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Core Data Analytics: Excel and Power BI Certificate Program for Accounting & Finance Professionals

Ten on-demand modules covering the Power BI tools in Microsoft Excel® — from data extraction and Power Query to DAX formulas, AI concepts, and dashboard visualization. Complete all ten to earn a professional certificate.

$249

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Program includes:

  • 10 on-demand webcast modules — 1 CPE credit each (10 CPE total upon completion)
  • Hands-on exercises using Power Query, Power Pivot, PivotTables, and DAX formulas
  • AI concepts in Excel including forecasting, trend analysis, and predictive modeling
  • Professional certificate awarded upon completion of all 10 modules
  • 12 months of access from date of purchase
  • Individual modules also available for separate purchase
Surgent Data Analytics professional certificate

Earn a professional certificate. Complete all ten modules to earn Surgent’s Core Data Analytics certificate — demonstrating in-demand Excel and Power BI skills to employers and hiring managers.

Prerequisite: 2+ years of working experience with Excel® is recommended before beginning this program.

Accounting professional using Excel and Power BI for data analytics
Interested in more data analytics courses? Browse all Data Analytics CPE

Accounting and finance professionals can set themselves apart from their colleagues and future-proof their careers by developing an expertise in data analytics. Professionals in both public accounting and industry can use these skills to review financial information, evaluate business performance, identify and manage risk, and analyze customer behavior to anticipate market trends.

This ten-part on-demand webcast series concentrates on the Power BI tools in Microsoft Excel® that enable accounting, auditing, and finance professionals to develop their own self-service data analysis. Complete all ten modules to earn a professional certificate — demonstrating to current employers and future hiring managers that you’ve got the right skills to bring value to their organization.

About Power BI in Microsoft Excel®

Used for: visualizing data, forecasting and analytics, and interactive reporting experiences.

  • Internal Q&A function within the application allows easy interaction between viewers.
  • Users can create personalized dashboards tailored to their organization’s data.
  • Connects to nearly any application or data source — literally hundreds of options — whether those resources live in the cloud or on-premises.
  • Power BI is simple to use, provides fast turnaround time and cost-saving measures.

Buying for a firm or team? Contact us for enterprise pricing.

What Topics and Skills Are Covered in Surgent’s Core Data Certificate?

10 on-demand modules • 1 CPE credit each • 10 CPE total upon completion of all modules

Module 1: Data Extraction and Data Sources

During this introductory module, participants will learn the basic terminology used in performing data analytics-based tasks and working with data analytics. You will gain an understanding of the sources of data and the importance of combining multiple sources, and be introduced to the basics of Microsoft’s Power Query.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 1

Module 2: Data Preparation using Get and Transform

This module will teach participants how to apply Power Query to extract, transform, and load data for analysis. You will learn how to manipulate data once it is loaded into the platform, and will practice cleaning and transforming a basic general ledger with an emphasis on preparing data for analysis.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 2

Module 3: Formulas, Named Ranges, and Formula Accounting

This course introduces participants to table functions in Excel and Power BI. You will practice applying named ranges and naming conventions to data, work through common formulas and functions within Excel, and learn about common pitfalls in formula implementation to avoid.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 3

Module 4: Excel Tables

This module teaches you to apply Excel and Power BI tools directly to tables. You will create named tables and structured references, enter formulas, and prepare tables for input into Power Query. You will also be introduced to descriptive statistics, with emphasis on mean, median, and standard errors.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 4

Module 5: Pivot Tables

This module provides hands-on practice using PivotTables in Excel. You will learn and apply skills to create, structure, and analyze data using PivotTables, discuss the benefits and limitations of PivotTables, and be introduced to Power Pivot and Online Analytics Processing within Power Pivot.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 5

Module 6: Data Modeling

This module focuses on Power Query, Power Pivot, and V-LOOKUP skills. You will learn how to join tables using various techniques and add-ons in Excel, maintain data integrity through hands-on exercises, and apply skills to create relationships and analyze data using Power Query.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 6

