How to Buy and Register for a CDMP® Exam Using a Coupon
Executive Summary
This webinar guides users through key components of DAMA International's Exam Portal and Certification Process, focusing on essential aspects such as the booking and implementation of online exams, as well as guidelines for conducting these assessments. Veronica Diesel highlights the importance of structured online learning and preparation while addressing questions present in the practice exam. These questions pertain to topics related to Data Management, including Value Domain, Master and Reference Data Management, Data Quality Oversight, Document and Record Management, MetaData Management, and Data Security. Additionally. Lastly, the practice exam houses questions on the significance of analytic application evaluation and data warehousing in the context of effective Data Governance.
Webinar Details
Title: How to Buy and Register for a CDMP® Exam Using a Coupon
Date: 10 February 2025
Presenter: Veronica Diesel
Meetup Group: Data Management for Certification
Write-up Author: Howard Diesel
Contents
DAMA International's Exam Portal and Certification Process
Guide to Booking and Implementing Online Exams
Online Learning and Exam Preparation
Online Exam: Verification and Guidelines
Conducting an Online Exam
Questions on Value Domain and Master and Reference Data Management
Questions on Data Quality Management and Oversight
Questions on Document and Record Management and Data Governance
Questions on Metadata Management, Data Governance, and Data Security
Questions on Analytic Application Evaluation and Data Warehousing
DAMA International's Exam Portal and Certification Process
Veronica Diesel opens the webinar by demonstrating the process to access certification resources. She instructs the attendees to go to cdmp.info using Chrome. This portal is managed by DAMA International and, as of January, boasts over 10,000 associates, 705 practitioners, and 237 masters.
For detailed information on certification levels and procedures, explore the "About Exams" section and the frequently asked questions, which address common queries about the process. To achieve master status, you will need to upload your CV after passing three master-level exams; this verification costs $50 if your CDP is expired. Note that there’s a maintenance program in place, and rewriting isn't required unless a new version (potentially DMBoK version 3) is released in the future.
Figure 1 DAMA International CDMP Home Page https://cdmp.info
Figure 2 Information Board
Guide to Booking and Implementing Online Exams
To book an online exam, navigate to the exam section “About Exams” and select "book an exam." When choosing the Data Management Fundamentals exam, remember that there is a standard version (90 minutes, 100 questions) and English as a Second Language (ESL) version (110 minutes, 100 questions) available. Most candidates are eligible for the ESL version, which can be added to your cart without needing to prove eligibility.
If you have a coupon code, enter it in the designated section to reduce the total to $0, and then proceed to “Checkout”. Note that without a coupon, the exam fee is $311 and must be paid by credit card. New exam enrollment allows 12 months to complete your exam. If you encounter issues with the coupon limit contact your coupon provider for assistance.
When registering for a certification, it's important to use your personal email address rather than a work email to ensure your certification can be accessed in the future, especially if you change jobs. You will need to provide your first and last name as they will appear on the certificate, along with your credit card details and other compulsory address information, including country or region, which some may find too personal.
After placing your order, watch for two confirmation emails in your inbox or junk mail, as this will guide you through the next steps of the registration process. One email is confirmation of exam purchase and the other enables you to set your password for the D2L platform. Your personal email address is your userID.
Figure 4 Important Notice
Figure 5 Specialist Exam Options for Certification (Note all are 100 questions. Standard version is 90 Minutes and ESL 110 Minutes)
Figure 6 Order Enrolment Summary/ Cart: Paste your coupon code in the Coupon code space and click Apply
Figure 7 Checkout: Your First Name and Last Name must be as you wish them to appear on your certificate. Exam Taker Email MUST be your personal email address in case you change jobs. This will be your UserID on D2L
Figure 8 Payment options if you are paying with your credit card. All purchases require you to tick the Ts&Cs box
Online Learning and Exam Preparation
To set up your account for the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) program, first, ensure you have your username and click on the option to set up a password. It's crucial to remember your password, as the password recovery process can be slow and may not always be effective.
After establishing your password, log in using your username and the new password. Once logged in, navigate to your available exams which you have purchased, along with the official practice exam. Be aware that there might be delays in accessing certain features, such as the practice exam, so patience is advised. It is usually added within an hour.
Figure 9 Email Verification: Follow steps 1, 2 and 3
Figure 10 Choose a New Password (Step 2)
Figure 11 Welcome Page
Figure 12 Available Exams (Veronica had Modelling as well)
Figure 13 Data Management Fundamentals ESL
Online Exam: Verification and Guidelines
When preparing for the online proctored exam, be aware of the requirements and restrictions. You'll need to complete a verification process for Honorlock that includes presenting a photo ID, scanning your room, and verifying your face. Ensure that you're using a compatible operating system and have installed the necessary Chrome extension, which may require updates. It is advised to verify your technology long before taking your exam. Some company laptops require the company’s technical staff to enable Honorlock.
Allowed items include open book, notes and scratch paper, although clarity on the use of printed summaries is still pending. Note that headphones and hats are prohibited, but Muslim women can wear a hijab. Make sure to be fully prepared before the exam begins.
