> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://certification-docs.datacamp.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://certification-docs.datacamp.com/case-study/how-should-i-prepare-for-the-case-study.md).

# How should I prepare for certification?

**How should I prepare for the certification?**

For the Data Scientist certification, we recommend that you first complete:

* The [Data Scientist with R](https://www.datacamp.com/tracks/data-scientist-with-r) or [Data Scientist with Python](https://www.datacamp.com/tracks/data-scientist-with-python) career track
* [SQL Fundamentals](https://www.datacamp.com/tracks/sql-fundamentals) skill track
* [Data Communication Concepts](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/data-communication-concepts) course

For the Data Analyst certification, we recommend that you start out with:

* [Data Science for Everyone](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/data-science-for-everyone)
* [Data Visualisation for Everyone](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/data-visualization-for-everyone)
* [SQL Fundamentals](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/skill-tracks/sql-fundamentals) skill track
* If you use R:
  * [Introduction to the Tidyverse](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/introduction-to-the-tidyverse)
  * [Data Manipulation with dplyr](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/data-manipulation-with-dplyr)
  * [Joining Data with dplyr](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/joining-data-with-dplyr)
  * [Introduction to Data Visualization with ggplot2](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/introduction-to-data-visualization-with-ggplot2)
* If you use Python:
  * [Introduction to Python](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/intro-to-python-for-data-science)
  * [Intermediate Python](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/intermediate-python)
  * [Data Manipulation with Pandas](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/data-manipulation-with-pandas)
  * [Joining Data with Pandas](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/joining-data-with-pandas)
  * [Introduction to Data Visualization with seaborn](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/introduction-to-data-visualization-with-seaborn)
* [Data Communication Concepts](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/data-communication-concepts) course

**How should I prepare for the case study?**

By the time you get to the case study you will have been tested on a whole range of skills. Some of these will be tested again during the case study but others, like communication skills, will be tested for the first time. 

Our [Data Communication Concepts](https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/data-communication-concepts) course will help you prepare to present to technical and non-technical audiences. 

**Can I practice a case study before I book a time?**

Yes! Although we won’t be able to give you any feedback, you can try one of our old case study projects currently on our [GitHub pages](https://github.com/datacamp/careerhub-data).