Looking to level up your career with versatile, practical skills that you can apply across a wide range of industries? Should you be interested in business data analysis, then it may be time to pursue a graduate certificate in data analytics.
These days, business analytics skills are paramount to making data-driven decisions that can have an impact on various business functions. By getting certified in this growing and in-demand field, you can acquire the necessary skills and recognition needed to succeed in this industry.
Understanding Data Analytics Certification
So, what is covered in a data analytics certificate program? While this can vary from one school and one program to the next, most data analytics certificate programs span 12 credit hours (or four classes), so they can be completed in as little as one year.
These programs cover the information and skills that graduates will need to meet the demands of the field, ranging from topics in:
- Basic business analytics concepts
- Database management
- Advanced data analytics
- Advanced queries and reporting
- SAS skills
- Data visualization tools and resources
Certificate vs. Certification vs. Degree
When you are considering a data analytics or business analytics certificate, it is important to understand the difference between these types of programs and broader academic degrees. Additionally, you should know the difference between a certificate and a certification.
For starters, a graduate certificate program is not the same as a master’s degree. A master’s degree program typically takes two to three years of coursework to complete, with upwards of 30 credit hours. A certificate program, on the other hand, requires just a handful of classes and is more focused on teaching students the hands-on, practical skills that they will need to work in the field.
It is also worth noting that completing a data analytics certificate program is not the same as earning a certification in the field. Typically, graduate certificate programs are designed to prepare students for industry certification exams, such as the SAS Base Programmer or SAS Advanced Programmer exam.
Delivery Formats
As you explore certificate and certification options in data analytics, you are likely to come across both in-person and online delivery formats. There are inherent pros and cons that come along with both options. So, it really boils down to determining what will work best for your scheduling needs and learning style.
For many, an online program is the most flexible and convenient option because this type of format allows students to study and complete courses on their own time. This can be especially beneficial to those with busy schedules and other life obligations that they cannot put on hold, such as a full-time job or taking care of a family.
How to Get Certified in Data Analytics
Ready to get the ball rolling on pursuing your data analytics certification online? If so, there are a few steps you will want to follow.
Identify Your Certification Goal
Start by determining what your end-goal is when it comes to specific certifications that you want to obtain. You can refer to the list provided in this article for ideas or take your time to search online for the most in-demand certification options. Whether you are more interested in a broad certification that you can apply just about anywhere or something more specialized, there are plenty of options available to you.
Research Available Certifications
Be sure to spend a fair amount of time researching the available certification options in the data analytics and business analytics field. This should also include doing research on the outlook for specific data analytics positions related to the certificate you want to pursue. You will want to make sure that there is not only a current demand for the certification, but that this demand will persist into the future as well.
Choose the Right Certificate Program
Once you have decided on the certification that you ultimately wish to pursue, it is a good idea to enroll in a graduate certificate program that will help prepare you for any certification exams that you will need to pass.
As you begin your search, you will find that there are numerous data analytics and business analytics certificate programs available, but not all are created equal. Make sure that the program you select is available in your ideal format (online, in-person, or hybrid) and that the curriculum will prepare you for your certification exam.
Meet Prerequisites and Register
Different programs have different prerequisites, so be sure to understand what you will need to get accepted into the graduate certificate program of your choice. In general, you will need to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree — and many programs will require a minimum grade point average for your undergraduate program.
If you meet all the admission requirements, submit your application and get registered for classes as soon as enrollment is open. This will allow you to get registered for the classes you need and get started with your certificate program as promptly as possible.
Prepare for the Certification
Once you complete your graduate certificate (usually in one to two terms), you should be adequately prepared for the industry-specific certification exam that you want to take. Still, it is a good idea to do a bit of your own independent research on what to expect from the exam, the exam format, and other specifications. From there, you can be sure to prepare and optimize your chances of passing the exam the first time around.
Complete the Certification Process
Once you have registered for your certification exam and prepared, all that is left to do is to take the exam on your designated date and time. Depending on the specific exam you are taking, you may need to travel to a testing center or you might be able to take the exam online.
Upon passing your exam, you may need to send in additional documentation to request your formal certification. After you have your certification, you should add this designation to your resume (along with completion of your graduate certificate program). This is to ensure that you stand out to potential employers.
Keep in mind, too, that you may need to renew your certification every so often and complete a certain number of continuing education or professional development credits to do so.
Explore UTC’s Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
Getting a graduate certificate in data analytics or business analytics can be a great way to prepare for your formal industry certification exam while adding another designation to your resume.Looking for a great business analytics certificate program that is also offered 100% online for your convenience? The University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s business analytics certificate program may be right for you. This program is based on best industry practices and is cosponsored by SAS, so you can prepare for in-demand certifications like SAS Base Programmer and SAS Advanced Programmer. Learn more about this program today or get started by completing your online application.
