Data mining certifications and courses can teach or expand your knowledge, improve your skills, and increase your value on the job market. As the volume of data enterprises work with continues to grow, data mining is an increasingly important skill for data analysts, with a vibrant job market that rewards expertise.
We reviewed a wide range of available data mining certifications from educational institutions, industry organizations, and vendors to see how they compared on skills learned, requirements, and costs. Here are our picks for the best data mining certifications you can get in 2024.
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Top 12 Data Mining Certifications Comparison
The following table shows at a glance how our top picks for data mining certifications compare on cost, whether they’re online or in-person, and how long they take to complete.
CERTIFICATION/ COURSE | COST | LOCATION | DURATION | |
---|---|---|---|---|
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
$59/month through Coursera 7-day free trial |
Online | 3 months at 10 hours a week |
Great Learning | Free | Online | 2.5 hours | |
New Jersey Institute Of Technology, Certificate In Data Mining |
$17,674/year in-state $33,386/year out-of-state. |
Online | 12 credits, 6 months | |
Stanford University Data Mining And Applications Graduate Program | $13,104/year | Online | 1-3 academic years | |
DeVry University Online Data Mining Undergraduate Certificate | $24,852 total | Options between classroom, online and hybrid | 1.3 years to 2 years | |
INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS | Certified Analytics Professional Certification | $200 to $645 | Online | 3 hour exam |
Open Group | $400 to $550 | Online | 3 hour exam | |
Data Science Council of America | $585 to $1,450 | Online | 100 minute exam | |
VENDORS | Cloudera | $330 | Online | 1 hour exam |
Google Analytics via Coursera |
$59/month through Coursera 7-day free trial |
Online | Courses take 150-180 hours. | |
IBM Data Science Certificate via Coursera |
$59/month through Coursera 7-day free trial |
Online | Courses take 11 months. | |
SAS Data Science Courses | $180 per exam | Online | 12 months |
Data Mining Certificates from Educational Institutions
Accredited colleges and online education providers are two types of institutions that offer data mining certifications. These specialized certificates cater to students pursuing undergraduate programs and master’s degrees in data-related fields, and in many cases these providers offer flexible learning options like online and self-paced learning as well as in-person classes.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a full data mining specialization certification through the popular online course provider Coursera. This program teaches students essential subjects and tasks such as data analysis, pattern detection, predictive modeling, and cluster analysis in data mining.
Why We Picked It
Known for its excellence in research, this school offers data science specializations with a comprehensive curriculum. Students who complete the course receive a certificate from an accredited and prestigious university.
Skills Acquired
- Pattern discovery
- Clustering
- Text retrieval
- Text mining and analytics
- Data visualization
Requirements
Students should have a background in math, programming languages, statistics, business principles, and communication.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- 10 hours a week for 3 months
- Learn at your own-pace
- Coursera subscription costs $59 per month
- 7-day free trial
Great Learning
Great Learning, in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin, provides a complete data mining course free of charge. While there are no pre-requirements, knowledge of various tools and programming languages such as Python and Matplotlib is strongly advised for best comprehension.
Why We Picked It
Great Learning offers a structured curriculum with industry-relevant projects without having their learners spend for their education. They provide learners with the necessary skills, industry-relevant projects and hands-on experience that improves learners’ employability.
Skills Acquired
- Data preprocessing
- Predictive modeling
- Pattern recognition
- Data visualization
Requirements
Students must have a basic knowledge of statistics and programming languages.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- 2.5 Hours
- Self-paced online video lectures
- Free of cost
New Jersey Institute Of Technology
This data mining certification is only available to students enrolled at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), but it’s aimed at helping them complete higher degrees in computer science and data science. NJIT offers this certification program focusing on large-scale databases and actionable intelligence extractions, helping graduates to pursue roles as a data analyst or logistics specialist.
Why We Picked It
With a focus on practical applications in various industries such as healthcare, finance, and marketing, students gain invaluable experience and insight, preparing them to tackle challenges and drive innovation in their respective fields.
