Analytic Certifications

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 7 min read

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As companies begin to rely more and more on data science to sell to customers, it becomes imperative for businesses to seek out big data professionals. Using data science, businesses can track the online behavior of potential consumers. For example, they can see the exact percentage of visitors to websites who click a certain link. To maximize the impact that your data scientist will have on...

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This article explains Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) in simple medical language.
This article explains Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Science in simple medical language.
This article explains Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Big Data—Specialty in simple medical language.
This article explains Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst in simple medical language.

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To maximize the impact that your data scientist will have on your project, you’ll want to make sure they’re as qualified as possible. One of the best ways to track the data scientist’s eligibility is to analyze the certifications they’ve earned.

Developments in video conferencing technology and project management software have made it easier than ever for data scientists to work for a company from anywhere. Remote talent platforms like Upwork can help you find the best workers from all over the globe.

The following is a guide of a few of the analytic certifications that a data scientist might have and the impact they can have on your business needs. Being aware of these certifications will give you a leg up when making your next big data hire.

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

A Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification guarantees that its owner fully understands the analytics process. A CAP must have several years of experience before even attempting to gain this certification.

The membership-based organization that handles CAP certifications is the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). They have strict criteria for who is eligible to become a CAP. For instance, applicants must have at least five years of experience if they have a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience if they have a master’s degree.

A CAP must agree to a code of conduct and pass a difficult exam. Big data professionals with this certification also exhibit mastery over the seven domains of analytics, including framing business and analytics problems, data, methodology tools, and the building and management of models.

Certification requirements:

INFORMS must approve a degree in a field related to analytics.
Three years of professional experience are required if a CAP applicant has a master’s degree.
Five years of professional experience are required if a CAP applicant has a bachelor’s degree.
Seven years of professional experience are required if the applicant has no degree related to analytics.
The exam price is $495 for INFORM members and $695 for nonmembers.
A CAP must pass a 100-question multiple-choice test.
A CAP must agree to a code of ethics.
Certification must be renewed every three years by earning 30 professional development units.
Owners pay a $100 fee every year after the fourth year of being a CAP.

Because the requirements for becoming a CAP are so strict, INFORMS also offers the certification, of Associate Certified Analytics Professional (ASCAP). This is a similar certification for people who have a master’s degree in analytics or a related field but do not have professional experience.

Look for this certification if: You need an expert to lead your big data team. A worker with a CAP certification will be an experienced and motivated hire who understands the big picture of what it takes to complete big data projects successfully.

Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Science

The Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Science can be earned online or in person at Columbia University’s Data Science Institute.

Workers with this certification have an advanced understanding of foundational data skills. In the program, data analysts strengthen their understanding of subjects like statistics, probabilities, and algorithms. They also implement and use things like visualizations and machine learning.

Certification requirements:

Applicants need an undergraduate degree.
Previous quantitative coursework like calculus and linear algebra is needed.
The applicant must have an introductory knowledge of programming.
Applicants need official transcript copies from every postsecondary institution they’ve attended.
Applicants must have three letters of recommendation.
Applicants must write a purpose statement.
An application fee of $85 for on-campus and $150 for online must be paid.

Look for this certification if: You need a worker who exhibits an advanced understanding of the mathematical concepts behind your big data project. They’ll also know how to use machine learning to make algorithms improve themselves and create visual representations of the data.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Big Data—Specialty

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Big Data—Specialty certification ensures that its owner has advanced skills using the cloud-based AWS for big data. There are several specialties when it comes to this certification. Applicants can choose from specialties like cloud practitioners, architects, developers, or operations.

AWS provides cloud programming platforms and application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow businesses to build software and create, manage, and analyze data. Companies pay monthly for AWS depending on how much they use the service.

The program for this certificate has a wide focus, but it does go over many of the specific technologies used in AWS. For example, Amazon S3 gives users simple solutions to data storage, and Amazon QuickSight is a program used to create intricate data visualizations.

Certification recommendations:

Applicants should have an AWS certification in at least one of the following: Cloud Practice, Solutions Architecture, Development, SysOps, or Administration.
Applicants need a background in defining and building in AWS and should be able to explain the way their projects fit into a data life cycle.
At least five years of data analyst experience is expected.
Applicants should be able to scale data architecture for cost and scope.
There is a $300 fee for taking the exam.

Look for this certification if: You choose to use AWS for your big data project. AWS is an efficient and cost-effective computing platform that can host all of your IT operations, from transactions to customer databases. A worker with this certification will be able to use the service efficiently.

Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst

Cloudera is a software platform for data analysts that can run at a business or on the cloud. Cloudera uses software like Apache Hadoop to let several computers work on a data solution at the same time. To do this, Cloudera must offer a huge amount of computing power.

A benefit of programs like Apache Hadoop is that they are open-sourced, meaning the code involved can be used or altered how a business sees fit. For example, a company using Cloudera for its big data needs can take an API that Cloudera has created, change it, and use it as its software.

Certification requirements:

Applicants need to be able to make tables with different data types, delimiters, and file formats.
Applicants must be able to change old tables to new tables and define the schema.
Applicants must be able to optimize query performance if necessary.
Applicants must be able to change the schema if needed.
Applicants must be able to simplify queries.
Applicants must be able to create reports.
Applicants must know database languages like SQL.
There is a $295 cost for the exam.

Look for this certification if: You plan to utilize cooperation among many developers to create solutions for your big data project. Workers with this certification will be great at working with others to manage huge amounts of data.‍

SAS Certified Big Data Professional

SAS is the name of the software that has to do with statistics and predictive behavior. When sorting through data, the software can analyze multiple variables at a time. The software is very complex, and it helps data analysts see patterns in information that can help them see what demographics will do in the future.

SAS is also a programming language used for statistical analysis. Workers with this certification will be adept at manipulating data using SAS to make predictions. This software is popular among companies that do things like criminal investigations, where they must anticipate an offender’s next move to make an arrest.

Certification requirements:

Applicants need a master of critical SAS programming skills.
Applicants must be able to manipulate and improve data.
Applicants need to be able to report on data using statistics.
Applicants must be familiar with software like Apache Hadoop if needed.
Applicants should be able to create visualizations for data.
There is a fee of $180 to take the exam.

Look for this certification if: Your project involves using statistics to make any kind of statement about the future. SAS Certified Big Data Professionals will be great at creating visual representations that show you how a scenario might play out.

Transform your approach to data independent experts

Before hiring a great big data worker, you have to know what you need from one. As the field of big data expands, the number of distinctions in how it gets managed multiplies. Different projects call for different workers with different skills. A worker’s certifications can give you an idea of their history and unique abilities.

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What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
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Which tests are really needed now?
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Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

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Step 4
Do only useful tests
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Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Analytic Certifications

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