Top 3 Data Governance Certifications In 2023

Are you looking to boost your career in data governance this year? If so, this article is for you. Here we’re focusing on the top 3 data governance certifications in 2023.

Whether you’re currently working as a data governance professional, a newbie or you're aiming to climb the ladder, these certifications will help you understand all things Data Governance. They offer targeted knowledge, industry recognition, and practical skills you can put to work immediately.

Why Earn A Data Governance Certification?

Joining a data governance certification program can help you in ways that can boost your knowledge and career -

1. Industry Credibility: This is your badge of expertise. It shows you're not just a practitioner; you’re a verified expert. When you talk, people listen. When you propose a strategy, it carries weight.
2. Skill Validation: Sure, you know your stuff. However, a certification is an external validation that you meet or exceed industry standards. It's third-party proof that you can walk the walk.
3. Networking: Getting certified often includes a side of industry connections. You get direct access to a network of professionals you wouldn’t otherwise cross paths with. And in business, who you know often matters as much as what you know.
4. Knowledge Currency: Data governance is not static. Regulatory changes, new technologies, and shifts in best practices happen all the time. Certifications ensure you're up-to-date, making you more effective and strategic in your role.
5. Team Leadership: As a Head of Data Governance, your certification sets the bar for your team. It shows them the path of professional development, amplifying team expertise and cohesion.
6. Negotiating Leverage: Come review time or when you're eyeing that next career move, certifications can tip the scales in your favor. They translate into higher earning potential and provide you with leverage during negotiations.
7. Organizational Impact: Certified professionals often have the know-how to implement changes that result in cost savings, efficiency improvements, and better compliance. Your certification isn't just good for you; it's good for business.

Criteria for Picking the Best Certifications

Selecting the right certification requires careful consideration of several factors:

Relevance: Ensure the certification aligns with your current responsibilities and future goals in data governance. It should address the issues and technologies that you are actively dealing with or plan to tackle.

Difficulty: The certification should be challenging enough to expand your skill set but not so difficult that it becomes a barrier to completion. Evaluate its requirements against your own level of expertise.

ROI: Assess the return on investment. This includes the upfront cost, ongoing maintenance fees, and how the certification may increase your earning potential or bring about operational efficiencies in your role.

Real-world applicability: The training and examination process should focus on actionable skills and practices. A good certification should enable you to implement new procedures or technologies almost immediately after completion.

Certification 1: CIMP (Certified Information Management Professional)

The CIMP is your entry ticket to a world led by governance industry heavyweights. This certification is provided by eLearningCurve, and it's built for those who are keen on a deep dive into the fundamentals of data governance, straight from the experts.

Specifics: The CIMP comes in eight different tracks, allowing you to specialize based on your interests and job requirements. These tracks range from data governance and data quality to business intelligence and even data science. It's an online-based program, so you can knock it out at your own pace.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: The versatility of eight different tracks means you can tailor this certification to your specific needs. Also, the online-based model gives you the flexibility to balance it with your day job.
• Cons: Since it's geared more towards fundamentals, it might not go as in-depth as other, more specialized certifications. Plus, being online-based, you miss out on in-person networking opportunities.

If you're looking to get well-rounded foundational knowledge from a credible platform, CIMP should be on your shortlist. It’s especially beneficial if you’re looking to specialize in a specific area but still want a broad understanding of the field.

Certification 2: CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional)

The CDMP is essentially your advanced degree in data management. This isn't entry-level stuff; it's geared toward those who are deeply embedded in the data management ecosystem. Sponsored by Dama Dach, the CDMP serves as an industry stamp of approval that you've got the education, experience, and expertise to excel in the data governance framework.

Specifics: The CDMP consists of four exams, each focusing on different domains of data management. Each exam clocks in at 90 minutes, so you'll want to be well-prepared going in. And remember, the credential requires recertification every year, along with a three-year cycle of continuing education.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: The CDMP is high-caliber; its content is both specialized and current, making you a bona fide expert upon completion.
• Cons: It's not light on the wallet and it's demanding. Plus, the annual recertification and continuing education commitments keep you on your toes.

So if you're already far along in your data management career and looking to solidify your expertise, the CDMP is your ticket. Just be ready for the rigorous journey and ongoing commitments it requires.

Certification 3: DGSP (Data Governance and Stewardship Professional)

The Data Governance and Stewardship Professional, DGSP is brought to you by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP). What sets this certification apart is its breadth; it covers everything from data governance to security and accessibility. It’s versatile and designed to accommodate professionals at different stages of their careers, from executive management down to foundational roles(data stewards).

Specifics: The DGSP is multi-layered, meaning you can choose the level that aligns best with your experience and career objectives. Levels include Executive Management, Principal, Mastery, Associate Practitioner, and Foundation Assistant. One constant across all levels is the adherence to ICCP's code of ethics, ensuring a standardized ethical framework.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: The DGSP is comprehensive and flexible, catering to a wide range of professionals. This makes it incredibly versatile and applicable to various roles within an organization.
• Cons: The broad scope might be a double-edged sword. While it offers wide coverage, it may lack the specialization some may seek for particular roles or challenges.

So, if you’re looking for a certification that offers both breadth and flexibility, the DGSP has a lot to offer. Just be clear on what you’re aiming to achieve, as this certification covers a lot of ground.

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