Module 7: Calculated Columns and Dimensions

This module focuses on using Excel with Power BI and Power Query to organize and analyze data. You will work with calculated columns generated from existing data, create calculated columns, add dimensions to data tables, and create hierarchies — with special attention paid to Star Schema analytical modeling and practical application to journal entry testing.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 7

Module 8: Advanced Formulas – Array Formulas and DAX Formulas

This module introduces formula arrays and DAX formulas in Power BI and Excel. You will learn to create and evaluate array formulas and DAX formulas, understand implicit or explicit intersections and measures, and work alongside the instructor to create calculated columns in Power Pivot using DAX and array formulas.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 8

Module 9: Artificial Intelligence – Basic Concepts in Excel

Module 9 is an introduction to artificial intelligence and how AI is utilized in Excel. You will be introduced to correlation and trend functions, the basics of linear regression, and AI functions in Excel — including forecasting, trend analysis, regression analysis, and predictive modeling.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 9

Module 10: Visualizations and Reporting

This module introduces data visualization and reporting using Power BI and Excel. You will understand how Power BI differs from previous Excel visualization functions, participate in a hands-on dashboarding exercise for journal entry testing, and learn the relationships among Power Query, Power Pivot, PivotTables, DAX formulas, and storyboarding.

1 CPE Credit

View Module 10

Want to pick and choose topics? Each of these 1-credit modules is also available for individual purchase. Note: professional certificates are only granted to attendees who complete the full certificate program.

Who Should Take This Course?

Finance professionals looking to stand out

Finance professionals looking to stand out

Any finance professional looking to add desirable, in-demand data skills to their resume — and differentiate themselves from colleagues who rely on traditional reporting methods.

Accounting and finance students and recent graduates

Students and recent graduates entering the field

Accounting and finance students and recent graduates who want to build advanced reporting and data analytics skills before entering — or early in — their careers.

Professionals searching for advanced reporting skills

Professionals seeking advanced reporting capabilities

Experienced professionals searching for advanced data reporting and analytics skills — including Power Query, Power Pivot, DAX formulas, and dashboard visualization — to bring more value to their organizations.

Self-service data analysis

Anyone ready to own their own data analysis

Professionals who want to move beyond relying on IT or outside consultants for data analysis — and build the self-service analytics skills to answer their own business questions using Excel and Power BI.

Core Data Analytics Certificate FAQs

What is included in the Core Data Analytics certificate program?
The program includes 10 on-demand webcast modules covering Power BI tools in Microsoft Excel® — from data extraction and Power Query through DAX formulas, AI concepts, and dashboard visualization. Each module carries 1 CPE credit. Complete all 10 to earn 10 CPE credits and a professional certificate from Surgent.

Do I need any prerequisites?
Yes. A minimum of 2 years of working experience with Excel® is recommended before beginning this program. The modules build on a foundation of Excel familiarity — participants who are new to Excel may find the material moves quickly.

How long do I have access to the modules?
You have 12 months of access from the date of purchase to complete all 10 modules and earn your certificate.

Can I purchase individual modules instead of the full program?
Yes. Each of the 10 modules is available for individual purchase at 1 CPE credit each. However, the professional certificate is only granted to participants who complete the full 10-module program. If you already have experience with some topics, you can skip those and purchase only the modules you need — but you will not receive the certificate for a partial completion.

What is the professional certificate and how is it awarded?
Upon completing all 10 modules in the program, Surgent will award you a professional Core Data Analytics certificate. This certificate demonstrates your proficiency in Excel and Power BI data analytics tools to employers and hiring managers.

Are the modules NASBA-approved for CPE credit?
Yes. Surgent CPE is NASBA-registered and all modules in this program qualify for CPE credit. Completing the full program earns 10 CPE credits total — 1 per module.

Can I purchase this for a team or firm?
Yes. For firms or teams looking to upskill multiple staff in data analytics, contact our enterprise team at surgentcpe.com/cpe-for-firms to discuss volume pricing and group options.

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