Validates practical skills in data analysis, using spreadsheets, SQL, Tableau and Python to prepare and visualize data.
A good data analytics certificate teaches the full analyst workflow with spreadsheets, SQL, Tableau and Python, and ends with a project you can show employers. We compared the main ways to take Google's program on access, cost and flexibility.
Most people should take the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera, which starts with a 7-day free trial. Choose Google's subscription for several Google certificates, Coursera Plus for several Coursera programs, and Advanced Data Analytics once you finish.
| Course | Best for | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Full certificate | Video | $49/month |
 Google Career Certificates subscription | Several Google certificates | Video | $49/month |
| Coursera Plus | Many Coursera programs | Video | $59/month |
| Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certificate | Next step after this | Video | $49/month |
Google's full beginner program: 8 courses plus one optional, covering spreadsheets, SQL, Tableau and Python, with videos, graded activities and a capstone case study. Google suggests about 6 months at 10 hours a week.
Great fit if you want the Google certificate with Coursera's free trial or financial aid
Poor fit if you plan to take several Google certificates; choose the Google Career Certificates subscription
Google's own platform, with this certificate and every other Google Career Certificate for one monthly price. It suits you if you will move on to Advanced Data Analytics or another Google program.
Great fit if you want more than one Google certificate, such as this one and Advanced Data Analytics
Poor fit if you need Coursera's financial aid; choose the Coursera program
One subscription for Google, IBM and university programs on Coursera, including this certificate. The annual plan costs $399, which works out cheaper per month if you study across programs for a year.
Great fit if you will take several Coursera programs in a year
Poor fit if you only want this certificate; choose the Coursera program or Google's subscription
Google's seven-course advanced program in Python, statistics and machine learning, built on the Data Analytics certificate. It is billed monthly on Coursera with the same 7-day free trial.
Great fit if you finished this program and want deeper Python and statistics
Poor fit if you are still learning the basics; start with the Data Analytics certificate
For most people, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera, which starts with a 7-day free trial. Choose Google's own subscription if you plan more than one Google certificate.
Not fully. Coursera gives a 7-day free trial and offers financial aid, but full access to the courses and the certificate needs payment or approved aid.
Coursera's estimates add up to 152 hours. Google suggests 3 months at 20 hours a week or 6 months at 10.
No. Anyone can enroll, and no degree or prior experience is needed. There is no exam.