Certified Data Science Professional

Data Scientists use algorithms to extract information and insights from existing data for the purpose of driving business goals and solving problems. This is a job suited to those who are mathematically inclined, love problem-solving, have a knack for programming languages and are fascinated by big data.

Because the role of a Data Scientist incorporates domain expertise, maths and computer science, it’s important that you have a solid understanding of these aspects if you want to follow this lucrative career path.

The Certified Data Science Professional course has been designed to give you a solid understanding of what’s involved in the role of a Data Scientist, and will teach you the skills and knowledge employers are looking for today.

This course is ideal for:

• people entering the workforce for the first time or returning to the workforce who are looking for an entry-level role in data science; and

• people who are currently working but are looking to upskill or switch careers.

This course also addresses some common issues, such as:

• the wide world of data – What are the roles, tasks and responsibilities of a Data Scientist?

• core data concepts – How is relational, non-relational, big data and analytics implemented with Microsoft Azure?

• machine learning – How does a Data Scientist use machine learning to extract information from data?

• programming languages – What programming languages does a Data Scientist use?

• Azure services – How can Azure services be used to develop, train and deploy machine learning solutions?

After you've paid the fee, enrolled and received your login information, you'll be invited to attend an online orientation.

The dates for this course are all set, so once the start date commences, you’ll be able to access the course and get straight into the learning!

You’ll learn through:

1. StudySpot

StudySpot is the AIICT Learning Management System (LMS) and online portal for your studies. This is where you’ll access all study materials that will guide you through the course.

With a sleek, user-friendly look, the AIICT LMS has been designed to be super intuitive and easy to navigate. Here, you can monitor your progress compared to others in your cohort, while also keeping track of your study streak!

2. Mentoring and support

You’ll be allocated an experienced data science mentor. Your mentor is an industry expert with years of experience and it is their job to help and guide you throughout the duration of the course. They'll host some of the webinars you’ll participate in as part of the learning activities and will also work on arranging webinars hosted by other industry experts.

Your mentor will be available by email or via instant message using Teams.

3. Exams

There are four exams included in your course: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals and Microsoft Azure Data Science Associate.

When you’re ready, you’ll be emailed an exam voucher from AIICT that will allow you to access the exam. These exams can be sat in person or with remote testing.

Throughout the course, there’ll also be test exams to prepare you for the real thing, as well as quizzes.

4. Extra activities and resources

During your course, you’ll have the chance to test and hone your data science skills. There are interactive lab sessions for you to test your skills and knowledge, and you’ll have access to Microsoft Learn content sourced directly from Microsoft. You’ll be able to explore SQL, Python, R and Hadoop. Plus, you’ll gain hands-on experience by creating a capstone project. You’ll be required to undertake a live data challenge to build a capstone project for your portfolio, which will not only teach you practical skills but will also demonstrate your skills to potential future employers.

Here's some answers to the most commonly asked questions around this course.

• Who is this course delivered by?

  This course has been created by the Australian Institute of ICT (AIICT), which is part of the DDLS family. DDLS is the largest provider of IT training in Australia and has a history spanning 25 years.

  The focus of AIICT is on providing high-quality training to people who are looking to launch or further their career in IT.

  Open Colleges is the authorised reseller of this course on behalf of DDLS.  We are authorised to market and advertise this course, and facilitate your enrolment including taking payment of the course fees on behalf of DDLS.

  AIICT will be responsible for delivering the course to you on their online platform, for any matters arising out of your enrolment (including support, assessments examinations, etc.) and for issuing any certificates of completion.  You should refer to AIICT with any questions or issues about your studies.

• What are the learning activities?

  In this course, AIICT have created learning assets which you can utilise to gain skills to fast-track your workplace success and grow your career.

  During this course, you’ll be tasked with creating a capstone project where you’ll undertake a live data challenge. You can add this completed project to your portfolio, and it will demonstrate your practical skills to potential future employers.

  Lab sessions are another activity where students gain critical hands-on skills and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter to prepare for exams. These exercises are quite varied and are dependent upon the stage of the course.

  You’ll also have access to video content and quizzes to test your knowledge.

• Are there any tests or exams?

  Yes. This course includes four exams: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals and Microsoft Azure Data Science Associate. For each exam that you successfully pass you’ll obtain an industry recognised Azure certificate from Microsoft.

  The cost of the exams (two attempts per exam) is included in the cost of the course. If you're required to retake the exam for a third time or more, there will be an additional cost payable by you to AIICT for this.

  Throughout the course, there’ll also be test exams to prepare you for the real thing, as well as quizzes

• Will I receive a certificate when I complete this course?

  You will receive four Azure certifications in globally recognised Microsoft course content after passing the four mandatory exams, as well as an AIICT Certified Data Science Professional certification.

  Please note, this program is not accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (i.e. it’s not a Certificate I - IV or Diploma).

• What are the minimum desktop and mobile requirements to view and access this course?

