Top 10 Reporting Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a reporting specialist in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job duties. Certifications show employers that the individual is knowledgeable in their field, and they provide a sense of assurance that the individual can handle any tasks related to data analysis, report writing, and data visualization. They also show potential employers that an applicant is serious about their career and willing to invest time and money into developing their skills. Finally, certifications often come with access to industry contacts and resources which can be extremely valuable for networking purposes.

This article reviews the top certifications for Reporting Specialists and explains how they can help to enhance a reporting specialist's career.

What are Reporting Specialist Certifications?

Reporting Specialist Certification is a professional certification designed to help individuals develop and demonstrate their expertise in the reporting field. This certification helps professionals demonstrate that they are knowledgeable in the latest reporting technologies and techniques, and have the skills required to effectively manage, design, and create reports.

The Reporting Specialist Certification program covers topics such as designing effective reports, developing data sources, creating report templates, using database query tools, and understanding advanced reporting concepts. It also provides guidance on best practices for writing efficient SQL queries, generating dynamic charts and graphs, troubleshooting errors in reports, deploying reports to users, and more.

By obtaining Reporting Specialist Certification individuals can gain recognition from employers as well as potential clients that they have the necessary knowledge to successfully handle reporting tasks. Additionally, having this certification can open up job opportunities in a variety of industries that require advanced reporting skills. Furthermore, it can provide additional career advancement opportunities since many employers view certifications favorably when considering applicants for positions requiring specific skills or expertise.

Pro Tip: When reporting specialist certification, always include the name of the certifying body and the year it was earned. This will help ensure your certification is accurately documented and verified.

Related: What does a Reporting Specialist do?

Top 10 Reporting Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Reporting Specialists today.

1. Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)

Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Institute for Analytics (IIA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of business intelligence and analytics. The CBIP certification covers topics such as data analysis, data visualization, predictive analytics, and data mining.

To qualify for the CBIP certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the field of business intelligence and analytics. They must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge on various topics related to business intelligence and analytics. The exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical project. The written test covers topics such as data modeling, database design, data warehousing, ETL processes, reporting tools, and more. The practical project requires applicants to create a solution to a real-world problem using business intelligence techniques.

The CBIP certification process typically takes around six months from start to finish. During this time, applicants will need to complete an application form, submit their resume and transcripts, take the written exam, complete the practical project, and attend an interview with IIA representatives.

The cost of obtaining the CBIP certification varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose to pursue it through. Generally speaking though, it can range anywhere from $2,000-$3,000 USD for the entire process.

2. Certified Reporting Analyst (CRA)

Certified Reporting Analyst (CRA) is a professional certification from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively analyze, design, and develop reports. The CRA certification is based on the IIBA's Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK), which provides a comprehensive framework for understanding business analysis concepts and techniques.

The CRA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To become certified, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the CRA exam is $325 USD. Candidates can register for the exam online through the IIBA website. The registration fee includes access to an online practice test, which can help prepare candidates for the actual exam.

In order to be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in business analysis or related fields such as data analysis or project management. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 21 hours of professional development activities related to business analysis within the past three years.

Once certified, CRAs are expected to maintain their certification by completing 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs can be earned through activities such as attending conferences, taking courses, or participating in volunteer work related to business analysis.

3. Certified Data Analysis and Visualization Specialist (CDVS)

Certified Data Analysis and Visualization Specialist (CDVS) is a certification program offered by the International Institute for Analytics (IIA). It is designed to give individuals the skills and knowledge necessary to become proficient in data analysis and visualization. The program consists of three levels: Foundations, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of an online course, followed by an exam.

The Foundations level covers basic concepts such as data collection, organization, cleaning, and manipulation. It also covers introductory topics in data visualization such as chart types, color theory, and best practices for creating effective visualizations. The Intermediate level builds on these concepts with more advanced topics such as machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics techniques, and big data technologies. Finally, the Advanced level focuses on more complex topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), natural language processing (NLP), deep learning models, and real-time analytics.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all three levels of the CDVS program depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying each week. To get certified you must pass all three exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of the CDVS program varies depending on which option you choose. If you opt for self-study then it will cost around $1,500-$2,000 USD for all three levels including access to the online courses and exams. If you prefer instructor-led training then it will cost between $3,000-$4,000 USD for all three levels plus additional fees for instructor support services.

