Last Updated on November 13, 2024 by Chukwuemeka Maduka
What are the Best Data Analytics Certifications In The UK?
Just as people seek the best universities in their countries, those looking to advance their careers in data analytics, especially in the United Kingdom, often ask, “What are the best data analytics certifications in the UK?”
In answer to that question, here are the best data analytics certifications in the UK:
- LearnWithPride Data Analysis Training
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
- Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
- BCS Data Analysis Certification
These certifications offer a solid foundation in the core tools and techniques of data analysis, and they’re recognized by employers throughout the United Kingdom and globally as well.
Now let’s explore in detail the top 5 best data analytics certifications in the United Kingdom, why these certifications are worth pursuing, and how they can help you boost your career in the data analytics industry.
Importance of Data Analytics Today In 2024
See, in case you don’t know, no matter how good or valuable your product or service is, if you don’t have the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data, you will not be able to make informed decisions to move your business forward.
How do I know?
Because data is the oil that lubricates the engine of every business!
Today, companies rely heavily on skilled data analysts to help them extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data.
The bigger your business, the more data you need to run and maintain it.
It’s simply a game of numbers!
As businesses increasingly rely on data to make decisions, the demand for data analysts in the UK has grown and continues to grow.
Research from DCMS predicts that data analysis will become the fastest growing digital skills cluster, increasing by an estimated 33% in the next five years. [Source: Gov.Uk ]
So, data analysis is a skill that will continue to be in demand, and you need to choose from the best data analytics certifications to access the right tools and knowledge to meet this demand.
Furthermore, certifications ensure that you are proficient in the latest tools and techniques in data analysis, setting you apart from non-certified professionals in the competitive UK job market.
Some Major Skills You Must Have As A Data Analyst
Employers hiring data analysts in the UK often look for candidates with a mix of technical and soft skills.
Some of the key skills include:
- Data Cleaning and Preparation: Before analyzing data, you must ensure it’s clean and ready for processing. Most data analytics certifications teach methods for handling missing data, outliers, and formatting issues.
- Data Visualization: Data needs to be presented in a clear, digestible format. Proficiency in tools like Power BI and Tableau is highly valued, and top certifications include hands-on practice in these platforms.
- Statistical Analysis: A strong grasp of statistics is essential for making informed conclusions from data sets. Many of the best data analytics certifications offer training in statistical methods such as regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and probability.
- Programming: Knowledge of programming languages like Python or R is vital for automating tasks and handling complex datasets. Python, in particular, is widely used in machine learning and data manipulation, both of which are covered in advanced certifications.
These certifications are designed to provide you with these exact skills, making you a competitive candidate in the data analytics job market in the UK.
The Top 5 Best Data Analytics Certifications in the UK
Now, let’s explore the best data analytics certifications you can pursue in the UK, starting with some comprehensive options for beginners and those looking to advance their skills.
1. LearnWithPride Data Analysis Training
The LearnWithPride Data Analysis Training has a thorough curriculum, as needed by individuals who want to become proficient in data analytics and stay competitive in the United Kingdom’s very aggressive labor market.
This course covers everything from the very basics of data analysis to the more complex topics of Python for Machine Learning and Data Visualization.
You’ll work with tools like Power BI, SQL, and Excel, which are in high demand on the UK job market.
This course is five months long and is priced at £799, allowing students sufficient time for learning and applying their skills through hands-on projects.
In the course, learners build a great portfolio that is put into practice by the approach, which they can showcase to potential employers.
LearnWithPride provides the best data analytics certification that is practical, hands-on, and appropriate for the industry.
Throughout the course, students work on several projects, all mentored and supported 24/7, which makes them stand out in the competitive job market.
2. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
This course is perfect for beginners, as it provides excellent foundational training in data analytics in which one will be able to obtain their first position in the field.
The course covers data preparation, analysis, and visualization, along with basic machine learning techniques using R and Excel.
It is one of only a few highly accredited certifications globally that is ideal for absolute beginners.
It is available on Coursera.
Usually, the time taken to complete the course is six months.
The fee is approximately £39/month.
Graduates of the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate are often found in junior analyst positions, as many companies in the UK are actively looking to employ people certified through Google.
3. IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
The IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate is an intensive introductory course to data analytics.
It’s focused on the basics necessary for learning like Python, SQL, and Excel.
This is an ideal course for those who want to pursue a tech career in data analysis.
In this course, participants will engage in wrapping data, visualization, and basic machine learning which are skills that any aspiring data analyst would want to master here in the UK.
The above program typically takes 3-5 months, based on the learner’s pace, at a cost of £39 per month.
The IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate from IBM, enjoys a great reputation within the tech community, this is a great value to your job search here in the UK, making you not only more employable but also competent in the data analytics market.
4. Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
This certification focuses on Power BI, SQL, and data analysis techniques used in Microsoft’s suite of tools.
To pass, you’ll need to demonstrate knowledge in topics like data modeling, visualization, and reporting.
The certification covers Power BI, data queries, and data preparation—all essential skills for a successful data analyst in the UK.
The Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate course by Microsoft Learn offers free courses to prepare for the certification exam. Practice exams are also available to gauge your readiness.
Microsoft’s certification is highly respected by employers, making it one of the best data analytics certifications for those focusing on business intelligence.
5. BCS Data Analysis Certification
The British Computer Society, or BCS in short, is the leading professional body for UK-based IT professionals.
This Certification in Data Analysis includes everything important about data analysis.
Major topics it covers include data modeling, statistical analysis, and principles of data management.
It equips the candidate with the necessary skills of identifying, analyzing, and modeling data effectively, which are the most basic ones required for any kind of informed decision-making in business.
The certification also focuses on practical implementation, enabling participants to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world applications.
With BCS, on the other hand, there are different levels of certification that one can progress through as they build experience and expertise in data analysis.
This also provides the graduates not only with continuous professional development but also with industrial needs, hence making the BCS certifications highly regarded by employers throughout the UK.
As BCS enjoys wide repute for excellence within the field of IT, its Data Analysis Certification helps take any candidate to new heights in his or her career and adds stamps of authenticity in the prevailing job market.
Click here to access the BCS Data Analysis Certification.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Data Analytics Certification
When selecting a certification, consider these key factors:
- Career Goals: Are you looking for a general certification or a specialized one? Some programs focus on tools, while others go into techniques like machine learning.
- Industry Recognition: Certifications from recognized organizations like Google, Microsoft, and IBM are highly valued.
- Cost and Time Commitment: Some programs are more affordable and quicker to complete than others. Ensure the course fits your budget and timeline.
- Hands-on Projects: Look for programs that provide real-world experience like the ones offered by LearnWithPride. Certifications with practical projects help you build a portfolio that impresses potential employers.
Conclusion
The best data analytics certifications can open up new career opportunities and increase your earning potential.
From LearnWithPride Data Analysis Training to Google’s Professional Certificate and IBM’s Data Analyst course, each certification offers valuable skills and hands-on experience.
If you can acquire even one of these data analytics certifications, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled data analyst in the UK, ready to take on exciting challenges and drive business success with data.
So, which of these best data analytics certifications will you pursue? The time to invest in your career is now.
Choose the one that aligns with your goals and start learning today!