CDMP DIY Q&A
Executive Summary
Are you interested in obtaining a certification in data management? There are various benefits to getting certified in this field. To prepare for the exam, you can use DIY methods such as studying the CDMP® certification process, taking refresher questions, and using active learning techniques to enhance exam performance. Additionally, it's essential to understand your learning style and techniques that work best for you. Paul and Melinda's experience with beta testing and refresher days can provide helpful insights. When registering for the exam, using your personal email with DAMA CDMP® is recommended. With proper preparation and tips for passing the exam, you can successfully obtain a CDMP® certification.
Webinar Details
Title: CDMP® DIY Q&A
Date: 15th June 2023
Presenter: Veronica Diesel
Meetup Group: African Data Management Community
Write-up Author: Howard Diesel
Encouraging Data Management Certification
In 2018, we introduced a data management certification course, which is now available online. However, we had a disappointing turnout for a weekend session that consultants had requested. As a solution, we provided coupons to encourage test-takers to complete the exam within 6-8 weeks. Unfortunately, the number of people who have purchased and completed the exam is lower than expected, as reported monthly by CDMP®. Despite our efforts, including refresher days, we have not been successful in motivating more people to take the exam.
DIY Data Management for Certification Preparation
I have some notes about a project to create a DIY certification preparation course. By combining resources, the course will cost less than a refresher day on Saturdays. The course includes practical exercises, templates, and the ability to customize templates for homogeneous groups. The main goal is to help people pass their specialist exams and improve their job performance through education.
The CDMP® DIY Course features are below:
Base module: Practice exams consisting of over 750 questions and UNLIMITED attempts
Optional: DMBok Version 2 summary and mind maps
Optional: Refresher slides and videos
Optional: Excel spreadsheet of the 321 questions CDMP® Practice exam answers
OR you can get the complete bundle
Benefits of Data Management Certification
Getting certified can greatly increase your employability on a global scale. To become a CDMP® Associate (formerly known as CDMP® Light), you need to score at least a 60 on one exam. For CDMP® Practitioner and Master certifications, you must pass multiple exams to demonstrate a deeper understanding of data management. With the DIY CDMP® program, anyone can position themselves well for a Master pass. Additionally, the beta testing program provides a chance to obtain a Practitioner pass.
Understanding the CDMP Certification Process
To obtain the CDMP® Associate certification, one must pass the Data Management Fundamentals exam. Once passed, the individual receives three years of Central Membership. To achieve Practitioner or Master level, one must pass all three exams with a minimum of 70% and 80% respectively, and have at least 10 years of experience. Each exam has a validity period of three years from the date of badge issuance. After three years, recertification is required, which includes filling out a Code of Ethics form and a Continuous Participation form. The exams are based on DMBoK version 2, but may also include some questions from DMBoK V1.
Preparing for an Open Book Exam
To prepare for the exam, it is important to have a printed copy or a PDF of the book you will be using. Keep both printed notes and/or the book readily available on your desk. It's best to have the PDF of the book on a separate device that isn't connected to the computer you'll be using for the exam. Before starting the exam, make sure to open Google Chrome with only one tab open for the exam. During the exam, avoid navigating to other tabs or sites.
Using Act of Learning to Enhance Exam Performance
Interactive learning is defined as an approach to actively engage with learning materials, rather than just passively receiving information. The exam comprises 100 questions, with a time limit of 90 minutes for those with English as their first language and 110 minutes for those with English as their second language. The questions are categorized and presented in batches, with the majority focusing on topics such as Data Governance, Data Modeling, Master and Reference Data Warehousing, Metadata, and Data Quality. The questions are multiple-choice, and some may have more than one correct answer, requiring the use of experience to determine the best option. The Master Level questions require the application of knowledge and cannot be found in reference materials. To prepare for the exam, a self-driven approach called Act of Learning is recommended, which allows individuals to actively engage with the material and identify areas of weakness. For individuals with limited experience with the DMBok, an instructor-led course is suggested. The DIY course is suitable for those with a strong comprehension of the DMBok and experience in data management.
Preparing for CDMP® Exam
It is recommended to prioritize studying eleven mark chapters and ten mark chapters. To aid in preparation, there are 321 questions available from online vendors which should be completed with 100% accuracy in one hour. Additionally, utilizing the CDMP® practice exam can ensure readiness for the actual exam. It is essential to follow exam techniques to maximize the chances of success.
CDMP® Practice Session Priorities
Active Learning for Professional Certification Exams
Approach the first exam attempt as if it were a closed book, flagging and guessing questions as you progress through it. Devote two-thirds to three-quarters of the allotted time to the first attempt and use this technique for all practice exams. In the second attempt, concentrate on the easy questions (quick look-ups), and reserve the third attempt for questions that necessitate more thought. Take your time, flag and guess if the distractors require too much reading. Don't leave any questions unanswered and use the Active Learning approach to better comprehend the material.