4. Microsoft Power BI Certification

Microsoft Power BI Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s ability to analyze data and create visualizations in the Microsoft Power BI platform. The certification validates a professional’s skills in data analysis, data visualization, and dashboard design.

The certification exam is designed for professionals who have experience working with the Power BI platform. It consists of multiple choice and scenario-based questions that assess a candidate’s knowledge of the product as well as their ability to apply it to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam, but some candidates may take longer depending on their level of familiarity with the product. Candidates must score at least 700 out of 1000 points to pass the exam.

To get certified, candidates must register for and pay for the exam at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies by country, but typically ranges from $99 USD to $150 USD.

Once certified, professionals can demonstrate their expertise in Power BI on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, which can help them stand out from other job applicants or boost their career prospects within their current organization.

5. Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate

Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate is a certification program from Tableau, a data visualization and analytics software company. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Tableau Desktop for creating interactive visualizations and dashboards. The certification requires passing an exam that tests knowledge of the features, functions, and best practices associated with Tableau Desktop.

The certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. To qualify for the certification, you must have at least six months of experience using Tableau Desktop or have completed a training course in Tableau Desktop.

To get certified as a Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate, you need to register for the exam on the Tableau website. You will be required to pay an exam fee of $250 USD before taking the test. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate via email within two weeks.

The cost of getting certified as a Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate is $250 USD for the exam fee plus any applicable taxes or fees.

6. IBM Cognos Analytics Professional Certificate

IBM Cognos Analytics Professional Certificate is a comprehensive, self-paced program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become proficient in using IBM's business intelligence and analytics platform. The program consists of four courses, each taking approximately 10 hours to complete. The courses cover topics such as creating reports, dashboards, and visualizations; building data models; working with data sources; and administering the platform.

To get the certificate, you must complete all four courses and pass a final exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your IBM Cognos Analytics Professional Certificate.

The cost of the program varies depending on which version of IBM Cognos Analytics you are using. For example, if you are using the cloud version of IBM Cognos Analytics, it will cost $1,200 USD for an individual subscription or $2,400 USD for a team subscription. If you are using the on-premise version of IBM Cognos Analytics, it will cost $3,000 USD for an individual subscription or $6,000 USD for a team subscription.

7. Oracle Hyperion Financial Management Certification

Oracle Hyperion Financial Management (HFM) is a financial consolidation and reporting application that provides organizations with accurate financial data in real-time. The HFM certification program is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in using the Oracle Hyperion Financial Management software.

The Oracle Hyperion Financial Management certification is available at three levels: Associate, Professional, and Expert. To become certified at any of the three levels, you must pass the corresponding exam.

The Associate level exam covers topics such as setting up an HFM application, creating dimensions and members, loading data, consolidating entities, creating reports and dashboards, working with custom calculations and Smart View integration. The Professional level exam focuses on advanced topics such as managing security settings, creating complex consolidations, working with intercompany transactions, troubleshooting errors and optimizing performance. The Expert level exam tests your ability to design an HFM application from scratch.

The exams are administered online through Pearson VUE testing centers. Each exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and costs $245 USD per attempt. You must register for the exams on the Oracle website in advance of your desired test date.

To prepare for the exams it is recommended that you take an official Oracle training course or use self-study materials such as practice tests or study guides. Additionally, experience working with HFM applications can be beneficial when taking the exams.

8. SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional

SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional is a certification that validates the expertise and knowledge of professionals in advanced analytics. It is designed to assess the skills of professionals in data mining, predictive modeling, statistical analysis, and other advanced analytics techniques. The certification requires a minimum of two years' experience in analytics or related fields.

The certification exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as data preparation, model building, model validation, and interpretation. Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher to earn the SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional credential.

