CompTIA Data + Independent Study

CompTIA Data+ is a certification for people who are starting a career in data analytics. It shows that you have the skills to turn raw data into useful information. With this certification, you can learn how to study data, understand what it means, and explain it clearly to others. These skills help you solve real business problems, stand out to employers, and help your company make smart, data-driven decisions.

Data Concepts and Environments (20%)

• Understand basic data concepts like database types, data structures, file types, and data types.
• Know different data sources such as databases, APIs, websites, files, logs, and repositories.
• Understand infrastructure basics like cloud systems, on-premise systems, storage, and containers.
• Identify common data tools like coding programs, business intelligence (BI) software, and analysis platforms.
• Understand basic AI concepts, including AI models, natural language processing, and robotic automation.

Data Acquisition and Preparation (22%)

• Gather and combine data using queries and data integration methods.
• Explore data to find missing values, duplicates, extra data, or outliers.
• Clean and prepare data by merging, formatting, parsing, and correcting errors.

Data Analysis (24%)

• Share results in ways that fit different audiences.
• Use basic statistics to study and understand data.
• Fix problems in your analysis using tools and other resources.

Visualization and Reporting (20%)

• Create clear visuals like charts, maps, and tables.
• Build dashboards or summaries to share results.
• Check your work to make sure reports are correct and accurate.

Data Governance (14%)

• Understand data management practices like documentation, version control, and data tracking.
• Know basic rules for data retention, audits, and regulations.
• Compare ways to protect data, such as access control, encryption, and masking.
• Support data quality by testing, monitoring, and reviewing data.

Recommended Level of Digital Skills

Students should be able to:

• Use Microsoft Excel with confidence, including formulas, charts, and pivot tables
• Work comfortably with large spreadsheets and datasets
• Create clear visual reports using presentation software
• Understand basic database concepts and run simple queries
• Organize and analyze numbers and data effectively

Other Recommended Prior Learning

Students should:

• Have high school–level math skills, including basic statistics like mean, median, and mode
• Understand different types of data and how data is organized
• Be familiar with charts, graphs, and basic data visualization concepts
• Have basic knowledge of SQL or simple database queries
• Be interested in analytics, business intelligence, or using data to make decisions

Recommended Prerequisite CompTIA Certifications (or Similar Learning)

• No prior CompTIA certifications are required.
• CompTIA Tech+ can be helpful for students who are new to technology.
• Similar experience may come from statistics classes, data science clubs, spreadsheet projects, or business courses.

Course is offered as a virtual independent study or virtual independent study on demand (includes a CompTIA instructor). 

For our independent study and on-demand CompTIA courses, there is no set start date. These courses are offered all year long. Students can begin as soon as their enrollment is complete.

When we post these courses on CareerForce, we are required to enter a start date. This date is only for the posting and does not mean the class starts on that day.

Course must be completed within three months of receiving materials and the exam is to be completed a month after completing the course. If an exam retake is needed, it must be taken within two months of the previous exam. Both the course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates with no extensions.

Certification renewal every three years from date of the exam.

You should have basic knowledge of Windows 11 and Excel before taking this course. To check your skills, please complete the assessment here. Only complete the Windows 11 and Excel sections. If you already have a NorthStar account, you can log in. If not, simply enter your first and last name to get started.

Level: Intermediate 

After you complete our course and pass the exam, we offer career exploration and job support through our MTFS Gather Program.