Your Guide to Data Science Certifications in 2025

Big data is becoming increasingly prevalent among companies of all sizes. It brings a growing need for data scientists who use tools to create the processes and algorithms that make it possible for data analysts to interpret and understand the data. 

To become a data scientist or to get any job in data science, it can be helpful to get data science certification. A certification can help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a data scientist. 

According to Job Bank Canada, the regional outlook for a career as a data scientist is forecasted to experience “moderate” to “good” growth in the 2023 to 2025 growth period. Among the most in-demand areas for data scientists include some of the largest provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta [1].

Read on to learn whether a data science certification is worth it, how to choose one, and a few programs to choose from.

What is a data science certification?

Data science certifications are typically online programs created by companies in the data science field, such as Microsoft. Certifications are industry-recognized credential programs that involve taking and passing a standardized exam. When you complete an online certification, you will likely receive a digital “badge” to share with current or potential employers to show your mastery of skills. A data science certification typically improves your chances of getting hired in the field of data science because certifications demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in a certain skill set. 

Certifications and certificates are not the same, though they sound similar and share some commonalities. Certificate programs are academic credentials typically offered through a college, university, or organization. When you complete a certificate program, you receive a professional education certificate. Certificates are ideal for someone who wants to add skills to an existing resume in order to make a career change or apply for a promotion.

Many times, courses for both certification and certificate programs are asynchronous, making it easy for working professionals to take courses as time allows. While both aim to help you learn a specific skill set with the goal of showing proficiency in an area of study, they vary in program duration and end credentials. 

Do I need a certification to get a job?

You do not necessarily need a certification to get a job, but having one can help you be a more competitive hire. As a data scientist, you need to know statistical analysis and computing, machine learning, data analysis, data visualization, mathematics, and programming. On top of that, you are typically more likely to be hired if you're familiar with the tools and libraries a data scientist uses on a daily basis. 

Certifications can help you learn these skills in a comprehensive, logical fashion. Increasingly, especially in the technology industry, it is possible to jump into a data scientist role without a formal degree if you have enough hands-on experience and skills.

How to find the right data science certification

Use the following guidelines to help determine which data science certification is right for you. Consider factors like:

• Skills taught 

  •  What skills will I learn? 

  • Does this program consist of more hands-on applied learning, or is it more theoretical? 

  • Are these skills aligned to a specific career pathway, industry, or tool?

• Cost

  • How much does it cost?

  •  Is it worth it for me at this point in my career? 

• Qualifications and requirements 

  • What do I need to enroll in this program? 

  • Do I need a bachelor’s degree?

• Time

  • How long is the program? 

  • Is it flexible? 

  • Is it online or in person?

• Reviews

  • How do people rate the program? 

  • Do reviewers think the certification is worthwhile?

These questions should help guide your search for the data science certification that aligns with your career goals.

4 Data science certifications

1. SAS Data Science Certification

The SAS (Statistical Analysis System) Data Science Certification is a professional credential ideal for data science professionals who want to demonstrate proficiency in data science, advanced analytics, data manipulation, and machine learning using SAS software. 

The SAS Certified Data Scientist certification is comprised of four credentials, and you can choose from two paths: 

1. Data Curation Professional > Advanced Programming Professional > AI and Machine Learning Professional

2. Advanced Programming Professional > Advanced Programming Professional > AI and Machine Learning Professional

3. Choose your certification path, create an account, and register for the chosen exam. Exams are online and take two to three hours to complete. 

Requirements: To earn certification, at least six months of experience with SAS or another programming language is required, and a strong background in mathematics is recommended. 

The 12-week long course curriculum, called the academy, is not required but highly recommended for success in passing the exams.

Cost: 180 USD [2] Discounts are available for students, educators, and independent learners.

2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate 

Associate level certifications like the Azure Data Scientist Associate certification are designed for individuals with some knowledge of cloud service as they are mid-level certifications designed for someone who wants to progress in their career in data science. Microsoft provides exam prep resources for anyone who wants to prepare for the certifying exam and earn their certification. Resources vary from instructor-led training to free online exam prep videos. 

Requirements: Prior knowledge and expertise in applying machine learning and data science to implement and run machine learning workloads on Azure are recommended, along with experience working with MLflow. To earn certification, you must pass a proctored exam within a 100-minute time frame with a score of at least 700 on a 1 to 1,000 grading scale. 

Cost: 165 USD [3]

3. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Earning the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification is a reputable way to confirm competency of essential technical and soft skills in experienced analytics and data science professionals. Many organizations value this certification since it’s an independent certifying professional organization. The CAP certification helps organizations find and keep top analytics talent and allows professionals to stand out in the competitive field of analytics, making this certification a great choice for someone seeking a career in data analytics.

The exam to earn certification is based on a Job Task Analysis (JTA) and covers seven key areas: business problem framing, analytics problem framing, data, methodology selection, model building, deployment, and lifecycle management. 

Requirements: Apply to take the exam online by creating a CAP account and submitting proof of meeting the required qualifications. To become CAP-certified, it’s necessary to meet the experience and education requirements of having at least one of the following: two years of analytics work experience with MA/MS degree or higher, four years of analytics work experience with BA/BS degree, or eight years of analytics work experience with any level of education. A confirmation of soft skills from an employer in the field is required, as well as a pledge to adhere to ethics guidelines. 

Once the application has been approved by meeting the eligibility requirements, passing the certification exam is required to earn CAP certification. Applicants have 12 months to pass the exam after their application is approved. Renewal is required every three years. 

Cost: The application fee is 55 USD [4]. Membership in INFORMS is not required, but it will affect the exam cost. CAP exam fees are 640 USD for non-members and 440 USD for members [4].

4. Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS)

The Open Group Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS) certification is a professional experience-based certification, meaning there aren’t exams or courses to prove proficiency. The certification is one of the top certifications for data scientists and is preferred by many employers as the Open CDS is a global, independent certification that checks the skills, knowledge, and experience of data scientists. The levels of certification to choose from include: Level one: Certified Data Scientist, Level two: Master Certified Data Scientist, and Level three: Distinguished Certified Data Scientist. 

Earning this certification demonstrates proficiency in integrating statistical, economic, and computer science techniques to solve business problems.

Requirements: Certification consists of three stages: milestone applications, certification application, and peer review board. A badge is given at the completion of each step. 

To complete step one, submit five separate milestones (professional communication, professional development, and three examples of relevant professional experiences). Step two is the completion of the certification application. To complete step three, attend a board review. After completing these steps and upon review by the board, certification is granted. 

Cost: The total cost to achieve level one certification is 1,100 USD, and the cost to earn levels two and three certification is 1,500 USD [5]. Note that there is an additional certification fee per level, along with the fee per badge. A recertification fee of 300 USD every three years is required to maintain certification [5]. 

Learn data science on Coursera

Data science certification programs offer a fast and effective way to gain the skills needed for a career in the field of data science. They provide intensive, hands-on training, equipping you with practical knowledge in a range of topics, including machine learning, predictive modeling, and data analytics. 

Whether you're looking to break into data science as a new career or enhance your current skill set to advance in your career, a data science certification can be a valuable investment in your future. By carefully researching and choosing the right program, you can set yourself on the path to success in the ever-evolving world of data science. To get started, consider enrolling in a data science Professional Certificate program like IBM Data Science Professional Certificate or Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, both offered on Coursera. Enroll today to get started.