Data Science Council of America
  • Certifications

    Certifications

    Explore DASCA’s comprehensive certification paths tailored for professionals in:

    Explore

    • > 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.

    Know more
    • 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.

  • ☰
Renewal Upgrade For ABDA/renewal-upgrade/abda-upgrade-to-sbda

ABDA™ Upgrade to SBDA™

HOME Associate Big Data Analyst ABDA™ Renewal & Upgrade

Upgrade Only Policy

The ABDA™ certification is valid for three years from the date of award. At the end of this period, ABDA™ credential-holders must upgrade to the Senior Big Data Analyst (SBDA™) credential to continue their credentialed status with DASCA.

DASCA sends reminder emails before the credential expiry, and ABDA™ holders can log in to their myDASCA dashboard to apply for upgrade in accordance with SBDA™ candidacy norms applicable at the time.

Key Policy Highlights

  • Mandatory Upgrade: ABDA™ credential cannot be renewed. Upgrade to SBDA™ is required to remain credentialed.
  • Eligibility: Upgrade is subject to SBDA™ candidacy requirements.
  • Upgrade Timing: Candidates may choose Advance Upgrade or Priority Upgrade, depending on when within the 3-year cycle they apply.
  • Process: All applications are submitted via the myDASCA dashboard with supporting declarations and documentation.
Senior Big Data Analyst

Upgrade to SBDA™ – At-a-Glance

ABDA™ Upgrade Timeline


Upgrade Code Upgrade* Categories Upgrade Timeline Upgrade Fee
ABDARU-5 Advance upgrade Advance Upgrade can be done any time 12 months after the award of the ABDA™ credential, and at least 1 calendar year before the scheduled expiry of its 3-year validity. Fee applicable for Advance upgrade to SBDA™ is USD 450
ABDARU-6 Priority Upgrade Priority Upgrade can be done during the 3rd year of an active ABDA™ credential at least 2 calendar months before the scheduled expiry of its 3-year validity. Fee applicable for Priority upgrade to SBDA™ is USD 480
Upgrade requests not covered under the above categories will be decided upon their individual merits.

Note: The upgraded SBDA™ credential validity is three years from the date of upgrade.