About CDMP
CDMP is an acronym for "Certified Data Management Professional". It is a professional certification for Information and Data Management professionals developed by the DAMA, the Data Management Association. The Certification is aimed at learners from both Technology and Business backgrounds and is aimed at helping learners develop and evidence their understanding of, and ability to apply, the principles of the Data Management Body of Knowledge, first published by DAMA in 2009.
Contents
- About CDMP
- Eligibility
- Exam Structure and Format
- Taking the Exam
- Maintaining Certification
- Industry Recognition
- Industry Press References to CDMP
- Training and Education for CDMP Certification
- List of Commercial Training Providers offering a CDMP course
- Trademarks and Intellectual Property
- Relationship with ICCP
- References
Eligibility
The current eligibility criteria for the CDMP certification are as follows
Exam Structure and Format
The CDMP Certification has historically been obtained by sitting three exams:
In October 2015, DAMA International indicated that the IS Core examination would not be required in the forthcoming revised format of the CDMP.
Taking the Exam
Historically, exams have been taken either at conferences such as "Enterprise Data World" in the United States or "Enterprise Data and Business Intelligence" in the UK. Individuals seeking to take the exam could also arrange to do so via DAMA International and the administrators for the certification, ICCP.
Remote testing options using web-cam based proctoring or in-person proctoring by recognised CDMP proctors (all members of DAMA International) allowed for flexibility in taking exams.
Exams were taken in a Computer Based Testing format, with different levels of question per individual exam. Candidates could sit multiple exams at one time.
The exam format was open to criticism as it could be difficult for individuals in countries without a DAMA Chapter or access to a Proctor to sit the exams. Also, the requirement for exam candidates to use USB keys provided by ICCP to run the exam software also raised concerns and difficulties from an Information Security perspective.
In October 2015, DAMA International indicated that the format for taking the exam would change with the relaunch of the CDMP certification.
Maintaining Certification
CDMP holders must engage in continuous professional development to maintain their certifications. In general this requirement can be met through attendance at Data Management conferences, attendance at DAMA Chapter meetings, contributions to the development of the body of knowledge, and other activities that support the professional development of the CDMP holder and contributes to the development of the Body of Knowledge.
CDMP holders must recertify every three years.
Historically, recertification was administered on behalf of DAMA International by ICCP. In October 2015 DAMA International indicated it would be assuming responsibility for the recertification process and would be publishing a revised format for recertification as part of the restructuring of the CDMP certification.
Industry Recognition
A number of organisations and academic institutions offer courses which map to the learning objectives of the CDMP certification and recognise CDMP as a benchmark industry certification.
Examples include:
Industry Press References to CDMP
Training and Education for CDMP Certification
Apart from academic courses which address the learning objectives of the CDMP, training is available from a number approved trainers and from commercial training providers.
Historically, a CDMP "Bootcamp" has been offered at various Data Management conferences worldwide that are sponsored or recognised by DAMA, and through DAMA Chapters, to facilitate candidates in their preparation for the examination.
As part of the update of the CDMP certification, DAMA has indicated that the "Boot Camp" sessions are to be revised (to reflect revised CDMP content) and rebranded as "Exam Preparation and Delivery" sessions, and that these sessions will be subject to quality control as regards content, mode of delivery, and qualifications of the person delivering the sessions.
List of Commercial Training Providers offering a CDMP course
These courses are offered by private companies and are not affiliated to or approved by DAMA International, and each course may not cover the full scope of the CDMP. This is not an exhaustive listing.
Trademarks and Intellectual Property
DAMA International holds trademarks covering the terms or names “Certified Data Management Professional” (Trademark Reg. No. 3,816,444) and “CDMP” (Trademark Reg. No. 3,816,445).
The content of the DAMA Body of Knowledge, including the "DMBOK Wheel", on which the learning objectives for the CDMP certification is based, is copyright of DAMA International.
Relationship with ICCP
Prior to October 2015, CDMP was administered on behalf of DAMA International by ICCP.
In October 2015 this relationship was terminated. DAMA International will continue to recognise existing CDMP certifications and has provided a mechanism for current CDMP holders to provide contact details to them so updated certificates with updated physical certificates with updated DAMA branding. This is accessible from the DAMA International website.
An FAQ page was published on the DAMA website to provide information on the transition.