Comparison of CDMP and DCAM certifications

Which certification is better for your career goals? Should you pursue the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) or the Data Management Capability Assessment Model (DCAM) accreditation?

Author:  Nicole Janeway  |  Post Date:  Sep 14, 2024  |  Last Update:  Sep 14, 2024  |  Related Posts

Individuals and organizations need to ensure that their Data Management practices are solid. Certifications such as the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) and the Data Management Capability Assessment Model (DCAM) provide a clear standard for knowledge related to this crucial field. These two certifications serve different purposes, so in this post, we'll break down the key differences between CDMP and DCAM, helping you decide which is the better fit for your career goals.

Contents

• What is the CDMP?
• What is DCAM?
• Which Should You Choose?
• Related Posts

What is the CDMP?

The Certified Data Management Professional, offered by DAMA International, is a globally recognized accreditation aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in data management disciplines. The certification focuses on core areas such as: Data Governance, Data Architecture, Data Modeling, Data Privacy, etc.

The CDMP accreditation is divided into three levels: Associate (60-69% on Fundamentals Exam), Practitioner (70%+ on Fundamentals and two Specialist Exams), and Master (80%+ on Fundamentals and two Specialist Exams). Each level is representative of deeper understanding and expertise in Data Management principles.

The certification is based on the contents of the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), which ensures a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of the field.

The CDMP is a good choice for early career professionals looking to gain a broad understanding of data-related fields. For experienced Data Management practitioners looking to advance their careers or validate their expertise, proceeding to the Practitioner- or Master-level certification by passing two Specialist Exams is an excellent choice.

What is DCAM?

The Data Management Capability Assessment Model certification, offered by EDM Council, signifies that a data practitioner is equipped to assess and enhance an organization's data management capabilities using DCAM as a Data Management Maturity Assessment.

This framework helps a data practitioner evaluate how well the organization adheres to industry standards in areas such as: Data Governance, Data Architecture, Data Security, and Data Privacy. By regularly benchmarking progress toward alignment with best practices, an organization can improve its data management processes, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance with regulations.

DCAM is ideal for data practitioners interested in evaluating and enhancing overall data management strategies. It may be an especially good fit for data professionals working in the finance industry, given the background and focus of EDM Council.

Which Should You Choose?

The decision between pursuing CDMP or DCAM accreditation largely depends on whether you're looking to build a broad foundation of data-related knowledge or focus specifically on learning EDM Council's methodology for evaluating and improving an organization's data management capabilities.

CDMP is helpful for professionals who want to solidify their understanding of a range of data management disciplines. The CDMP offers an excellent pathway to grow your career in data management. The three tiers each provide an engaging challenge for entry level, intermediate, and advanced data practitioners.

DCAM is useful for data practitioners and consultants looking to better understand data management maturity and ensure alignment with industry standards.

Both CDMP and DCAM are highly respected certifications, but they cater to different objectives. By understanding key differences between these two well-respected data-related certifications, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal and professional goals. If you still have questions about which option is best for your unique situation, you may be interested in speaking with one of our expert Career Coaches.