Description

Course Name: Certified Data Journalist

Global Occupational Skill Standard – GOSS ID: GOSS/JPM/CDJ/V1

Eligibility: 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or Equivalent or minimum 2 years of relevant experience (experience-based learners can directly enroll and certify).

Objective: The Certified Data Journalist course is designed to equip participants with the skills to collect, analyze, and visualize data to uncover and tell compelling, evidence-based stories. The course covers the fundamentals of data sourcing, cleaning, interpretation, and ethical use of data in journalism. Participants will learn how to use tools such as spreadsheets, data visualization software, mapping platforms, and basic coding (e.g., Python, R, or SQL) to enhance storytelling. 

Certification: Within 5 days after Completion of Online Assessment.

Get ready to join the Journey to become a GSDCI Certified Professional  – International Certification and Assessment Body.

Steps to become a GSDCI Certified Professional:

Step 1: Select your certification you want to pursue.

Step 2: Click on get certified tab, new pop up window will open.

Step 3: Click on pay certification fee, you will be redirected to billing details page.

Step 4: Fill your details and click on pay certification fee, You will be redirected to payment gateway, pay fee by any available options like Card(Debit/Credit), Wallet, Paytm, Net banking, UPI and Google pay.

Step 5: You will get Login Credentials of Online E-Books and Online assessment link on your email id, within 48 hrs of payment.

Step 6: After completion of the online assessment, the soft copy of your certificate will be sent to your registered email ID within 5 days.

Assessment Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Data Journalism: Definition and evolution of data journalism, Differences between traditional and data-driven reporting, Importance of data in investigative and explanatory journalism, Key skills and mindset of a data journalist, Examples of impactful data journalism projects, Ethical considerations in handling and presenting data.

Module 2: Finding and Understanding Data: Types of data sources (government, NGOs, APIs, public databases), Accessing and scraping data from websites, Filing RTI and FOIA requests, Understanding data formats (CSV, JSON, XML, XLS), Evaluating data credibility, completeness, and relevance, Cleaning and organizing messy or incomplete data.

Module 3: Data Analysis and Interpretation: Basic statistical concepts for journalists (mean, median, correlation, probability), Using Excel or Google Sheets for data filtering and sorting, Introduction to data analysis tools (Pivot tables, formulas, data cleaning functions), Finding trends, patterns, and anomalies in datasets, Drawing valid conclusions and avoiding misinterpretation, Collaborating with data scientists and researchers.

Module 4: Data Visualization and Storytelling: Principles of visual storytelling using data, Choosing the right charts and visual formats, Tools for visualization (Datawrapper, Flourish, Tableau, Infogram), Creating interactive maps and timelines, Combining text, visuals, and multimedia in a story, Ensuring accessibility and clarity for all audiences.

Module 5: Digital Tools and Programming Basics: Introduction to coding for journalists (HTML, CSS, basic JavaScript), Using Python or R for data scraping and analysis, Working with databases using SQL, Automating data updates and news alerts, Version control and collaboration using Git/GitHub, Security, privacy, and ethical handling of sensitive data.

Module 6: Publishing, Collaboration, and Career Growth: Pitching and publishing data-driven stories, Working with editors, designers, and developers, Building a strong data journalism portfolio, Joining global data journalism communities and networks, Staying updated with tools, trends, and datasets, Career opportunities in media, NGOs, and investigative journalism platforms.

GSDCI Online Assessment Detail:

• Duration- 60 minutes.
• Number of Questions- 30.
• Number of Questions from each module: 5.
• Language: English.
• Exam Type: Multiple Choice Questions.
• Maximum Marks- 100, Passing Marks- 50%.
• There is no negative marking in any module.

Benefits of Certification:

1. Global Recognition & Credibility – Stand out worldwide with a certification that opens doors across borders. Trusted by employers, respected by institutions, and recognized in over 100 countries.

2. Quality Assurance through ISO Certification – Certified to global ISO standards, our programs deliver excellence, consistency, and a benchmarked learning experience that speaks for itself.

3. Career Advancement & Employability – Enhances your resume and increases chances of promotions or job offers.

4. Non-Profit Trust Factor – Certifications from non-profit organizations are mission-driven rather than profit-driven.

5. Access to Verified Learning & Resources – Often includes e-books, mock tests, and online support without hidden costs.

6. Transparency & Online Verification – Certifications come with a unique Enrolment ID for easy online verification by employers and institutions.

7. Lifetime or Long-Term Validity – Certifications usually have lifetime validity or long-term recognition, reducing the need for frequent renewals.