SAP professionals can now renew their certifications through AI-based roleplays. The new service builds on SAP’s revamp of its certification program last year, shifting the focus from rote learning of facts towards real-world use cases.

“The evolution of Stay Certified reflects a broader shift already taking place across SAP Certification: moving beyond assessing what someone knows toward validating how they can apply that knowledge. AI-powered roleplays bring that principle into the annual certification renewal experience,” the company said in a blog post announcing the new option.

The AI-based scenarios across more than 100 certifications simulate customer interactions with a defined knowledge goal. “The scenarios are grounded in content reflecting the latest SAP product releases, helping learners demonstrate applied, up-to-date knowledge,” SAP said. Immediate feedback is provided to highlight what went well during the roleplay, and what needed improvement.

However, the use of the AI isn’t mandatory: IT pros can still choose to complete a standalone assessment quiz when renewing their certifications.

The process

Users have a 90 day renewal window before certification expiry to complete their recertification. To do so, they must have a subscription to the SAP Learning Hub, at $1452 per user per year, which provides expert-led live sessions to help prepare them, access to hands-on practice systems, four SAP certification exam attempts per year and access to “enablement and assessment to keep certifications valid.” Alternatively, SAP said, users can purchase and retake a certification exam each year.

Yet another option, being piloted at SAP TechEd in Berlin, will be an event-based approach giving eligible users the ability to fulfill their Stay Certified requirement via on-site, hands-on sessions.

A move in the right direction

Analysts are guardedly impressed with the revised approach.

“I think SAP is moving in the right direction, and the ERP industry could have addressed this sooner,” said Robert Kramer, managing partner at KramerERP. “With cloud, AI and automation advancing at their current pace, traditional certification models are struggling to keep up. Knowing the software is one thing. Understanding how to apply it to a customer’s business is another.”

He likes the idea of AI-powered roleplays, because they move certification closer to the application. “Evaluating how someone handles a customer conversation, understands a business problem and recommends a solution is more meaningful than testing whether they memorized product features,” he said.

Frank Dickson, principal analyst at Dickson Research, agreed. The quiz-based approach to renewals was inconsistent, he pointed out: “A credential earned by doing should not be maintained by answering trivia. Airline pilots do not stay current by retaking a written test. They go back into the simulator. That is the right model for cloud software that changes constantly.”

Valence Howden, an advisory fellow at Infotech, added, “SAP’s revised approach to certification is a positive step and a good idea, although it’s not a new or novel approach. In-room and virtual confirmation of the ability to apply training beyond the exam has existed in the industry for a long time, from Cisco certifications a few decades ago to ITIL and other frameworks where top-level certification created scenarios to be solved and addressed in order to validate the ability to apply learning.”

So, he said, “SAP has taken an old but valuable method that will improve the value of their certification, the value of those who achieve it, and provide some assurance around their skills for those who hire them.”

Sanchit vit Gogia, principal analyst at Greyhound Research, agreed. “The AI roleplay is not new to SAP certification,” he said. “It arrived in first-time exams a year ago. What is new is that it has reached renewal, across more than a hundred certifications, and renewal is where SAP’s installed base lives.”

But, he said, “The deeper question is who comes to own the definition of competence, because SAP supplies the AI that helps the consultant, plays the customer, and assesses the exchange. That is the part history will weigh.”

Questions remain

While Kramer approves of the model, he still has reservations about the new testing regime. “A successful roleplay doesn’t necessarily make someone a capable consultant,” he said. “ERP implementations are rarely textbook exercises. They involve decades of customer processes, customizations, industry requirements, questionable data and competing business priorities. Sometimes the best recommendation is not to implement the latest capability, but to address the customer’s readiness first.”

And, he added, “there’s also the question of governance and accountability. Who decides what counts as a correct response? How are assessments validated? What happens when the AI gets it wrong? These questions matter when professional credentials and customer confidence are at stake.”

Dickson, too, has concerns. “The umpire is now an algorithm. Every roleplay is graded by AI, so the strike zone has to be the same for every batter,” he said. “SAP has not said how scoring is calibrated, audited, or appealed. Two consultants giving the same answer should get the same result. Staying certified also requires an SAP Learning Hub subscription, according to SAP’s own FAQ. SAP sells the training and grades the test. That makes transparency on scoring more important, not less.”

SAP is right to test whether certified people can still apply what they know, he noted, and the roleplay is a good simulator. “But a simulator still needs a fair, transparent grader,” he said.

