Data Science Council of America
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    Certifications

    Explore DASCA’s comprehensive certification paths tailored for professionals in:

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    • > Check Your Eligibility

      Choose your qualification and experience level to find the DASCA certification that aligns with your career goals.

    • > Certification Process

      Learn about the steps to earn your DASCA certification, from application to becoming a certified professional.

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      DASCA certification exams are available online worldwide, accessible in 180+ countries.

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      Find answers to common questions about DASCA certifications, exam process and policies.

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  • Accreditation
    • Accreditation Home

      Discover how DASCA Accreditation enhances data science and AI education, ensuring global recognition and academic excellence.

    DASCA Accreditation
    • About DASCA Accreditation

      Understand how DASCA Accreditation sets the benchmark for excellence in data science and AI education, aligning institutions with global industry standards.

    • Accreditation Standards

      Examine the framework that upholds high benchmarks for curriculum, faculty expertise, and industry relevance in data science and AI programs.

    • Eligibility Criteria for Institutions

      Understand the institutional and program-level requirements to assess your readiness for pursuing DASCA Accreditation.

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      Explore the step-by-step process to achieve DASCA Accreditation through a rigorous, globally benchmarked, and digitally powered evaluation.

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      Discover how DASCA Accreditation enhances institutional reputation, academic quality, and global competitiveness in data science and AI education.

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      Explore thought leadership on accreditation, credentialing systems, institutional quality, and global education standards.

    • Resources for Institutions

      Access comprehensive guides, support tools, and subsidy programs designed to assist institutions throughout their accreditation journey.

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      Learn about the global network of academic and industry experts who support institutions in delivering high-quality data science and AI education.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

      Get answers to common questions about institutional eligibility, the accreditation process, ongoing compliance and more.

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      Begin your DASCA accreditation journey and position your institution among global leaders in data science and AI education.

  • Partnership

    Partner with DASCA: Drive Data Science Excellence

    Join the rapidly growing DASCA network of leading tech schools, higher education institutions, IT training companies, and government organizations. Partner with DASCA to prepare your students and professionals for globally recognized data science certifications. Start your partnership journey today.

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    • Universities & Institutions

      For Universities & Institutions

      Get your academic programs DASCA accredited and join an elite group of institutions shaping the future of data science. Benefit from the World Data Science & AI Initiative's subsidy program to strengthen your academic offerings.

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      For Tech Companies & Other Organizations

      Get your teams DASCA-certified and ensure they meet global standards in data science. Partner with us to drive sustainable skills development and long-term growth for your organization.

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    • For Training Companies

      For Training Companies

      Offer training programs that prepare candidates for DASCA certification exams. Position your academy as a trusted provider of exam-focused education for aspiring data science professionals.

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      For Advocacy Partnership

      Collaborate with DASCA to promote standards-based data science education. Align your curriculum with DASCA’s globally recognized framework and contribute to advancing the field’s future.

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  • Framework
    DASCA EKF

    The DASCA Standard of Excellence in Credentialing

    The DASCA Body of Knowledge and the Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF™) define the foundational structure of all DASCA certifications. Together, they ensure that DASCA credentials reflect the highest standards of professional competency and knowledge depth across analytics, engineering, and AI.

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    • DASCA Body of Knowledge: Foundation for Certification

      The DASCA Body of Knowledge outlines the structured learning paths and core topic areas covered across all certification tracks. It reflects DASCA’s commitment to ensuring every certification is aligned with validated professional requirements and tested through role-relevant knowledge.

    • Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF™): Mapping Competence and Career Progression

      The Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF™) defines what data professionals need to know and how deeply across five critical domains. It maps these knowledge areas to three professional roles (Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Scientist) and aligns each with Functional, Professional, or Expert-level proficiency. The EKF™ serves as the global benchmark for designing DASCA certifications and guiding individuals, institutions, and employers in preparing for success in the data economy.

  • Initiatives
  • About

    About

    DASCA sets industry-leading standards, frameworks, certifications, and accreditation programs to develop skilled Data analysts, engineers, and data scientists.

    • The Credentialing Framework

      Uncover DASCA’s dynamic Credentialing Framework, which reinforces industry leadership through its Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF™) and Data Science body of knowledge.

    • DASCA Governance

      Learn about DASCA’s governance structure, ensuring neutrality, independence, and adherence to the highest credentialing standards.

    • The Code of Ethics

      Commit to integrity in data science. Discover the principles that guide DASCA-certified professionals in ethical, responsible, and transparent practices. 

    • The Data Science Era

      Explore how Data Science is transforming industries globally, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities across sectors.

    • Data Science Professions

      Discover the emerging career tracks in Data Science and how professionals are adapting to the rapidly evolving data landscape.

    Accreditation and Credentialing

    DASCA’s pioneering credentials for data analysts, data engineers, and data scientists are cross-platform, vendor-neutral, and adaptable across a wide range of industries and operational levels. Our certifications equip professionals with the skills they need to excel in today’s dynamic data landscape, ensuring they are prepared for diverse roles in data-driven environments.

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    Start your data science journey with DASCA. Whether you're an individual pursuing certification, an institution seeking DASCA accreditation, or an organization exploring partnership, the process is simple and entirely online to help you achieve your goals.



