Associate
For professionals building foundational knowledge. No experience requirement.
Fundamentals: 60%+CDMP® Certification & Study Groups
Build practical, vendor-neutral data management knowledge with the DAMA-DMBOK® framework, prepare with a supportive local learning community, and pursue the Certified Data Management Professional credential.
The knowledge foundation: DAMA-DMBOK®
The DAMA Data Management Body of Knowledge provides a shared vocabulary and a practical framework for the disciplines that make data valuable, trustworthy, secure, and usable. It is the principal reference for the CDMP Fundamentals exam.
DAMA-MN study groups help participants turn a broad body of knowledge into an achievable learning plan through independent reading, weekly discussion, and peer support.
Start with the current reference
Use DAMA-DMBOK2 Revised when preparing for CDMP exams. Members may also sign in to review DAMA-MN’s digital-edition offer.
Choose the certification path that fits your experience
The Fundamentals exam is required at every CDMP level. Practitioner and Master candidates also complete two specialist exams.
Practitioner
For experienced professionals demonstrating breadth and applied knowledge. Two or more years of experience.
3 exams: 70%+ eachMaster
For senior professionals demonstrating advanced mastery. Ten or more years of experience.
3 exams: 80%+ eachSpecialist exam options
Use the Fundamentals study group to strengthen the cross-disciplinary knowledge needed for your certification journey.
Data Modeling & Design
Metadata
Data Quality
Data Governance
Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence
Reference & Master Data Management
Data Integration & Interoperability
Fundamentals is required at every level
Always confirm current eligibility, scoring, exam policies, and pricing with DAMA International before purchasing an exam.
Fall 2026 Condensed CDMP Fundamentals Study Group
A focused six-week review leading into DAMA Days. Read assigned DMBOK chapters independently, then join a facilitated virtual discussion to clarify concepts, compare perspectives, and prepare with peers.
Dates
Aug. 31–Oct. 5, 2026
Meeting Time
Mondays, 6–7:30 PM CT
Format
Virtual · 6 sessions
Exam Opportunity
Oct. 7 · Shoreview
What to expect
- Structured weekly reading assignments
- Facilitated discussion and question time
- Coverage aligned with Fundamentals exam weighting
- A welcoming peer-learning environment
Registration
- DAMA-MN members: Free
- Reciprocity chapter members: Free with membership ID
- Nonmembers: $25
30+registered in Spring 2026
22sat for the proctored exam
20+earned certification
Six-week review schedule
The agenda prioritizes the DMBOK knowledge areas assessed on the Fundamentals exam. Sessions include approximately 10–30 minutes for discussion and questions.
| Session | DMBOK knowledge areas | Exam weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 31 | Data Modeling & Design; Metadata | 11% + 11% |
| Sept. 7 Labor Day | Data Management; Data Ethics; Big Data & Data Science | 2% + 2% + 2% |
| Sept. 14 | Data Governance; Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence | 11% + 10% |
| Sept. 21 | Data Storage & Operations; Data Security; Data Integration & Interoperability | 6% + 6% + 6% |
| Sept. 28 | Document & Content Management; Data Quality | 6% + 11% |
| Oct. 5 | Reference & Master Data Management; Data Architecture | 10% + 6% |
Please note: Labor Day session: The September 7 session is planned to proceed as scheduled. It covers chapters with the lowest combined exam weighting, helping minimize the impact for participants who cannot attend. Registered participants should review event communications for any schedule changes. Also note: DMBOK chapters 15–17 are not assessed on the Fundamentals exam.
Proctored CDMP exam at DAMA Days — October 7
Complete the study group, then take advantage of an in-person, proctored exam opportunity during DAMA Days 2026, October 6–7 at Shoreview Community Center.
- Choose the Fundamentals exam or an eligible specialist exam
- Connect exam preparation with two days of professional learning
- Receive local coordination and an in-person testing environment
Plan your exam
Review DAMA International’s exam requirements before selecting your certification level or specialist exam.
Important: Follow instructions from the DAMA-MN study group coordinator before purchasing an exam intended for the October 7 proctored session. Exam fees are separate from study group registration.
Helpful resources
Certification information
Questions or support
Contact the DAMA-MN study group team for schedule, registration, reciprocity, or proctored-exam questions.
DAMA International (DAMA-I) is a not-for-profit, vendor independent association of technical and business professionals dedicated to advancing the concepts and practices for data resource management and enterprise information. DAMA-I is the parent organization of DAMA-MN, and has over 70 chapters and thousands of members throughout the world.