The online courses are the perfect opportunities to supplement your skills in this field. However, expensive paid data analytics certifications are not always easy to afford for beginners.
Don’t worry. This article will share the top 10 free and paid courses and certificates worth learning this year. I will also give you some helpful tips for selecting and recommending the skills required of a professional data analyst.
After trying several courses for many months, I have updated the top 10 picks. If you’re curious to know what they are, keep scrolling down.
1. Introduction to Data Analytics
Specifications
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Duration: 10 hours
- Price: Free
- Provider: IBM
Course’s Highlights
A gentle course on critical concepts, roles, and tools in data analysis is an ideal choice for beginners. Accordingly, I would recommend this Introduction to Data Analytics course to anyone looking to start a new career.
This course has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and the essential information to help me better understand the field of data analytics. It taught me to collect data efficiently and get the most out of it.
Next, it equipped me with the soft skills to communicate data and make better decisions. I love this course because it doesn’t pose too many requirements or data analysis experience for a beginner like me.
Enroll Here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-data-analytics
Pros
- Flexible study plan
- Sign up for free
- Good student accessibility
- English subtitles for the lectures
- The teaching method is easy to understand
Cons
- Questions and activities variety
2. Introduction to Data Analysis
Specifications
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Price: Free
- Provider: Udacity
Course’s Highlights
Udacity introduction to Data Analysis is the most comprehensive introductory course to Data Analysis for beginners. I used to know.
After completing the course, I have mastered the data analysis process, including converting formats, finding patterns, and fixing problems in my project.
I also learned how to use the Python libraries NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib and apply it to write concise and faster code. I think this source of knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to be a good data analyst.
However, it will require you to know and be familiar with Python concepts, specifically classes, objects, and modules.
In short, this course is an excellent first step to understanding the entire process before diving into the individual data analysis phases.
Enroll Here: https://www.udacity.com/course/intro-to-data-analysis–ud170
Pros
- Free
- Self-paced learning
- Rich lecture content
- Consistent and effective learning path
- Excellent teachers with many years of experience
Cons
- Not yet dive into the practice
3. Professional Certificates IBM Data Analyst
Specifications
- Difficulty: All
- Duration: 11 months, 3 hours/week
- Price: Free
- Provider: IBM
Course’s Highlights
Professional Certificates IBM Data Analyst is a solid choice if you are looking for skills as an analyst data analyst. This course includes lectures on core principles, data sources, and tools for manipulating data and applying analytical techniques.
I appreciate the hands-on exercises in this class. They are efficient and enrich my resume with valuable skills. Before I can do this, it will require me to have basic computer skills, high school math, and not feel pressured by numbers.
In addition, this course allowed me to work with IBM Cognos Analytics in a modern and highly flexible environment. With it, I learned how to create charts and graphs and proficiently use Python libraries such as Pandas and Numpy.
Enroll Here: https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/ibm-data-analyst
Pros
- 100% online course
- Flexible study time
- Offer certificate upon completion
- No degree or experience required
Cons
- Hard to understand concepts and definitions
4. Data Analytics: Hands-On
Specifications
- Difficulty: All
- Duration: 90 days
- Price: $19 per month
- Provider: Skills
Course’s Highlights
I think it’s not enough to accumulate knowledge of the concepts, definitions, and roles of Data Analysis. New practical skills are the most important. I chose this Data Analytics Hands-On course because of that.
It covers everything related to data analysis, including fundamental concepts, principles of data visualization, and practical exercises.
In addition, it comes with a high-quality modular system that specializes in analyzing and answering questions. Few courses offer great support to quickly dive into where you want to learn and explore.
It is one of the ideal courses to keep pace with today’s data analytics industry, led by professional experts.
Enroll Here: https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/data-analytics-hands-on
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Range of practical exercises
- High-quality modular system
- Many highly experienced experts teach
Cons
- Limited accessibility
5. Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations
Specifications
- Difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate
- Duration: 4 months, 2 hours/week
- Price: Free
- Provider: IBM
Course’s Highlights
Confusion between the roles of analyst, engineer, and data scientist keeps me stuck in difficulties in their work projects. It’s great that the Data Analysis Visualization foundations helped me solve those problems well.
First, this course provided me with an understanding of the top responsibilities of a data analyst. Then allow me to create baseline summaries and data warehouses to explore the tools the field requires.
Throughout my studies, I came to know and join more exciting journeys in well-known platforms like Hadoop, Hive, and Spark.
Notably, this course does not require students to have prior experience or install the software. All I needed to prepare for the learning process to go smoothly was a background in computers, math and access to a modern web browser.
Enroll Here: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/data-analysis-visualization-foundations
Pros
- 100% online
- No experience required
- Focus more on practice, and application use
- Friendly advisors, always ready to help students
- Offer to learn on many well-known platforms
Cons
- Lacks some in-depth knowledge
6. Introduction to Statistics
Specifications
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: Free
- Provider: Stanford University
Course’s Highlights
I was impressed with the people who presented the course content. They all have extensive experience and know how to lead and approach students well.
I love that it provides regular exercises and tests. They are accommodating and effective in applying knowledge and enhancing the skills and confidence of me or any other student. In particular, many details and questions gave me a deeper understanding of statistics.
I take this course as a free student and get unlimited access to the free course content. If you want to refer to and redo some exercises with answers, buy an experience certificate.
One extra thing, after completing the course, I printed my certificate and pinned it on my LinkedIn profile without a hitch.