Skills Acquired
- Data mining techniques
- Data preprocessing
- Predictive modeling
- Data-driven decision-making
Requirements
Students must apply to the program and wait for application approval. Applicants should be familiar with the C programming language and should be well-versed in statistics and advanced math.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- Consists of 12 units
- Online or in-person at the NJIT campus
- Taught over two 15-week semesters
- For total tuition fees including University Fee and GSA Fee Costs for every six credits
- $14,172 during fall
- $13,189 during spring
- $13,187 during summer.
Stanford University Data Mining And Applications Graduate Program
Stanford University’s graduate program in data mining and applications is designed for professionals or recent graduates of computer science and other related fields who want to improve their ability to use statistical methods, predictive models, and analytics to extract insights from large datasets and influence strategic decisions.
Why We Picked It
Stanford University is a prestigious university offering an in-depth curriculum taught by experts in the field.
Skills Acquired
- Advanced data mining techniques
- Large-scale data analysis
- Text mining
- Social network analysis
Requirements
Students must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a strong background in mathematics and programming.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- Three academic years with an average of 15-20 hours per week for lectures and homework assignments
- Most students can finish the program in one to two years
- Online certification
- $4,368 per 3 units up to $23,296 per 16 units
DeVry University Online Data Mining Undergraduate Certificate
DeVry University is an online education platform acquired by the Keller Graduate School of Management that offers a data mining undergraduate certification for students who wish to learn data mining and analytics. All of DeVry’s programs are held online and self-paced; students are given two years to complete the course.
Why We Picked It
DevRy is a reputable online university that offers various programs from undergraduate programs to master’s programs in data mining and hands-on experience.
Skills Acquired
- Data acquisition and analysis
- Data mining
- Coding and programming
- Operating systems
- Machine learning
- AI
Requirements
There are no requirements to enroll in this certificate program.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- Up to two years
- The course is taken online
- $24,852 total program cost
Data Mining Certificates from Industry Associations
These certifications are tailored for experienced professionals in the field of data analytics and data mining. They validate existing knowledge, remain neutral regarding specific tools or languages, and emphasize principles over specifics.
Certified Analytics Professional Certification
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification and Associate Certificate (aCAP) offer valuable recognition in the field of analytics and are recognized internationally by INFORMS, an international association for professionals. Their certifications are designed for professionals with expertise in data analytics and related industries.
Why We Picked It
CAP and aCAP provide knowledge and skill certifications and certify data analysts based on international standards.
Skills Acquired
- Skills to evaluate a task
- Formulate a systematic approach
- Communicate actionable analysis
Requirements
- CAP requires three to seven years of work experience
- aCAP has no requirements
Duration, Location, and Cost
- Three-hour exam
- Online
- $645 for INFORMS members; $745 for non-members
- Non-mandatory courses: $200 for members, 300 for non-members
Open Group
The Open Group Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS) offers the most comprehensive certification for organizations that employ data scientists. There are no requirements to take the certification exam, but Open CDS offers self-assessments for participants to determine whether they will be successful. What makes Open CDS different is milestones that each data scientist takes: Certified Data Scientist, Master Certified Data Scientist, and Distinguished Certified Data Scientist.
Why We Picked It
Open CDS certification is a globally recognized vendor-neutral credential for data science skills. Leading enterprises use them for capability assessment and a career boost for professionals in the field.
Skills Acquired
- Integration of statistical, economic, and computer science techniques to address business problems
- Effective data analysis and interpretation
Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate skills and experience through written application and peer interviews.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- Three-hour certification exams
- Online; applicants are evaluated according to milestones and board review
- Costs vary by level:
- Certified Data Scientist, $400
- Master Certified Data Scientist, $500
- Distinguished Data Scientist, $550
Data Science Council of America
The Data Science Council of America (DASCA) is a global leader in data science accreditation under the World Data Science Initiative, they subsidize universities to introduce world-class programs in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. In addition, DASCA offers six data science-related level certifications: associate big data engineer, senior big data engineer, associate big data analyst, senior big data analyst, senior data analyst, senior data scientist, and principal data scientist.
Why We Picked It
DASCA certification provides big data professionals with robust data science skill tests to enhance employability and career opportunities. The organization is also globally recognized, lending its credibility to graduates.
