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10 Best Data Analyst Certifications of 2026
This list is for people breaking into data analysis: career changers, recent graduates and office workers who want their first analyst job. It mixes beginner programs that end in a certificate of completion (Google, IBM, Microsoft and Meta on Coursera) with proctored exams that test specific tools or skills (PL-300 for Power BI, Tableau Desktop Foundations, DataCamp for SQL, CompTIA Data+, SAS and CAP-Essentials). We compared documented features and published prices from each vendor's own pages. Scores weigh features (recognition and skills covered) at 40 percent, and ease of use (beginner fit and time to finish) and value at 30 percent each. Microsoft, DataCamp, Tableau and CompTIA did not show a U.S. price from our location, so those prices are marked as pending.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · 10 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 11, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
Start with the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: it assumes no background, covers spreadsheets, SQL, R and Tableau, and ends with a case study you can show employers. IBM's certificate is the better pick if you want Python early. Once you know which tools local job posts ask for, add a proctored credential: PL-300 for Power BI (Microsoft's Coursera program prepares you for it), Tableau Desktop Foundations for Tableau, or DataCamp's Data Analyst Associate to prove SQL with a hands-on practical. CompTIA Data+ suits analysts with a year or two of experience who want a vendor-neutral exam, SAS fits pharma, banking and government teams, and CAP-Essentials shows you understand the analytics process rather than a tool.
Top picks
Best overall
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
9.1 / 10
Career changers with no degree or experience in data who want the most complete first credential.
Read the review →Runner-up
IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
8.8 / 10
Beginners who want Python in their first credential rather than R.
Read the review →Also great
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate
8.8 / 10
Beginners who want to learn Power BI before sitting the official Microsoft exam.
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Career changers with no degree or experience in data who want the most complete first credential. | Coursera subscription at $49 per month in the U.S. after a 7-day free trial; Google says most learners finish for under $300 | 9.1 |
| 2 | IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate | Beginners who want Python in their first credential rather than R. | Included in Coursera subscriptions; single programs from $49 per month | 8.8 |
| 3 | Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate | Beginners who want to learn Power BI before sitting the official Microsoft exam. | Included in Coursera subscriptions; single programs from $49 per month | 8.8 |
| 4 | Meta Data Analyst Professional Certificate | Beginners interested in marketing and business metrics who want a shorter program with statistics. | Included in Coursera subscriptions; single programs from $49 per month | 8.7 |
| 5 |  Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) | Analysts who want the official, proctored proof of Power BI skills that employers search for. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending); Microsoft prices the exam by the country where it is proctored | 8.6 |
| 6 |  DataCamp Data Analyst Associate Certification | Learners who want a SQL-focused credential with a hands-on practical, bundled with a learning subscription. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending); the certification is included in DataCamp's Premium subscription | 8.2 |
| 7 |  Salesforce Certified Tableau Desktop Foundations | Beginners who already use Tableau Desktop and want a vendor credential for it. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.1 |
| 8 |  CompTIA Data+ | People with some analyst experience who want a tool-neutral, ISO-accredited certification. | See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.0 |
| 9 |  SAS Certified Specialist: Base Programming Using SAS 9.4 | Analysts heading into healthcare, pharma, banking or government teams that run SAS. | $180 per exam, charged in USD worldwide | 7.9 |
| 10 |  CAP-Essentials (Certified Analytics Professional) | Early-career analysts and students who want to show they understand problem framing and the analytics lifecycle, not only tools. | $275 exam fee for nonmembers, $195 for INFORMS members | 7.6 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Google's beginner data analytics program on Coursera, nine courses covering spreadsheets, SQL, R, Tableau and an introduction to Python.
coursera.org9.1
out of 10
Best for: Career changers with no degree or experience in data who want the most complete first credential.
For someone starting from zero, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is the most complete on-ramp on this list. The nine courses move from data basics and asking good questions through cleaning, analysis and visualization, then add an introduction to Python and a capstone case study you can show employers. The tools are spreadsheets, SQL, R and Tableau, which covers the core of most entry-level postings. Coursera estimates six months at 10 hours a week and charges $49 per month in the U.S. after a 7-day free trial, and Google says most learners finish for less than $300. Graduates can apply directly to Google and more than 150 U.S. employers through the program. The limits matter: this is a course certificate rather than a proctored exam, it teaches R where many teams use Python, and it skips Power BI. We compared documented features and published prices, and on that basis it is the strongest single starting point.
