Different Levels for Different Depths of Knowledge and Experience
The CDMP offers three certification levels to reflect your knowledge of data management practices, your experience applying them, and your professional development goals. The levels are progressive in depth—not tied to job titles or organizational rank.
CDMP Associate
For those new to the profession or seeking to establish a foundation in data management.
The Associate level demonstrates a working knowledge of core data management concepts and principles. Ideal for students, early-career professionals, and anyone looking to build a solid foundation in the discipline.
CDMP Practitioner
For professionals with hands-on experience applying data management principles.
The Practitioner level demonstrates deeper knowledge across multiple subject areas in the DAMA Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), along with practical experience in implementing data management practices. This level is suited to individuals who work actively in roles such as data governance, data quality, metadata, architecture, modeling, or stewardship.
CDMP Master
For experienced professionals who demonstrate broad and deep expertise in data management.
The Master level recognizes individuals who not only score highly on certification exams but also bring significant real-world experience to the table. It is designed for those who lead or significantly influence the implementation of data management capabilities within their organizations or across complex environments.
Choosing the Right Certification Level for Your Career Path
The CDMP is designed to support professionals across a wide range of data management roles—whether business-facing, technical, or strategic. You don’t need to be a “senior executive” or a “deep technologist” to advance through the levels. Instead, the certification recognizes your knowledge, applied experience, and the impact you make in your role.
- If you are growing in a business or governance-oriented role (such as a data steward, data governance lead, or metadata specialist), the Practitioner level provides recognition of your applied expertise.
- If you are in a technical role (such as data architect, modeler, or quality engineer), Master certification reflects your broad and deep command of the discipline.
- If you are new to data management, the Associate level offers a clear entry point and a path to future growth.
No matter your role, the CDMP helps you build credibility, expand your opportunities, and contribute more confidently to your organization’s success.
| CDMP Level | Exam Requirements | Experience Requirement | Renewal |
| CDMP Associate | Pass Data Management Fundamentals (DMF) exam with ≥ 60%. | No prior experience required. | Every 3 years with CPD* & renewal fee. |
| CDMP Practitioner | Pass DMF exam + 2 specialist exams with ≥ 70%. | Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience. | Every 3 years with CPD* & renewal fee. |
| CDMP Master | Pass DMF exam + 2 specialist exams with ≥ 80% . | Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, or 5 years with a relevant degree. | Every 3 years with CPD* & renewal fee. |
*Continuing Professional Development
The Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) program offers several specialty exams that candidates can choose from to fulfill the requirements for Practitioner and Master level certifications. These specialty exams allow professionals to demonstrate expertise in specific areas of data management. The available specialty exams are:
- Data Modeling and Design
- Metadata
- Data Quality
- Data Governance
- Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence
- Reference and Master Data Management
- Data Integration and Interoperability