DASCA Certification Exams | Structure, Policies & Standards

DASCA Certification Exams

HOME Certification Examinations

DASCA certification examinations are built to validate expertise against the 
DASCA Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF™) — one of the world’s first and most comprehensive globally benchmarked frameworks in data science. Each exam is designed to rigorously assess knowledge, applied skills, and professional judgment across data engineering, data analytics, and data science.

By aligning with international psychometric standards and credentialing best practices, DASCA exams ensure that certified professionals demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also the ability to translate data into business and organizational value.

  • Examination Structure & Evaluation

    DASCA exams are designed to assess both conceptual mastery and applied problem-solving, using a balanced evaluation framework mapped directly to the DASCA-EKF™. Exams follow a multiple-choice, single-answer format with no negative marking, ensuring fairness and consistency across regions. Each assessment measures not only knowledge of principles and techniques but also the ability to apply them in real-world data contexts.

    For the Principal Data Scientist (PDS™) credential, evaluation extends beyond the written exam to include submission-based assessments of career accomplishments, contributions, and applied expertise. This ensures that the highest level of recognition is reserved for professionals who demonstrate both technical depth and leadership impact.

  • Difficulty Levels & Testing Focus

    DASCA certification exams are structured progressively to reflect the depth of expertise expected at each level.

    • Associate-level certifications (ABDE™, ABDA™) assess understanding of core principles, programming basics, and foundational analytical skills.
    • Senior-level certifications (SBDE™, SBDA™) evaluate applied proficiency with advanced tools, methods, and the ability to manage data workflows in complex business contexts.
    • Senior Data Scientist (SDS™) measures advanced judgment, cross-functional fluency, and the integration of AI and data science into enterprise-scale strategies.
    • Principal Data Scientist (PDS™) represents the highest tier, recognizing professionals who combine deep technical expertise with leadership impact, innovation, and contributions to the global data science profession.

    This ensures that each DASCA credential accurately benchmarks readiness for the responsibilities and expectations of the role it represents.

  • Exam Delivery & Access

    DASCA certification exams are administered globally through the ExamStrong™ platform, a secure and reliable system designed for professional credentialing. Candidates schedule their exams directly through the myDASCA dashboard, with the flexibility to choose a convenient date and time within their exam window.

    Exams are delivered entirely online and protected by live remote proctoring, ensuring integrity, fairness, and accessibility for candidates across more than 180+ countries.

    • ABDE™, SBDE™, ABDA™, SBDA™, SDS™ candidates receive a 6-month exam window.
    • PDS™ candidates receive a 12-month exam window.

    This delivery model provides global accessibility while maintaining the highest standards of exam security and candidate experience.

  • Exam Development & Standards

    DASCA certification exams are developed and maintained by global subject-matter experts, practitioners, and credentialing specialists. Each exam is constructed through a rigorous process of blueprinting, validation, and psychometric analysis to ensure fairness, accuracy, and reliability.

    Content is periodically updated to reflect emerging trends in data science, data engineering, and analytics including advances in AI, cloud platforms, and generative technologies. This ensures that every DASCA certification continues to benchmark skills that are current, industry-relevant, and globally recognized.

    All DASCA examinations conform to international best practices in professional credentialing, including:

    • Content validity through expert review and EKF™ alignment
    • Security and integrity in test design and delivery
    • Fairness and reliability across geographies, industries, and candidate backgrounds

    This standards-driven approach ensures that DASCA certifications remain a trusted measure of professional competence worldwide.

Exam Format & Structure

ABDE™ SBDE™ ABDA™ SBDA™ SDS™ PDS™

The three non-exam components are separate.

Duration of Examination 100 Minutes 100 Minutes 100 Minutes 100 Minutes 100 Minutes 100 Minutes
Exam Access & Scheduling

All DASCA certification exams are conducted online, digitally proctored, and can be taken from any private and secure location worldwide. Candidates schedule their exam through their myDASCA dashboard. Exams are delivered on the ExamStrong platform, ensuring security, fairness, and reliability.

Candidates in all certifications except PDS™ have a 6-month window to complete their exam; PDS™ candidates have 12 months to complete all assessment components including the exam.

Examination Mode Online, Digitally Proctored
Number of Questions 75 85 75 85 85 85
Question Format Multi-choice-Single-answer Multi-choice-Single-answer Multi-choice-Single-answer Multi-choice-Single-answer Multi-choice-Single-answer Multi-choice-Single-answer
Passing Criteria The passing score for DASCA certification exams is dynamic and based on psychometric analysis rather than a fixed percentage. While a score around 65% may be generally sufficient, final qualification is determined statistically against the global performance of examinees, typically calibrated to the 85th percentile.

System Requirements

To take a DASCA certification exam online, candidates must ensure their systems meet the following minimum technical requirements:

Display (Resolution)

1024 × 768 (Recommended)

Network Connection

A wired internet connection is strongly recommended over wireless for more stable exam performance.

Internet Speed

Minimum 1 MBPS

Note: Candidates are responsible for ensuring adequate connectivity. Exams disrupted due to insufficient bandwidth may need to be rescheduled through the myDASCA dashboard by paying a nominal rescheduling fee.

Web Browser

Latest version of Google Chrome (required).

Webcam

An internal or external webcam connected to the desktop/computer.

Firewall

Corporate firewalls (including VPNs) can interfere with exam delivery. Candidates are advised to take the exam in a setting without these restrictions.

Admin Rights

Admin rights may be required if the exam is being taken on an office-managed device.

Examination Policies

DASCA upholds rigorous examination standards to ensure the highest levels of fairness, security, and credibility in all certification exams. Every policy is designed to provide candidates with an equal opportunity to succeed, while protecting the integrity of exam content and the recognition associated with DASCA credentials.

Candidates are expected to review and comply with all examination policies before their scheduled exam, covering exam scheduling, identification, conduct, security, and appeals. These policies safeguard the value of your credential and ensure global recognition of DASCA-certified professionals.

Go to Examination Policies

Ready for the Exam? Here’s Your Pre-Exam Checklist

  • 1

    Schedule your exam

    From the date of payment, you have six months to prepare for and complete any DASCA certification exam (except PDS™). For PDS™, the exam window is 12 months. Once prepared, you can conveniently schedule your exam through your myDASCA dashboard.

  • 2

    Review DASCA exam policies

    Before appearing for the exam, candidates must carefully review DASCA’s examination policies and procedures. These ensure fairness, integrity, and consistency in the administration of all certification exams.

  • 3

    Run a system check

    Review the minimum system requirements well in advance to avoid delays or disruptions during your exam.

  • 4

    Take your mock exam

    To confirm compatibility and familiarize yourself with the exam interface, we strongly recommend taking the mock exam provided before your scheduled exam date.

  • 5

    Attend and complete your exam

    Ensure all requirements are met, log in on time, follow the on-screen instructions, and complete your exam under live proctoring.

X

This website uses cookies to enhance website functionalities and improve your online experience. By browsing this website, you agree to the use of cookies as outlined in our privacy policy.

Got it