What is the format of the CDMP exam? What types of questions can you expect? Plus, tips and tricks for passing the exam.
Author:Nicole Janeway|Post Date: Mar 28, 2024 |Last Update: May 2, 2024 |Related Posts
CDMP Exam Quick Start
In this article, we explain the format of the CDMP Fundamentals Exam and CDMP Specialist Exam from DAMA-I. We'll also provide some free practice questions for these exams. The CDMP can be a valuable addition to your resume, and familiarity with the way the test is structured and the kind of questions it asks will go a long way toward attaining your goal score. Hopefully, this writeup helps you gauge whether pursuing CDMP is a good step toward your goals and assess your readiness to sit for accreditation.
Technically, there is a fourth level, but there are only three CDMP Fellows in the world, so we're not going to worry about that one.
To attain recognition as a CDMP Associate, you must take the CDMP Fundamentals Exam and achieve a score of 60%+. To attain recognition as a CDMP Practitioner, you must take the Fundamentals Exam and two Specialist Exams and score 70%+ on each exam. To attain the CDMP Master level accreditation, you must take the Fundamentals Exam and two Specialist Exams and score 80%+ on each exam.
All CDMP exams contain 100 multiple choice questions. All questions have five answer choices with a single correct answer. It's very important to get through all 100 questions in the allotted time. Because there is no penalty for an incorrect guess, you should be sure to answer every question, even if it's just your best guess. Once you reach the end of the test, use the remaining time to look up answers in the book.
As a native English speaker, you'll have 90 minutes to take the exam. If you are an English as a second language person, you should register for the ESL version of the exam, and you'll then receive an additional 20 minutes to take the test.
If it applies to you, select ESL from the drop down to purchase the English as a second language version of the exam.
Introduction to the CDMP Fundamentals Exam
The CDMP Fundamentals Exam is based on the first 14 chapters of the DMBOK from DAMA-I. Preparing for this exam instills a broad understanding of the Data Management discipline, with a particular focus on certain domains.
In terms of the composition of exam, 60% of content comes directly from the DMBOK. 20% of questions address familiar concepts but may use different words than the book. And finally, 20% of questions are practical, multidisciplinary, and/or require the test-taker to apply knowledge from the DMBOK to new situations. To more effectively answer these challenging questions, we recommend the Data Management Master Class as a resource to bridge this knowledge gap.
The percentage of questions for each chapter of the DMBOK is listed below with the options for the Specialist Exams highlighted blue.
Chapter
Percentage of questions
Data Management (ch. 1)
2%
Data Ethics (ch. 2)
2%
Data Governance (ch. 3)
11%
Data Architecture (ch. 4)
6%
Data Modeling & Design (ch. 5)
11%
Data Storage & Operations (ch. 6)
6%
Data Security (ch. 7)
6%
Data Integration & Interoperability (ch. 8)
6%
Document & Content Management (ch. 9)
6%
Master & Reference Data Management (ch. 10)
10%
Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence (ch. 11)
10%
Metadata Management (ch. 12)
11%
Data Quality (ch. 13)
11%
Big Data (ch. 14)
2%
If you're short on time, we recommend that you focus on the seven chapters that are options for the Specialist Exams. These chapters collectively comprise 70% of Fundamentals Exam test questions.
In the next section, we'll take a look at some practice questions.
CDMP Fundamentals Exam Practice Questions
Which of the following is one of the ethical principles for data handling as adapted from the Belmont Principles?
Which of the following is one of the ethical principles for data handling as adapted from the Belmont Principles?
Correct answer: d. Respect for persons
Explanation: Respect for Persons, Justice, and Beneficence form the Belmont Principles, which
were developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services in 1979 to guide the ethics of medical
research. They are also applicable as guiding principles within the field of Data Management (ch. 2, section
3.1 Ethical Principles for Data).
Which of the following is one of the ethical principles for data handling as adapted from the Belmont Principles?
Which of the following is one of the ethical principles for data handling as adapted from the Belmont Principles?
Correct answer: d. Respect for persons
Explanation: Respect for Persons, Justice, and Beneficence form the Belmont Principles, which
were developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services in 1979 to guide the ethics of medical
research. They are also applicable as guiding principles within the field of Data Management (ch. 2, section
3.1 Ethical Principles for Data).
Which of the following options is NOT an accurate characterization of Data Architecture?
Which of the following options is NOT an accurate characterization of Data Architecture?
Correct answer: e. The steps involved in designing a system
Explanation: Data Architecture is a broad term that covers the design, documentation, and adoption of a system. While Data Architecture is suitable for referring to the design of a system and the team behind it, the steps involved in designing the system are typically not the responsibility of the Data Architect (ch. 4, section 1 Introduction).
