How to Earn the Certified Analytics Professional Certification

The Certified Analytics Professional certification opens doors for early career analytics professionals. Learn more about career and salary benefits.
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Updated on April 5, 2023
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  • The Certified Analytics Professional credential is a trusted verification of analytics skills.
  • CAP certification opens doors in analytics fields for faster career advancement.
  • The skills gained while studying for the CAP exam have direct workplace applications.
  • CAP certification is a way for analytics professionals to demonstrate excellence.

Data analytics is a growing tech field that offers motivated workers a variety of lucrative opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of information and research scientists, including data analysts, will grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030 — about three times faster than the typical job. One way to rise above the crowd in this rapidly growing sector is by earning the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification. Early to midcareer professionals in data analysis can benefit from this certification.

The test covers seven areas, including business problem framing, analytics problem framing, and methodology selection. Earning CAP certification is a way to showcase relevant skills and a commitment to the field. A valued certification for analytics jobs, this credential can open new careers or advancement opportunities.

What Are the Requirements for the Certified Analytics Professional Certification?

To sit for the CAP certification exam, applicants must meet minimum education and experience requirements. All applicants must master the soft skills required for analytics professionals, commit to the CAP Code of Ethics, and pass the CAP exam. Candidates must first apply and be approved to take the CAP exam.

Education and experience requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following three criteria:

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field with at least five years of experience
  • Bachelor's degree in any unrelated field with at least seven years of experience
  • Master's degree in a related field with at least three years of experience

Other certification requirements

  • Employer confirmation of soft skills mastery
  • Pledge to adhere to the Code of Ethics
  • A passing score on the CAP exam

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What Skills Will I Learn With the Certified Analytics Professional Certification?

While preparing to earn CAP certification, candidates develop top skills they can translate into many business sectors.

The seven areas tested on the CAP exam are:

  • Business problem framing
  • Analytics problem framing
  • Data
  • Methodology selection
  • Model building
  • Deployment
  • Lifecycle management

These demonstrate proficiency in complex skills like:

  • How to define and prioritize complex business problems
  • How to translate business problems into terms that can be solved with data and modeling
  • How to build successful models

Analytics are essential in many settings, from large corporations to government agencies. Certified workers can pursue career opportunities across sectors.

Is the Certified Analytics Professional Certification Worth It?

The Certified Analytics Professional certification can provide a significant career boost for early to midcareer professionals. For data scientists and other analytics professionals, CAP certification is a way to show off skills and get ahead in the workplace.

Earning the CAP certification also helps professionals gain new skills and ideas that can be applied to workplace problem-solving. CAP certification can also lead to advancement opportunities and the potential for higher pay.

What Jobs Can I Get With the Certified Analytics Professional Certification?

Workers who earn the CAP certification can stand out in their field or start a new career. Here are some of the most common jobs for CAP certification holders:

Data Scientist

U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $100,910

Data scientists and data analysts use data to solve problems and guide business decisions. Key responsibilities of data science jobs include data collection, cleaning, and organization to provide meaningful insights. These professionals can use data to answer specific questions or provide advice to company leadership.

This position requires a bachelor's degree or higher. CAP certification is useful but not required.

Computer Information and Research Scientist

U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $131,490
U.S. Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 22%

Computer information and research scientists can find careers across sectors. Their primary role is to design innovative uses for new or existing computer technology. Skills gained in data analytics, such as by pursuing CAP certification, can lead to career advancement and new insights for computer information and research scientists.

This career usually requires a master's degree. CAP certification is useful but not required.

Operations Research Analyst

U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $82,360
U.S. Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 25%

Operations research analysts use data, analytical methods, and advanced mathematics to solve complex problems. Critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills are essential for this career. Operations research analysts may work closely with company leadership to solve problems.

Workers in this role must have a bachelor's degree. CAP certification is useful but not required.

Management Analyst

U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $93,000
U.S. Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 14%

Management analysts work to improve an organization's efficiency and reduce costs. This business analytics job uses analytical problem-solving, model building, and deployment skills. CAP certification verifies abilities needed to advance in this career.

This position requires a bachelor's degree. CAP certification may be required for certain positions.

Information Security Analyst

U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $102,600
U.S. Projected Job Growth (2020-2030): 33%

Information security analysts work to protect an organization's network and computer systems. Problem-solving skills are essential to investigate breaches and check for vulnerabilities in computer systems. Job responsibilities include using software, data encryption, and firewalls to protect computer systems.

A bachelor's degree is required for this role. CAP certification can enhance a worker's skills and career opportunities.

How Much Money Can I Make With the Certified Analytics Professional Certification?

Becoming a certified analytics professional can help early and midcareer workers advance in their careers. While the exact financial benefit is difficult to quantify, the CAP certification can stand out on a resume or help workers qualify for promotions or raises.

The median salary for careers where CAP certification may be relevant ranges from roughly $65,000-$127,000. However, an individual's salary can be impacted by many factors, including their location, experience, education level, and role.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Certified Analytics Professional Certification

What are the benefits of professional certification?

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Professional certification is a validation and indication of knowledge and skills. It demonstrates to potential employers a worker's relevant capabilities. Professional certification also shows a commitment to learning and expertise.

Professional certification can make it easier to get desirable jobs or a promotion.

It increases marketability and earning power by showcasing expertise and a desire to engage in ongoing education.

A professional certificate can increase self-confidence, credibility, and respect in the field. In many analytics careers, the Certified Analytics Professional certification is a desirable professional certification.

How do I pass the Certified Analytics Professional certification exam?

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To earn the Certified Analytics Professional certification, you must achieve a passing score on the CAP exam. This score varies but is usually around 70%. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Test-takers receive notification of their pass/fail status immediately after completion.

To apply for the test, candidates must create an account and submit an application with INFORMS. After receiving confirmation of eligibility, candidates can schedule the exam and pay the fee. The test fee is $495 for INFORMS members or $695 for non-members.

Candidates should plan to study for the exam for about two months. After passing the test, successful candidates will receive an email confirming their certification in 6-8 weeks.

How hard is the CAP exam?

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The CAP exam is a high-level professional exam that requires specialized knowledge and about two months of preparation. Questions on the CAP exam are multiple choice. There are four possible answers and test-takers must select the best option for each question.

Questions are divided into seven areas of knowledge. The pass/fail score is based on total score, not on individual areas. That means if a test-taker is weak in one area, they can still pass the CAP exam if they perform well in the other areas.

The seven areas of knowledge on the exam are:

  • Data
  • Analytics problem framing
  • Model building
  • Business problem framing
  • Methodology selection
  • Deployment
  • Lifecycle management

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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