What is the Google Data Analytics Certification? And, more importantly, is it still worth getting it in 2023? By
What is the Google Data Analytics Certification? And, more importantly, is it still worth getting it in 2023? As the job field changes, tech layoffs shake the employee landscape, and technology evolves, is the Google Data Analytics Certification a one-stop shop to get a job?
Here’s a one-sentence summary: The Google Data Analytics Certification is a course that teaches you data analytics, both the numbers and the business side.
To go a little more in-depth, it’s geared toward teaching total novices how to do data analytics at a basic level. It’s a fully remote course that takes around 10 hours of study per week – 181 hours total. Google offers it through Coursera. On average, it takes students eight months to get certified, which puts the cost at around $312 (eight months x $39/month for the Coursera Plus subscription).
So, is the course worth it? Is it even $312? It all comes down to what you want the Google Data Analytics Certification for.
They also offer post-certification career help, like putting you in touch with their hiring partners. Google boasts 150 hiring partners for their data analytics track.
If you’re looking for an entry-level role in data analytics, this course is a good first step, and worth the ~$300 you’ll pay for it.
If you want to secure a job, go for a more experienced role, or gain exposure to advanced concepts, it’s still a good first step – but some other tools and courses might be a better fit for you.
In short, the Google Data Analytics Certification teaches you how to be an entry-level data analyst.
However, it does not teach you how to get the job – getting interviews, acing interview questions, writing resumes, or putting together a kickass portfolio. It also is very basic and won’t get into advanced concepts.
Let’s take a look at each of the eight courses to see how that breaks down.
It’s a great basic introduction to the world of data analytics. You’ll get a grounding in the concepts and theories, and you’ll get some hands-on practice, too.
After you complete the certificate, you’ll also get access to some career tools, like expert training and hands-on projects. You’ll get a resume-building tool, mock interviews, and career networking support.
The Google Data Analytics Certification claims that the average salary for a data analyst is around $74k.
That’s a fine entry-level career. But if you apply yourself a little more and learn some additional skills to improve your understanding and your hireability, you could be looking at six figures or more if you master data science skills.
You also won’t get any access to learning Python, which is one of the most prominent and desirable programming languages for jobs in any data-based career.
Finally, the Google Data Analytics Certification covers some interview skills, but not all. Practicing real interview questions is critical to getting a job as a data analyst.
In short, no. It’s a good foundation, but it’s not everything you need to get the job as an entry-level data analyst or beyond in a data science career path.
It’s not enough to know how to ask good questions and visualize data. To stand out as a data analyst candidate, it’s also important to be familiar with advanced concepts in the field.
Boot.dev is a great resource to learn the fundamental concepts that underpin all software development, data science, and data analysis.
This platform can help teach you Python, which is critical for data analysis, as well as concepts like data structures algorithms, and functional programming. It’s built for backend developers more than data analysts, but a lot of the necessary skills overlap. It’s also very reasonably priced at just $24/month.
HackerRank is another fantastic option to learn more advanced skills in data analysis/science. They offer interview kits, courses, and certifications across all sorts of skills and disciplines to go above and beyond.
One of the most important parts of any resume is the project portfolio. If you’re not sure where to start, I recommend this list of data analytics projects that can help you impress hiring managers and learn practical skills.
Another great place to look is Kaggle, which is a platform that helps data science enthusiasts interact and compete in solving real-life problems. That competitive pressure is excellent to motivate yourself to get your hands dirty with actual data.
At this stage of the interview process, you’ve crafted a gorgeous resume and portfolio with hands-on projects and demonstrated an understanding of the skills required.
Then you get thrown a curveball interview question and you’re stumped. The best way to avoid this is by practicing real interview questions from real data science interviews. Our own platform StrataScratch offers both coding and non-coding questions to help you nail every interview you might come across.
If you’re a total beginner, it’s a great first step – definitely worth the time and money you’ll spend to get certified. But if you already know a bit about data analytics, it’s not worth it.
(One alternative if you’re already a data analytics whiz: sign up for Coursera for just a month, fly through the course, and ace all the quizzes – that way you can be “certified” for just $39.)
Furthermore, it’s not enough to get a job. The job landscape is a bit more competitive nowadays – you need to demonstrate an understanding of more advanced concepts, host a full portfolio of personal projects, and ace your technical interview to stand a chance.