Which of the following options is NOT an accurate characterization of Data Architecture?
Which of the following options is NOT an accurate characterization of Data Architecture?
Correct answer: e. The steps involved in designing a system
Explanation: Data Architecture is a broad term that covers the design, documentation, and adoption of a system. While Data Architecture is suitable for referring to the design of a system and the team behind it, the steps involved in designing the system are typically not the responsibility of the Data Architect (ch. 4, section 1 Introduction).
Which of the following is true of a recursive relationship?
Which of the following is true of a recursive relationship?
Correct answer: d. All of the above
Explanation: A recursive relationship could be used to represent a hierarchy or a network where only one entity is involved (for example, the relationship between a course and prerequisites, which are themselves courses) (ch. 5, section 1.3.3.2.4.1 Unary (Recursive) Relationship).
Which of the following is true of a recursive relationship?
Which of the following is true of a recursive relationship?
Correct answer: d. All of the above
Explanation: A recursive relationship could be used to represent a hierarchy or a network where only one entity is involved (for example, the relationship between a course and prerequisites, which are themselves courses) (ch. 5, section 1.3.3.2.4.1 Unary (Recursive) Relationship).
What is the intention of ISO's Metadata Registry Standard, ISO/IEC 11179?
What is the intention of ISO's Metadata Registry Standard, ISO/IEC 11179?
Correct answer: a. To enable metadata-driven exchange of data in a heterogeneous environment
Explanation: The goal of ISO's Metadata Registry Standard, ISO/IEC 11179 is to enable metadata-driven exchange of data in a heterogeneous environment (ch. 12, section 1 Introduction).
What is the intention of ISO's Metadata Registry Standard, ISO/IEC 11179?
What is the intention of ISO's Metadata Registry Standard, ISO/IEC 11179?
Correct answer: a. To enable metadata-driven exchange of data in a heterogeneous environment
Explanation: The goal of ISO's Metadata Registry Standard, ISO/IEC 11179 is to enable metadata-driven exchange of data in a heterogeneous environment (ch. 12, section 1 Introduction).
The Shewhart / Deming cycle is also known as...
The Shewhart / Deming cycle is also known as...
Correct answer: e. Plan-do-check-act
Explanation: Based on the scientific method, the Shewhart / Deming cycle is a problem-solving model known as 'plan-do-check-act' (ch. 13, section 1.3.6 Data Quality Improvement Lifecycle).
The Shewhart / Deming cycle is also known as...
The Shewhart / Deming cycle is also known as...
Correct answer: e. Plan-do-check-act
Explanation: Based on the scientific method, the Shewhart / Deming cycle is a problem-solving model known as 'plan-do-check-act' (ch. 13, section 1.3.6 Data Quality Improvement Lifecycle).
Hopefully, these practice questions helped you get a sense of how the CDMP Fundamentals Exam is designed. For every question, you'll want to select the single best answer from the five options. Be sure to answer every question in a timely manner so you don't run out of time and leave questions unanswered. Remember, you only need to score a 60% to pass at the Associate level. If you want to continue to the Practitioner or Master level, you'll need to score at least 70% or 80% respectively. For more practice questions, check out our CDMP Question Sets.
Introduction to the CDMP Specialist Exams
In order to attain recognition at the Practitioner or Master level, you'll need to get a target score of 70%+ or 80%+ on two Specialist Exams. Here's the list of options:
Data Governance (ch. 3) — the broadest of the Specialist Exams, this test pulls information from several DMBOK chapters, including Data Quality and Metadata Management
Data Modeling & Design (ch. 5) — highly technical domain that includes questions from the Data Architecture chapter as well
Metadata Management (ch. 12) — a challenging exam that covers knowledge related to metadata
Data Quality (ch. 13) — covers the tools and techniques used to ensure data quality, including basic statistical profiling methods
As is the case for the Fundamentals Exam, the Specialist Exams are roughly 60% content from the DMBOK, 20% content from works cited in the DMBOK, and 20% questions that are designed to test your practical experience as a data practitioner. Keep reading to the next section for some practice questions.
CDMP Specialist Exam Practice Questions
Data Governance
Suppose that in a healthcare organization, the data management practices do not adequately protect patient privacy, leading to a breach of data privacy regulations such as an unauthorized access to patient records by an employee who does not have a legitimate need to view or use this information. How can a data steward address this challenge?
Suppose that in a healthcare organization, the data management practices do not adequately protect patient privacy, leading to a breach of data privacy regulations such as an unauthorized access to patient records by an employee who does not have a legitimate need to view or use this information. How can a data steward address this challenge?
Correct answer: e. All of the above
Explanation: The data steward should take the actions of collaborating with IT and security, advocating for the encryption of patient data, establishing audit trails, and developing training programs.