He also has questions about the testing methodology. “Last fall’s exams allowed candidates to use AI tools,” he said. “The announcement does not say what is permitted during a roleplay. If AI assistance is allowed, the roleplay partly measures how well someone works with an assistant. That may be perfectly fine. SAP should simply say so.”

Kramer, too, is looking for more detail. “I support the direction, but I would recommend SAP provide metrics that AI-powered certification produces better professionals, not just a more efficient certification process,” he said. “If it does, this could help close the ERP adoption gap.”

Behind every successful IT project, you’ll find a highly skilled project manager. From hardware and software upgrades and ongoing security patches, to application development and the software rollouts themselves, project managers keep your teams productive and on task.

Almost any IT pro can benefit from adding a project management certification to their list of IT credentials, showing you have the know-how to plan, schedule, budget, execute, deliver, and report on IT initiatives. Here, CIO.com outlines the most popular PM certifications that will add value and help you hone skills throughout your career.

Which project management certification is best?

There are several certs to choose from, and the best for you will be whichever one aligns closest with your goals and expertise. Entry-level project managers will want to look toward those designed for beginners, demonstrating you have a baseline understanding of project management. These certifications can also get you up to speed on the fundamentals of project management, giving you the foundation to begin a career in the field.  

As your career progresses, you’ll want to earn more advanced certs to validate your skills and experience. There are many designed for everyone including experts in PM, validating that you have the knowhow to lead PM teams and manage large-scale projects.

Project management certifications for beginners

Associate in Project Management (APM)

The Associate in Project Management (APM) certification offered by The Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM) is an entry-level project management cert to validate your fundamental knowledge of the Project Management Framework. It’s aimed at those with little to no experience in PM and includes an online course you’ll be required to complete before taking the exam. The course covers topics such as training and all the basics of the role you’ll need to be successful. It’s targeted at managers and project team members, students at the graduate or undergraduate level, entry-level practitioners, and anyone with an interest in PM as a career.

Price: $150

Requirements: GAQM body of knowledge study and e-course; no formal education or experience requirements.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Certified Associate in Project Management certification is the precursor to the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (see below). For professionals without a college degree, only rudimentary PM experience, or those who want to achieve their PMP certification in steps rather than all at once, the CAPM is a stepping stone to the more rigorous PMP.

For more information, see CAPM certification guide: Certified Associate in Project Management exam.

Price: $225 PMI members; $300 non-members.

Requirements: No experience needed.

Certified Junior Project Manager (CPM-IAPM)

The Certified Junior Project Manager certification is offered by the International Association of Project Managers (IAPM) as an entry-level cert for those with a basic understanding of PM, and covers the necessary knowledge to theoretically plan, organize, and implement a project effectively. It’s designed for those who aspire to have a career in PM and doesn’t require prior experience in the field. The exam covers a range of topics, including project check, project environment, steering committees and core teams, creation of the Phase Model and WBS, cost breakdown and budget, risk analysis, project review, and more.

Price: Fee depends on candidate’s nationality, as pricing is based on country of origin’s GDP. In the US, for instance, the exam is $107.

Requirements: None, but IAPM offers workshops through global training partners, or recommended literature for self-study. Candidates can also take a self-test to benchmark their knowledge.

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

The use of Agile methodologies has become standard, so it’s not surprising that IT practitioners uniquely qualified to manage projects in Agile environments are in high demand. While there are different Scrum master certifications available, the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance is a great jumping-off point for project managers getting started as Scrum practitioners. The Scrum Alliance is a nonprofit that encourages the adoption of Scrum and Agile practices, promotes user groups and learning events, and provides resources for professional development. The organization boasts more than 450,000 certified practitioners worldwide.

For a deeper look at the CSM, see CSM certification guide: Certified ScrumMaster exam explained.

Price: Varies by training provider, but approximately $250 to $2,495 USD.

Requirements: General familiarity with Scrum and completion of a two-day CSM training course.

CompTIA Project+

This is an entry-level credential for IT professionals charged with managing smaller, less complex projects as part of their roles. Candidates for this cert should have knowledge and experience managing project lifecycles, maintaining project documentation, managing resources and stakeholders, and ensuring appropriate communication. The exam covers project basics, project constraints, communication and change management, and project tools and documentation. It’s best suited for IT project coordinators or managers, IT project team members, business analysts, directors, or team leaders.

Price: $399 for exam voucher

Requirements: At least 12 months of cumulative PM experience or equivalent education.

