally, it is recommended that you attend an instructor-led training course or review available self-study materials to help you prepare for the exam.

5. SAS Advanced Analytics Professional Certification

SAS Advanced Analytics Professional Certification is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the use of SAS advanced analytics software. This certification is ideal for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in predictive modeling, data mining, and machine learning.

The certification requires completion of three exams: SAS Certified Predictive Modeler Using SAS Enterprise Miner 14, SAS Certified Advanced Predictive Modeler Using SAS Enterprise Miner 14, and SAS Certified Statistical Business Analyst Using SAS 9: Regression and Modeling Credential. The exams are offered through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

It typically takes several months to prepare for the exams depending on your experience with the software. You can find study materials online or through your local library or bookstore. Additionally, there are numerous online courses available that provide an overview of the topics covered in each exam.

The cost of the certification varies by country but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD for all three exams combined.

6. Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ)

Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in Google Analytics. It is a free online assessment that tests the knowledge of digital analytics and Google Analytics. The assessment consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 90 minutes.

The exam covers topics such as data collection, configuration and administration, implementation and data collection methods, analysis techniques, reporting and insights, and ecommerce tracking. To pass the exam, you must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly.

The Google Analytics IQ certification is free to take and does not require any prerequisites or prior knowledge of Google Analytics. All you need to do is create a Google account and sign up for the exam on the Google Partners website. Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access it.

Once you have completed the exam, your results will be available immediately after submitting your answers. If you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate from Google confirming your qualification as an individual qualified in using Google Analytics. This certificate can be used to demonstrate your expertise in digital analytics to employers or clients.

Overall, getting your Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) takes about 90 minutes and it costs nothing!

7. QlikView Data Architect Certification

QlikView Data Architect Certification is a certification program offered by Qlik, a global leader in business intelligence and analytics. This certification is designed to validate the skills of experienced data architects who are responsible for designing and implementing QlikView applications.

The certification consists of two parts: an online exam and an in-person lab session. The online exam covers topics such as data modeling, data loading, security, performance optimization, and more. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam. After passing the online exam, candidates must attend a one-day lab session at a Qlik training center or partner location. During this lab session, candidates will be tested on their ability to design and implement a QlikView application using real-world scenarios.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take the exam and lab session. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for both parts of the certification process.

In order to get certified as a QlikView Data Architect, you must have significant experience with QlikView development and architecture. You should also have strong knowledge of SQL and relational databases as well as experience with other BI tools such as Tableau or Power BI.

8. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Big Data – Specialty

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Big Data – Specialty is a certification that proves an individual’s expertise in deploying and managing big data solutions on the AWS platform. This certification validates the knowledge of designing, building, securing, and maintaining big data solutions on AWS.

The exam for this certification consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a minimum score of 75%.

To prepare for the exam, you should have hands-on experience working with big data technologies such as Amazon EMR, Amazon S3, Amazon Redshift, and Amazon Kinesis. You should also be familiar with AWS services related to analytics such as AWS Glue, Amazon Athena, and Amazon QuickSight. Additionally, it is recommended that you have at least one year of experience working with AWS-based big data solutions.

The cost of taking the exam is $300 USD.

9. Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst

Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to work with Cloudera's open-source software. The CCA Data Analyst credential is the first step in Cloudera’s professional certification program and sets the foundation for higher-level certifications.

It typically takes around 6-8 weeks of preparation to get certified as a CCA Data Analyst. The best way to prepare for this certification is by taking an online course or attending an instructor-led training course. There are many online courses available, such as Cloudera University's CCA Data Analyst Certification Preparation Course.

The cost of taking the exam depends on where you take it, but it generally costs between $295 - $400 USD.

10. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales Functional Consultant Associate

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales Functional Consultant Associate is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of professionals who configure, deploy, and manage Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to design, implement, and maintain solutions using Dynamics 365 for Sales.

It takes approximately 8-10 weeks to get this certification. To get it, you must pass two exams: MB-200 (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement Core) and MB-210 (Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Sales). Both exams are available through Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost of the two exams is $165 USD each.

Do You Really Need a Report Analyst Certificate?

The answer to the question of whether or not one needs a report analyst certificate depends on the individual's goals and career aspirations. For those who are looking to break into the field of data analysis, a report analyst certificate can be beneficial. It serves as a way to demonstrate an individual's knowledge in the area and can help them stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs.

However, it is important to note that a report analyst certification is not necessarily required for entry-level positions within the industry. A degree in computer science, mathematics, or statistics may be more than sufficient for many roles. Additionally, employers may also look for experience with specific software programs and databases. Therefore, obtaining a report analyst certificate may not be necessary if an individual already has the qualifications that employers seek.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what an individual hopes to achieve with their career. If one wants to make sure they are well-equipped for any job opportunities that come their way in the data analysis field, then obtaining a report analyst certificate can be beneficial. However, if they already possess the skills and qualifications necessary for most positions in this field, then there may be no need to pursue additional certifications.

Related: Report Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Report Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Report Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Report Analyst Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of report analysis. It can be obtained from a variety of organizations, including the International Institute for Business Analysis (IIBA).

2. How do I become certified as a Report Analyst?

Answer: To become certified as a Report Analyst, you must complete an accredited certification program. This can include completing coursework, passing exams, and/or gaining experience in the field.

3. What are the benefits of having a Report Analyst Certification?

Answer: Having a Report Analyst Certification can open up career opportunities, demonstrate expertise to employers or clients, and provide increased job security. It also provides recognition for your skills and expertise in report analysis.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Report Analyst?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Report Analyst depends on the program you choose and your level of experience in the field. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete all requirements for certification.

5. What should I look for when choosing a Report Analyst Certification Program?

Answer: When selecting a Report Analyst Certification Program, look for programs that are accredited by well-respected organizations such as IIBA or PMI (Project Management Institute). Also make sure that the program covers topics relevant to your specific area of interest within report analysis and offers adequate support throughout the process.