Good breadth for beginners, little hiring weight
Learners call it a good overview of what a data analyst does, but not enough alone for serious work. Experienced analysts say hiring managers do not look for these certificates.
IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
Validates practical skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL, Python and IBM Cognos, including data visualization and dashboards.
Summary
The IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate is a self-paced beginner program on Coursera covering Excel, SQL, Python and IBM Cognos dashboards. Its 11 courses include hands-on labs and a capstone project, and there is no exam, so it works as practical training.
Good fit if
- You have no data background and want a Python- and SQL-heavy start
- You want Excel, SQL and Python practice in one program
- You want a capstone analysis and dashboard for employers
Look elsewhere if
- You already know SQL, Excel and a BI tool: Power BI Data Analyst or Tableau Data Analyst
- You want to learn Tableau or Power BI: Google Data Analytics
- You want a proctored credential: CompTIA Data+
Prerequisites
Cost
What holders say
IBM's own tools in places
One learner who completed it called it good but noted that some lessons use IBM's own platform, which you are unlikely to use at work.
Renewal
The completion certificate does not expire.
- Validity
- No expiry
Alternatives
Google Data Analytics$294 required · Entry
Google's analyst program, with Tableau instead of Cognos.
IBM Data Science$236 required · Entry
IBM's longer program, adding data science methods and machine learning.
Tableau Data Analyst$200 required · Entry
Choose this to prove Tableau skills with an exam.
Data+$264 required · Entry
Choose this for a proctored, vendor-neutral data exam.
FAQ
Does the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate have an exam?
No. You complete 11 courses with graded quizzes, labs and a capstone project on Coursera.
How much does the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate cost?
Coursera Plus costs $59 a month in the US after a 7-day free trial, or $399 a year. At Coursera's suggested 4 months that is $236. Financial aid is available.
How long does it take?
Coursera estimates 180 hours across the 11 courses and suggests 4 months at 10 hours a week.
IBM Data Analyst or Google Data Analytics?
Both are beginner programs on Coursera. IBM's has more Python and teaches dashboards in IBM Cognos. Google's teaches Tableau and less Python.
Does it teach Tableau or Power BI?
No. Dashboards are built in Excel and IBM Cognos Analytics, with Google Looker Studio as an option in the capstone.
Does it give college credit?
ACE recommends up to 12 college credits. You share the recommendation through the Credly badge, and each school decides whether to accept it.
Last updated October 2026