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Offered by the PMI, the Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification is designed to validate your knowledge of Agile principles and skills with Agile techniques. The exam covers topics including Scrum, Kanban, Lean, extreme programming (XP), and test-driven development (TDD). It’s aimed at those who work on Agile teams or in Agile organizations, and focuses on seven main domains of knowledge including Agile principles and mindset, value-driven delivery, stakeholder engagement, team performance, adaptive planning, problem detection and resolution, and continuous improvement.

Price: $435 for members, $495 for non-members.

Requirements: Candidates for the exam must have a secondary degree, 24 months or two years of Agile experience within the past five years, and 28 hours of training in Agile practices, frameworks, and methodologies.

PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner

Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) is most well-known outside the US, especially in the UK and its government entities. The PRINCE2 certifications are delivered by Axelos and focus on directing, managing, and delivering projects across all phases, pre-project, initiation, delivery, and final delivery. The PRINCE2 Foundation certification is an entry-level credential that tests basic PM terminology and methodology, whereas the Practitioner certification tests advanced project managers who’ve already achieved PRINCE2 Foundation. These certs are targeted at aspiring project managers, project board members, team managers, project assurance professionals, project support professionals, and operational line managers or staff.

Price: Price starts around $700 USD but varies based on location.

Requirements: PRINCE2 Foundation course, and the PRINCE2 Practitioner requires one of the following: PRINCE2 Foundation, Project Management Professional (PMP), CAPM, or an IPMA certification.

Advanced project management certifications

BVOP Certified Project Manager

Business value-oriented principles (BVOP) is an Agile-based framework that’s grown in popularity in the UK. BVOP emphasizes business value in all project management activities and practices. The BVOP Certified Project Manager is for senior practitioners with experience in both project and people management. The focus on a people-oriented culture sets it apart from other PM certification programs. It’s a cert aimed at senior project managers, Agile professionals, product managers and owners, Scrum masters, and business analysts. The BVOP approach helps to develop professionals’ collaboration skills, and candidates for certification not only gain project and product management skills, but also learn to become more people-focused leaders.

Price: $130

Requirements: No previous professional project management experience required, but it’s recommended you have previous PM certs or experience before taking the exam. Free study guides and preparation materials are available online.

Certified Project Management (CPM)

The EC-Council’s Certified Project Management certification course is for project managers who want to benchmark their skills through hands-on experience and across various management techniques and tools necessary to successfully and efficiently manage complex projects. The course includes on-demand instructor-led training videos, online CyberQ Labs, a continuing education video subscription, and live instructor-led training in-person or online. You can select from three course options: the basic package includes a single video course, labs, e-courseware and the certification exam, while the mid-tier package adds on the CodeRed continuing education video subscription and live instructor training. The top-tier package includes an additional certification course, exam insurance, and online exam prep.

Price: $999 for the single video course package, $2,999 for the unlimited video courses, or $3,499 for the full live-course bundle.

Requirements: No prerequisites needed.

PRINCE2 Agile Foundation/Agile Practitioner

The PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner certifications offered by Axelos are designed for those working in Agile environments, and validate your knowledge of PRINCE2 governance requirements, Agile concepts, and techniques. The Foundation cert covers the fundamentals of the PRINCE2 method, governance requirements, and Agile concepts such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean Start-up, and Cynefin. Once you pass the Foundation cert, you’ll be eligible for the PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner cert, which takes the foundational knowledge covered in the first exam and validates your ability to apply it in real-world management examples.

Price: Varies based on location.

Requirements: No requirements for the Foundation exam but you’ll need to pass the Agile Foundation exam to qualify for the Agile Practitioner exam.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The gold standard in PM certs, the Project Management Professional offered by PMI is a rigorous test that covers everything you need to prove your knowledge and skill in managing the triple constraints: time, cost, and scope. The certification validates your project leadership experience and expertise, and demonstrates your capabilities to help organizations work more efficiently. The exam covers topics such as managing conflict, building and leading effective teams, training and empowering team members and stakeholders, executing projects to deliver business value, assessing and managing risks, and planning and managing budgets and resources. For more about the PMP, and tips on how to pass it, see PMP certification: How to ace the Project Management Professional exam.

Price: Computer-based exams are $425 for PMI members and $675 for non-members.

Requirements: There are three levels of requirements: Set A requires a high school diploma, minimum of five years’ experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years, and 35 hours of project management education or training. Set B requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, three years’ experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years, and 35 hours of project management education or training. Set A and B can also be satisfied with a CAPM certification, PMI Authorized On-Demand PMP Exam Prep, or Instructor-Led PMP course. And the last set of requirements is a bachelor’s degree or higher from a GAC accredited program, two years’ experience leading and managing projects within the past eight years, and 35 hours of project management or training.

