The Forecasting and Predictive Analytics Certificate (15.0 CPE Credits) will teach you fundamental techniques used for predictive analytics: regression, classification, clustering, optimization, and simulation. Beginning with basic models for revealing and establishing relationships, you will learn to apply increasingly sophisticated modeling techniques for practical data analysis, as well as commonly encountered problems so you can determine the fit and usefulness for prediction of your models, and apply them to typical business problems.

This certificate is Part 4 of the Data Analyst Certificates Bundle – a comprehensive five-part program that provides training and practical guidance on the topic of data analytics.

As you develop your understanding of applied predictive analytics, you’ll learn how to perform basic forecasting using time-based data to predict future values from a model. You will also learn how to model and calculate scenarios based on distance and space. You will get practice with classification, including naive Bayesian classification; create basic decision trees; and use various techniques for clustering and linear optimization to solve common business problems; as well as learn techniques for assessing the effectiveness of your solutions.

Note: It is recommended that you complete the Data Analytics Modeling Certificate, or ensure you have equivalent knowledge and skills, before starting this certificate course.

Learning Labs*

This is an interactive learning program that includes bonus hands-on learning labs that will expose you to the tools needed to implement an analytics practice in a practical way and equip you to deploy those tools as needed within your organization. You will practice using various technologies for preparing, analyzing and managing datasets in the real world.

*Time spent on learning labs does not award CPE and completing learning labs is not a requirement for earning the certificate.

WHO WILL BENEFIT

• Accounting and finance professionals, especially those interested in learning and applying data analysis techniques to help their businesses make informed, data-driven business decisions.

KEY TOPICS

• Predictive analytics techniques
• Forecasting with data models
• Finding relationships in data
• Bivariate and multivariate linear regression
• KNN classification
• Clustering
• Decision trees
• Training models

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Identify the different techniques of predictive analytics: regression, classification, clustering, optimization, and simulation.
• Calculate varying types of regressions using R and Excel.
• Apply classification and clustering algorithms.
• Apply business process optimization to problems by identifying goals and constraints.
• Analyze the various probabilities of outcomes by applying Monte Carlo simulation.
• Calculate the performance of predictive analytic algorithms.

Credit Info

• CPE CREDITS: Online: 15.0
• NASBA FIELD OF STUDY: Statistics
• LEVEL: Intermediate
• PREREQUISITES:  Recommended: Complete the Data Analytics Modeling Certificate or ensure you have equivalent knowledge and skills.
• ADVANCE PREPARATION: None
• DELIVERY METHOD: QAS Self-Study
• COURSE ACRONYM: DALP-S4

About The Publisher

This product is published by AICPA and sold through an exclusive partnership with Wiley.

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with more than 418,000 members in 143 countries, and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting.

The AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, nonprofit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, and offers specialized credentials for qualified professionals who concentrate on personal financial planning; forensic accounting; business valuation; and information management and technology assurance. With The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), it offers the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation, which sets the global benchmark for quality and recognition in management accounting.

The AICPA and CIMA also make up the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), which represents public and management accounting globally, advocating on behalf the public interest and advancing the quality, competency and employability of CPAs, CGMAs and other accounting and finance professionals worldwide.

The AICPA maintains offices in New York, Washington, DC, Durham, NC, and Ewing, NJ.

System Requirements

AICPA’s online CPE courses will operate in a variety of configurations, but only the configuration described below is supported by AICPA technicians.

A stable and continuous internet connection is required. In order to record your completion of the online learning courses, please ensure you are connected to the internet at all times while taking the course. It is your responsibility to validate that CPE certificate(s) are available within your account after successfully completing the course and/or exam.

Supported Operating Systems:

• Macintosh OS X 10.10 to present
• Windows 7 to present

Supported Browsers:

• Apple Safari
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Mozilla Firefox

Required Browser Plug-ins:

• Adobe Flash
• Adobe Acrobat Reader

Technical Support: Please contact [email protected].