Data Science has become an important element of modern business operations. It is helping businesses across all industries make wiser and data-driven decisions that have been transforming the outcomes. Now, with the explosion of data, pertaining to various factors including the proliferation of IoT devices and easy access to the internet, the demand for skilled data science professionals with the ability to interpret this data and extract meaningful insights is growing.
So, becoming a certified data scientist is a great way to gain and validate your latest in-demand, industry-relevant data science skills and stand out in this competitive job market. A data science certification is an important credential to validate your knowledge and expertise from a recognized authority.
In this article, we will explore what it means to be a certified data scientist, the benefits of getting certified, and the specific steps to achieve a certification from a leading institution like the United States Data Science Institute (USDSI®).
A Certified Data Scientist is a professional who has demonstrated their proficiency in data science concepts and practices by passing a rigorous exam from a recognized certification body.
Unlike a traditional degree, a data science certification is a short-term program that mostly focuses on practical job-relevant skills. It proves that a student/professional has the necessary skill set, including a strong foundation in statistics, programming, machine learning, data visualization, etc.
In short, a certified data scientist is a professional who has a proven and verifiable set of skills beyond just theoretical knowledge. Thus, they are trusted by all sorts of organizations to handle their complex data tasks with higher confidence.
Earning a data science certification from a credible institute or certification body offers numerous advantages for your career trajectory, such as:
Certified data science professionals often have higher earning potential than their non-certified counterparts, as certifications serve as tangible proof that helps with salary negotiations.
The data science job market is booming, and earning a certification can give you a competitive edge as it reduces employers’ risk in hiring and training.
If you go for a globally recognized data science certification program, then you can validate your data science skills on a universal scale and establish your credibility around the world.
Certifications also provide a well-defined curriculum and a structured learning path that is highly beneficial for newcomers as well as experienced professionals looking to upskill themselves.
The United States Data Science Institute (USDSI®) is a globally recognized data science certification provider that offers a range of certification programs at different experience levels.
The Certified Data Science Professional (CDSP™) is an excellent starting point for a data science career for students and professionals with limited experience.
Here is a step-by-step process to get CDSP™ certified by USDSI®
CDSP™ is designed for graduate students and young professionals with 0-2 years of work experience. A basic understanding of a programming language is desirable.
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can enroll in this program. It is completely online and self-paced. You will get access to a comprehensive self-study kit within 24 hours of registration.
This program comes with a state-of-the-art self-study kit with personalized study books, HD-quality videos, and e-learning with practice codes. It covers a wide range of topics, including data science fundamentals, big data, machine learning, and programming languages like Python and R. The program duration is 4-25 weeks, with 8-10 hours of learning per week.
After a mandatory 25-day immersion period, you can schedule the CDSP™ exam. The exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice assessment that can be taken online.
The CDSP™ exam is 100 minutes and consists of 60 questions. Individuals need to score at least 70% marks to earn the certification. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam for a small fee of $149.
USDSI® certifications stand out from other options because of several distinguished features that make it a popular choice among data science aspirants and experts.
The programs are meticulously designed and vetted by over 30 leading subject-matter experts from the USDSI's Data Science Advisory Board (DSAB).
All USDSI® programs are self-paced, allowing students and working professionals to learn on their own schedule and convenience.
Each certification program includes a rich self-study kit, which contains study books, workshop-based e-learning, on-demand videos, and practice codes.
USDSI® certifications are globally recognized and accepted by leading universities and organizations in over 160 countries. This ensures that your credential holds value no matter where you are in the world.
Upon certification, you receive a digital badge with lifetime validity. This shareable credential provides a secure, verifiable way to showcase your skills on various professional platforms.
Becoming a certified data scientist can be a transformative decision for your data science career. A certification, especially from USDSI®, will not only help you gain and validate your skills but also offer a structured learning path, enhance your credibility and employability in the data science industry, and increase your earning potential. So, check out this prestigious data science credential, enroll today, and move ahead in your data science career path.