CDS

TM

CANDIDATE
GUIDE
2020

W WW.ADAS CI.ORG
CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

Association of Data Scientists

(ADaSci)
Incorporated in Bangalore, India in 2019, Association of Data Scientists (ADaSci) is the
premier global professional body of data science & machine learning professionals. We
aim to foster the development, dissemination and implementation of knowledge in data
science & machine learning

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Content Introduction 3
Developed by the world’s leading data science practitioners, the designation

succeed in today’s rapidly changing landscape

Becoming A Certified CDS 4

rst step to becoming an CDS is passing a rigorous exam. To enroll in the
program, register for the CDS Exam online via the ADASCI website

Who Should Consider The CDS Certification 5

cial intelligence or
other critical areas to broaden their knowledge and enhance their skill set

Using The CDS To Accelerate Your Career 7

Across the Data Science space, the major cuts in salaries and jobs are more likely
in the consumer focused sectors

Exam Development, Structure And Content 8

The CDS Program is developed under the guidance of the ADASCI Committee,
which is comprised of prominent global data science experts and leaders

Payments and Fees 11

Enrolling of CDS exam also gives you a one-year membership of Association of Data
Scientists (ADaSci)

Reference Textbooks 12
CDS provides Reference Textbooks, practice exams and more to help you get ready
for the Exam. Due to the sizable amount of material covered

Chartered Data Scientist™ (CDS) Exam Terms and Conditions 15

Before proceeding for the Chartered Data Scientist (CDS) exam, the candidates are
-
required to accept and adhere to the terms and conditions and privacy
policy agreements

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

Introduction The Chartered Data Scientist (CDS™) has set the global standard for data
science. Developed by the world’s leading data science practitioners, the designation
signifies a mastery of the skills and knowledge needed to help organizations succeed in
today’s rapidly changing landscape. Its curriculum is updated annually by a group of
distinguished professionals and leading academics of diverse backgrounds, ensuring that
the designation meets the evolving demands of the global industry. By achieving your
-
CDS certification, you indicate to potential employers that you are requisite knowledge
of the field, providing you with an edge in your career and professional development.

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

BECOMING A The first step to becoming an CDS is passing a rigorous exam. To enroll in the program,
CERTIFIED CDS register for the CDS Exam online via the ADASCI website. CDS Exam is offered
throughout the year. After achieving a passing score on CDS Exam, candidates must
demonstrate a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in data science or a
related field to complete their certification. If you have questions about whether your
work experience qualifies, please contact info@adasci.org

CDS EXAM
THREE HOURS/150 QUESTIONS

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

TWO YEARS, FULL-TIME

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

WHO SHOULD DATA SCIENTISTS

CONSIDER The CDS helps professionals in data science, analytics, artificial intelligence or other
THE CDS
CERTIFICATION critical areas to broaden their knowledge and enhance their skill set. Those who are just
beginning their careers benefit from the breadth of the curriculum, which exposes
candidates to the major strategic aspects of data science. More established practitioners
often choose to become certified CDS in order to ensure that they are apprised of the
-
latest trends in data science, or because they want to challenge themselves by testing their
knowledge against an elite pool of data scientists from around the world.

CAREER CHANGERS
Whether you work in data science or are interested in transitioning to a data science role,
becoming an CDS can help accelerate your career. Professionals from non- data science
roles become CDS in order to develop specialized, practical knowledge that can be
applied in the industry. Undertaking the rigorous course of study to become an CDS
signals a commitment to an area of technology that is growing rapidly across the globe.

STUDENTS
Students with an interest in data science may elect to sit for the CDS Exam during or
immediately after completing their studies. The CDS curriculum can complement their
prior coursework or help them develop a foundation of specialized knowledge that goes
beyond their academic curriculum. Since the CDS Exam is practitioner- driven, earning
the CDS designation demonstrates to future employers that they are able to master
complex real-world challenges.