Finally, if you want to get a job beyond entry-level data analytics, the Google Data Analytics Certificate is worth it but again, not sufficient. By bolstering your resume and knowledge with tools like Boot.dev, HackerRank, StrataScratch, and Kaggle, you stand a much better chance of landing your dream job in data analytics or beyond.
Nate Rosidi is a data scientist and in product strategy. Hes also an adjunct professor teaching analytics, and is the founder of StrataScratch, a platform helping data scientists prepare for their interviews with real interview questions from top companies. Connect with him on Twitter: StrataScratch or LinkedIn.
The Google Data Analytics Certification has become one of the most popular entry points into the data analytics field. Offered through Coursera, it promises to equip learners with job-ready skills for data analyst roles. But is it truly worth the time and money required?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll analyze the key factors to consider when evaluating the Google certificate program. You’ll learn about the costs, benefits, alternatives and ROI so you can make an informed decision
Why Pursue Data Analytics Certification?
First, let’s examine the motivation behind pursuing certification. Here are the top reasons to invest in data skills training:
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High demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts over 545,000 new data analyst openings by 2029. Certification can help you enter this growing field.
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Higher salaries. Data analysts earn a median salary of $96,500 per year according to Glassdoor. Certification can qualify you for top paying roles
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Career switching. Certification enables those from non-technical backgrounds to transition into analytics. No prior experience required.
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Skill development. Hands-on training is the best way to gain in-demand data analytics abilities like SQL, Python, Tableau and more.
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Resume boosting. Certification stands out on a resume by validating your skills to employers. 89% of managers prefer certified candidates.
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Job prospects. Many companies now use certification as a prerequisite for data analysts. It can give you a competitive edge.
Clearly the demand for data talent is surging. Certification is a proven way to launch or advance an analytics career. But what about the Google certificate specifically? Let’s break it down.
Inside the Google Data Analytics Certification
The Google certificate consists of 8 courses and takes roughly 6 months to complete:
Foundations:
- Foundations: Data, Data Everywhere
- Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions
Process:
- Prepare Data for Exploration
- Process Data from Dirty to Clean
Analyze:
- Analyze Data to Answer Questions
- Share Data Through the Art of Visualization
Act:
- Data Analysis with R Programming
- Google Data Analytics Capstone: Complete a Case Study
It provides a comprehensive overview of the data analytics workflow. The curriculum was developed by Google data experts and the courses feature video lectures, hands-on labs and knowledge checks.
Though it’s a beginner program, it covers advanced skills like SQL, R programming, data visualization and more. The capstone project brings together everything learned into a professional case study.
Cost of the Google Data Analytics Certification
The Google certificate costs $49 per month through Coursera. So total cost depends on your pace:
- 3 months: $147
- 6 months (recommended): $294
- 12 months: $588
These costs only include the program itself. Some additional expenses to consider:
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$100-200 for prep materials (practice tests, study guides, etc.)
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$50 exam retake fee if you don’t pass on the first try
So realistically the total cost will be $400-700 depending on materials and pace.
Compared to data analytics bootcamps ($10,000+) or master’s degrees ($30,000+), the Google certificate is an affordable option. But is it worth the investment compared to other certificates or self-study? Let’s explore further.
Benefits of Google Certification for Your Career
There are many advantages to having the Google certificate on your resume:
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Reputability: Google is one of the top technology brands globally. Their name on your certificate carries weight and prestige.
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Quality curriculum: Designed by Google data experts and proven to equip learners with job-ready skills.
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Instructor guidance: Videos feature Google employees explaining concepts and demos. Learning from seasoned practitioners.
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Hands-on practice: Includes labs and tools to apply your skills like spreadsheets, SQL, Tableau, R programming and more.
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Capstone project: Cumulative case study brings together everything learned. Showcases abilities to potential employers.
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Flexibility: Self-paced online format fits any schedule. Access materials 24/7.
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Affordability: At $300-$700 total, it’s budget friendly compared to bootcamps and graduate degrees costing $10,000+.
For aspiring analysts lacking experience, the structure, reputability and career preparation make the Google certificate an appealing choice. But what about quantifying the return on investment?
Return on Investment of Google Data Analytics Certification
According to Glassdoor data, the national average base pay for an entry-level data analyst is $62,000 annually.
Individuals with the Google certificate report an average salary boost of $26,000 per year after completing the program.
- Assuming the total cost of the certificate is $500, on a $26,000 income boost, the return on investment is 5,200% and pays for itself in just 2-3 weeks.