Professional in Project Management (PPM)

The PPM is a mid-tier credential from GAQM whose PM certifications focus on a broad knowledge base and emphasize effective resource allocation, clear direction, adaptability to change, effective communication, and assurance of quality deliverables at minimal risk. The cert covers how to plan, execute, control, and complete project schedules, and how to develop project measures, approach project control, and lead project teams. The PPM is targeted at intermediate to experienced project managers involved in risk and crisis management, and in day-to-day PM.

Price: $340

Requirements: GAQM body of knowledge study and e-course. No formal education or experience requirements, but candidates should have at least some project management experience to pass the exam.

Expert project management certifications

Certified Project Director (CPD)

The Certified Project Director certification is GAQM’s highest-level PM cert. This designation is designed for experienced project managers involved in directing multiple complex projects and programs. The certification focuses on managing, budgeting, and determining scope for multiple projects, multiple project teams, and assessing and mitigating interdependent risks to deliver projects successfully. The CDP program is only for those who have significant project management experience.

Price: $280

Requirements: Qualified candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or post-graduate degree or global equivalent, and must hold one of the following certifications: a PPM certification from GAQM, a PMP certification from PMI, a PRINCE2 Practitioner certification from APMG, or a CPM certification from GIAC. 

Master Project Manager (MPM) 3

The American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) has modeled the Master Project Manager (MPM) after the professional licensure model that many professions such as pilots, engineers, doctors, and lawyers follow. The AAPM focuses on professional project managers, but also includes professionals with business and technical management responsibilities. The MPM certification is aimed at senior project managers and project directors who have an undergraduate or master’s degree.  

Price: $300 for application, review, processing, initiation, and certification.

Requirements: Three years of PM experience and training. Waivers available for professionals holding a master’s degree or other qualified training and experience, and for military or project management instructors.

Program Management Professional (PgMP)

The Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification offered by the PMI is designed for program managers who are senior-level practitioners responsible for advancing the organization’s strategic goals. Candidates for this exam should have extensive experience managing multiple related projects, and navigating complex environments across different departments, job functions, regions, or cultures to align results with organizational goals. The exam covers topics including strategic program management, program lifecycles, benefits management, stakeholder management, and governance.

Price: $800 for members and $1,000 for non-members.

Requirements: A secondary degree or global equivalent, 48 months of PM experience or a PMP certification, and 84 months of program management experience within the past 15 years. Those with a four-year degree will need 48 months of PM experience or a PMP certification, and 48 months of PM experience within the past 15 years.

Data visualization platform Tableau is one of the most widely used tools in the rapidly growing business intelligence (BI) space, and individuals with skills in Tableau are in high demand.

In its Data Visualization Tools Market Report 2026, released in July, The Business Research company forecast the global data visualization tools market would grow from $10.73 billion in 2026 to $17.33 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 12.7%, driven by growing adoption of augmented analytics, rising demand for embedded analytics solutions, expansion of cloud-native data platforms, increasing use of visualization in AI-driven insights, and a growing focus on predictive and prescriptive analytics.

Tableau is consistently listed as a leader in the BI industry, helping business users better access, prepare, and present data insights. And with the market for data visualization rising, and Tableau’s position well established, certification for Tableau skills can present a lucrative path to career growth. Here’s a guide to Tableau’s array of certifications.

Why get Tableau certified?

According to Pearson VUE’s 2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report, 99% of the 500 global IT and HR leaders surveyed said their organization measures ROI of certifications, and 93% reported positive results. Estimated per-employee value averaged about $17,500 annually and 88% of respondents said they expect certifications will matter more to their organization in three to five  years.

Tableau’s certifications, in particular, focus on performance-based testing rather than theory in an effort to verify a candidate’s ability to apply the subject matter in a real work environment.

Benefits of Tableau certification

Individuals who’ve obtained Tableau certification say Tableau skills remain in-demand in the job market, and adding Tableau certification to their CVs has helped them gain the attention of hiring managers.

Tableau has also become the go-to tool for data visualization in many enterprises. Nothing outdoes knowledge and experience when it comes to actually landing a job, but a certification can help you stand out and get an interview in the first place. Even those who use Tableau in their jobs regularly say that preparing for the certification exams has helped them learn new capabilities of the tool, and challenged them to think through design and storytelling in different ways.

