Data Science Council of America
  • Certifications

    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.

    • > DASCA Examination and Policies

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

    • > Frequently Asked Questions 

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

    • > Digitally Badged Credentials

      Showcase your DASCA certification with digital badges recognized worldwide.

  • Accreditation
    DASCA Accredited
    • Accreditation Home

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

    • 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.

    • Accreditation Journey

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

    • Accreditation Impact

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

    • Resources for Institutions

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

    • DASCA Accreditation Advisors

      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.

    • Apply Today

      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. Leverage the World Data Science & AI Initiative's subsidy program to strengthen your academic offerings.

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    • Tech Companies & Other Organizations

      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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    • 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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    • Advocacy Partnership

      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 Big 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 Big Data 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.

    Get Started

    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.



    Contact Us

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



    Newsroom

    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.

  • ☰
DASCA Credentialing Framework | Essential Knowledge EKF™

DASCA-EKF™ – Defining Global Standards in Data Science Knowledge

The Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF™) powers DASCA certifications by defining what data professionals must know and how deeply across analytics, engineering, AI, and governance. Designed for academic rigor and industry alignment, the EKF™ serves as a trusted global benchmark for data science readiness.

HOME The Credentialing Framework

About the EKF™

The Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF™) is the intellectual foundation of all DASCA certifications. Developed to reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of data and AI professions, the EKF™ defines what data professionals need to know and how deeply across five essential knowledge domains.​

The updated EKF™ 2.0 captures the full spectrum of capabilities required to thrive in today’s data-driven roles from applied analytics and cloud-native engineering to AI deployment and data governance. It maps knowledge progression across three professional pathways—Data Analyst, Data Engineer, and Data Scientist—and defines the depth of expertise expected at each level: Functional, Professional, or Expert.

Built with academic rigor and industry alignment, the EKF™ enables:

  • Institutions to align curriculum, learning outcomes, and program structure with international benchmarks

  • Employers to benchmark data and AI competencies across roles and job levels

  • Professionals to chart and validate their learning journeys and career trajectories

The EKF™ is a global reference for excellence in data science education, credentialing, and workforce readiness.

EKF™ Knowledge Matrix

EKF™ Knowledge Matrix

  • Built for Academic Depth, Backed by Global Expertise

    The EKF™ is a rigorously constructed academic framework grounded in global research, enterprise expectations, and interdisciplinary insight. It serves as a reference model for institutions and credentialing authorities seeking to deliver outcome-aligned, future-ready education in data and AI. Each EKF™ domain reflects real-world competencies demanded by employers, while preserving the pedagogical scaffolding required for:

    • Outcome-based curriculum design
    • Tiered learning pathways (from undergraduate to post-professional levels)
    • Assessment mapping and instructional planning

    The EKF™ is continuously informed by:

    • Ongoing collaboration with leading universities and academic networks
    • Input from industry leaders, AI researchers, and data science practitioners

  • Leading the Global Standard for Data & AI Readiness

    As a global credentialing authority, DASCA is proud to lead one of the most forward-looking ecosystems for validating professional data capabilities. The EKF™ is central to this ecosystem powering:

    • The design and continuous evolution of DASCA certifications
    • The benchmarking of institutional programs and curricula
    • The alignment of government and enterprise workforce development strategies
    • The enablement of professionals to track, grow, and signal their expertise with confidence

    Across 180+ countries, the EKF™ is shaping how the world defines, develops, and recognizes excellence in data and AI.

How the EKF™ Works

The EKF™ functions as both a credentialing framework and a strategic guide for structuring learning in data and AI across education, training, and professional development settings.

Each of the five EKF™ domains represents a distinct but interconnected body of knowledge essential for success in modern data roles. Together, they mirror how professionals operate across the full data value chain.

Role-Driven Knowledge Mapping

The EKF™ maps these domains across three professional roles:

  • Data Analyst – Business-focused interpretation, communication, and impact
  • Data Engineer – Scalable, secure data systems and architecture
  • Data Scientist – Advanced modeling, experimentation, and AI integration

Each role is assessed at one of three knowledge depth levels:

  • Functional: Practical understanding and application within defined contexts
  • Professional: Independent execution, cross-functional problem-solving
  • Expert: Strategic leadership, innovation, and system-level thinking

This structure ensures each DASCA certification targets role-relevant knowledge with increasing depth and complexity as professionals advance.

Academic & Curriculum Alignment

The EKF™ serves as a structured reference for universities, colleges, and training institutions seeking to benchmark and strengthen their data science and AI programs.

Whether mapping an undergraduate major, structuring a professional diploma, or auditing a graduate curriculum, the EKF™ helps ensure alignment with globally validated expectations of rigor, relevance, and industry readiness.

Curriculum Design Made Outcome-Driven

The EKF™ empowers institutions to:

  • Map course modules to EKF™ domains and certification tracks
  • Sequence learning across knowledge levels (Functional → Expert)
  • Design capstones, assessments, and lab experiences that reflect real-world complexity
  • Integrate academic learning with professional certification outcomes

By aligning with EKF™, institutions ensure students graduate with job-relevant capabilities that are recognized and validated by global employers.

For Faculty, Deans & Program Committees

Faculty and curriculum leaders can use the EKF™ to:

  • Conduct curriculum audits for currency and alignment with industry expectations
  • Define measurable learning outcomes for program and course design
  • Embed DASCA certifications into academic degree structures
  • Equip students with both academic credentials and industry-recognized certifications

Institutions pursuing DASCA Accreditation are encouraged to use the EKF™ as a core curriculum planning resource.

For Faculty, Deans & Program Committees

At the Core of Future-Ready Data Credentials

The data and AI landscape is evolving rapidly and education, hiring, and credentialing systems must keep pace. The EKF™ helps institutions, employers, and professionals align with the demands of this transformation. Whether you're designing curriculum, evaluating talent, or pursuing certification, the EKF™ provides a globally relevant, academically grounded roadmap for success.

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At the Core of Future-Ready Data Credentials
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