Certified Associate Data Analyst CADA

CADA certifies foundational, applied competence in business analytics, reporting and business intelligence, and data preparation with Excel, SQL and Power BI, with AI-supported analyst workflows used responsibly throughout. It is built on a published specification and issued by the Data Science Institute on independent examination.

Level: Associate
Assessment: One examination (90 min, pass 50%)
Exam delivery: Online, remotely proctored
Scheduling: On demand
Certification fee: €300
Membership: Student Member, 1st year included
Pathway: CPDA

Who it's for Competencies Assessment How to prepare After certification FAQs Register

Who it's for

Starting or broadening your data skills

CADA is for people entering applied data analysis, and for those already in work who want to upskill or broaden their analytical skills. It also suits candidates preparing to progress to CPDA.

Working professionals

People adding applied data skills to their current role.

Students and graduates

Students and graduates from a wide range of subjects, entering analytical work.

Domain specialists

Professionals in fields such as finance, insurance, retail, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, marketing, operations and the public sector.

What CADA certifies

The CADA Syllabus

Set out in the published CADA Certification Specification and approved by the Certifications Board. AI fluency and responsible data practice are embedded throughout.

Part 1

Business Analytics Foundations

Business problems and the analyst role; metrics, KPIs and business data; exploring problems with data and AI support.

Part 2

Reporting and Business Intelligence

Reporting visuals and data storytelling; Power BI for workplace reporting; stakeholder communication and reporting decisions.

Part 3

Data Preparation and Analytics Practice

Excel for analyst workflows; introductory SQL for business reporting; an integrated, end-to-end analytics activity.

Assessment

How CADA is assessed

CADA is assessed by a single summative Knowledge Examination, delivered online with remote proctoring.

KNOWLEDGE EXAM

Knowledge Examination

A computer-based objective exam, multiple-choice, multi-select and true/false, covering the CADA syllabus and responsible practice through realistic workplace analytics scenarios. Results are reported as a percentage.

90 minutesPass: 50%On demand

Award requirements: to be awarded CADA, candidates pass the Knowledge Examination.

How to prepare

Preparing for CADA

You can prepare for CADA through a DSI partner institution, or directly with the Data Science Institute.

ROUTE 1

Through a partner institution

Study with a DSI partner institution delivering the CADA learning programme. Partners are active delivery partners for CADA.

Enquire about a partner in your area

ROUTE 2

Directly with DSI

Take the CADA learning programme on the DSI Certifications Platform.

Find out more

In both routes, learning runs through the Certifications Platform: structured materials, applied practice, knowledge checks, unit practices, practice examinations and masterclass or tutor support. The award itself is made on passing the Knowledge Examination.

Certification benefits

Membership, verification and progression

Student membership

Your first year of DSI membership is included when you register, as a Student Member. The CPD scheme helps keep your skills up to date.

Membership & CPD

Progression to CPDA

CADA is the associate certification. CPDA is the professional standard above it, when you are ready to progress.

About CPDA

A verifiable credential

CADA comes with a digital badge that any employer can verify: the certification, the holder, the issue date and its current status.

Verify a credential

Questions

FAQs

What is the CADA certification?

CADA, the Certified Associate Data Analyst, is the Data Science Institute's associate-level professional certification in applied business analytics, reporting and AI-enabled analyst practice. It is built on a published specification and awarded on independent examination.

Who is CADA for?

People entering applied data analysis: working professionals adding data skills, students and graduates from a wide range of subjects, domain specialists across many sectors, and learners preparing to progress to CPDA.

Are there prerequisites?

There are no formal prerequisites. CADA is designed to be practical and accessible for people new to analytics or using data as part of a wider role, and it does not prescribe a fixed number of study hours.

How is CADA assessed?

By a single summative Knowledge Examination, a computer-based objective test (multiple-choice, multi-select and true/false), delivered online with remote proctoring. Passing the examination is what earns the certification.

How do I prepare?

Through the CADA learning programme on the DSI Certifications Platform, either with a DSI partner institution or directly with DSI: structured learning, applied practice, knowledge checks, unit practices, practice examinations and masterclass or tutor support.

What comes after CADA?

CADA leads to CPDA, the professional data analyst certification.

How do I register, and when are exams offered?

Register for CADA

Registration includes the CADA learning programme and your first year of DSI membership. The Knowledge Examination is taken on demand.

Certified Associate Data Analyst CADA™