To get the certification, candidates must first register for the exam through SAS Institute's website. After registering, they can then purchase an exam voucher from SAS Institute or an authorized reseller. The cost of the exam voucher varies depending on location but typically ranges between $150–$200 USD.

Once they have purchased their voucher, candidates can then schedule their exam at any Pearson VUE test center located around the world. Candidates must bring two forms of identification with them on the day of their exam and must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time.

Once they have completed their exam, candidates will receive an email within three business days confirming whether they passed or failed the exam. If they pass, they will receive an official certificate from SAS Institute acknowledging their achievement as a SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional.

9. SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise Certified Application Associate

SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise Certified Application Associate is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise platform. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their skills and knowledge of the software, as well as their ability to use it effectively.

The certification consists of two exams: one on the fundamentals of SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise and one on advanced topics. The first exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, administration, security, data integration, reporting and dashboards. The second exam focuses on more advanced topics such as performance optimization, advanced analytics and custom development.

It typically takes about six months to complete both exams. Candidates must pass both exams with a minimum score of 70% in order to become certified.

The cost for the certification varies depending on the country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for both exams.

10. QlikView Business Analyst Certification

QlikView Business Analyst Certification is a professional certification program offered by Qlik, a leading provider of business intelligence and analytics software. This certification program is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in using QlikView to analyze data, create reports, and build dashboards.

The certification consists of two levels: Associate and Professional. To become an Associate-level certified business analyst, you must pass the QlikView 11 Business Analyst Exam. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the exam and it covers topics such as data modeling, report creation, dashboard design, and more. The cost for this exam is $150 USD.

To become a Professional-level certified business analyst, you must pass both the Associate-level exam and the QlikView 12 Advanced Business Analysis Exam. This exam covers topics such as advanced data modeling techniques, advanced report creation techniques, advanced dashboard design techniques, and more. The cost for this exam is $250 USD.

In total it takes approximately 4 hours to complete both exams and it costs $400 USD to become a Professional-level certified business analyst with QlikView.

Do You Really Need a Reporting Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the type of reporting specialist job you are looking for. If you are interested in a career as a reporting specialist, then having a certificate may be beneficial in distinguishing yourself from other applicants and showing employers that you have invested the time and money into increasing your knowledge and skills.

A reporting specialist certificate can provide you with the necessary training to work within the field of reporting, such as learning how to create reports, analyze data, develop presentations, and more. It can also help you stand out amongst other potential candidates by demonstrating that you have taken the initiative to increase your knowledge and understanding of the industry. Additionally, having a certificate may also provide access to networking opportunities or internships that can further enhance your professional development.

Ultimately, whether or not it is worth investing in a reporting specialist certificate will depend on your individual needs and goals. If you believe that completing a certificate program would give you an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs or internships then it may be worth considering. However, if there is no requirement for a certification in order to do the job you desire then investing in one may not be necessary.

Related: Reporting Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Reporting Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is a Reporting Specialist Certification?

A1. A Reporting Specialist Certification is a type of professional certification that verifies an individual’s ability to develop, manage, and analyze data for reporting purposes. It typically involves training in data management systems like Microsoft Excel, SQL databases, and other analytics tools.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Reporting Specialist Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Reporting Specialist Certification can improve your career prospects by demonstrating your knowledge and proficiency in data analysis and reporting. It can also provide you with potential job opportunities in the field of data analysis, as well as strengthen your resume by showcasing your expertise in the area.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified as a Reporting Specialist?

A3. The amount of time required to become certified depends on the specific certification program you choose to pursue; however, most programs require between 6-12 months of study and practice before taking the final exam or assessment.

Q4. Is there an exam required to obtain a Reporting Specialist Certification?

A4. Yes, most certification programs require an exam or assessment at the end of the program in order to receive certification status from the organization providing it.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Reporting Specialist?

A5. Most certification programs do not have any specific prerequisites; however, some may require prior experience or knowledge in data analysis or programming languages such as R or Python depending on their focus areas and goals for training individuals in the field of reporting specialists