Tableau says certification has key benefits such as learning in-demand data skills, helping your company be more data-driven, gaining confidence and data literacy, and increasing earning potential.

Career opportunities with Tableau certification

The high demand for data visualization in the enterprise translates into high demand for Tableau professionals. Tableau roles in high demand include:

• Tableau analyst: These professionals use Tableau software to create reports and presentations to communicate complex information.
• Tableau developer: Those who create interactive dashboards and reports.
• Tableau architect: This role designs and maintains the technical infrastructure to effectively use Tableau in the enterprise.
• Tableau consultant: Consultants focus on integrating Tableau’s capabilities within organizations.
• Tableau software trainer: These people enhance data literacy across organizations so employees can make better use of Tableau.
• Tableau visualization expert: These professionals combine analytics and art to make interactive dashboards pop.
• Tableau BI manager: These leaders drive BI strategy, combining technical know-how and strategic vision to give senior management a view of critical business metrics.

A Tableau certification can help you gain and enhance numerous skills demanded by data-driven enterprises, including:

• Data visualization and storytelling: The core capability of a Tableau data analyst is communicating complex data in a clear, engaging manner. They can create visualizations that help stakeholders intuitively grasp insights from data.
• Technical proficiency: Preparing for certification helps data analysts grasp the depth and breadth of Tableau’s capabilities, with understanding of elements like data blending, custom geocoding, and advanced calculations.
• Analytical and critical thinking: Certification requires candidates understand data preparation, cleaning, and transformation, and they must be skilled in SQL, data warehousing processes, and ETL processes.

Tableau certification salaries

Here are some of the most popular job titles related to Tableau certifications and average salary for each position, according to 2026 data from PayScale:

• Data analyst: $56,000-$99,000 (median $74,000)
• Data visualization specialist: $68,000-$149,000 (median $96,000)
• Business intelligence analyst: $62,000-$111,000 (median $82,000)
• Senior data analyst: $77,000-$128,000 (median $98,000)
• BI developer: $72,000-$124,000 (median $93,000)
• Data scientist: $77,000-$142,000 (median $101,000)
• Analytics manager: $82,000-$136,000 (median $109,000)
• Analytics consultant: $81,000-$133,000 (median $92,000)

Tableau certification levels

Tableau offers five certifications, including an associate certification — Certified Tableau Desktop Foundations — and four professional certifications: Certified Tableau Architect, Certified Tableau Consultant, Certified Tableau Data Analyst, and Certified Tableau Server Administrator. The associate certification is for entry-level candidates and demonstrates basic knowledge. The professional certifications are for candidates with a higher level of expertise. They require advanced skills and a deeper understanding of Tableau’s features.

Which is the right Tableau certification level for your career goals?

Choosing a Tableau certification to pursue depends on your career goals. As an associate certification, the Certified Tableau Desktop Foundations certification is likely the certification you should pursue.

From there, it depends on your professional goals. The more advanced certifications are:

• Certified Tableau Data Analyst: Choose this if you’re a data analyst, business analyst, or other business user using Tableau to analyze data and make business decisions.
• Certified Tableau Server Administrator: Choose this if you’re an IT professional, systems administrator, or consultant focused on installing, configuring, and administering Tableau Server.
• Certified Tableau Consultant: Choose this if you’re a consultant focused on helping customers design an analytics solution within the Tableau platform.
• Certified Tableau Architect: Choose this if you’re an experienced professional focused on implementing Tableau, as well as best practices and maintenance of the overall Tableau ecosystem.

Certified Tableau Foundations

The Certified Tableau Desktop Foundations certification, formerly Tableau Desktop Specialist certification, validates a foundational knowledge of Tableau Desktop and data analytics to solve problems. It demonstrates understanding of Tableau core concepts and terminology, and the ability to connect to, prepare, explore, and analyze data, as well as share insights. Candidates must have at least three months of experience applying their knowledge in Tableau Desktop. The certification doesn’t expire.

Exam: 70-minute exam consisting of 40 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions.

Cost: $75

Training and practice tests: There are no prerequisites, but several training resources can help you prepare:

• Tableau recommends its two-day Tableau Desktop I: Fundamentals course, which it offers via live virtual classes ($1,200 per participant).
• Tableau offers eight free Learn Tableau Desktop videos.
• Udemy offers a number of resources, including Tableau Desktop Foundations Certification Exam Prep 2026 and Tableau Desktop Foundations Exam Practice Tests 2026.