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

Using the CDS to

Accelerate Your Career

The CDS certification is by far the best known and most respected designation for data
science. As an CDS, you’ll have a competitive advantage that can help you stand out to
employers. By earning your certification, you’ll demonstrate that you possess the
knowledge and tools necessary to assess and manage the challenges associated with the
dynamic financial services industry.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION worked in the field for at least two years,

Mastering the CDS curriculum represents signaling to employers that you have the
a significant commitment to the data experience necessary to succeed.
science profession. Because of this, CDSs
are considered industry leaders around JOIN AN ELITE GROUP
the world, and are known for their You’ll be part of a network of
strong dedication to professional - like-minded professionals, allowing you
excellence. to expand your career opportunities.

BENEFITS OF THE CDS UNDERSCORE YOUR RELIABILITY

Demonstrate your knowledge Earning All CDSs are expected to adhere to the
your certification shows that you have ADASCI Code of Conduct, letting
mastered the knowledge bases necessary employers know that CDSs will help
to effectively assess and manage risk. safeguard their firms’ reputations.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR EXPERIENCE

The designation testifies that you have

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

Exam Development,
Structure and Content

EXAM DEVELOPMENT
The CDS Program is developed under the effectively contribute to their
guidance of the ADASCI Committee, organizations.
which is comprised of prominent global
data science experts and leaders. The EXAM STRUCTURE
CDS Committee establishes the topic The CDS consists of one computer based,
areas tested on the Exam on an annual multiple-choice exams. The CDS Exam
basis. To further align with industry - consists of 150 equally weighted
needs and calibrate our understanding of questions. Candidates are allotted three
the demands of the global risk hours to complete the Exam. The Exams
management community, we also are offered in person in American English
conduct formal surveys designed to throughout the year. The Exams are
determine the knowledge, skills and comprehensive, practice-oriented
abilities required of effective data assessments that cover the fundamental
scientists. This process helps ensure that tools and techniques used in data science,
successful candidates are prepared to their underlying theories.

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

EXAM CONTENT TOPICS AND WEIGHTS

Section 1:
Probability Theory, Statistics and Linear independence, Central limit theorem,
Algebra (12%) Subtopics: Counting, Frequentist significance tests and
Random variables, distributions, confidence intervals, Maximum
quantiles, mean-variance, p- Value, Likelihood Estimation, Bayes’ theorem
Confidence Interval, Hypothesis testing, and Bayesian statistics, Scalars, Vectors,
t-test, z-test, Chi Square test, Analysis of Matrices, and Tensors. Multiplying
Variance (ANOVA), Conditional Matrices and Vectors, Eigen
probability, base rate fallacy, Joint decomposition, Singular Value
distributions, covariance, correlation, Decomposition.

Section 2:
Data Engineering and Databases (8%) processing, data management, data
Subtopics: Relational databases, access, governance and integration,
Non-relational databases, key-value operations and security, SQL.
stores, batch processing, in-memory

Section 3:
Exploratory Data Analysis (8%) Scatter Plot, Contour Plot, Histogram,
Subtopics: Data Visualization, Box Plot, Bar Chart, Line Chart.

Section 4:
Supervised Learning and Unsupervised Support vector machine (SVM) and
Learning (15%) Subtopics: Linear and kernels, Model selection and model
Non-linear Models, Classification, selection criteria, ensemble learning -
Regression, K-Nearest Neighbours, bagging and boosting, expectation
Naïve Bayes, Clustering, K-Means maximization (EM) algorithm, Hidden
Clustering, Hierarchical Clustering, Markov models, Bayesian networks,
Perceptron learning rule, various learning Probabilistic inference. Association Rule
errors, regularization, estimator bias- Learning, Reinforcement Learning,
variance trade-off, active learning, Time-Series Analysis, Cross-Validation.