Figure 14 Practice Exam with Honorlock to familiarize yourself with Honorlock’s requirements at the start of your exam
Figure 15 Test Honorlock
Figure 16 Summary: Honorlock Practice Exam
Figure 17 Assessment Guidelines
Conducting an Online Exam
To initiate the authentication process for your exam, ensure you have disconnected your second screen. Honorlock is only able to record one screen, so you may have only one. Begin by unlocking your camera and sharing your screen when requested to do so. During the authentication, a prompt will appear for you to take a photo of your face, followed by a photo of your ID for manual verification. After completing this, conduct a thorough room scan by recording a video of your surroundings, including any other devices and ensuring your phone is turned off and packed away. This video should capture the floor, ceiling, desk, and walls to show they are clear. If you are using a pdf, it must be on a separate device and show that it is open. If you are using a hard copy book, you may not have a second device. Finally, confirm the video quality and then proceed to start the exam.
The exam setup ensures that it cannot be accidentally started, as Honorlock will launch before the exam. While preparing for the exam students can access the Practice Exam for Data Management Fundamentals on the D2L platform, which consists of 40 questions drawn from a question bank of approximately 150 items.
It's important to note that this practice exam does not cover all knowledge areas, so students are encouraged to utilise additional resources. During the exam, a timer is visible at the top, and while there is no flagging feature for questions, students should keep track of questions they wish to revisit using paper notes. It's advisable not to leave questions unanswered, as guessing provides a one-in-five chance of being correct.
Recommended exam technique is:
Go through all the questions as if it is a closed book exam. RESIST LOOKING ANYTHING UP! There is a danger you will lose track of time. This should take 60 to 70 minutes.
Answer ALL the questions, even if you have to guess. If the question is verbose and you read slowly, guess and move on. There is no negative marking, so a guess has a 20% chance of being right. Blank has 0% chance of being right. WRITE DOWN THE NUMBERS OF THE QUESTIONS TO RETURN TO.
Second pass do the quick lookups, which will leave you plenty of time to think!
Figure 18 Testing Honorlock
Figure 19 Data Management Fundamentals Practice Exam
Figure 20 "This practice exam is to assist you to"
Figure 21 Examplse of the D2L exam question format
Questions on Value Domain and Master and Reference Data Management
The first question of the practice exam centres on value domains and their role in Data Management. A value domain is defined as the set of permissible values for a given data element, often dictated by external standards, although this is not universally applicable. Veronica adds that conforming value domains enhance data quality, and multiple reference data sets can reference the same conceptual domain.
Figure 22 Question 04
Figure 23 Question 05
Questions on Data Quality Management and Oversight
The practice exam moves on to questions focused around Data Quality and its critical components. Veronica highlights that there are 11 questions related to data quality and 10 pertaining to Master Data in the assessment materials. Questions are delivered in Knowledge Area groups.
Questions on Document and Record Management and Data Governance
Further questions focus in on key aspects of Document and Record Management discussed. It is important to know what the primary deliverables include, such as effective record management practices and the clarification of the relationship between documents and records, with records being considered a subset of documents. The concept of taxonomy is also present as a question.
Figure 24 Question 24
Figure 25 Question 25
Questions on Metadata Management, Data Governance, and Data Security
Veronica shares that it is essential to understand the distinction between technical and operational metadata when answering a particular question. She adds that it is important to know what the role of a metadata repository is in business change projects. The repository contains vital information, such as requirements, lineage, and data dictionary elements, which assist developers and administrators in tracking and managing data storage. While it is crucial for the repository to indicate storage device names, it may not explicitly show the exact locations of all data. Make sure you look up on your second pass to confirm your selection.
Another question is on the RACI matrix, which serves as a useful tool for clarifying responsibilities within outsourced arrangements, emphasising the distinction between who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed regarding service level agreements (SLAs).
The Data Governance Council comes up as a question. Veronica states that the DGC plays a crucial role in defining information security policies, focusing on proper authentication, authorisation, access, and auditing to manage data security effectively. Stakeholders, including internal audits and risk committees, must be carefully considered. External parties like regulators and media may not have data that requires protection.
When outsourcing information management functions, organisations can delegate responsibilities but must retain accountability. In the context of business intelligence (BI), identifying which examples do not align with decision-making is essential; the first option typically stands out as being unrelated. This was touched on in the DMBoK version one, published in 2010, which introduced an architectural approach that provisions volatile data through active data warehouses to meet customer demands for both historical and near real-time data.
Figure 26 Question 37
Figure 27 Question 38
Questions on Analytic Application Evaluation and Data Warehousing
In another question, understanding the definitions of value domains and master Data Management is also vital, as this knowledge helps identify potential pitfalls in exam questions, particularly those with terms like "not" or "false." Additionally, concepts like data warehouses and data stores play a significant role in broader BI strategies, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter. Practice exams provide an opportunity to reinforce learning, while team discussions can aid in clarifying complex topics.
Figure 28 Question 39
Figure 29 Question 40
Figure 30 Saved Progress
Figure 31 Questions and Answers
Figure 32 Submissions
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Additionally, if you would like to be a guest speaker on a future webinar, kindly contact Debbie (social@modelwaresystems.com)
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