I recently ran a poll on LinkedIn asking: ‘Does earning a certificate from an online learning platform actually help boost your career?’. I wasn’t surprised when a large number of responses suggested it did, I know this is a major motivator for many learners when choosing an online learning platform.
So when I discovered that Datacamp had added certifications to their lineup, I was genuinely excited and knew many others would share this feeling. Its certifications are recognized by industry leaders, and they are structured in a way so you are prepared for a specific job role in the Data industry. So let’s kick things off with looking at what certifications they are offering.
To provide a thorough overview of DataCamp certifications, I have spent time researching the requirements, structure, skills gained from taking one of its career certifications. Alongside my background in a Master’s degree in Teaching and Education, and years of using online learning platforms, I feel equipped to share my insights on this topic.
Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor
Getting Started DataCamp Certifications
Before we jump into it, let’s clear up one important detail, and that’s about how much a Datacamp certification actually costs? Well, I’ve got some good news, they are all included within your Datacamp premium paid subscription plan. Meaning you’ll get full access to all certifications for no extra cost. Pretty cool, right?
Top Reasons: To Pursue DataCamp Certifications
Now, let’s explore some of the reasons why getting certified can be the next step in taking your data career to the next level. By earning an industry-recognized certification, you’ll acquire all the necessary skills to help you land your dream job.
1. Industry-Aligned Certifications
DataCamp’s certifications have been developed with the help of data experts from the industry and leading organizations. This ensures that the quality of the content is up-to-date, and you’ll be learning the skills needed for specific data roles while experiencing real-world scenarios.
Additionally, potential future employers will appreciate and value that your certification is industry-backed, giving you a competitive edge when applying for data job roles.
2. Learn from the Best in Data Science
DataCamp is the top choice for learning data science online, with over 13 million learners worldwide. Its expert-led curriculum offers a hands-on approach, ensuring you practice and apply what you’ve learned immediately.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to advance your current data knowledge, DataCamp has something for everyone. If you aren’t ready to take one of its certifications, it offers hundreds of courses to get you started. For example, before taking the Data Analyst certificate, it’s recommended that you complete the Associate Data Analyst in SQL career track.
3. Stand Out from the Crowd
Earning a DataCamp certification can open new doors and significantly advance your career. Whether you’re a complete beginner entering the Data Science industry or looking to climb the career ladder, having a DataCamp certification on your resume is a definite plus.
If you’re applying for a specific job role, employers are more likely to consider you if you have this certification.
1. Data Analyst Certification
The Data Analyst certification is at the top of my list, as this is your first step towards Data science. This certification combines foundation knowledge with advanced skills and equips you with the technical know how to prepare you for the practical challenges of an ever-changing world of data analytics.
In case you aren’t sure what exactly a Data Analyst does, their role is something between a business intelligence and data science. They provide key information to businesses to help them make decisions.
Top Skills you’ll gain:
- Data Management
- Exploratory Analysis
- Statistical Experimentation
- Data Communication
2. Data Scientist Certification
Next up we have the Data Scientist certification, once you’ve acquired the Data Analyst certification, this will be next on your list. This certification is designed to give you the essential skills and knowledge to excel as a Data Scientist.
To be fully prepared for this certificate, it’s best to take the following tracks, the Associate Data Engineer in SQL and the Data Engineer in Python.
Top Skills you’ll gain:
- Data Management
- Programming for Data Science
- Model Development
- Statistical Experimentation
3. Data Engineer Certification
Finally, we have the Data Engineer certification, which provides you with the skills to collect and pre-process large amounts of data which you can put into a format that’s suitable for data users across the organization.
Top Skills you’ll gain:
- Data Management
- Exploratory Analysis
- Programming for Engineering
Be mindful that all DataCamp certifications are valid for two years. This is to ensure that all skills are up-to-date in a fast-moving industry. You’ll be invited after two years to retake the exam.
DataCamp Certification Process
To take any of DataCamps certifications, you’ll need to follow the steps below to successfully earn a certification.
- Register: You’ll have 30 days to complete the timed exam(s) and practical exam.
- Timed Exams: Once you start the exam, you’ll have 2 hours and 2 attempts to complete each exam, before the certification process rests.
- Practical Exam: Once you’ve successfully completed the exam, you can start the practical exam. The practical exam submissions are reviews by actual humans, so the reviewing process can take sometime.
- Congratulations: After you successfully complete pass this step, you’ll receive your certification.