Standout feature
Nine beginner courses, from spreadsheets to a capstone, at $49 per month.
Use cases
Career changers from retail, admin or hospitality
Learn analysis from scratch and build a portfolio
Outcome: A Google-branded certificate plus a finished case study
Recent graduates in non-technical majors
Add SQL and visualization skills to a resume
Outcome: Practice with SQL, spreadsheets and Tableau in one program
Key features
- Nine-course series at beginner level, no experience or degree required
- Covers spreadsheets, SQL, R, Tableau and an introductory Python course
- Capstone case study for a portfolio piece
- Course on using AI in the job search and interview preparation
- Graduates can apply to Google and over 150 U.S. employers, per the program page
Pros
- Designed from the first lesson for people with no data background
- Self-paced, with Coursera estimating 6 months at 10 hours a week
- Google states most U.S. learners can finish for less than $300
Cons
- A certificate of completion, not a proctored exam
- Teaches R, while many analyst job posts ask for Python or Power BI
- No Power BI coverage
Rank 2 · Runner-up
IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
IBM's 11-course beginner program on Coursera built around Excel, SQL, Python and IBM Cognos Analytics dashboards.
coursera.org8.8
out of 10
Best for: Beginners who want Python in their first credential rather than R.
IBM's Data Analyst Professional Certificate is the Python-first alternative to Google's program. It runs 11 courses, starting with data analytics foundations and Excel, then moving to dashboards in Excel and IBM Cognos Analytics, Python programming, databases and SQL with Python, analysis and visualization with Python, and a capstone. Later courses cover generative AI for analysts and interview preparation. Coursera rates it beginner level and estimates four months at 10 hours a week, which is shorter than Google's estimate despite the higher course count. The program sits inside Coursera's subscription, and single programs start at $49 per month. Its weak spot is the dashboard tool: Cognos appears in fewer job postings than Power BI or Tableau, so plan to learn one of those as well. Like the other Coursera programs here, it ends in a certificate of completion rather than a proctored exam. We compared documented features and published prices, and it ranks second for beginners who want Python early.
Standout feature
The most Python of any beginner program on this list.
Use cases
Beginners aiming at Python-heavy analyst roles
Learn SQL and Python analysis in one program
Outcome: A capstone built in Python and an IBM certificate
Excel users moving into analysis
Go from spreadsheets to code
Outcome: Working knowledge of pandas-style analysis and SQL queries
Key features
- 11-course series at beginner level
- Excel, SQL, Python and IBM Cognos Analytics
- Separate courses on databases and SQL with Python and data visualization with Python
- Capstone project plus a course on generative AI for analysts
- Career guide and interview preparation course
Pros
- Python and SQL get their own courses
- Coursera estimates 4 months at 10 hours a week
- Ends with a capstone and interview prep
Cons
- Uses IBM Cognos for dashboards, which fewer employers list than Power BI or Tableau
- A completion certificate, not a proctored exam
- More courses than most beginner programs
Rank 3 · Also great
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate
Microsoft's eight-course Power BI program on Coursera, which also prepares learners for the PL-300 exam.
coursera.org8.8
out of 10
Best for: Beginners who want to learn Power BI before sitting the official Microsoft exam.
This is the gentlest route into Power BI for someone new to data. Microsoft built the eight courses, which start with preparing data in Excel and move through extract, transform and load work in Power BI, data modeling, analysis and visualization, report design, and deploying and maintaining Power BI assets. The last course is exam preparation and practice for PL-300, the official Microsoft certification, which is the main reason to choose it over a general program. Coursera rates it beginner level and estimates five months at 10 hours a week, and single programs start at $49 per month. Keep the distinction in mind: finishing this program earns a Coursera certificate from Microsoft, not the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate credential, which still requires passing the proctored PL-300 exam. It also stays inside the Microsoft stack, with little on Python or Tableau. We compared documented features and published prices, and it is the best preparation path for Power BI roles.