  While there are no prerequisites for the course, you’ll need to have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection.

• How do I access the course I purchased?

  Once you’ve purchased your course, you’ll receive an email within 48 hours from AIICT containing login information and simple instructions on how to get started and access your content within the AIICT online campus. You’ll also receive an online orientation that will help you prepare.

  If you have not received an email, please check your spam or junk folders within your email program to make sure it has not accidentally been filtered by your email program.

• What kind of support will I get during my course?

  As this course is delivered by AIICT, you’ll have the support of an experienced data science mentor. Their job will be to help and guide you throughout the duration of your course. Your mentor will be available by email or via instant message using Teams.

  You’ll also have the support of your cohort and you are free to discuss ideas or challenges with them.

  For any other post-enrolment support, such as technical support, you’ll need to contact AIICT directly.

• Do I need to take the course in a specific order?

  You’ll need to complete this course in the order it is presented in. This gives you an introduction and overview to the course, with each topic acting like a building block to prepare you for the next.

• Can I call Open Colleges over the phone to purchase this course?

  We do not facilitate the purchase of the Certified Data Science Professional course over the phone.  All enrolments for this course are online only.

• Are flexible payment options or government funding available?

  We do not offer payment plans or government funding for this course.

  The course price displayed includes GST and a 10% discount on the full course price. It must be paid in full upfront and no further discounts apply.

  If you still have any questions about the course price and alternate payment options, please submit an enquiry through the ‘Enquiries’ tab.

• Is my course refundable?

  Subject to your rights under the Consumer Law, after the initial cooling off period of seven calendar days (see here for more information), the course is non-refundable if you choose to cancel or withdraw from the course.

  We encourage you to carefully consider whether this course is suited to your needs prior to enrolling and then during the cooling off period and ensure that you have read the Terms and Conditions that apply.

• How long will my course take to complete?

  The Certified Data Science Professional course has a maximum duration of 12 months, so you’ll need to finish your course within that time frame.

• What is my course expiry date?

  Your course expiry date is 12 months from the date of your enrolment.

• Can I start the course at any time?

  No. This course has set start dates, but it is self-paced. This means you’ll have the flexibility to choose how and when you want to study, provided you complete within the required timeframe.

• Is there a cooling off period?

  Yes, there is a cooling off period of seven calendar days from the date of enrolment. This means you can withdraw from the course within this cooling off period and receive a refund of the course fees paid. AIICT will retain an administration fee of $600.

• Can I cancel this course?

  Yes. You can cancel your enrolment in the course at any time.

  Subject to your rights under the Consumer Law, after the initial cooling off period of seven days (see here for more information), the course is non-refundable if you choose to cancel your enrolment.

  We encourage you to carefully consider whether this course is suited to your needs prior to enrolling and then during the cooling off period and ensure that you have read the Terms and Conditions that apply.

• Are there any additional items, on top of course fees, that I will need to purchase if I undertake this course?

  Nothing further is required except access to a printer to print your PDFs from the available Resources section if desired.

• What are the jobs that I can expect to get after doing this course?

  The Certified Data Science Professional course has been designed to prepare you for a successful career as a Data Analyst, Data Scientist or Business Analyst. If you do not have any previous IT experience, you could expect to start in a junior role, and progress as you gain more experience.

  While Open Colleges and AIICT cannot guarantee you employment on completion of this course, you can participate in AIICT’s Industry Partner Program to connect with potential employers in the data science industry. 

• What is the Industry Partner Program?

  The Certified Data Science Professional course has been developed by AIICT in partnership with leading employers in Australia to prepare you for a successful career as a Data Analyst.

  After successfully completing this course and passing the exams, graduates will be eligible to join the Industry Partner Program, where AIICT connects you with businesses who are recruiting for data science security roles.

  As AIICT is part of the DDLS family, you’ll have the benefit of being connected to DDLS’s wide range of industry contacts through this program. While AIICT cannot guarantee you employment by utilising the Industry Partner Program, the program is designed to place you in front of prospective employers to give you a head start when looking for work.

• How old do I need to be in order to enrol for this course?

  You must be at least 18 years of age and reside in Australia to be eligible to purchase a short course.

• What are the terms and conditions of this course?

  Open Colleges have been authorised to sell this course on behalf of AIICT.  Your enrolment in the course is subject to Open Colleges’ Terms and Conditions. The OC Terms also incorporate the AIICT Student Enrolment Agreement.

  Our Privacy Policy will also apply and this details how we will collect, use and handle your personal information. In enrolling in the course you agree to and accept the terms of our Privacy Policy, including that we will provide your information to AIICT for the purposes of your enrolment in the course. AIICT’s Privacy Policy will also apply to how they collect, use and handle your information.

  It is important that you read all of these documents carefully before you enrol as these are legal terms that will apply to you. By enrolling in the course you agree to and accept the OC Terms and the AIICT Terms will apply.

Got a question on the Certified Data Science Professional course? We aim to answer your questions same business day.