What Is Data Architect Certification?

Data architects are responsible for designing and organizing ways to store raw data for a company or organization to ensure its accuracy and accessibility. As a data architect, you may design databases, choose the best database management system for your company's needs, ensure data privacy measures are met, or conduct an audit of data management systems, among other tasks. Explore some of the certification options available and how to choose the right one to help you prepare for this career.

Or, if you're ready to launch your career in data architecture with an industry leader, earn the IBM Data Architect Professional Certificate. In as little as four months, you'll learn to implement data security measures and governance, design databases for specific needs, and learn to use industry-standard tools like Kafka, Spark, and Airflow.

Popular data architect certifications

A bachelor’s degree is usually required to get a job as a data architect, but it’s also helpful to have certifications in the field to stand out from other job candidates.

Review your certification options to decide which ones work for you. You may even want to consider multiple certifications to improve your knowledge of various topics for data architects.

1. AWS Certified Data Engineer - Specialty

The AWS Certified Data Engineer Specialty certification shows your knowledge of AWS data-related services. You can test your ability to transform data, design data models, ensure data quality, and other tasks within the AWS environment.

Requirements: No requirements. Recommendations include two to three years of previous data engineering experience, including practical experience with AWS services.

Cost (US): $150, although you can get a discount if you’ve earned other AWS certifications.

2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert tests your understanding of data storage solutions, infrastructure solutions, and issues related to monitoring and governance.

Requirements: No requirements. Recommendations include advanced experience with IT operations, Azure administration, Azure development, and DevOps processes.

Cost (US): $165

3. Google Professional Cloud Architect

The Google Professional Cloud Architect certification allows you to show off your understanding of Google Cloud architecture. The exam tests your knowledge of designing and planning cloud solution architecture, analyzing technical and business processes, and more.

Requirements: No requirements. Recommendations include previous experience with at least one year of designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud.

Cost (US): $200

4. IBM Certified Architect - Cloud Pak for Data V4.7

This certification tests your ability to use Cloud Pak for Data to design data and AI solutions in a hybrid cloud environment. The exam covers topics such as AI, analytics, data governance, and data sources.

Requirements: You must pass the IBM Cloud Pak for Data V4.7 Architect exam. 

Cost (US): $200

5. Arcitura Big Data Architect

The Arcitura Big Data Architect certification exam tests your knowledge of big data architecture within IT enterprises and cloud-based fields. It covers data pipelines, architecture layers, and design patterns.

Requirements: The Big Data Architect Certification Exam must be completed with a passing grade.

Cost: $249

Who should get data architect certification?

Data architect certification is ideal for data professionals who want to gain new skills or show their proficiency in skills essential for the field. These credentials help you find new opportunities, confirm your technical skills, and keep up with new practices in data architecture.

How to get data architect certification

Before pursuing a certification, follow these steps to determine if a data architect certification is right for you.

1. Choose the right certification

You’ll find plenty of options for data architect certifications, so reviewing your choices and finding those that fit your needs is important. Consider the following:

• Experience level: Some certifications are suitable for entry-level data architects, while others may cater to data architects with more experience.

• Industry: Data architects work in various industries, and some certifications are appropriate for specific ones such as health care, finance, or e-commerce.

• Career goals: Some data architect certification programs help you learn quickly about a topic to fulfill a short-term career goal, or you may choose from more in-depth certifications that can help you in the long term.

2. Review certification requirements

Certifications have different recommendations or requirements, such as years of experience, previous work with a specific type of software, or completion of another certification. Make sure you know what is recommended or required so you’re set up for success.

3. Enroll in preparatory courses

Consider registering for preparatory courses before taking a certification exam to help you study. Some certification programs may offer prep courses or prep kits as part of an exam package, and you can also take classes online to help you prepare for a certification exam.

4. Create a study plan

You can treat a certification exam like other exams you’ve taken before and design a study plan to help you prepare for the exam. Create a study guide with notes, set up a specific study schedule, make up mock test questions, or find other exam takers to study with as part of your preparation.

5. Register for the exam

Each certification has its own registration process, so be sure to follow the specific instructions for each. Pay close attention to the exam cost and the estimated completion time.

What to expect on a data architect certification exam

Data architect certification exams usually include multiple-choice, multiple-response, or assessments.

You’ll also have to concentrate on specific topics depending on the certification, so review what is on the exam. Some certifications may cover specific topics like big data, while others cater to particular platforms like AWS Services.

Career opportunities with a data architect certification

The job outlook is good for data architects, with an expected 9 percent increase in data architect and administrator jobs between 2023 and 2033 [1]. Data architects can expect to earn a median annual salary of $117,450 [1].

Earning a data architect certification can help you increase your income or get more attention for your resume if you’re looking for a job. It can also help you build on your knowledge of data architecture and better prepare you to take on a job as a data architect.

Prepare for data architect certification with Coursera

If you're ready to start preparing for a role in data architecture, enroll in IBM's Data Architecture Professional Certificate program, designed to equip you with the skills you need to succeed in as little as four months. You'll work with industry standard tools like Airflow and Kafka and build in-demand skills like SQL, network security, and cloud computing, all while earning career credentials for your resume or LinkedIn profile.

You can also build your portfolio with the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certificate from Amazon on Coursera. The course covers implementing AWS services and designing architectural solutions to business challenges.