Standout feature
Eight Microsoft-built courses that end in PL-300 exam practice.
Use cases
Office workers whose company runs on Microsoft 365
Learn Power BI from the basics
Outcome: Report-building skills and readiness for PL-300
Job seekers targeting Power BI analyst postings
Prepare for the Microsoft exam with guided courses
Outcome: A Microsoft course certificate and an exam practice run
Key features
- Eight-course series taught by Microsoft, beginner level
- Prepares learners for the Microsoft PL-300 exam
- Covers Excel data prep, ETL, data modeling and report design in Power BI
- Course on deploying and maintaining Power BI assets plus a capstone
- Final course dedicated to exam preparation and practice
Pros
- Built by Microsoft around the tool many analyst jobs ask for
- Bridges directly to the PL-300 certification
- No prior experience required
Cons
- The certificate itself is not the Microsoft certification; PL-300 is a separate exam
- Little coverage outside the Microsoft stack
- Coursera estimates 5 months at 10 hours a week
Rank 4
Meta Data Analyst Professional Certificate
Meta's five-course data analytics program on Coursera covering spreadsheets, SQL, Python, Tableau and statistics.
coursera.org8.7
out of 10
Best for: Beginners interested in marketing and business metrics who want a shorter program with statistics.
Meta's Data Analyst Professional Certificate is the compact option among the big-brand Coursera programs. It has five courses: an introduction that applies the OSEMN analysis process to marketing data, data analysis with spreadsheets and SQL, Python data analytics with pandas, statistics foundations, and an introduction to data management. The statistics course, which covers descriptive and inferential statistics and hypothesis testing, gives it more statistics than a typical beginner program. Meta says learners can earn the credential in five months or less with no degree or prior experience, and single Coursera programs start at $49 per month. The tradeoffs are a smaller learner base than Google or IBM, no Power BI, and a completion certificate rather than a proctored exam. For people who want to work on marketing or product metrics, the focus on KPIs and business metrics is a plus. We compared documented features and published prices, and it ranks just behind the larger programs.
Standout feature
Five courses with a full statistics module and a marketing focus.
Use cases
Marketers moving into analytics
Measure campaigns with SQL, Python and statistics
Outcome: Skills to analyze KPIs and run basic hypothesis tests
Busy beginners
Earn a branded certificate with fewer courses
Outcome: A Meta credential from a five-course program
Key features
- Five-course series at beginner level
- Data analysis with spreadsheets and SQL, Python with pandas
- Dedicated statistics foundations course with hypothesis testing
- Uses the OSEMN analysis process applied to marketing data
- Introduction to data management and governance
Pros
- Only five courses, the shortest Coursera program here
- Includes a full statistics course
- Marketing and business metrics focus
Cons
- Smaller and newer than the Google and IBM programs
- A completion certificate, not a proctored exam
- No Power BI coverage
Rank 5
Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300)
Microsoft's proctored Power BI certification, earned by passing Exam PL-300.
microsoft.com8.6
out of 10
Best for: Analysts who want the official, proctored proof of Power BI skills that employers search for.
If a job post says Power BI, PL-300 is the credential it means. Passing the proctored exam earns the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate title, which Microsoft lists at intermediate level. The exam gives you 100 minutes and covers four areas: preparing the data, modeling it, visualizing and analyzing it, and managing and securing Power BI, and Microsoft expects candidates to be proficient in Power Query and DAX. Microsoft provides a free practice assessment, an exam sandbox and prep videos, and the exam is offered in 10 languages. Renewal is due every 12 months but costs nothing, since it is an online assessment on Microsoft Learn. The page states that price depends on the country where the exam is proctored, and we could not confirm a U.S. figure from our location, so the price is pending. For a true beginner, it is easier to learn Power BI first, for example through Microsoft's Coursera program, then sit this exam. We compared documented features and published prices.
Standout feature
The official Power BI certification, with free yearly renewal.