Enroll Here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/stanford-statistics
Pros
- Excellent instructors
- Good accessibility
- Come with excellent financial aid
- Excellent presentation, easy-to-understand documentation
Cons
- Explanations for remaining concepts limited
- An experience certificate is not entirely free
7. Excel Data Analysis Course
Specifications
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Duration: 2 days
- Price: $1,590
- Provider: Learning Tree International
Course’s Highlights
I would recommend this Excel Data Analysis course for anyone looking to expand their data analysis capabilities and present professional results.
It gave me the knowledge and skills to build complex spreadsheets, apply functions, and manipulate PivotTables. On the other hand, it helps me get the most out of Excel’s advanced features.
I highly recommend its Excel data analysis course outline, which includes six modules organized in scientific order and intuitive.
The professional workbook enhancement and troubleshooting module helped me a lot when I wanted to monitor KPIs.
As such, it is an ideal course for those who need to use all the features in Microsoft Excel to develop savvy spreadsheets.
Enroll Here: https://www.learningtree.com/courses/excel-data-analysis-training
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Great team of mentors
- Full, intuitive module
- Comes with hands-on training after the course
Cons
- Only available in Excel 365 and Excel 2021.
8. Data Visualization with Tableau
Specifications
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Duration: 6 months, 3 hours/week
- Price: Free
- Provider: University of California at Davis
Course’s Highlights
I understood it directly in the first lesson of this Data Visualization course. What is data visualization, and how to use it to view data? It helps me conduct the analysis and use the principles needed for my Tableau projects and designs.
Notably, this course provides unlimited access for me to explore over 7000 lectures, projects, and even professional certifications. It allows me to access examples from every top media company and business case in the real world.
By the end of the course, I could set up my dashboard that defines the story and intent of my data to make a lasting impression on my audience. It is what I have always wanted when deciding to enter this field.
Enroll Here: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/data-visualization
Pros
- Offer a 7-day free trial
- Flexible learning time
- With English subtitles
- Lots of practical examples
Cons
- Requires comfort in working with significant datasets
9. Learning Python for Data Analysis and Visualization
Specifications
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Duration: 110 lectures (21h 5m)
- Price: $159,99
- Provider: Udemy
Course’s Highlights
Python is a term that is no longer unfamiliar to those who are learning and performing analysis data accumulation.
To make good use of it, you will need to be familiar with Python Pandas, and this course will help you with this.
This course taught me how to work with data sets and conduct analysis on them using Python. It also provides me with powerful, easy-to-use visualization techniques to present and analyze my data sources.
I love the data analysis projects. It creates many challenges and always arouses enthusiasm, passion, and conquest in me and any other student.
I appreciate the flexibility of this class’s training plan. It allows me to download apps and study anywhere on the plane or the subway.
Enroll Here: https://www.udemy.com/course/learning-python-for-data-analysis-and-visualization/
Pros
- Useful examples
- Many practical projects
- Study time is very flexible
- Good organization of lessons
Cons
- The font in the lecture is relatively hard to follow
10. Data Analyst Training For Business
Specifications
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Duration: 28 weeks
- Price: Free
- Provider: Codecademy
Course’s Highlights
Data Analyst Training For Your Business is the perfect course to expand your analytical skills and build specialized knowledge.
It is an indispensable route if you want to achieve success as a good data analyst.
While taking this course, I learned the best way to work with databases and manipulate tables using NumPy, pandas, and SQL.
In addition, I also know how to create visualizations and analyze data sets in Python when I want to convey my information source and intent.
The only advantage of this course is learning how to code like a real programmer. It also means I don’t have to work so hard to memorize all the syntax and structure of code generation.
Enroll Here: https://www.codecademy.com/learn/paths/data-analyst-training-for-your-business-cfb
Pros
- Provide in-depth knowledge
- Practical, highly effective pathways
- Many high-quality, professional projects
- Modern, intuitive, and accessible teaching methods
Cons
- Not ideal for newbie
Learning Guide
Finding the best course is quite a difficult task. Here are some top factors for you to choose and have a better experience. Let’s explore together!
Cost
Cost is an essential factor that significantly influences many people’s decisions. The cost of advanced data analytics certifications ranges from 3 to 4 figures.
The good news is many organizations offer excellent financial aid services, such as grants, scholarship applications, free classes, and more.
Approaches
Online, face-to-face, or mixed courses are the most common approaches currently in the data analysis courses. What is essential is your learning needs, desires, and practices.
FAQs
Can I become a data analyst in 3 months?
The answer is possible if you know how to make the most of these 3 months to learn everything you need about data analysis. With this in mind, I recommend focusing on learning Excel, Python, Tableau, and ML.
Is Python better than Excel?
In some cases, Python is more efficient than Excel because of its advanced extensibility for data pipes, complex algorithms, and automation.
Do data analysts get paid well?
Earnings will increase with the growth in your experience and skills. A good example is a senior data scientist in India who earns over 1,700,000 yen yearly.
Is data analysis a job?
Sure. Data analysts often use programming languages and databases to gain insight and make sound business decisions.
What’s next after data analysis?
Continuing on the data analytics path, you have the opportunity to become a senior analyst, chief analytics officer, and even chief data officer (COD).
Final Thoughts
The data analysis courses are necessary when you consider an ideal and suitable career. It will help you research well and understand what potential future employers demand.
To summarize, Professional Certificates IBM Data Analyst is the top choice on my recommendation list. Don’t skip it if you are also learning about the core principles and the valuable data manipulation tools.
Thank you for reading!