18–24 months in a data analyst or similar role
RecommendedExposure to databases, analytical tools, basic statistics and data visualization.
CompTIA Data+ (DA0-002)
Validates foundational data analytics skills across data concepts, acquisition and preparation, analysis, visualization, reporting and data governance.
Summary
CompTIA Data+ is a vendor-neutral certification for early-career data analysts. It covers data sources and tools, preparation, basic statistics, visualization and governance, and tests skills that apply across tools rather than one product.
Good fit if
- You are moving into data analyst or reporting roles
- You work with data and want to formalize those skills
- Your employer or school uses CompTIA or asks for Data+
Look elsewhere if
- You want a credential job postings name: PL-300 or a portfolio project
- You want deep skill in one tool: Tableau Data Analyst or PL-300
Prerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Rarely named in job postings
People report not seeing Data+ in job descriptions. One holder who passed calls the certificate itself worthless, and others say a data project on your resume shows more.
Useful as a structured overview
The same discussions credit the exam topics with giving a solid, broad grounding in databases, statistics, visualization and governance for people who are new to data.
Renewal
Data+ is valid for 3 years from the day you pass.
- Validity
- 3 years
- Renewal requirement
- 20 CEUs per cycle
- Renewal fee
- $75 USD
The $75 fee covers the whole three-year cycle. You pay no fee if you renew with CertMaster CE or by passing the latest Data+ exam.
CompTIA continuing education fees ↗Alternatives
Google Data Analytics$294 required · Entry
Project-based online course certificate with hands-on spreadsheet, SQL and visualization work.
PL-300$165 required · Intermediate
Microsoft's Power BI exam, the better choice if your target roles use Power BI.
Tableau Data Analyst$200 required · Entry
The better choice if your target roles use Tableau.
FAQ
Is CompTIA Data+ worth it?
It is a good structured introduction to data analysis, but it rarely appears in job postings. Pair it with a portfolio project if you are job hunting.
Does Data+ have prerequisites?
No. CompTIA recommends 18–24 months in a data analyst or similar role, but you can book the exam directly.
How hard is the Data+ exam?
It is broad rather than deep. A pass report says the exam tested what statistics such as variance and standard deviation mean more than calculating them by hand, and that question wording matters.
Can I still take DA0-001?
No. DA0-001 retired in 2026, so DA0-002 is the only version. Older DA0-001 books and courses miss the new AI concepts and domain changes.
How long is Data+ valid?
Three years. Renew with 20 CEUs and the $75 CE fee, with CertMaster CE, or by passing the latest Data+ exam.
Last updated October 2026