In the realm of data science education within the USA as per my knowledge and opinion, two certifications distinctly stand out for you: The Data Science Council of America's (DASCA) Principle Data Scientist (PDS) and the Open Certified Data Scientist (Open CDS). DASCA's PDS, while demanding extensive experience and, in certain tracks, a master's degree, delves into advanced topics, providing a robust foundation in high-level analysis and technology. In contrast, the Open CDS forgoes traditional coursework in favor of an application and board review, tailoring certification to an individual's experience and expertise. Both credentials are perpetual, negating the need for renewals, and carry substantial weight in the professional landscape. For those seeking comprehensive training with lasting recognition in the USA, these certifications come highly recommended.

You can find paid certificate courses in data science in the USA from reputable platforms like Coursera, edX, Udacity, DataCamp, Harvard Extension School, UC Berkeley Extension, General Assembly, LinkedIn Learning, Columbia Engineering, and IBM. These platforms offer courses in Python, R, machine learning, and more. Before enrolling, research the courses that suit your goals, check for prerequisites, and ensure the legitimacy of the program.

Certainly, there are many legitimate and reputable online platforms to learn data science, R, Python, machine learning, and related topics. Here are some well-known platforms that offer courses accepted in the USA: