The Alliance for Data Science Professionals comprises of The Royal Statistical Society; BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT; the Operational Research Society; the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications; the Alan Turing Institute, the American Statistical Association (ASA) and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society. Together we are defining the standards needed to ensure an ethical and well-governed approach so the public, organisations and governments can have confidence in how their data is used.
About the certification
While the skills of data scientists are increasingly in demand, there is currently no professional framework for those working in the field. These new industry-wide standards look to address current issues, such as data breaches, the misuse of data in modelling and bias in artificial intelligence. They can give people confidence that their data is being used ethically, stored safely and analysed robustly. Since convening, the Alliance has worked with volunteers and stakeholders to develop draft standards for individuals, standards for universities seeking accreditation of their courses and a certification process that will enable both individuals and education providers to gain recognition based on skills and knowledge within data science.
The Advanced Data Science Professional Standard Criteria
Advanced Data Science Professionals should be established professional Data Scientists with typically a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience that demonstrates their commitment to professional standards and development. Applicants must provide evidence which demonstrates that they meet the requirements for Advanced Data Science Professional as described in the Level for Advanced Data Science Professional and the accompanying Skill Areas described in the Standard at https://alliancefordatascienceprofessionals.com/standards.
Applicants applying via the IMA must already be Advanced Members of the IMA – Member (MIMA) or Fellow (FIMA).
Education
Applicants should be educated to at least Level 6 within the UK qualification framework, in an appropriate subject and evidence should be provided of some formal training within data science, either as part of their degree or achieved by other routes.
Experience and Professional Standing
Applicants will need to typically have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience that requires the application of their data scientist training and knowledge. This must include employment at an appropriate level of professional standing during their 5 years’ of relevant work experience.
Continuing Professional Development
Applicants need to demonstrate that they are actively engaged in their Continued Professional Development (CPD). All applications should include at least 2 years’ completed relevant CPD returns directly in their Application Form, with particular reference to activities which support their application for Advanced Data Science Professional.
Fees and How to Apply
IMA AdvDSP Entrance Fee £50.00
IMA AdvDSP Annual Fee £50.00
Applicants must supply all information requested on the application form, which can be downloaded from here. This agreement constitutes a contract to abide by the Institute’s Code of Professional Conduct. A properly completed application will not be processed until the appropriate fees are received.
All applications should be submitted electronically; paper copies will not be accepted.
All applicants must include:
1. all evidence they wish to be considered as part of their application directly in the application form – information in webpages, publications or similar will not be considered by the Assessors;
2. copies of any certificates and transcripts (if part of a degree) for any of qualifications listed which are directly relevant to the evidence for Skill Areas;
3. reference to their practical application – at either the Deep or General Level, where appropriate – of skills for each of the Skill Areas A,B,C,D,E.
Applicants for the designation should nominate a supporter who will be invited to submit a comprehensive reference. This reference is crucial in the consideration of the application. A nominated supporter should not be a family member.
The supporter must be someone who has detailed knowledge and understanding of the applicant’s work and who can comment on the extent that the requirements for education, training and experience, and the professional standing of the applicant’s recent employment, have been met.
The supporter should be more senior than the applicant, or of equal seniority but working for a different department or organisation. Ideally, they should be a senior member of a relevant professional body. The supporter should, in general, be from the applicant’s current employment.
Applications are considered by a Panel of Assessors. Applications usually take two to three months to process from receipt.
Contact
Please see the follow the link https://alliancefordatascienceprofessionals.com/standards for details of the Standard and Skill Areas A-E, the Level descriptors for Advanced Data Science Professional, and further Guidance for applicants.
To talk to somebody, email Emma Emmerton.