Learning Styles & Techniques
Encouraging learning and setting the pace through community interactions. Validating understanding by repeating questions and using DMBok for review. Practicing repeatedly to see improvements in marks. Maintaining focus for hours with the help of treats and snacks. Emphasizing the importance of repetition and completing tasks within an hour.
Refresher Questions and Beta Testing: Paul and Melinda's Experience
Paul and Melinda were both getting ready for refresher questions and beta testing. Paul was able to finish writing his answers on Friday night and was happy with his grade. However, Melinda, who was new to the process, was taking more time. She was carefully reviewing her answers, practicing questions, reading and taking notes, and redoing the quiz. Despite not having a background in data, Melinda was using the CDMP four day training course workbook to challenge herself and make sure she didn't miss anything.
DIY CDMP® Exam Preparation
Students can take advantage of pre-assessment to acquaint themselves with the CDMP® exam. The exam is divided into modules with marks allocated as follows: 11, 10, 6, and 2. The exam questions are separated into data governance exam questions and other types of questions. For a better understanding of the material, review questions are also provided. Students' progress is monitored to ensure they are making progress as expected. Clear instructions are given to guide students on how to prepare for the exam.
CDMP® Exam Prep: Notes on Exam Questions, Review Questions, and Optional Extras
To fully grasp the material, it's important to thoroughly comprehend the chapters and concentrate on the exam questions. The exam consists of 10-mark, 6-mark, and 2-mark questions. You will have access to the course for 5 weeks, with the final week dedicated to tackling the exam questions. To improve your understanding, take advantage of the quizzes and review questions as often as you can. Additionally, there are optional resources available such as teacher notes, spreadsheets, and images. Please note that while some of the spreadsheets are sourced from the internet, they may not be 100% accurate.
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Refresher Day and Knowledge Area Resources
For those who need a refresher, we have compiled a PDF of slides and videos from the last refresher day. This valuable resource contains crucial slides and links to the videos. To help with comprehension, we have also included mind maps for each chapter, which offer a clear visual overview of the content. As part of step 5 of the learning process, we encourage students to create their own mind maps to review their understanding. Additionally, all questions are presented in a multiple-choice format.
Working with Data - Notes for Professionals
To avoid any problems with Honor Lock, it is recommended that you use Chrome as your browser when working with data. For optimal screen setup, it is suggested that you have Excel on one screen and DMBok, Adobe, Chat GPT, and Google on the other. If you score 80 on the exam, even new grads can earn a practitioner label. For your application, remember to include your CV and university work to demonstrate your research and data reporting skills. To ensure that everyone is working with data correctly, it's important to share your screen setup with others.
Tips for Passing the CDMP Exam
To prepare for the exam, begin by searching Excel and the DMBok for relevant questions. For more challenging topics like social licensing, consider using chat GPT for assistance. Select a suitable time of day for the exam and ensure that the environment is distraction-free. Additionally, be sure to secure the second workstation. Take advantage of the DIY courses that are available for five weeks before taking the exam and download the Excel files offered on the website for practice. If you require further assistance, complete the form on the website to receive setup instructions.
Registering for CDMP Exams
To register for the exam, please read the provided document carefully to understand the process. Before attempting to register, ensure that you have the correct amount of payment ready. After payment, contact CDMP® to link your purchase to your rewrite. To avoid any delays, it is recommended that you prepare your payment a few days in advance. Check the file section for the Word document that explains how to register and pay for the exam. Please note that payment for the exam is only accepted via credit card. If your company is sponsoring the exam, please contact Paul from the organization for further information. Additionally, note that there are two versions of the exam: a standard version and an English as a second language version.
Benefits of Using Your Personal Email with DAMA CDMP®
It's crucial to provide your personal email address when dealing with DAMA CDMP®, as it can be transferred with you if you switch jobs. You can find a PDF for download that includes the link to register for their canvas. If you need assistance, there is help available for the time-consuming process of rewriting exams. Currently, there's a promotion offering a 10% discount for those who sign up on Youth Day, a public holiday in South Africa. Additionally, if you pay for your own CDMP® exam, DAMA South Africa provides cash back, with the amount up to 4,000 Rand depending on your pass.
DIY Data Management
Before attempting to handle a DIY project, it is recommended to acquire knowledge on data quality and data governance. Attending the Knowledge Area sessions hosted by DAMA SA can provide better understanding. When ready, dive into the project and reach out to DAMA SA for assistance if needed. Any questions can be directed to DAMA SA via email or inbox on Canvas.
If you want to receive the recording, kindly contact Debbie (social@modelwaresystems.com)
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