Skills Acquired
- Enhances data-science knowledge
- Tests ability to qualify for next level DASCA certification
Requirements
Each level has specific requirements, but all applicants must have strong exposure and knowledge of different programming languages, be familiar with Linux and Unix environments, be confident handling databases and spreadsheets, and have a basic understanding of big data needs and techniques.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- 100 minutes to complete exams
- Online
Prices vary depending on the level of certification:
- Associate Big Data Engineer, $585
- Senior Big Data Engineer, $650
- Associate Big Data Analyst, $585
- Senior Big Data Analyst, $650
- Senior Data Scientist, $775
- Principal Data Scientist:
- TRACK 1 – For Invite-Only Applicants, $850
- TRACK 3 – For Upgrade from SDS, $750
- TRACK 2 – Via Corporate Nomination, $1,250
- TRACK 4 – For Open Applications, $1,450
Data Mining Certificates from Vendors
Vendor-sponsored data mining certifications find a mix of practical application using proprietary tools and mastery of broad principles. While these certifications are focused on specific platforms, they also teach transferable knowledge and skills that may be used in other tools. Professionals gain from both hands-on experience and fundamental understanding, making these qualifications relevant in the data science job market.
Cloudera Data Platform Certification
Cloudera Data Platform (CDP) is a flexible hybrid data platform that allows businesses to safely transport, manage, and analyze data across numerous cloud settings. It provides a uniform data fabric, supports open-source technologies, assures security and compliance, and allows for flexibility in current data structures. CDP offers certifications that assess applicants’ knowledge and skills on the platform.
Why We Picked It
Cloudera is a well-known platform facilitating advanced big data analysis through Apache Hadoop. Certified Cloudera users possess a transferable skill set, enabling seamless adaptation to new platforms with comparable functionalities.
Skills Acquired
- CDP architecture components
- CDP’s security features and analytics
- CCDP deployment on major cloud providers
- Understanding Cloudera Manager
- Workload XM
- Replication Manager
Requirements
Although there are no requirements to take the certification, participants are recommended to undergo Cloudera training to gain a comprehensive understanding of the platform and maximize the chances of passing the exam.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- 1 hour certification exam
- Online
- $330 per test
Google Analytics Certification (Coursera)
Known for its search engine platform, Google also has a wide range of other products and services, including cloud computing, software, hardware, and mobile devices. With Google’s unparalleled expertise in data management, they offer Google Analytics courses via online education provider Coursera that help analysts get better insights into their analytics.
Why We Picked It
Google has contributed a lot to the digital revolution and is one of the pioneers of data analytics. A certification will give students an overview of how data analytics work and establish a recognizable baseline for their knowledge.
Skills Acquired
- Data types and structures
- Analyzing data
- Data storytelling with visualization
- Using R programming to enhance data analysis
Requirements
There are no requirements for this course, as it is designed for complete beginners.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- 150 to 180 hours
- Online through Coursera
- Coursera subscription is $59 per month with a 7-day free trial
IBM Data Science Certificate (Coursera)
IBM is known for its hardware and software products where they provide consulting, technology, and business services such as cloud computing, AI, and data analysis. IBM also offers three beginner-friendly certification programs through the Coursera platform: IBM Data Science Professional, IBM, Data Analytics with Excel and R, and IBM Data Analyst.
Why We Picked It
IBM’s Data Science Certificate is recognized by employers and demonstrates a candidate’s ability to solve real-world problems using data science techniques.
Skills Acquired
- Data science methodologies
- Python
- Data analysis and visualization
- Machine learning model construction and evaluation
- Working with Jupyter notebooks
- Relational databases using SQL
Requirements
There are no requirements.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- 11 months, accessible through Coursera
- Online through Coursera
- Coursera subscription is $59 per month with a 7-day free trial
SAS Data Science Certifications (Pearson VUE)
Statistical Analysis System (SAS) is known for its system analysis and reporting that allow businesses to have a better understanding of their data. SAS and international testing company Pearson VUE jointly administer the fundamental Data Curation Professional exams for data science courses. Courses are Data Curation Professional (one exam), Advanced Analytics Professional (three exams), and AI & Machine Learning Professional (three certificates).
Why We Picked It
SAS is a powerful analytics platform that has revolutionized data science and business intelligence and offers comprehensive solutions that include data management, machine learning, and responsible innovation.
Skills Acquired
- Data manipulation and management with SAS
- Statistical analysis (descriptive statistics, hypothesis, testing, linear regression)
- Data importing techniques
Requirements
The main requirement for this course is familiarity with basic data concepts such as data design, collection, and analysis.
