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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.

PIYP is available to affiliated DAMA® Member Chapters and DAMA International® events. Each affiliated chapter may 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.

Who can host PIYPPIYP is available to affiliated DAMA® Member Chapters and DAMA International® events. Each affiliated chapter may host one PIYP event per calendar year.
Human proctors or HonorlockChapters may choose human proctors or Honorlock for any sitting, including an in-person classroom sitting. REPs, private training organizations and other non-chapter entities must use Honorlock. A physical venue does not make them eligible for human proctors.
Register 30+ days aheadRegister the event and nominate proctors at least 30 days before the exam (60 days recommended).
Passing score is 60%Any score 60% or higher is considered a pass for the exam attempt.
Exam fee (in-person PIYP): USD 300Payable only if the candidate passes an in-person PIYP event.
Online proctoring fee: USD 11Payable at registration where applicable.
Payment is required after passingIf the candidate passes, payment is required even if they did not meet a separate progression threshold (e.g., 70%+).
Payment extensions may be availableTo request an extension, contact support@cdmp.info.
New proctoring requirements: DAMA International® has approved updated CDMP® proctor policies and procedures. The full requirements for all exam organizers are on the CDMP® Exam Proctoring Requirements page.
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 USD 50 per successfully completed and paid-for exam (online or in person). 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

PIYP events can be hosted by affiliated DAMA® Member Chapters and DAMA International® events. Registration must be completed by a designated Event Coordinator.
Register 30+ days ahead
Timing: Register the event and submit your proctor nominations at least 30 days before the exam date. 60 days is recommended.
  • Register here: cdmp.info/new-event
  • Include: event format and exam types; date, time and venue; expected number of candidates; and your nominated proctor(s) if the sitting will be human-proctored.
  • Choose the proctoring method: chapters may use human proctors or Honorlock for any sitting, including an in-person classroom sitting. If you will use Honorlock in a classroom, ask CDMP® Support to set up the classroom setting when you register.
  • Not a chapter? REPs, private training organizations and other non-chapter organizers must use Honorlock. See CDMP® Exam Proctoring Requirements.
2

Prepare Human Proctors, Where Applicable

This step applies to chapter and DAMA International® events that use human proctors. Every proctor must be nominated, approved and enrolled before event day.
Human-proctored events
Using Honorlock instead? Human proctors are not needed. When you register, ask CDMP® Support (support@cdmp.info) to enable the Honorlock classroom setting. The default remote setting flags anyone else in the room, the setting must be in place before the session opens, and it cannot be changed once the session has started. Then continue to Step 3.

Proctor eligibility (all criteria required)

  • A DAMA® member in good standing, or formally affiliated with a DAMA® chapter or authorized event organization
  • No conflict of interest with any candidate taking the exam (see below)
  • Has signed the DAMA-I Code of Ethics
  • Has read and acknowledged the CDMP® Academic Integrity Policy
  • Has completed the Proctor Agreement (a one-time requirement that stays valid while the proctor remains eligible)
  • Has signed the CDMP® Proctor Confidentiality Agreement
Conflicts of interest: A proctor may not supervise a session if they have any of these relationships with a candidate: an immediate family member or domestic partner; a current direct managerial or supervisory relationship, or one within the previous 12 months; or a financial or business relationship that could reasonably be seen to create bias. Proctors must disclose any potential conflict to the Event Coordinator before their assignment is confirmed. DAMA International® may reassign or disqualify a proctor.

Approval and agreements, in this order

1. NominateThe Event Coordinator nominates proctors through event registration at least 30 days before the exam.
2. ApproveDAMA International® checks each nomination against the eligibility criteria and confirms approval.
3. Enrolment linkRobinson Ryan, the CDMP® exam processor, sends each approved proctor a unique enrolment link and the Proctor Agreement.
4. Enrol and agreeThe proctor enrols online, reads the Academic Integrity Policy and submits the Proctor Agreement.
5. ConfidentialityThe proctor signs the Confidentiality Agreement.
6. ConfirmThe Event Coordinator emails support@cdmp.info to confirm that proctor enrolment is complete.

Minimum proctor staffing

1 to 34 candidates2 proctors, including the Event Coordinator
35 to 50 candidates3 proctors, including the Event Coordinator
51 or more candidatesContact CDMP® Support for DAMA International® direction on additional proctors
Anyone serving as a proctor, including the Event Coordinator, must meet all of the eligibility requirements above.
Access code warning: The exam access code is not activated until every allocated proctor has completed the Proctor Agreement. If even one proctor has not, candidates will not be able to start the exam. Confirm all agreements are complete well before the event date.
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 (Human-Proctored Events)

Proctors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam starts. CDMP® Support is available for the 30 minutes before the exam and during the event at support@cdmp.info.
Proctors arrive 30 min early

