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 Level: Intermediate

This course is offered in one of two ways:

• Virtual independent study: You complete the course online on your own schedule.
• Virtual independent study on demand: You complete the course online on your own schedule with support from a CompTIA instructor.

This course is delivered through the CompTIA virtual learning platform.

This course is available all year. You can start your course when your enrollment is complete.

When this course is posted on CareerForce, we are required to enter a start date. The date shown on CareerForce is only for the job posting. It is not the date your course starts.

• Complete the course: Within three months of receiving your course materials.
• Take the exam: Within one month after completing the course.
• Retake the exam, if needed: Within two months of your last exam.

Your course materials and exam vouchers have expiration dates. These dates cannot be extended.

You should have basic knowledge of Windows 11 and Microsoft Excel before taking this course.

This assessment is optional. You do not need to complete it.

If you would like to check your computer skills, you can take a free assessment here.

Please complete only these two sections:

• Windows 11
• Microsoft Excel

If you already have a Northstar Digital Literacy account, you can log in. If you do not have an account, enter your first and last name to get started.

Your certification must be renewed every three years from the date you take the exam.

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