Certified Professional Data Scientist CPDS®
CPDS certifies advanced competence in machine learning, deep learning, time series, natural language processing and advanced analytics. It is built on a published specification and issued by the Data Science Institute on independent examination.
- Level
- Professional
- Assessment
- Two examinations
- Scheduling
- On demand
- Certification fee
- €850
- Membership
- Affiliate Member on issue
- Pathway
- Postgraduate Diploma, MSc in Data Science
For experienced data professionals
CPDS is for people extending their expertise in advanced data science and applied AI.
Data analysts and data scientists
Professionals already working with data, including CPDA holders, who want to extend into time series, neural networks and advanced machine learning.
Technical leaders
Engineers, IT professionals and AI practitioners deploying advanced data science at scale.
Business managers
Leaders guiding analytics teams or data-centric initiatives.
Consultants and advisors
Specialists guiding data-driven decisions and AI strategy.
Domain specialists
Professionals in fields such as marketing, finance and healthcare applying advanced analytics and AI.
Students and researchers
Advanced students from numerate disciplines building data science skills.
The CPDS Syllabus
Set out in the published CPDS Certification Specification and approved by the Certifications Board.
Data Scientist Foundation
Core Python proficiency, data cleaning, introductory statistics and predictive modelling, with essential packages and visualisation.
Time Series Analysis
Patterns in sequential data (trends, seasonality and cycles), ARIMA and SARIMA models, and forecasting diagnostics.
Data Reduction Methods
Methods for high-dimensional or correlated data: Principal Component Analysis, Principal Component Regression and K-Means clustering.
Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning
Algorithms beyond logistic regression (Naive Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machines and ensembles such as Random Forest) and related transformations.
Natural Language Processing
Converting unstructured text into insight through tokenisation and sentiment analysis, including real-time data from APIs.
Neural Networks and Deep Learning
Network architectures (MLPs, CNNs and RNNs), training and backpropagation, regularisation, transfer learning and deployment.
Assessment structure
Candidates take a test of knowledge and a practical assessment. Exam A must be passed before Exam B.
Exam A: Test of Knowledge
Assesses understanding of advanced data science concepts, programming, mathematics and statistics, and machine learning, through multiple-choice, multi-select and true/false questions covering theory and application.
Exam B: Practical Application
A practical exam applying data science methods to datasets and scenarios, across the analytical workflow from preparation through modelling to insight.
Preparing for CPDS
You can prepare for CPDS through a DSI partner institution, or directly with the Data Science Institute.
Through a partner institution
Study with a DSI partner institution delivering the CPDS learning programme. Partners are active delivery partners for CPDS.
Enquire about a partner in your areaDirectly with DSI
Take the CPDS learning programme on the DSI Certifications Platform.
Find out moreMembership, verification and progression
Membership
Certifying with CPDS makes you an Affiliate Member of the Institute, with Full Membership available at three or more years' professional experience. The CPD scheme helps keep your skills, and your certification, up to date.
Membership & CPDProgression
Under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) arrangement, CPDS holders are eligible for admission and credit exemptions toward DSI's Woolf-accredited MSc and Postgraduate Diploma programmes.
Compare the certificationsA verifiable credential
CPDS comes with a digital badge that any employer can verify: the certification, the holder, the issue date and its current status.
Verify a credentialEarning credit as you certify
Your study on the DSI platform is tracked and recorded as you work through it, and that record evidences the study behind your certification. Under the Recognition of Prior Learning arrangement, CPDS holders are eligible for admission and credit exemptions toward DSI's Woolf-accredited postgraduate programmes.
How accreditation worksFAQs
What is the CPDS certification?
Who should consider CPDS?
Are there prerequisites?
How is the assessment structured?
How do I prepare?
What if I want to progress beyond CPDS?
How do I register, and when are exams offered?
Register for CPDS
Registration includes the Online Learning Hub and your first year of DSI membership. Exams are taken on demand.
Register now