Venue requirements

  • Enough room capacity and seating to keep candidates separated (an undersized room is grounds to delay or relocate the event)
  • Clear, unobstructed sightlines so proctors can see every candidate
  • Accessible entrances, pathways, restrooms and seating
  • Reliable internet with a tested backup option
  • Controlled access: candidates, proctors and authorized staff only
  • Defined emergency arrangements and communication channels
  • "Exam in Progress" signage outside the room

Check-in (each candidate, individually)

  • Verify the candidate's government-issued photo ID. The name must match the CDMP® exam registration.
  • Record the candidate name, exam type and ID verification status on the attendance and tracking sheet.
  • Confirm the candidate has completed enrolment (account created) so they can open the exam.
  • Inspect the workspace for prohibited items and check the candidate's one permitted reference.
Important: Candidates whose identity cannot be verified against a valid photo ID cannot be admitted.

Briefing and access code

  • Deliver the standard pre-exam briefing to all candidates at the same time, before releasing the access code.
  • Before starting, confirm any ESL candidate has the 110-minute configuration. An exam already set to 110 minutes receives no further extension.
  • Keep the access code confidential. Announce or display it only at the official start, once every candidate is at the access code screen.
  • Never send the access code to candidates in advance by email, messaging or printed instructions.

Open-book rule and permitted materials

One reference onlyEither the DAMA-DMBOK® or one set of personal notes, in hardcopy or digital form. Candidates may not combine references. A digital reference must be on a separate device that is not connected to the internet or to the exam device.
Also permittedAn online dictionary for terminology (on the exam device); for ESL candidates, browser translation software and an English-to-native-language dictionary; washable scratch sheets issued by the proctor; a water bottle.
ProhibitedMobile phones (off and stowed), smartwatches, headphones or earbuds and hats (cultural headdress excepted), paper notes, internet searches for answers, recording devices of any kind, screen sharing, communicating with other candidates, and leaving the exam room during the exam.

Scratch materials

Only proctor-issued washable sheets may be used, where the chapter provides them. Candidates may note question numbers only, never exam content. Record how many sheets each candidate receives, collect every sheet before candidates leave, and reconcile the count. Report any discrepancy to support@cdmp.info within 24 hours.

During the exam

  • Provide active, ongoing supervision for the whole session, with regular visual checks of every candidate station.
  • Watch for collaboration, screen sharing and unauthorized materials.
  • Technical problems: the candidate stays seated and does not leave the exam screen while the proctor contacts support@cdmp.info.
  • Proctors may clarify the exam rules but cannot help with exam content.

Incidents and misconduct

  • Document any incident immediately on the tracking sheet: candidate name, what was observed, the time and the action taken.
  • For a serious violation (for example recording exam content, identity fraud or an unauthorized device), the proctor may end that candidate's session and must contact support@cdmp.info immediately.
  • Submit a written incident report via support@cdmp.info within 24 hours of the event.
  • DAMA International® conducts the formal misconduct review. Proctors do not decide misconduct outcomes themselves.
5

Post-Event Follow-Up

Complete the required reporting and reinforce payment timelines right after the event.
Follow up quickly

Required after every session

  • The proctor certifies exam integrity in the CDMP® portal using the post-event certification form.
  • Provide outcome counts: candidates who sat, passes by score tier (60 to 69%, 70 to 79%, 80 to 89%, 90%+), candidates who did not pass, and any who did not complete the exam.
  • Send operational feedback (venue, technical issues, candidate preparation) to support@cdmp.info.
  • Report any incidents in writing within 24 hours via support@cdmp.info.

Candidates who pass

Payment of the USD 300 exam fee is required within 15 days. Before candidates leave, guide them to the "Finished the exam" link on the exam home page, where they will find payment, results, badges and retake information. Extensions can be requested via support@cdmp.info.

Candidates who do not pass

No payment is required for the PIYP attempt. Retakes cannot be added once the PIYP event has closed. To retake, the candidate registers for the standard online-proctored exam at USD 311 (cdmp.info/exams). This is different from the general discounted retake price.

Results, badges and certificates

  • Remind candidates to save a copy of their results before the end of the calendar month. After month end, results move to DAMA International® and candidates can no longer see them on the exam platform.
  • PIYP badges are issued as payments are confirmed. Certificates follow the schedule communicated by DAMA International®.

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, the candidate should email support@cdmp.info directly to 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 reference only, either the DAMA-DMBOK® or one set of personal notes, in hardcopy or digital form. A digital reference must be on a separate device not connected to the internet or the exam 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

Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities

Candidates who need a disability-related accommodation should contact CDMP® Support at support@cdmp.info well before the event to request it. This is separate from ESL time, which is a fixed extra 20 minutes for eligible English as a Second Language candidates.

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
Appeals: Participants who believe they have been flagged in error may submit an appeal to support@cdmp.info within 30 days of notification.

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.