Use cases
Analysts in Microsoft-based companies
Prove Power BI skills with an official credential
Outcome: A Microsoft certification that renews for free
Graduates of a beginner data program
Add a proctored exam to a course certificate
Outcome: A recognized Power BI credential for analyst applications
Key features
- Proctored Exam PL-300 with 100 minutes to complete
- Assesses preparing data, modeling, visualizing and analyzing, and managing and securing Power BI
- Expects proficiency in Power Query and DAX
- Free online renewal assessment every 12 months
- Exam offered in 10 languages, with a free exam sandbox and practice assessment
Pros
- The official Microsoft credential for Power BI
- Renewal is free through an online assessment
- Free practice assessment and sandbox from Microsoft
Cons
- Intermediate level, harder for complete beginners
- Must be renewed every 12 months
- Price varies by country
Rank 6
DataCamp Data Analyst Associate Certification
DataCamp's two-part certification: a timed SQL exam plus an automatically graded practical exam.
datacamp.com8.2
out of 10
Best for: Learners who want a SQL-focused credential with a hands-on practical, bundled with a learning subscription.
DataCamp's Data Analyst Associate is the most SQL-centered credential on this list, which makes it a practical answer for people who want to prove SQL skills. You earn it by passing two parts. The DA101 timed exam allows two hours and tests data management, exploratory analysis and statistical experimentation using SQL, and DataCamp says most candidates finish in about an hour. The practical exam then hands you a business problem: you validate data, clean it and calculate metrics, and an automatic grader requires every element to be correct. You have 30 days from registration to finish both, and a failed attempt means a 14-day wait. DataCamp's support pages say the subscription includes learning materials, practice assessments and the certification itself. Its pricing page did not load from our location, so the price is pending. Recognition is narrower than for Microsoft or Google credentials. We compared documented features and published prices, and it is a good SQL-focused add-on.
Standout feature
A SQL timed exam plus an auto-graded practical in one credential.
Use cases
Beginners focused on SQL
Prove they can query, clean and validate data
Outcome: A two-part SQL certification with a practical
DataCamp subscribers
Turn finished courses into a credential
Outcome: Certification at no extra charge within the plan
Key features
- Timed exam DA101: 2 hours, testing data management, exploratory analysis and experimentation in SQL
- Practical exam: review a business problem, validate data and calculate metrics
- Practical is graded automatically and every element must be correct to pass
- 30 days from registration to complete all parts
- Learning materials and practice assessments included with the subscription
Pros
- The timed exam is built on SQL
- Includes a hands-on practical, not only multiple choice
- Training and certification in one subscription
Cons
- Smaller employer recognition than Microsoft or Google
- Practical must be fully correct to pass
- 14-day wait before retrying after a failed attempt
Rank 7
Salesforce Certified Tableau Desktop Foundations
The entry-level Tableau certification, now issued by Salesforce through Trailhead.
salesforce.com8.1
out of 10
Best for: Beginners who already use Tableau Desktop and want a vendor credential for it.
For people asking which certification proves Tableau skills, the answer starts here. Salesforce, which owns Tableau, issues the Tableau Desktop Foundations certification through Trailhead and describes it as designed for people with foundational skills and understanding of Tableau Desktop and at least three months of applying that understanding in the product. That makes it the natural first Tableau credential for someone who learned the tool in a course such as Google's or Meta's and has used it for a few months. The more advanced Salesforce Certified Tableau Data Analyst credential covers understanding the business problem, finding the right data and delivering insights to stakeholders, and it suits analysts with more experience. Tableau's own pages blocked automated access from our location and the Trailhead page lists no price, so the exam fee is pending and our detail is limited to what Salesforce publishes. It covers one tool only. We compared documented features and published prices, and it is the right pick if your target employers use Tableau.
Standout feature
The official entry Tableau credential, for users with about 3 months in the tool.
