publication on “The Shape of Analytics
Certification.” While many of the newer
degrees in analytics incorporate much
of the same components in their curricular program, other related degrees may
focus more on providing depth in one or
more technical skill areas. The scope of
relevant skills emerged from the CAP
job task analysis (JTA), a methodological approach to determining what should
be tested, that was developed to be a
market-driven assessment of necessary
skill areas for analytics professionals.
In addition to addressing breadth of
knowledge, the CAP certification tests
skills, which can be defined as “the ability to use one’s knowledge effectively
and readily in execution or performance.”
This means that not only has the individual learned the knowledge through
formal or informal education, but they
also demonstrate proficiency in the application of that knowledge. While casebased interviewing is possible, it is tricky.
So, while employers can ask a more concrete question such as familiarity with a
particular algorithm, assessing whether a
candidate knows when and how to apply
this algorithm is tougher. The CAP tests
this kind of scenario through the domains
of business problem framing and methodology selection. Finally, students often
learn the fundamentals in academic environments, which may not suffer from
A NA L Y T I C S
The 5 E’s in CAP
Many of the questions we receive
from prospective applicants focus on the Exam, which tests skills
and knowledge listed in the JTA.
However, we would like to emphasize the importance of the other
four E’s to employers and clients of
analytics professionals. In order to
apply for certification and take the
exam, a candidate must demonstrate that they possess the necessary Education (B.S. or higher)
and analytics-related Experience (3-7 years, depending on level
of degree and field of study).
Additionally, they must demonstrate
Effectiveness, by having their soft
skills validated by a current or
former employer or client. Finally,
they must agree to abide by a written Code of Ethics.
the rigors of data that are often dirty,
incomplete, messy, big, etc.
The JTA covers the entire analytic
life cycle, starting with the problem,
working through the data, and finishing
with model deployment and monitoring, thus addressing the challenges of
real-world problems. Through a shared
understanding of criteria and standards
across the work environment, those
employing analytics professionals will
have greater confidence and assurance of organizational and individual
qualifications.
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