Duration, Location, and Cost
- 12 months; five attempts to pass the exam
- Online
- $180 per exam
Is a Data Mining Certification Worth The Investment?
Investing in data mining certification can help data analysts refine their skills in extracting and analyzing large datasets, allowing them to make more educated business decisions that benefit the organization they work with. Given the ever-increasing abundance of data, analysts’ skill in data mining benefits in managing everything including raw, structured, and unstructured data while also recognizing intricate patterns within it.
Data mining certification guarantees that analysts stay on top of the profession by providing them with fundamental technical abilities and a better awareness of the latest trends and approaches in data management, security, and analysis.
How To Choose The Right Data Mining Certification
Choosing the right data mining certification requires careful evaluation of several important elements to ensure that it corresponds with your professional objectives and offers comprehensive training.
- Objectives: Objectives can be improving existing skills and abilities, transitioning to a new career, or gaining a better understanding of certain data mining approaches. Look for courses with a curriculum that aligns with your goals and provides relevant training and resources.
- Curriculum: Evaluate the curriculum of each certification program to ensure it covers essential topics about data mining. Look for relevant courses that are important as well as the different activities involved – whether you are given practical exercises, hands-on activities, simulations, or case studies.
- Instructor Credibility and Ability: When choosing the best data mining course, the instructor’s credentials and teaching abilities are quite important. Students carefully consider these factors before enrolling to ensure they receive high-quality training adapted to their learning needs.
- Accreditation: Look for certifications accredited by colleges, companies, and trustworthy third-party vendors. This accreditation not only certifies the value of your certification but also indicates compliance with industry standards, ensuring that you acquire a recognized certificate that will improve your professional position.
- Cost: Consider the cost of the certification program, which includes tuition, study materials, and exam costs. Compare the expenses of various certification choices versus the value and benefits they provide. While price is important, prioritizing quality and relevance when making a decision. Some certifications offer financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment alternatives that are available to help you invest in the certification.
- Community: Determine the strength and participation of the certifications program’s community or alumni network. Look for ways to connect with other participants, industry professionals, and mentors via online forums, networking events, and alumni groups. A thriving community can offer support, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities in addition to the Fodmap certification program.
Companies to Work For Post-Certification
After acquiring data mining certifications, certified data miners often find themselves with opportunities to work with renowned companies such as IBM, KNIME, Google, RapidMiner, and Tableau. These companies are known for regularly hiring skilled professionals in any field and data analysis and data mining are few of them. In addition to their regular hiring, these companies offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities for certified data mining professionals.
IBM
IBM is a multinational technology company best known for its cutting-edge solutions in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics they provide a variety of data analytics tools and services including IBM Watson to help businesses gain insights from their data.
KNIME
KNIME is an open source data analytics platform that allows for data mining, machine learning, and predictive analytics. It has a visual interface for creating data workflows and can integrate with a variety of data sources and analyses too.
Google is a worldwide technology business known for its search engine, cloud computing services, and diversified product offerings. They use data mining and machine learning techniques extensively across a variety of products and activities. This includes Google Search, Google Ads, Google Cloud Platform, and Google Analytics.
RapidMiner
RapidMiner is a data science platform that helps enterprises extract insights from data using predictive analytics, machine learning, and other sophisticated techniques. It provides a simple interface for data preparation, modeling, and deployment of analytical solutions.
Tableau
Tableau is a renowned data visualization and analytics software provider that Salesforce now owns. It provides dynamic and easy tools for producing and sharing data visualizations allowing users to better explore and understand complicated datasets.
Bottom Line: True Value of Data Mining Certification
Data mining certification holds great value for both organizations and certified data miners. It allows them to extract insights from complicated datasets that help improve decision-making, operational efficiency, and customer experience. It bridges the gap between raw data and actionable intelligence. This helps enhance data miners’ credibility which also provides organizations with streamlined processes, risk management, and a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Data mining certification gains its popularity not just as a qualification, but as a justification for innovation and success in the ever-evolving landscape of data-driven organizations.
If you’re interested in expanding your skills, knowledge, and expertise in data-related fields, read our list of top database certifications and top data analytics certifications.