IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate Courses

Validates practical skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL, Python and IBM Cognos, including data visualization and dashboards.

A good data analyst course teaches Excel, SQL and Python and ends with a project you can show employers. We compared the IBM program, Coursera's subscription and IBM's next-step program on content, hours and price.

Most people should take the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate: 11 courses on Excel, SQL and Python that end in a capstone. Choose Coursera Plus if you will also take another program or need more than 7 months, and the IBM Data Science certificate afterward if you want machine learning.

Course	Best for	Format	Price
IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate	Full guided program	Interactive	$59/month
Coursera Plus	Several programs, one price	Interactive	$59/month
IBM Data Science Professional Certificate	Next step: machine learning	Interactive	$59/month

Full guided program

IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

4.6(100k ratings)

IBM's 11-course program on Excel, SQL, Python and data visualization, with videos, browser labs, graded quizzes and a capstone project. Coursera estimates 180 hours, and you earn an IBM badge.

Great fit if you are new to data and want Excel, SQL and Python in one guided program

Poor fit if your target jobs ask for Power BI dashboards

Several programs, one price

Coursera Plus

One subscription covering IBM, Google and university programs on Coursera, including this certificate. At $399 a year it costs less than seven months of the monthly plan.

Great fit if you will take this and another Coursera program, or need more than 7 months

Poor fit if you will finish in a few months and take nothing else

Next step: machine learning

IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

4.6(151k ratings)

IBM's 12-course data science program. Five courses are shared with the Data Analyst certificate, and it adds methodology, machine learning and a second capstone.

Great fit if you finished the Data Analyst program and want machine learning

Poor fit if you want to stay in reporting and dashboards

How to choose a IBM Data Analyst course

Check the hours. Coursera's estimates for the 11 courses add up to 180 hours, about 4 months at 10 hours a week. You can finish sooner if you already use Excel, SQL or Python.
Match the tools to the jobs. The IBM program teaches Excel, SQL, Python and dashboards with Cognos. Read the job ads you are targeting and check they ask for those tools.
Pay by the month. Coursera charges a monthly subscription, so finishing faster costs less. At the suggested pace the program costs about $236.
Know what the credential is. It is a certificate of completion with an IBM badge, not a proctored exam. The capstone project is what shows employers your skills.

Recommended IBM Data Analyst course combinations

Lowest cost: The IBM Data Analyst certificate on a monthly plan ($59/month). Finishing in 4 months costs about $236.
More than one program: Coursera Plus ($399/year), which covers the Data Analyst certificate and the IBM Data Science certificate.
Want to try first: Start Coursera's 7-day free trial and the first course, Introduction to Data Analytics (12 hours), before you pay.
Want machine learning: Finish the Data Analyst certificate, then the IBM Data Science certificate ($59/month); five courses are shared, so you skip repeats.

IBM Data Analyst course FAQ

What is the best data analyst course for beginners?

For most beginners, the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate: 11 courses on Excel, SQL and Python that end in a capstone project.

Can I take the IBM Data Analyst certificate for free?

You can start with a 7-day free trial and a preview of the first module. Finishing the program and earning the certificate needs a paid subscription or approved financial aid.

How long does the IBM Data Analyst certificate take?

Coursera estimates 180 hours, about 4 months at 10 hours a week. Plan for less if you already use Excel, SQL or Python.

Should I do Data Analyst or Data Science first?

Data Analyst first. Five courses are shared, and Data Science adds methodology, machine learning and a second capstone.