4 Best Data Science Certifications (January 2026)

Data science is becoming more crucial as we dive deeper into the world of AI and technology, which means the need for proficient data scientists is growing as well. It is one of the top careers right now due to our high reliance on data for virtually everything. Data science is a complex field, so a certification can help you stand out.

Here is a look at the top big data & data science certifications:

1. DataCamp Professional Certificates 

Unlike the other certifications that we recommend, DataCamp is the only program that focuses on life-long learning. Choose from over 340 interactive courses, and over 90 real-life projects. In fact over 350,000 students,  and over 1,600 companies have used DataCamp.

DataCamp uses a completely different methodology that most online courses.

1. Assess your skills and track progress
2. Learn by completing interactive online courses
3. Practice with quick daily challenges
4. Apply what you have learned to solve real-wold problems.

This program offers immersive learning and features the following:

• Interactive exercises
• Short videos
• Live coding sessions
• Certifications for different career tracks
• All Skill levels
• Data Analyst (with R or Python) career track takes approximately about 60 hours to complete.
• Data Scientist (with R or Python) career track take approximately 90-100 hours to complete.

2. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate 

This Professional Certificate from IBM is aimed at those interested in a career in data science or machine learning, as it will help develop the necessary skills and experience. It is open to everyone, with no previous experience in computer science or language programming needed. There is a total of 9 online courses, covering things like open source tools and libraries, Python, databases, SQL, data visualization, data analysis, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning algorithms.

Here are some of the main aspects of this certification:

• Hands-on practice in IBM Cloud
• Real data science tools and real-world data sets
• Digital badge from IBM
• Beginner level
• Duration: 10 months, 5 hours/week

3. Business Analytics Specialization 

This certification developed with Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is a foundational introduction to big data analytics. It is specifically targeted at business professions like marketing, human resources, operations, and finance. It is a beginner course that requires no prior experience in analytics.

Here are the main aspects of this certification:

• 5-part course: Customer Analytics, People Analytics, Accounting Analytics, Operations Analytics, and Business Analytics Capstone
• Strategic decisions based on data
• Using real-world data sets for business strategy
• Beginner level
• Flexible schedule
• Duration: 6 months, 3 hours/week 

4. Advanced Business Analytics Specialization

This certification offered by University of Colorado Boulder brings together academic professionals and experienced practitioners. It focuses on real world data analytics that can help grow businesses, increase profits, and create maximum value for shareholders. You will gain skills in extracting and manipulating data using SQL code, executing statistical methods for descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analysis, and interpreting and presenting analytic results.

Here are the main aspects of this certification:

• Conceptual models of business and simple database models
• Develop models for decision making
• Basic Excel and software tool Analytic Solver Platform (ASP)
• Intermediate level
• Duration: 5 months, 3 hours/week

As everything in our world quickly becomes reliant on data, and as artificial intelligence becomes crucial in many sectors, data science skills are vital. It is also important to recognize that these skills are not only limited to those pursuing a data scientist career. They are just as important for other employees in an organization, as the changing work environment requires everyone to at least think like a data scientist. By completing one or more of these certifications, you will be valued as one of those individuals.