Certified Tableau Server Administrator

The Certified Tableau Server Administrator certification, formerly Tableau Server Certified Associate, is intended for people with a comprehensive understanding of Tableau Server functionality in a single-machine environment, and approximately six months of experience. Typical roles include system administrators and consultants. Individuals with this title can plan a deployment; install and configure Tableau Server; administer users, groups, projects, and content; and backup, restore, upgrade, and troubleshoot Tableau Server problems. The title is active for two years from the date achieved.

Exam: 90-minute exam consisting of 55 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions.

Cost: $200

Training and practice tests: There are no prerequisites, but several training resources can help you prepare:

• The  Certified Tableau Server Administrator Exam Guide provides information about the target audience, recommended training and documentation, and a complete list of exam objectives.
• Tableau recommends its three-day Tableau Server Administration course, which it offers via live virtual classes ($2,700 per participant). There’s also free, on-demand training, though the company cautions the self-paced training isn’t intended to mirror the full, instructor-led course.
• Udemy offers a number of resources, including Salesforce Certified Tableau Server Administrator Exam Prep and Salesforce Tableau Server Admin Exam Prep 2026.

Certified Tableau Data Analyst

This certification, formerly the Tableau Certified Data Analyst certification, is part of the analyst learning path. The exam measures the candidate’s knowledge of the capabilities of Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep, and either Tableau Server or Tableau Online. People with this cert have proven ability to connect to data sources, perform data transformations, explore and analyze data, and create meaningful visualizations that answer key business questions. The Tableau Certified Data Analyst title is active for two years from the date achieved.

Exam: A 105-minute exam of 60 multiple-choice and multiple select questions, as well as five non-scored questions.

Cost: $200

Training and practice tests: There are no prerequisites, but several training options can help you prepare for the exam:

• The Certified Tableau Data Analyst Exam Guide covers the domain objectives in the exam and provides several practice questions.
• Tableau recommends its two-day Tableau Desktop I: Fundamentals and two-day Tableau Desktop II: Intermediate courses, both offered via live virtual classes ($1,200 and $1,800 per participant, respectively).
• At the moment, Udemy offers the Tableau Data Analyst Certification Prep 2026 course for $9.99.

Certified Tableau Consultant

The Certified Tableau Consultant certification, formerly the Tableau Certified Consultant certification, is for those who engage with customers and lead the design of an analytics solution with the Tableau platform. It validates core Tableau knowledge and development skills of employees, partners, customers, and freelancers who need to work with Tableau products like Tableau Prep, Desktop, Cloud, Server, and Bridge. There are no prerequisites to the exam and the certification is valid for two years.

Exam: 105-minute exam consisting of 60 multiple-choice and multiple-select items, and up to five non-scored questions.

Cost: $200

Training and practice tests: There are no prerequisites, but several training resources can help you prepare:

• The Certified Tableau Consultant Exam Guide provides information about the target audience, the recommended training and documentation, and a complete list of exam objectives.
• The curriculum of the Analyst Learning Path training includes getting started with Tableau, connecting to and transforming data, creating views and dashboards, exploring and analyzing data, and publishing and managing content.
• The Designer Learning Path curriculum includes getting started with Tableau Desktop, Tableau fundamentals, Tableau intermediate, visual analytics, and dashboard design.

Certified Tableau Architect

The Certified Tableau Architect certification, formerly the Tableau Certified Architect certification, is intended for experienced professionals who lead the design of a Tableau Server deployment or a Tableau Cloud migration. They have skills and experience designing, deploying, monitoring, and maintaining a scalable Tableau platform and migrations to Tableau Cloud. They also implement complex deployments of Tableau Server in enterprise-level environments. The certification validates core Tableau knowledge and hands-on development skills. There are no prerequisites to the exam and the certification is valid for two years.

Exam: 105-minute exam consisting of 59 multiple-choice and multiple-select items.

Cost: $400

Training and practice tests: There are no prerequisites, but several training resources can help you prepare:

• The Certified Tableau Architect Exam Guide provides information about the target audience, the recommended training and documentation, and a complete list of exam objectives.

• The Site Admin Learning Path training includes getting started with Tableau Server and Tableau Cloud basics, introduction to site administration, site management, site monitoring and maintenance, and content ownership.
• The Server Admin Learning Path includes getting started with Tableau Server and server administration.
• The Server Architect Learning Path includes getting started with Tableau Basics and Tableau Server Enterprise Deployment Guide.