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    For any questions about certifications, partnerships, or DASCA accreditation, feel free to get in touch.



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    Stay up to date with DASCA’s latest announcements and developments. Explore press releases, certification updates, expert insights on data science trends, and learn about DASCA’s global initiatives.

  • ☰
Renewal Upgrade For SDS/renewal-upgrade/renewal-upgrade-for-sds

SDS™ Renewal & Upgrade

HOME Senior Data Scientist SDS™ Renewal & Upgrade

Renewal & Upgrade

The SDS™ certification needs to be mandatorily renewed every five years to continue the qualification and designation, and keep them current. SDS™ can also be upgraded to PDS™ in accordance to the PDS™ candidacy norms applicable at the time of upgrade. DASCA sends reminder emails for renewal or upgrade and you can log into myDASCA dashboard and register for SDS™ renewal or for upgrade to PDS™.

Please note that no additional training or exam is mandated for renewal of SDS™. Certificants are require to submit on their myDASCA dashboard, a declaration of their professional development and learning efforts every five years to maintain their SDS™ credential. In certain cases, certificants may also be asked to submit documentary proofs to support the declaration they make at the time of renewal or upgrade. For upgrading to PDS™, the requirements only include submitting statements on career progress, achievements and contributions made.

SDS™ credential-holders can either renew their current SDS™ certification, or upgrade to the PDS™ credential. Please refer to the SDS™ Credential Renewal section, OR the SDS™ Credential Upgrade to PDS™ section below for details.

Renewing SDS™

Renewal of your SDS™ Credential is a simple 3-step process:

  • Register for SDS™ renewal by logging into your myDASCA dashboard.
  • Pay your SDS™ renewal fee online from your myDASCA dashboard.
  • Complete the prescribed Declaration on Continuing Learning for Professional Development on your myDASCA dashboard.

The decision on SDS™ renewal is usually communicated within 3-5 business days. The updated SDS™ digital badge is issued within 2-3 business days of approval of renewal and the new SDS™ credential certificate is shipped within 3 to 4 weeks.

SDS™ Renewal – At-a-Glance

Renewal Code Renewal Categories Renewal Timelines Renewal Fee
SDSRU-1 Standard Renewal Latest within 5 years after the first award or the last renewal of the SDS™ credential STANDARD RENEWAL Fee applicable before the expiry of the credential validity of 5 years is USD 450
SDSRU-2 Renewal during the Convenience Period Convenience period extends to a maximum of 90 days from the due renewal date. Missing Renewal within the Convenience period leads to deactivation of the SDS™ credential CONVENIENCE PERIOD RENEWAL fee to be paid for Renewal of SDS™ credential within the Convenience period is USD 500
SDSRU-3 Renewal/ Reactivation After Deactivation Within maximum 12 months from the date of deactivation of the SDS™ credential. Missing Renewal within the Reactivation window leads to suspension of the SDS™ credential CREDENTIAL REACTIVATION fee to be paid for Reactivation of a deactivated SDS™ credential is USD 550
SDSRU-4 Renewal/ Revival After Suspension Within maximum 60 days from the date of suspension of the SDS™ credential. Missing Renewal within the Revival window leads to a summary cancellation and permanent expiry of the SDS™ credential CREDENTIAL REVIVAL fee to be paid for Revival/ Renewal of a suspended SDS™ credential is USD 600

Note: The renewed credential validity is five years from the date of renewal.

Upgrade from SDS™ to PDS™

PDS™ Track 3 is the upgrade pathway for eligible Senior Data Scientist (SDS™) credential holders. Track 3 candidates do not take the PDS™ certification exam. Instead, they complete three submission-based assessments.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply through Track 3, you must meet all four requirements:

  • Hold an active SDS™ credential.
  • Have held your SDS™ credential for at least one year.
  • Have at least eight years of work experience.
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Please note that after upgrade to PDS™, your SDS™ credential will automatically expire.

Assessment Requirements

Track 3 candidates complete three submissions*:

  • 40% Professional Growth
  • 40% Career Accomplishments
  • 20% Professional Impact and Influence

*Please note that no PDS™ certification exam is required.

How to Upgrade

  • Confirm that you meet all four eligibility requirements.
  • Register and pay through your myDASCA dashboard.
  • Complete the three required submissions.
  • Receive the assessment decision and, if approved, your PDS™ credential.

When your PDS™ credential is awarded, your SDS™ credential automatically expires.

Principal Data Scientist

Upgrade to PDS™ – At-a-Glance

SDS™ Upgrade Timeline



Upgrade Code Upgrade* Categories Upgrade Timeline Upgrade Fee
SDSRU-5 Advance upgrade Advance Upgrade can be done any time 12 months after the award of the SDS™ credential, and at least 1 year before the scheduled expiry of the 5-year validity of the credential. Fee applicable for Advance upgrade to PDS™ is USD 850
SDSRU-6 Priority Upgrade Priority Upgrade can be done during the 5th year of an active SDS™ credential at least 2 calendar months before the scheduled expiry of its 5-year validity. Fee applicable for Priority upgrade to PDS™ is USD 950
Upgrade requests not covered under the above categories will be decided upon their individual merits.

Note: The upgraded PDS™ credential validity is five years from the date of upgrade.

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