Use cases
Beginners who learned Tableau in a course
Turn a few months of Tableau use into a credential
Outcome: An official Salesforce Tableau certification
Analysts at Salesforce or Tableau shops
Prove dashboard skills to a hiring manager
Outcome: A verifiable Trailhead credential
Key features
- Entry-level Tableau Desktop certification from Salesforce
- Designed for foundational Tableau Desktop skills
- Recommends at least 3 months of applying those skills in the product
- Step toward the Salesforce Certified Tableau Data Analyst credential
- Managed and verified through Salesforce Trailhead
Pros
- The official vendor credential for Tableau
- Aimed at beginners, with a 3-month experience guideline
- Clear next step to the Tableau Data Analyst certification
Cons
- Only covers one tool
- Tableau's own pages blocked our checks, so details are limited
- Price could not be confirmed from our location
Rank 8
CompTIA Data+
A vendor-neutral, proctored data analytics exam from CompTIA, now in its V2 version (DA0-002).
comptia.org8.0
out of 10
Best for: People with some analyst experience who want a tool-neutral, ISO-accredited certification.
CompTIA Data+ is the vendor-neutral option: it tests analytics skills without tying you to Power BI, Tableau or a single programming language. The current V2 exam, DA0-002, launched on October 14, 2025 and has up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes, with a passing score of 675 on a 100 to 900 scale. Topics run from data concepts and cleaning through statistical methods, visualization and dashboards, data quality and compliance, and troubleshooting reports. It is ISO accredited by ANAB and mapped to the NICE Framework data analyst work role, a U.S. workforce framework. The catch for career changers is CompTIA's own recommendation of 18 to 24 months in a data analyst or similar role, so this is better as a second credential. CompTIA sells CertMaster courses, practice tests and labs separately. Its store did not show a U.S. price from our location, so pricing is pending. We compared documented features and published prices.
Standout feature
ISO-accredited and vendor-neutral, with performance-based questions.
Use cases
Analysts applying to government or defense roles
Show an accredited, vendor-neutral credential
Outcome: An ISO-accredited certification mapped to the NICE Framework
Junior analysts with a year or two of experience
Formalize skills across tools
Outcome: A proctored credential that is not tied to one product
Key features
- Exam DA0-002, launched October 14, 2025
- Up to 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions in 90 minutes
- Covers data concepts, cleaning, statistics, visualization, governance and troubleshooting
- ISO accredited by ANAB and mapped to the NICE Framework Data Analyst role
- CertMaster learning, practice and lab products sold separately
Pros
- Not tied to one vendor's tools
- Proctored and ISO accredited
- Performance-based questions test applied skills
Cons
- CompTIA recommends 18 to 24 months of analyst experience
- Exam only in English and Japanese
- Version retires, usually about three years after launch
Rank 9
SAS Certified Specialist: Base Programming Using SAS 9.4
SAS's performance-based programming exam for reading, transforming and reporting on data in Base SAS.
sas.com7.9
out of 10
Best for: Analysts heading into healthcare, pharma, banking or government teams that run SAS.
SAS remains standard in clinical research, banking and parts of government, and the Base Programming Specialist is the credential those teams look for. The exam, A00-231, is performance-based and built on SAS 9.4 M5. You get 135 minutes for 40 to 45 multiple-choice and short-answer questions, and need 725 on a 200 to 1,000 scale. Managing data is the largest share at 35 to 40 percent, followed by accessing and creating data structures, error handling and generating reports. SAS charges $180 in USD in every country, which makes it one of the clearest prices on this list, and students and educators get academic discounts. Preparation is well supported, with free certification pathways on learn.sas.com that include sample questions and practice exams. The drawback is reach: outside SAS-based industries, employers ask for SQL, Python and Power BI far more often. We compared documented features and published prices, and it is a sound choice if your target industry runs SAS.
Standout feature
A flat $180 USD fee worldwide for a performance-based exam.
Use cases
Analysts targeting pharma and clinical research
Prove SAS programming skills
Outcome: A performance-based SAS credential
Students with access to SAS academic programs
Earn a programming certification at a discount
Outcome: A SAS credential before the first job
Key features
- Exam A00-231, performance-based, based on SAS 9.4 M5
- 40 to 45 multiple-choice and short-answer questions in 135 minutes
- Domains: access and create data structures, manage data, error handling, generate reports
- Free certification pathways with sample questions and practice exams on learn.sas.com
- Academic discounts for students and educators
Pros
- One flat $180 price in USD worldwide
- Hands-on programming tasks
- Free training pathway and SAS Viya trial
Cons
- Useful mainly where employers run SAS
- Long 135-minute exam
- Passing score of 725 on a 200 to 1,000 scale
Rank 10
CAP-Essentials (Certified Analytics Professional)
The entry level of INFORMS's vendor-neutral Certified Analytics Professional program, focused on the full analytics process.
certifiedanalytics.org7.6
out of 10
Best for: Early-career analysts and students who want to show they understand problem framing and the analytics lifecycle, not only tools.