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CDS
By AIM
TM
Candidate
Research &Guide 2020
igsaw Academy

Section 5:
Neural Networks and Deep Learning Neural Networks, Representation
(11%) Subtopics: Feedforward Learning, Autoencoders, Deep
Networks, Backpropagation Learning, Generative Models, Factor Analysis,
Gradient Descent, Regularization Principal Component Analysis,
techniques, Optimization techniques for Independent Component Analysis,
neural networks, Convolutional t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbour
Networks, Recurrent and Recursive Embedding (t-SNE)

Section 6:
Natural Language Processing (8%) Information Retrieval, Parsing, Part of
Subtopics: Text Classification, Language Speech (POS) Tagging, Sequence
Modelling, Sentiment Analysis, modelling.

Section 7:
Computer Vision (8%) Subtopics: Image Recognition, Image Tagging, Video
Processing, Image Classification, Object Analytics.

Section 8:
Deployment and Model management reporting and visualization mechanisms
(8%) Subtopics: Deployment of machine for model performance.
learning model, tracking model quality,

Section 9:
Python and R (10%) Subtopics: List, H2O, Data Analysis, Data Visualization,
Dictionary, Array, Conditional state- Implementation of Machine Learning
ments, Loops, Data Frame, Function, Algorithms.
File, Sci-Kit Learn, Keras, TensorFlow,

Section 10:
PBusiness and data science (12%) stakeholders, understanding constraints
Subtopics: Identify stakeholders, and scope of data science projects,
Handling data privacy concerns, Defining and communicating business
determining problem-data science fit, benefits, identifying data sources and
defining problem statement for multiple creating initial reports, Decision
Modelling.

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

Payments
and Fees

The CDS Exam requires a program

membership of Association of Data
enrollment fee of USD 250. Enrolling of
Scientists (ADaSci).
CDS exam also gives you a one-year

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

Reference
Textbooks

CDS provides Reference Textbooks, practice exams and more to help you get ready for
the Exam. Due to the sizable amount of material covered, we suggest that you use a
weekly study schedule. Preparation time will vary based on your prior professional
experience, academic background and familiarity with the curriculum’s concepts.
Preparing for the Exam at the last minute is strongly discouraged.

REFERENCE TEXTBOOKS:

Section 1:
A Course in Probability Theory, Kai Lai Robert Tibshirani, and Trevor Hastie,
Chung, Academic Press. An Introduction Springer Publication. Introduction to
to Statistical Learning: With Applications Probability Models, 9th Edition,
in R, Daniela Witten, Gareth James, Sheldon M.

Section 2:
Database System Concepts Textbook by The Big Ideas Behind Reliable, Scalable,
Avi Silberschatz, Henry F. Korth, and S. and Maintainable Systems, Martin
Sudarshan, McGraw Hill Publication. Kleppmann, O’Reilly Publication.
Designing Data-Intensive Applications:

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

Section 3:
Practical Statistics for Data Scientists: 50 Andrew Bruce, O’Reilly Publication.
Essential Concepts, Peter Bruce and

Section 4:
Pattern Recognition and Machine Mining, Inference and Prediction, 2nd
Learning, Christopher Bishop, Springer Edition, T Hastie, R Tibshirani and J
Publication. Machine Learning, Tom M. Friedman, Springer Series in Statistics,
Mitchell, McGraw Hill Publication. The Springer Publications.
Elements of Statistical Learning: Data

Section 5:
Deep Learning Book by Aaron C. Murphy, MIT Press. Neural Networks
Courville, Ian Goodfellow, and Yoshua and Learning Machines, 3rd Edition,
Bengio, MIT Press. Machine Learning A Simon Haykin, Pearson Publication.
Probabilistic Perspective, Kevin P.

Section 6:
Foundations of Statistical Natural Press. Natural Language Processing with
Language Processing, Christopher D. Python, Steven Bird, Ewan Klein and
Manning and Hinrich Schutze, The MIT Edward Loper, O’Reilly Publication.

Section 7:
Computer Vision: Algorithms and Applications, Richard Szeliski, Springer
Publication.

