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Pay If You Pass CDMP Program (PIYP)

Chapter Coordinator Guide

CDMP Pay If You Pass (PIYP) Program

The CDMP Pay If You Pass (PIYP) program offers a low-risk opportunity for data management professionals to earn their Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) certification. Candidates take the exam and only pay the exam fee if they pass with a score of 60% or higher.

DAMA International allows each affiliated chapter to host one PIYP event per calendar year. This guide provides clear instructions for successfully planning and delivering a PIYP event.

Register a PIYP Event View Coordinator Steps
Fee clarity: The Exam Fee (USD 300) is payable only if the candidate passes an in-person PIYP event. The Online Proctoring Fee (USD 11) is payable at registration where applicable.

Program Overview What PIYP is and why it works

PIYP removes the barrier of upfront exam fees by allowing candidates to sit the CDMP exam first, and pay the exam fee only if they pass.

Low-risk certification pathway

Candidates can attempt the CDMP exam without paying the in-person exam fee upfront, and only pay if they pass.

Clear fee structure

Pricing is split between the Exam Fee (paid only if passed for in-person PIYP) and an Online Proctoring Fee (paid at registration where applicable).

Coordinator-ready process

This guide provides a repeatable workflow from event registration through proctor readiness and post-event follow-up.

Key Program Rules Non-negotiables for compliance

These rules protect program integrity and reduce participant misunderstandings.

One PIYP event per chapter per year Each affiliated chapter may host one PIYP event per calendar year.
Passing score is 60% Any score 60% or higher is considered a pass for the exam attempt.
Exam fee (in-person PIYP): USD 300 Payable only if the candidate passes an in-person PIYP event.
Online proctoring fee: USD 11 Payable at registration where applicable.
Payment is required after passing If the candidate passes, payment is required even if they did not meet a separate progression threshold (e.g., 70%+).
Payment extensions may be available To request an extension, contact support@cdmp.info.
Specialist progression clarity: A 60% score is a pass for the exam attempt. A 70% (or higher) may be required for progression to Practitioner or Master pathways. If the candidate passed, payment still applies.
Chapter Incentive: Chapters receive $50 per successfully completed exam. The DAMA-I office will contact the chapter the month after the PIYP event to obtain your chapter’s bank information, or will deposit the funds if this information is already on file. For more information, contact info@dama.org.

Step-by-Step Coordinator Workflow Plan, run, and follow up successfully

Use these steps to keep your event organized, compliant, and smooth for participants.

1

Register Your Event

Only affiliated DAMA chapters can host PIYP events. Registration must be completed by a designated Event Coordinator.
Register 30+ days ahead
  • Timing: Register at least 30 days before the planned event date. Two months is recommended.
  • Define: Format (in-person or online), exam types, date and time, expected participants.
  • Register here: https://cdmp.info/new-event/
2

Prepare Proctors (In-Person Events Only)

Proctors play a critical role in maintaining exam integrity and must complete requirements before event day.
Skip if online
Note: This step applies only to in-person events. If hosting an online event, proceed to Step 3.
  • Identify personnel: Select proctor(s) who will supervise exam takers.
  • Complete enrollment: Proctors must enroll using the unique event link provided in approval instructions.
  • Send confirmation: Email support@cdmp.info once proctor enrollment is complete.
Criteria for Proctors:
Sign off on instructions Proctors need to sign off on the instructions provided by the DAMA-I CDMP office to ensure they understand the exam process, security protocols, have a basic understanding of the technical requirements of the online exam platform and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the certification process.
Impartiality Proctors should be impartial and have no personal or professional connection with the candidates taking the exam to prevent any potential conflicts of interest.
Reliability and security Proctors should be reliable individuals who can be trusted to follow the established procedures and maintain exam security and have signed the DAMA-I Code of Ethics.
Proctor responsibilities It is the Proctor’s responsibility to oversee the participants while they take their exams and to help ensure exam integrity.
Exam conditions Ensure exams are attempted under exam conditions.
Quiet area Provide a quiet area or classroom.
Start time Provide participants with an exam start time.
Exam access code Provide participants with exam access code at the commencement of the exam.
Supervise the exam Supervise the exam (ensuring a sufficient number of proctors).
Encourage payment If you have a offered your exam as pay as you pass exam, it is the proctor’s responsibility to encourage all participants who pass have paid prior to leaving the venue.
Agreement required You are required to read the Academic Integrity Policy and submit the proctor agreement prior to the exam commencement. You can access the agreement here: https://cdmp.info/proctor-agreement/
  • Oversee exam conditions: Ensure exams are attempted under exam conditions and in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
  • Manage room flow: Provide an exam start time and supervise with a sufficient number of proctors.
  • Exam access code: Provide the exam access code at the commencement of the exam.
  • Encourage payment: If offered as a PIYP exam, encourage all participants who pass to complete payment before leaving the venue.
  • Agreement required: Read the Academic Integrity Policy and submit the proctor agreement prior to exam commencement: https://cdmp.info/proctor-agreement/
3