Suppose that in a healthcare organization, the data management practices do not adequately protect patient privacy, leading to a breach of data privacy regulations such as an unauthorized access to patient records by an employee who does not have a legitimate need to view or use this information. How can a data steward address this challenge?
Suppose that in a healthcare organization, the data management practices do not adequately protect patient privacy, leading to a breach of data privacy regulations such as an unauthorized access to patient records by an employee who does not have a legitimate need to view or use this information. How can a data steward address this challenge?
Correct answer: e. All of the above
Explanation: The data steward should take the actions of collaborating with IT and security, advocating for the encryption of patient data, establishing audit trails, and developing training programs.
Data Modeling & Design
What is the definition of a surrogate key?
What is the definition of a surrogate key?
Correct answer: d. A unique identifier attached to each record, which may be used as a primary key
Explanation: The surrogate key is often used as the primary key. It is typically an alphanumeric string that is incremented per each record and does not have any meaning beyond its usefulness as an identifier (DMBOK ch. 5, section 1.3.3.3.2.2 Function-type Keys).
What is the definition of a surrogate key?
What is the definition of a surrogate key?
Correct answer: d. A unique identifier attached to each record, which may be used as a primary key
Explanation: The surrogate key is often used as the primary key. It is typically an alphanumeric string that is incremented per each record and does not have any meaning beyond its usefulness as an identifier (DMBOK ch. 5, section 1.3.3.3.2.2 Function-type Keys).
Data Integration & Interoperability
Which of the following represents the number of connections in a point-to-point Data Integration system, where n represents the number of databases to be integrated?
Which of the following represents the number of connections in a point-to-point Data Integration system, where n represents the number of databases to be integrated?
Correct answer: b. (n (n - 1) ) / 2
Explanation: In a data storage system connected using the point-to-point approach, the number of integrations will be the number of unique pairs that can be formed from n items: or "n choose 2" (DMBOK ch. 8, section 1.3.6.1 Point-to-point).
Which of the following represents the number of connections in a point-to-point Data Integration system, where n represents the number of databases to be integrated?
Which of the following represents the number of connections in a point-to-point Data Integration system, where n represents the number of databases to be integrated?
Correct answer: b. (n (n - 1) ) / 2
Explanation: In a data storage system connected using the point-to-point approach, the number of integrations will be the number of unique pairs that can be formed from n items: or "n choose 2" (DMBOK ch. 8, section 1.3.6.1 Point-to-point).
Master & Reference Data Management
Malcolm Chisholm proposed a ________ layer data taxonomy and defines Master Data as an aggregation of ________.
Malcolm Chisholm proposed a ________ layer data taxonomy and defines Master Data as an aggregation of ________.
Correct answer: a. 6; reference data, enterprise structure data, and transaction structure data
Explanation: Malcolm Chisholm proposed a six layer data taxonomy, In this taxonomy, he defines Master Data as an aggregation of reference data, enterprise structure data, and transaction structure data (DMBOK ch. 10, section 1.3.1 Differences Between Master and Reference Data).
Malcolm Chisholm proposed a ________ layer data taxonomy and defines Master Data as an aggregation of ________.
Malcolm Chisholm proposed a ________ layer data taxonomy and defines Master Data as an aggregation of ________.
Correct answer: a. 6; reference data, enterprise structure data, and transaction structure data
Explanation: Malcolm Chisholm proposed a six layer data taxonomy, In this taxonomy, he defines Master Data as an aggregation of reference data, enterprise structure data, and transaction structure data (DMBOK ch. 10, section 1.3.1 Differences Between Master and Reference Data).
Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence
Which Data Warehousing model emphasizes a normalized approach for data storage?
Which Data Warehousing model emphasizes a normalized approach for data storage?
Correct answer: a. Inmon model
Explanation: Normalization is a database design technique that aims to minimize data redundancy and improve data integrity. The Inmon Model promotes normalization to keep data consistent while being flexible enough to allow data to be easily updated (DMBOK ch. 11, section 1.3.5 Corporate Information Factory (Inmon)).
Which Data Warehousing model emphasizes a normalized approach for data storage?
Which Data Warehousing model emphasizes a normalized approach for data storage?
Correct answer: a. Inmon model
Explanation: Normalization is a database design technique that aims to minimize data redundancy and improve data integrity. The Inmon Model promotes normalization to keep data consistent while being flexible enough to allow data to be easily updated (DMBOK ch. 11, section 1.3.5 Corporate Information Factory (Inmon)).
Metadata Management
For a financial institution, which of these business terms can be aligned to the 'asset' data domain?
For a financial institution, which of these business terms can be aligned to the 'asset' data domain?
