Learn data analysis
The best way to learn data analysis, ranked by what employers ask for
377 of 7,767 live roles ask for data analysis. 18 courses and certificates compared: paid, free with a certificate, free, and trusted videos. The best free start is Data Analysis with Python (freeCodeCamp).
Live roles ask
377
5% of the board
Options compared
18
courses & certificates
Four ways to learn it
Data analysis, from certified programme to free video
The best option of each kind, ranked on how well-regarded it is, what it costs to finish with a certificate, and how squarely it teaches this. The ringed one is where most people should start. Sponsorship plays no part.
Data analysis
377 live roles ask for it
Coursera
One of the strongest ways to learn data analysis
freeCodeCamp
Useful, with trade-offs
Microsoft Learn
Useful, with trade-offs
Luke Barousse
One of the strongest ways to learn data analysis
Who asks for it
Where data analysis is asked for
- Data86 roles
- Software engineering72 roles
- Sales36 roles
- Operations27 roles
Roles
Jobs that list it
Certifications
The ones postings name
- Tableau certification5 postings
Everything else
More ways to learn data analysis
Best first, with the verdict and what each costs.
- Start
- StartTake itCertified programmeGoogle Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Coursera
Free to auditCertificate~36 weeks - StartTake itCertified programmeMicrosoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate
Coursera
Free to auditCertificate - WatchWorth consideringTrusted videoPower BI for Data Analytics - Full Course for Beginners
Luke Barousse
Free8 h1.4M views - WatchWorth consideringTrusted videoPython for Data Analytics - Full Course for Beginners
Luke Barousse
Free11 h1.5M views - StartWorth consideringFree courseImplement a Data Analytics Solution with Azure Databricks
Microsoft Learn
Free7 h - WatchWorth consideringTrusted videoChatGPT for Data Analytics - Full Tutorial
Luke Barousse
Free34 min63K views - WatchWorth consideringTrusted videoSQL for Data Analytics – Intermediate Course + Project
Luke Barousse
Free6 h165K views
Often asked for together
Skills that come with data analysis
Questions
Learning data analysis
Is data analysis worth learning?
377 of the 7,767 live roles on insiderOne ask for it (5%), most often in data roles (86).
Can I learn data analysis for free?
Yes. Data Analysis with Python from freeCodeCamp is free, and so is its certificate. Of the options compared here, it is the best one that costs nothing.
What is the best way to learn data analysis?
For most people, Excel Basics for Data Analysis (Coursera, free to audit). It is ranked on how well-regarded it is, what it costs to finish with a certificate, and how squarely it teaches data analysis. Sponsorship plays no part.
Which data analysis certification do employers ask for?
Tableau certification is named in 5 live postings.
Your own plan
Data analysis is one skill. Which ones is your next role missing?
Tell insiderOne where you're headed and it reads the live board for the gaps between you and it, then ranks a way to learn each one for your budget. Free to start.
Counts from 7,767 live roles, updated 13 September 2026.