Communicate with Participants

Clear, timely communication improves readiness and reduces event-day issues. The Event Coordinator owns all participant messaging.
Reminders: 1 week + 1 day
4

Event Day Preparation (In-Person Events)

Complete preparations early to avoid last-minute issues. Proctors should arrive at least 30 minutes before exam start.
Proctors arrive 30 min early
  • Create informational slides with final instructions for participants
  • Prepare attendance and tracking sheet (Photo ID, exam type, final scores)
  • Test internet connectivity and prepare backup options
  • Confirm room setup meets all requirements (seating, visibility, security)
  • Obtain official Exam Code from CDMP support
  • CDMP provides live support for technical queries during the event for proctors and event organisers via support@cdmp.info
  • Prepare contingency plans for technical issues
Criteria for Event Location:
Eligible hosts CDMP exam events can be held by DAMA Chapters, by organisations running data management courses, and by other private organisations.
Security measures Event locations should have appropriate security measures in place to prevent cheating or unauthorized access to exam materials.
Compliance with DAMA International requirements To ensure that an event meets the security requirements for DAMA International's CDMP exams, it's essential to implement rigorous security measures. Here are some steps that an event should take to demonstrate compliance with these requirements:
Secure venue selection Choose a venue with a reputation for security and integrity. Ensure that the venue has controlled access and limited entry points.
Access control Implement strict access control measures to restrict entry only to authorized personnel and participants. Use identification badges or passes to distinguish participants, staff, and proctors.
Secure exam materials If using Honorlock for online proctoring, ensure that participants' devices meet the technical requirements.
Room layout and seating arrangements Set up exam rooms to prevent participants from having direct visual contact with each other. Arrange seating to maximize visibility for proctors.
Emergency protocols Establish clear emergency protocols and communication channels in case of any security breaches or disruptions.
During the event: Verify Photo ID, provide pre-exam briefing, display the Exam Code, maintain a distraction-free environment, and troubleshoot while maintaining exam integrity.
5

Post-Event Follow-Up

Reinforce payment timelines and next steps immediately after the event to protect participant outcomes and reduce disputes.
Follow up quickly

Participants who pass

Confirm required payment is completed within the stated window. If additional time is needed, candidates can request an extension via support@cdmp.info.

Participants who do not pass

No payment is required for the PIYP attempt. If a candidate wishes to retake, they must enroll in the regular online-proctored exam through the standard process: USD 311.

View CDMP exam registration

Retake operational note

Retakes cannot be added once the PIYP event has closed. Candidates must use the standard registration pathway for future attempts.

Important Reminders Exam format, payment policy, readiness

Exam format and ESL time

100 questions in 90 minutes (Standard).

For eligible ESL participants: if the exam is configured to 90 minutes, organizers or proctors may request an additional 20 minutes. If the exam is already configured to 110 minutes (ESL), no further time extension can be applied.

Open-book: one document only (printed or PDF on a separate device). Passing score is 60%.

Fees and payment policy

Exam Fee (in-person PIYP): USD 300, payable only if the candidate passes.

Online Proctoring Fee: USD 11, payable at registration where applicable.

If the candidate passes, payment is required even if they did not meet a separate progression threshold (e.g., 70%+). Extensions may be requested via support@cdmp.info.

Participant preparation

Event Coordinators should confirm participants have:

  • Completed multiple practice exams
  • Participated in study groups or formal training
  • Reviewed the DAMA-DMBOK thoroughly
  • Understood technical requirements and exam policies

No Refund Policy

PIYP-related fees where applicable are non-refundable. This includes any registration or proctoring-related charges.

Duplicate Accounts Policy

To maintain the integrity of the DAMA CDMP certification program and ensure fair access to all participants, the following policy applies to account creation and usage: Prohibited Activities • Creating or maintaining multiple accounts using different email addresses or personal information • Attempting to bypass participation limits, prerequisites, or other program restrictions through the use of duplicate accounts • Sharing, transferring, or allowing others to use your account credentials Enforcement • Our system monitors for duplicate accounts through various verification methods including email patterns, payment information, IP addresses, and participant behavior • Suspected violations will be investigated by program administrators • Participants may be contacted to verify their identity and account legitimacy during the investigation process Consequences for Non-Compliance Violations of this policy may result in one or more of the following actions: • Immediate revocation of earned badges, certificates, or credentials • Invalidation of exam results and scores across all associated accounts • Suspension or permanent ban from future DAMA certification programs and events • Forfeiture of all paid fees without refund • Reporting to relevant professional bodies or employers where appropriate Participants who believe they have been flagged in error may submit an appeal to [contact email/department] within 30 days of notification

Enforcement and consequences

Program administrators may investigate suspicious activity using verification methods (email patterns, payment info, IP addresses, and behavior). Violations may result in suspension and forfeiture of paid fees without refund.

Appeals: If a participant believes they were flagged in error, they should contact support@cdmp.info with details to request review.

Resources and Support Quick links for coordinators

Use the links below to register events, access CDMP information, and review FAQs.

Recommendation: Maintain a standard participant instruction template and a coordinator checklist for each PIYP cycle.
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