Correct answer: b. Loan Portfolio – the collection of loans that a bank has issued to borrowers
Explanation: The loan portfolio represents the collection of loans that a bank has issued to borrowers. It is considered an asset and should be managed as part of the respective data domain.
For a financial institution, which of these business terms can be aligned to the 'asset' data domain?
For a financial institution, which of these business terms can be aligned to the 'asset' data domain?
Correct answer: b. Loan Portfolio – the collection of loans that a bank has issued to borrowers
Explanation: The loan portfolio represents the collection of loans that a bank has issued to borrowers. It is considered an asset and should be managed as part of the respective data domain.
Data Quality
Which of the following is the mode of the following set of numbers: [11, 11, 20, 28, 33, 50, 52, 87, 91, 97]?
Which of the following is the mode of the following set of numbers: [11, 11, 20, 28, 33, 50, 52, 87, 91, 97]?
Correct answer: b. 11
Explanation: Mode is a measure of central tendency that reflects the value that appears the most frequently in a dataset.
Which of the following is the mode of the following set of numbers: [11, 11, 20, 28, 33, 50, 52, 87, 91, 97]?
Which of the following is the mode of the following set of numbers: [11, 11, 20, 28, 33, 50, 52, 87, 91, 97]?
Correct answer: b. 11
Explanation: Mode is a measure of central tendency that reflects the value that appears the most frequently in a dataset.
So hopefully, this section gave you a better idea of how the Specialist Exams are formatted and the kinds of questions they contain. Don't forget that you should plan to score a 70%+ on two Specialist Exams if you're aiming for the Practitioner designation or 80%+ on the two tests if you're shooting for the Master designation. For more practice questions, check out our Specialist Question Sets.
Conclusion
As you can see from these examples, the CDMP exams are pretty straightforward. There are no trick questions and most of the material is drawn from the DMBOK. To prepare for the Specialist Exams, you may want to check out some of the auxiliary reading from this list.
Attaining recognition as a CDMP Associate is a very helpful way to demonstrate your knowledge of Data Management best practices, key ideas, and common terminology. Continue to advance your skills by sitting for the Specialist Exams and achieving the CDMP Practitioner or Master level accreditation.
If you feel you would benefit from more practice questions, check out our CDMP Question Sets, which contain an explanation and reference for each correct answer. If you're unsure whether you're ready to sit for the exam, the CDMP Exam Readiness Check can help you find out. You may also be interested in exploring how the CDMP interacts with your goals through a conversation with one of our Career Coaches.
Good luck, and don't hesitate to send us an email at info@datastrategypros.com to share your feedback.
Nicole Janeway Bills
Data Strategy Professionals Founder & CEO
Nicole offers a proven track record of applying Data Strategy and related disciplines to solve clients' most pressing challenges. She has worked as a Data Scientist and Project Manager for federal and commercial consulting teams. Her business experience includes natural language processing, cloud computing, statistical testing, pricing analysis, ETL processes, and web and application development.
Why the CDMP is the Best Certification for Data Strategists
An introduction to the most valuable credential in Data Management.
Essential Guide to the CDMP Specialist Exams
Book recommendations to guide your preparation for Practitioner and Master level certifications.
CDMP Study Guide
Practical study skills for every phase of getting ready for the CDMP exam.
Best Data-Related Certifications
This list of seven top certifications will help you attain valuable credentials in 2025.
Foundations of Data Strategy
Learn the steps to roll out an effective Data Management initiative.
Toward Data-Driven Decision-Making
Explore the increasingly important role of data in effective decision-making.
Why the CDMP is the Best Certification for Data Strategists
An introduction to the most valuable credential in Data Management.
Essential Guide to the CDMP Specialist Exams
Book recommendations to guide your preparation for Practitioner and Master level certifications.
CDMP Study Guide
Practical study skills for every phase of getting ready for the CDMP exam.
Best Data-Related Certifications
This list of seven top certifications will help you attain valuable credentials in 2025.
Foundations of Data Strategy
Learn the steps to roll out an effective Data Management initiative.
Toward Data-Driven Decision-Making
Explore the increasingly important role of data in effective decision-making.
Why the CDMP is the Best Certification for Data Strategists
An introduction to the most valuable credential in Data Management.
Essential Guide to the CDMP Specialist Exams
Book recommendations to guide your preparation for Practitioner and Master level certifications.
CDMP Study Guide
Practical study skills for every phase of getting ready for the CDMP exam.
Best Data-Related Certifications
This list of seven top certifications will help you attain valuable credentials in 2025.
Foundations of Data Strategy
Learn the steps to roll out an effective Data Management initiative.
Toward Data-Driven Decision-Making
Explore the increasingly important role of data in effective decision-making.