CAP-Essentials is the entry rung of the Certified Analytics Professional program from INFORMS, the operations research and analytics society. Where the other credentials here test tools, this one tests the analytics process: the exam spans seven domains, from framing the business problem and the analytics problem through data, methodology, model development, deployment and lifecycle management. There is no application, no prerequisite and no experience minimum, so a student or career changer can sit it right away. The fee is $275 for nonmembers and $195 for INFORMS members, with a $200 nonmember retake fee and reduced pricing for candidates in qualifying lower-income countries. Higher levels, CAP-Pro and CAP-Expert, add experience requirements as your career develops. The limitation for someone breaking into data analysis is clear: hiring managers screen for SQL, Excel and Power BI or Tableau first, and CAP-Essentials does not test those. We compared documented features and published prices, and it works best alongside a tool credential.
Standout feature
Tests the analytics process, from problem framing to deployment, not tools.
Use cases
Analytics students
Show understanding of the full analytics lifecycle
Outcome: An INFORMS credential with no prerequisites
Professionals moving into analytics from another field
Formalize problem-framing knowledge
Outcome: A first step on the CAP ladder
Key features
- No application, prerequisites or experience minimum
- Seven domains from business problem framing to solution lifecycle management
- Based on the INFORMS Analytics Framework used across all CAP levels
- Reduced fees for candidates in qualifying lower-income countries
- Path to CAP-Pro and CAP-Expert as experience grows
Pros
- Tests analytical thinking rather than one tool
- No eligibility requirements
- Discounts for INFORMS members and lower-income countries
Cons
- Does not test hands-on SQL, Python or BI skills
- $275 for nonmembers is higher than most exams here
- Recertification fee applies
Frequently asked questions
+Which certification is best for a data analyst?
For someone breaking into the field, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is the best choice: nine beginner courses cover spreadsheets, SQL, R and Tableau, and Google says most U.S. learners finish for under $300 at Coursera's $49 per month. IBM's Data Analyst certificate is the better pick if you want Python. Add a proctored exam such as PL-300 once you know which tools employers near you use.
+Which certification is best for Power BI?
Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate, earned by passing Exam PL-300, is the official Power BI certification. The proctored exam takes 100 minutes, covers preparing, modeling, visualizing and securing data in Power BI, and renews for free every 12 months. Beginners can prepare with Microsoft's eight-course Power BI Data Analyst certificate on Coursera, which ends with PL-300 exam practice.
+Which certification is best for Tableau?
Salesforce Certified Tableau Desktop Foundations is the best first Tableau certification. Salesforce, which owns Tableau, designed it for people with foundational Tableau Desktop skills and about three months of using the product. Experienced users can move on to the Salesforce Certified Tableau Data Analyst credential.
+Which certification is best for SQL?
For data analysts, DataCamp's Data Analyst Associate is the most SQL-focused credential here: its two-hour DA101 timed exam tests data management, analysis and experimentation in SQL, and a practical exam checks that you can validate data and calculate metrics. The Google, IBM and Meta certificates also teach SQL as part of a broader program.
+Can I become a data analyst with only a certificate and no degree?
Google, IBM, Microsoft and Meta all state their Coursera programs need no degree or prior experience. Google says graduates can apply directly to Google and more than 150 U.S. employers. A portfolio project, such as the capstones in the Google and IBM programs, helps show employers what you can do.
+How long does it take to get a data analyst certification?
Coursera estimates about four months at 10 hours a week for IBM's certificate, five months for the Microsoft and Meta programs, and six months for Google's. Proctored exams take 90 minutes for CompTIA Data+, 100 minutes for PL-300 and 135 minutes for SAS Base Programming, plus preparation time.
About this list
Updated November 11, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
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