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What is a Data Specialist?

Data Specialists are tasked with overseeing the development of new databases, monitoring database performance and interpreting raw data and turning it into usable feedback and applications. A Data Specialist knows what all the numbers and patterns mean and can communicate the findings in layman’s terms. In addition to drawing meaning from raw data, these individuals are also charged with collecting and cleaning up the data ensuring that the information is accurate and without error. Some Database Administrators specialize in specific systems or applications. Making sure confidential information is secure and available to those who need it is a top priority of Data Specialists.

Experience LevelBeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
Annual salary range*$45,630 $95,270$61,920 $127,360$95,270 $162,410
Job Postings*
26080
43160
15470
Number of certificates available at each level
3

CompTIA ITF+

SAS

Oracle

4

SAS

Oracle

IBM

Microsoft

4

SAS

Oracle

IBM

Microsoft

Experience LevelBeginnerIntermediateAdvanced

*CompTIA | Lightcast | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Note: Many employers don't specify any years of experience in job postings.

Job Titles
  • Database Specialist
  • Reporting Analyst
  • Data Analyst


Other IT Jobs You Can Get With Certifications
Required skills at this level
  • Ensure that organizational data is secure
  • Back up and restore data to prevent data loss
  • Identify user needs to create and administer databases
  • Make and test modifications to database structure when needed
  • Maintain databases and update permissions
  • Merge old databases into new ones
  • Analyze data to identify patterns and trends

Data Specialist Certifications

2-IT-data New Copy copy 5
CERT MAP-data-MOBILE
Step 1

CompTIA Certifications

Certifications like CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ can give you the background in IT that you need if you don’t already have it, to help launch your career as a Data Specialist.

CompTIA ITF+
CompTIA ITF+ Certification

The table below lists the domains measured by the full examination and the extent to which they are represented.

Domain and percentage of examination

Core 1 (220-1001)

1.0  Software 21%
2.0  Hardware 18%
3.0  Security 21%
4.0  Networking 16%
5.0  Basic IT Literacy 24%
Total 100%

Example Questions

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  • 6

A package-delivery service is working with address information, which contains a house number and a street name. What is the best data type to use for the house number?

A. Integer B. String C. Float D. Char

Why do laptops use a heat spreader instead of heatsinks in their cooling system?

A. Heatsinks are filled with liquid and not conducive to laptop mobility. B. Heatsinks require a lot of extra electricity to run. C. Heatsinks are bulky objects with a lot of height. D. Heatsinks are too expensive and reserved for high-end systems.

A senior manager of a regional office branch needs a payroll report of all staff, to calculate next year's budget. Which program is NOT useful for that?

A. Spreadsheet software B. Database software C. Accounting software D. Project management software

A website visitor realizes that an important notification is not showing because the browser has a pop-up blocker. What's the best thing to do?

A. Disable the pop-up blocker. B. Add an exception for this website. C. Use a different browser. D. Avoid visiting this website.

What does this pseudocode declare?

declare MinutesPerHour as Number = 60

A. A primary key B. An array C. A variable D. A constant

An attacker successfully connects to an open wireless access point, and proceeds to monitor and capture the plain text traffic on the network. Which of the following integrity concerns does this describe?

A. A Denial of Service (DoS) attack B. An impersonation attack C. A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack D. A replay attack
Step 2

Partner Certifications

CompTIA certifications establish a baseline foundation of skills that you can build upon with other vendor or technology-specific certifications.

SAS Certifications

Assess skills in the application of SAS to solve analytics and data management challenges. SAS credentials cover programming, analytics, advanced analytics, visual analytics, data management and more.

Oracle Certifications

Validate skills in Oracle solutions across cloud, software, and hardware products for a variety of key technical roles.

*CompTIA | Lightcast | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Note: Many employers don't specify any years of experience in job postings.

Job Titles


Other IT Jobs You Can Get With Certifications
Required skills at this level
  • Ensure that organizational data is accurate and secure
  • Back up and restore data to prevent data loss
  • Analyze data to identify patterns and trends
  • Create and use models and algorithms to organize and interpret big data
  • Work with a variety of programming languages
  • Interpret and clean up data
  • Train beginner data specialists

Data Specialist Certifications

2-IT-data New Copy copy 5
CERT MAP-data-MOBILE
Step 1

CompTIA Certifications

In addition to the recommended CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, certifications like CompTIA Data+ and CompTIA DataSys+ can prove you have the skills to take your career in data to the next level.

CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Data+

CompTIA Data+ validates data analyst skills, including mining, manipulating and visualizing data to facilitate decision making

Learn more
CompTIA DataSys+
CompTIA DataSys+

CompTIA DataSys+ validates data administrator skills, including how to deploy, manage and maintain high-availability systems.

Learn more
Step 2

Partner Certifications

CompTIA certifications establish a baseline foundation of skills that you can build upon with other vendor or technology-specific certifications.

SAS Certifications

Assess skills in the application of SAS to solve analytics and data management challenges. SAS credentials cover programming, analytics, advanced analytics, visual analytics, data management and more.

Oracle Certifications

Validate skills in Oracle solutions across cloud, software, and hardware products for a variety of key technical roles.

IBM Certifications

Prove proficiency in the latest IBM technology and solutions. They validate skills needed to perform role-related tasks and activities at a specified level of competence.

Microsoft Certifications

Assess skills in using Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and Power Platform. Within each technology or role-based grouping, certifications are awarded across four levels:
Fundamental
Associate
Expert
Specialty

*CompTIA | Lightcast | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Note: Many employers don't specify any years of experience in job postings.

Job Titles


Other IT Jobs You Can Get With Certifications
Required skills at this level
  • Analyze data to identify patterns and trends
  • Create and use models and algorithms to organize and interpret big data
  • Work with a variety of programming languages
  • Understand how to read and use the command line, which may include Linux
  • Keep up with new techniques and trends in analysis
  • Share findings with stakeholders in an uncomplicated way
  • Manage and train team

Data Specialist Certifications

2-IT-data New Copy copy 5
CERT MAP-data-MOBILE
Step 1

CompTIA Certifications

Earning certifications like CompTIA DataX can prove advanced level competency in the rapidly evolving field of data science.

CompTIA DataX
CompTIA DataX

CompTIA DataX is an advanced certification that confirms the skills necessary to utilize and analyze vast amounts of data, extract meaning and generate actionable insights.

Learn more
Step 2

Partner Certifications

CompTIA certifications establish a baseline foundation of skills that you can build upon with other vendor or technology-specific certifications.

SAS Certifications

Assess skills in the application of SAS to solve analytics and data management challenges. SAS credentials cover programming, analytics, advanced analytics, visual analytics, data management and more.

Oracle Certifications

Validate skills in Oracle solutions across cloud, software, and hardware products for a variety of key technical roles.

IBM Certifications

Prove proficiency in the latest IBM technology and solutions. They validate skills needed to perform role-related tasks and activities at a specified level of competence.

Microsoft Certifications

Assess skills in using Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365 and Power Platform. Within each technology or role-based grouping, certifications are awarded across four levels:
Fundamental
Associate
Expert
Specialty

CompTIA Learning and Training

CompTIA offers everything you need to prepare for your certification exam. Explore training developed by CompTIA with options that fit various learning styles and timelines. Whether you prefer self-study or classroom training, CompTIA has you covered.

View Training by Certification