Tips and strategies to pass the Tableau certification exam

Tableau offers free exam prep guides for its certification exams. These guides provide overviews of each exam and its structure, how it’s scored, and a list of recommended training and resources. The guide explains the skills the exam measures along with some sample questions. Use the list of skills measured as a checklist of the subjects you need to study for the exam.

The recommended training and resources include Tableau’s learning paths and videos designed to train candidates for a particular role.

Real-world examples to practice your Tableau skills

Tableau has published a set of five common advanced analytics scenarios and resources to show how Tableau can be used for data analysis. These include:

• Segmentation and cohort analysis: Feature resources include clustering and set actions.
• Scenario and what-if analysis: Feature resources include parameters and stories.
• Sophisticated calculations and statistical functions: Feature resources include functions in Tableau and LOD expressions.
• Time-series and predictive analysis: Feature resources include time-series analysis and forecasting.
• External services integration: Feature resources include Tableau + Python (TabPy) and Tableau + MATLAB.

For more detail, Tableau has published a whitepaper on advanced analytics with Tableau.

Business analysts help organizations make the most of the data they collect by finding trends, patterns, and errors that might otherwise go unnoticed. Successful business analysts have the skills to work with data, the acumen to understand the business side of the organization, and the ability to communicate that information to people outside of IT. Certifications provide a great way to prove your business analyst bona fides or get started in the field.

Business analytics is a lucrative role in IT, with an average entry-level salary of $80,692 per year. Throughout their careers, business analysts report average salaries ranging from $58,000 to $114,000 per year, according to PayScale. If you want to advance your business analyst career, or change career paths, here are 12 certifications that will help prove your mettle. Not finding what you’re looking for? Check out our list of big data and data analytics certifications.

Top 12 business analyst certifications

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
• IIBA Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)
• IIBA Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA)
• IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
• IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (AAC)
• IIBA Certification in Business Data Analytics (CBDA)
• IQBBA Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst (CFLBA)
• IQBBA Certified Advanced Level Business Analyst (CALBA)
• IQBBA Certified Agile Business Analyst (CABA)
• IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE)
• PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PBA)
• Salesforce Certified Business Analyst

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a vendor-neutral certification that certifies your skills and ability to draw valuable insights from complex data sets to help guide strategic businesses decisions. There are three levels of the exam — the essentials, pro, and expert certifications. Essentials is for entry-level analytics professionals, Pro is for mid-career analytics practitioners, and Expert is aimed at senior analytics leaders and directors. Depending on the level of certification, each has different requirements ranging from no-prerequisites at the Essentials level to advanced degrees to qualify for the Expert certification.

• Essentials exam fee: $195 for INFORMS members, $275 for non-members
• Professional exam fee: $325 for INFORMS members, $460 for non-members
• Expert exam fee: $440 for INFORMS members, $640 for non-members

IIBA Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)

The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) is the first level of certification with the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), it’s designed for less experienced and entry-level business analysts. You will need to complete at least 21 hours of professional training credits, within the past four years, before you will be eligible for the exam. You don’t have to renew your ECBA certification, but it’s assumed you’ll move on to the second or third levels of certification.

• Exam fee: $395

For more, see our guide on the ECBA.

IIBA Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA)

Level 2 of the IIBA certification, the Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) requires a minimum 3,750 hours of business analytics work aligned with the IIBA’s BABOK guide in the past 7 years, 900 hours in two of six BABOK knowledge areas, or 500 hours in four of six BABOK knowledge areas. The certification also requires a minimum of 21 hours of professional development training in the past four years and two professional references. The CCBA exam consists of 130 multiple-choice questions that are scenario-based and require some analysis. It covers fundamentals, underlying competencies, key concepts, techniques, and all six knowledge areas covered in the BABOK.

• Application fee: $145
• Exam fee: $240 for members, $405 for non-members

IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification is the third level of certification with IIBA and is designed for “individuals with extensive business analysis experience.” To qualify for this certification, you’ll need a minimum of 7,500 hours of business analyst work experience in the past 10 years, 900 hours of work experience hours within four of the six BABOK knowledge areas, at least 35 hours of professional development in the past four years and professional references. The exam is 3.5 hours long and includes 120 multiple-choice questions based on case studies. After you pass, you’ll need to report at least 60 hours of continuing development units every three years.

• Application fee: $145
• Exam fee: $350 for members, $505 for non-members

For more, see our guide on the CBAP.

IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (AAC)

The agile methodology has been rising in importance for business analysts over the past several years, according to the IIBA. The association’s competency-based Agile Analysis Certification (AAC) exam was designed to address this skillset and to certify business analyst professionals working in agile environments, which require fast adaption and rapid change. The exam was developed using the Agile Extension to the Business Analysis Book of Knowledge (BABOK) guide and released in May 2018 as a standalone certification and is separate from the other IIBA business analyst certifications, which stack on top of one another. The exam’s four main topics include agile mindset (30%), strategy horizon (10%), initiative horizon (25%) and delivery horizon (35%). There aren’t any eligibility requirements to take the exam, but the IIBA recommends at least two to five years of agile-related experience.

• Exam fee: $250 for members, $405 for non-members

IIBA Certification in Business Data Analytics (CBDA)

The Certification Business Data Analytics (IIBA-CBDA) from the IIBA is a certification that “recognizes your ability to effectively execute analysis-related work in support of business analytics initiatives.” To pass the exam, you will need to examine a real-world business problem, identify the data sources and how to obtain data, analyze the data, interpret and report results from the data. You’ll then need demonstrate how those results can influence business decision-making and guide company-level strategies for business analytics.

• Exam fee: $250 for members, $405 for non-members

IQBBA Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst (CFLBA)

The International Qualifications Board for Business Analysts (IQBBA) offers the Certified Foundation Level Business Analysis (CFLBA) as an entry-level certification, which will qualify you to earn higher levels of certification. It’s a globally recognized certification with accredited exam and training centers across the world. It’s designed for “people involved in analyzing business processes within an organization, modeling businesses and process improvement.” The foundation level covers enterprise analysis, business analysis process planning, requirements elicitation, requirements analysis, solution validation, tools and techniques, innovation, and design.

• Exam fee: $215

IQBBA Certified Advanced Level Business Analyst (CALBA)

The IQBBA Certified Advanced Level Business Analysis certification offers an advanced-level qualification for those who have passed the entry-level CFLBA exam. At this level, you’ll gain skills in business analysis process management, strategic analysis and optimization, and requirements management. Learning modules focus on enhancing the skills gained at the foundational level, deepening your knowledge of more advanced skills that will be necessary in your career.

• Exam fee: $215

IQBBA Certified Agile Business Analysis (CABA)

The IQBBA Certified Agile Business Analyst certification is another foundational-level qualification designed for anyone who wants to strengthen their business analysis skills with a focus on the Agile framework. The course covers how to recognize the role of a BA in agile software development projects, contribute to agile software teams, understand the principles of agile business analysis, and employ BA techniques in an enterprise setting. In addition to BA principles, the course and certification cover agile skills as well, including the 12 principles of the Agile Manifesto and how they intertwine with BA methods.

• Exam fee: $215

IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE)

The International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB) offers the Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE) certification is designed for those working in requirements engineering (RE), and it’s offered at three levels. The Foundation Level is first, where you’ll be certified in the basics of RE. The Practitioner Level is next, where you can choose between four paths, including management, modeling, elicitation, and RE@Agile followed by Specialist level in the same four pathways. Finally, the Expert Level certifies you at the “highest level of expert knowledge,” which includes both your hands-on experience as well as your knowledge and skills gained through previous certifications.

Your certification will not expire, and you will not need to renew it. The IREB states that the CPRE is “based on the fundamental methods and approaches of Requirements Engineering, and these alter only slowly,” so at this time, they don’t see a need for renewal.

• Exam fee: Varies by testing center

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Certification

The PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) certification is designed for business analysts who work with projects or programs, or project and program managers who work with analytics. It’s offered through the Project Management Institute, which specializes in widely recognized project management certifications, such as the PMP. The certification focuses on business analysis training through hands-on projects and testing on business analysis principles, tools and fundamentals.

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need at least three years’ experience, or 4,500 hours, in business analysis consecutively within the past eight years to earn this certification. Without a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need five years or 7,500 hours experience.

You’ll be required to earn 60 professional development units within three years after completing the certification to maintain your renewal status. If you let your renewal lapse, your credentials will be suspended for one year until you fulfill the requirements — after that, it will be terminated and you’ll need to reapply.

• Exam fee: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members

Salesforce Certified Business Analyst

The Salesforce Certified Business Analyst certification is a vendor-specific certification for business analysts — or similar roles — who work directly with Salesforce technology. The exam covers customer discovery, collaboration with stakeholders, business process mapping, requirements, user stories, and development support and user acceptance. You will need to pass a 60-question multiple choice question test and up to five additional unscored questions. While it’s not required, candidates should have around 2 years of business analyst experience and Salesforce Platform experience.

• Exam fee: $200