Of course, salary lift depends on your location and industry. But for most, the income boost from the Google certificate far outweighs the costs. The skills you gain can be applied across many high-paying roles like marketing analytics, business intelligence, finance analytics and more.
Here is a table summarizing the estimated ROI:
| Google Certificate Cost | $500 |
|---|---|
| Average Salary Increase | $26,000/year |
| ROI % | 5,200% |
| Breakeven Period | 2-3 weeks |
The monetary return makes a compelling case for the value of Google’s program.
Key Considerations for the Google Certificate
Before enrolling, here are some final points to consider:
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Time commitment – Expect to devote 10-15 hours per week for 6 months to complete the program. Schedule accordingly.
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Prerequisites – No specific experience required, but basic Excel skills are helpful. Some statistics knowledge is a plus.
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Alternatives – Similar entry-level certificates are offered by IBM, Meta, Udacity and edX. Shop around before deciding.
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Supplementation – Pair the certificate with portfolio projects, internships, networking and resume prep to maximize career impact.
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Specialization – Supplement the general certificate with more advanced programs in tools like Python, SQL, Tableau, etc. to stand out.
The Google Data Analytics Certification delivers immense value for career switchers and new analytics entrants. For intermediate analysts, carefully weigh if it provides enough new skills to be worthwhile.
Overall, for motivated learners seeking an affordable and reputable starting point in data analytics, Google’s program is a proven path to new opportunities.
The Bottom Line: Is the Google Certificate Worth It?
For beginners seeking to transition into analytics, the Google Data Analytics Certification provides tremendous ROI and career impact, making it a very worthwhile investment:
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The Google brand reputation provides prestige and credibility
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The comprehensive curriculum develops in-demand skills like SQL, Python, Tableau and R
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Hands-on practice and a capstone project build job-ready abilities
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$26,000 average salary lift results in 5,200% ROI after $500 in costs
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Flexible online format fits any schedule
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At $300-$700 total, it’s affordable compared to bootcamps and master’s degrees
For intermediate analysts or those with existing skills, the benefits diminish, so carefully assess knowledge gaps before enrolling.
But for new entrants looking to bootstrap their data analytics career in an affordable and reputable way, the Google Certificate is an option with proven ROI and career impact. It provides the skills, fundamentals and credentials to pass employer prerequisites and unlock new opportunities.
Reviewing Course 5: Analyze Data to Answer Questions
We’re halfway through the course at this point. And now, we get to the actual analysis part. Finally, you’ll be using advanced formulas and SQL queries to perform complex data calculations.
This course covers:
- Organizing data
- Formatting and adjusting data
- Aggregating data
- Doing data calculations
This course is the longest so far, with an expected 26 hours of learning time.
Reviewing Course 3: Prepare Data For Exploration
Ready to get started coding? This is the course for you. After two courses of mostly theory, now you’ll start to learn SQL and spreadsheets.
Over 21 hours, you’ll learn about data types and structures, how to use SQL to extract data, how to use a spreadsheet to both analyze and present findings, and gain familiarity with tools like databases.
You’ll still get some theory work: you’ll learn about bias, ethics, credibility, and access. You’ll also get a taste of infosec – this course covers how to organize and protect data.
You’ll take five multiple-choice quizzes to demonstrate your understanding.
Is The Google Data Analytics Certificate ACTUALLY Worth It?
Is Google data analytics professional certification worth it?
The Google Data Analytics Professional Certification is definitely worth the time and effort. It’s one of the most valuable entry-level certifications to pursue starting a career as a data analyst. The course is prepared by Google Engineers and recognized in the industry as valid professional certification for entry-level positions.
How long does the Google data analytics professional certificate take?
Read: Data Analytics versus Data Science After launching in March of 2021, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate was met with a lot of anticipation and praise. The certification program claims to take six months to complete—however, that is likely the timeline for complete newcomers.
What can I do with a Google Data Analytics Certificate?
Enrolling in the Google Data Analytics Certificate will teach you the skill set required to become a junior or associate data analyst.
What do Reddit users think about the Google Data Analytics Certificate?
Let’s take a look at what some Reddit users have to say about their experiences with the Google Data Analytics Certificate: u/slayerdawg: “I started my 1-week free trial on Sunday. I had decent background knowledge of data analytics, excel, and sql. The 8 course certificate has been pretty painless so far, and I will finish the 5th course tomorrow.
