How Data Science Institute certification works
This handbook sets out the process of becoming certified with the Data Science Institute: registering, preparing, sitting the examination, and using the credential afterwards. Where this handbook and a published policy differ, the policy applies.
Who each certification is for
CADA is the entry certification, for people beginning in applied data analysis or broadening into it. CPDA is the professional analyst certification. CPDS is the professional data science certification.
What registration covers
Registration is made online and covers the learning programme on the DSI Certifications Platform, tutor and community support, the masterclass programme, your examination, your digital certificate and badge on passing, and your first year of DSI membership.
Platform access runs for 12 months from registration.
| Certification | Fee | Resits |
|---|---|---|
| CADA | €300 | €30 each |
| CPDA | €850 | €40 per examination |
| CPDS | €850 | €40 per examination |
How you prepare
You may study independently on the DSI Certifications Platform, or prepare with a DSI partner institution. Either way the specification, the examination and the certification are the same.
How the programme is structured
Each certification is organised as Parts. Parts contain Units, and Units contain Lessons. Every Lesson has Learn content, a Lesson Practice and a Knowledge Check. Every Unit has a Unit Practice, which is ungraded but mandatory. Where appropriate, a Part includes an applied activity or case study drawing its Units together.
Before you can sit
To be eligible for award you must:
- Complete all Unit Practices. These are ungraded but mandatory.
- Complete at least 90% of platform learning activities, including part-level applied activities and case studies where present.
- Pass the certification examination or examinations.
Your progress against the first two is shown on your platform dashboard.
Booking your examination
Examinations are taken on demand rather than in fixed sittings. Book your examination yourself on the DSI Certifications Platform, or ask DSI to arrange a slot.
There is no notice period. You can book and sit on the same day.
If you book an examination and do not sit it, there is no penalty. Book again whenever you are ready. An attempt is only counted once an examination has been started.
Format and duration
All DSI certification examinations are delivered online with remote proctoring.
Objective examinations use multiple-choice, multi-select and true or false questions. Practical Application examinations are based on datasets and business scenarios, covering the analytical workflow from preparation through to reporting.
Your registration covers one attempt at each examination. Resits are charged separately.
| Certification | Examinations | Duration | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| CADA | Knowledge Examination, computer-based objective | 90 minutes | 50% |
| CPDA | Exam A Core Knowledge, then Exam B Practical Application. A must be passed before B. | A: 120 min, B: 180 min | 50% each |
| CPDS | Exam A Core Knowledge, then Exam B Practical Application. A must be passed before B. | A: 120 min, B: 180 min | 50% each |
Sitting the examination
Examinations are proctored remotely using Octoproctor. Identity verification is mandatory before an examination begins, so have your photo identification to hand.
What you may have
Objective examinations, meaning the CADA Knowledge Examination and Exam A for CPDA and CPDS, are closed book. You may not use notes, reference material or a second screen.
Practical Application examinations require the analysis software the certification assesses, and you may use its official documentation. Personal notes are not permitted.
If your connection drops
DSI will allow a restart.
Examination conduct is governed by the Academic Integrity and Malpractice policy. Breaches may result in a result being withheld or a certification revoked.
When you get your result
Results are reported as a percentage.
Objective examinations are marked immediately and the result is shown on completion. Practical Application results are provided within five days.
Sitting again
Resits are charged at €30 for CADA, and €40 per examination for CPDA and CPDS.
There is no waiting period. Book again on the platform whenever you are ready.
For CPDA and CPDS, Exam A must be passed before Exam B, so a resit of Exam A does not affect your position on Exam B.
Reasonable adjustments and special consideration
If you need an adjustment to how you sit an examination, contact info@datascienceinstitute.net with supporting evidence before booking. DSI confirms what can be adjusted before the examination is booked.
Special consideration covers circumstances arising at or near the time of the examination, such as illness or bereavement.
Your credential and how to use it
On passing, you receive a digital certificate and a verifiable badge showing the certification, the holder, the issue date and its current status. Anyone can check it through the verification page.
DSI certifications do not expire, and there is no recertification requirement.
Certification holders join the Institute as members. You may use the certification title and badge while your certification is in good standing. A certification may be revoked where it was obtained in breach of the Academic Integrity and Malpractice policy.
Membership and CPD
Membership is renewed annually and maintained through the CPD scheme. CPD affects your membership, not your certification.
Progressing to academic study
Under the Recognition of Prior Learning arrangement, CPDA and CPDS holders are eligible for admission and credit exemptions toward DSI's Woolf-accredited Master's and Postgraduate Diploma programmes.
If something goes wrong
Complaints about examinations, administration or service, and appeals against certification decisions, are handled under the Complaints and Appeals Policy. The process is free of charge.
Contact info@datascienceinstitute.net.