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DCAM Certification Rulebook


DCAM (Data Management Capability Assessment Model) v3

Is DCAM training available to anyone?
The DCAM Framework, associated resources, documentation, and training are exclusively available to EDM Association members, as part of the membership benefits. Before booking, please ensure that your organization is an active member by checking the EDM Association member list. If you are unsure, please confirm internally prior to registration. Please note that bookings from non-member organizations will be cancelled, and any fees paid will be refunded.

How do I become DCAM certified?
DCAM certification is awarded upon successful passing of the online certification exam with a score of 70% or better. The test is administered online through eLearningCurve.






Can I take an exam multiple times?
You can take each exam up to six times. However, each exam license that you purchase entitles you to three attempts. If you fail on all 3 attempts, you can purchase an additional exam license, and thus make up to three more attempts, by contacting [email protected]. We believe that attempting an exam more than 6 times is not productive.

How do I get enrolled in the program?
The most convenient and cost-efficient method to enroll in one of our DCAM Packages. Some packages allow you to simultaneously earn a CIMP or CDS designation.

What do I get upon earning the DCAM designation?
EDM Association issues a digital badge for Certification to all students who complete the DCAM Framework training and exam, respectively. These credentials are a validated presentation of accomplishment, skill and quality. They are managed by a third party providing independent validation of the credentials. The recipient can display the badges in their CV, correspondence signature or on profile sites such as LinkedIn. EDM Association’s certification of DCAM is a well recognized credential in the data management profession across multiple industries.

Is DCAM Certification associated with a particular version of DCAM?
DCAM Certification is associated with the major version of DCAM. DCAM has both a major and a minor version. The major version is incremented when there are significant structural and content changes to the model. Once released, a major versions does not change for at least 2 years (often longer). The minor version is incremented when there are small changes to the model that clarify or correct model content. Once released, a minor version does not change for at least 6 month. Minor releases do not impact DCAM Certification. Changes to DCAM are produced by industry work groups facilitated by EDM Association. They are reviewed extensively by EDM Association members prior to release.

Announcements regarding new DCAM version releases will be announced on the EDM Association Web site at https://edmcouncil.org/page/aboutdcamreview.

How long is my certification valid?
The EDM Association supports the current and previous major versions of DCAM. Consequently, if you are certified on the current version (for example, DCAM v2) your certification will be valid until DCAM v4 is released.

How do I get re-certified on a new DCAM version when it is released?
Certification is specific to the major version of DCAM. Certification remains valid while the associated major version of DCAM is supported. The EDM Association supports the current and previous major versions. Students who are DCAM certified and wish to re-certify on the newest version of DCAM must take the exam for that version. To prepare for the exam students will have the opportunity to either take a full course on the new version (with a discount off the regular list price) or a shorter course which outlines the changes included in the newest version.


I am certified in DCAM v2. How do I get a recertification from DCAM v2 to DCAM v3?
Students who were certified in DCAM v2 have two options to obtain DCAM v3 certification:
  1. The EDM Association offers a virtual 5-hour DCAM v3 Upgrade Course with certification. Registration and details for this course are found on the EDMA training site, Training, eLearning & Certifications - EDM Council.
  2. The EDM Associations offers an eLearning version of the DCAM v3 Framework Training with certification. Registration and details for this course are found on the eLearningCurve training site.
Students who were not previously certified in DCAM v2, have two options:
  1. Enroll in a virtual instructor-led 2-day DCAM v3 Training Course and Certification via the EDM Association, Training, eLearning & Certifications - EDM Council
  2. Enroll in the e-learning version of the DCAM v3 Training Course and Certification. Registration and details for this course are found on the eLearningCurve training site
All students will have to take and pass the DCAM v3 exam to receive a certification badge.


Who governs the DCAM Certification Program?
The DCAM Program is governed by the EDM Association. The EDM Association is the global, non-profit association created to elevate the practice of Data Management as a business and operational priority. The Association is the leading advocate for the development and implementation of Data Standards, Best Practices and comprehensive Training and Certification programs, serving data professionals across multiple industries.

Do I get access to a DCAM assessment tool or template as part of my course?
The DCAM Framework, associated resources, documentation, and training are exclusively available to EDM Association members, as part of the membership benefits. Before booking, please ensure that your organization is an active member by checking the EDM Association member list. If you are unsure, please confirm internally prior to registration. Please note that bookings from non-member organizations will be cancelled, and any fees paid will be refunded.