PCES™ – Certified Entry-Level Security Specialist with Python

(Exam PCES-30-0x)

The PCES certification confirms essential knowledge and foundational skills in data analytics and Python programming. It focuses on core data practices that every aspiring analyst should master – from collecting, organizing, cleaning and analyzing data using built-in Python features and essential libraries, to drawing basic insights and communicating findings clearly, making it ideal for those beginning their journey into data analysis and programming.

PCES™ – Certified Entry-Level Security Specialist with Python certification validates a learner's ability to perform basic yet critical data tasks using Python. The certification covers the fundamentals of data collection, cleaning, transformation, and analysis, while introducing key concepts in data ethics, visualization, and storytelling.

The exam emphasizes Python's built-in capabilities, such as variables, data structures, file handling, control flow, and functions, alongside practical modules like csv, math, statistics, datetime, collections, and NumPy. Candidates will demonstrate the ability to work with simple datasets, perform common analytical operations, and communicate insights using both text-based summaries and basic charts.

PCED is designed for beginners with no or very little prior experience in data analysis, data analytics, or programming, offering a clear and supportive entry into Python and the world of data. It builds the practical and conceptual foundation needed for more advanced tools, libraries, and certifications in the future.

Become PCED™ certified and set your foundation in data analytics

By achieving the PCED certification, you establish a solid foundation in Python for data analytics, gaining a competitive edge in today's data-driven landscape. Python’s role as a critical tool in the data analytics and science sectors underscores the value of this certification for anyone looking to begin or enhance a career in these fields.

PCED certification is especially relevant for:

• Complete beginners who want to break into data analytics with Python and build confidence through structured practice;
• Aspiring data analysts looking for a foundational credential to start a learning path toward professional data roles;
• Students and career changers aiming to gain practical, job-ready Python skills for data work;
• Professionals in non-technical roles seeking to apply data thinking in areas like business, education, or healthcare;
• Educators or trainers interested in teaching introductory Python and data analysis.

Python is one of the most important and widely used programming languages in data analysis. Its simple syntax and powerful features make it the go-to tool for beginners and professionals alike. Whether it's reading data from a file, cleaning messy data, or calculating key statistics, Python helps analysts work faster and more efficiently.

Essential data analysis skills—such as organizing information, performing calculations, finding patterns, and creating clear summaries—are in high demand across many industries. From business and marketing to education, government, and healthcare, organizations need people who can make sense of data and communicate their findings clearly.

Entry-level roles like junior data analyst, research assistant, reporting coordinator, or operations support analyst often require foundational knowledge in Python, basic statistics, and data cleaning. These roles focus on real tasks like organizing files, checking data for issues, calculating averages, or helping create charts and reports. According to Glassdoor and Salary.com, junior analysts in the U.S. typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year, with opportunities to grow as experience and skills increase.

By learning Python and essential data analysis techniques, you're building a strong starting point for a career in analytics or data science. These core skills are the foundation for more advanced tools, and they help beginners feel confident working with data in real-world situations.

PCED™ Exam Information