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

Section 8:
Evaluating Machine Learning Models, Applications, Emmanuel Ameisen,
Alice Zheng, O’Reilly Publication. O’Reilly Publication.
Building Machine Learning Powered

Section 9:
Python Cookbook: Recipes for Techniques to Build Intelligent Systems,
Mastering Python 3, 3rd Edition, David 2nd Edition, Aurelien Geron, O’Reilly
Beazley & Brian K. Jones, O’Reilly Publication. R for Data Science: Import,
Publication. Hands-On Machine TIDY, Transform, Visualize, and Model
Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras and Data, Hadley Wickham and Garrett
TensorFlow: Concepts, Tools and Grolemund, O’Reilly Publication.

Section 10:
Laursen GHN, Thorlund J (2016) Hoboken, NJ). Business Analytics, 2nd
Business Analytics for Managers: Taking Edition, James Evans, Pearson
Business Intelligence Beyond Reporting, Publication.
2nd ed. (John Wiley & Sons,

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

Chartered Data Scientist™ (CDS)

Exam Terms and Conditions

Before proceeding for the Chartered Data Scientist (CDS) exam, the candidates are
required to accept and adhere to the following terms and conditions and privacy policy
agreements.

1. Important Note
1.1 These terms and conditions are the registration.
entered between the Candidate (You as a
prospective awardee of Chartered Data 1.2 The ADaSci has the right to change,
Scientist™) and the ADaSci (Association and/or update these terms and conditions
of Data Scientists) as on the date when from time to time.
the candidate has opted to proceed with

2.Purpose of the Award

2.1 The following are the purpose of the data science of the person who owns this
award of Chartered Data Scientist given charter.
by ADaSci:
2.1.2 It is not an academic/professional
2.1.1 It is a recognition of skill sets, degree or diploma or equivalent.
knowledge and expertise in the field of

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

3.Eligibility Criteria
3.1 The minimum age of the candidate to years.
appear for the CDS exam must be 18
years on the date of registration. 3.4 The candidate must have at least two
years of relevant experience as a Data
3.2 If the age of the candidate is between Scientist for the award of this charter.
13 to 18 years, there must be an However, the candidate can appear in
undertaking signed by the parents or the the exam and receive the result, but the
guardian. award of Chartered Data Scientist will be
put on hold until the candidate attains
3.3 The age must not be less than 13 the two years of experience.

4.Data and Information

4.1 The candidate must provide correct candidate at the time of registration.
information related to Name, Date of
Birth, Address, Parents, Email Address, 4.3 If, at any point in time, the
Mobile Number, Qualifications, information provided by the candidate is
Experience, etc at the time of found incorrect, the ADaSci has the right
registration. to cancel the registration and if the
charter is awarded, it has the right to
4.2 The ADaSci has the right to verify revoke the charter from the candidate.
the information provided by the

5.Registration and Exam Delivery

5.1 ADaSci has been partnered with exam centre and generating the exam
Induslynk Training Services Private report.
Limited for the registration and delivery
of the CDS exam. 5.3 Any issue with the processes
mentioned in point 5.2, the candidate is
5.2 Induslynk Training Services Private required to contact the Induslynk
Limited is solely responsible for Training Services Private Limited for
recording the registration details, taking further clarification and rectification.
the payment, conducting the exam at the

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

6.Exam Result and Report

6.1 The candidate must understand that 6.3 ADaSci has the right not to divulge
the ADaSci has the right to set the the minimum passing criteria.
minimum passing criteria for the CDS
exam. 6.4 On successfully passing the exam
based on the passing criteria, the candi-
6.2 ADaSci has the right to change the date will be provided with a result
minimum passing criteria for the CDS report. This report will be provided by
exam from time to time in order to the Induslynk Training Services Private
maintain the quality of the exam and Limited on behalf of the ADaSci.
purpose of the award.

7.Award of Charter
7.1 The award of Chartered Data including experience details provided by
Scientist will be provided to the candi- the candidate during registration.
date by ADaSci on successfully passing
the exam along with the following 7.1.2 If the candidate has not attained
conditions: the two years of experience at the time of
exam and when he or she provides the
7.1.1 Verification of all the information required experience details later.

8.Re-Evaluation
of the exam.
8.1 As per the current regulations, there
is not any provision for the re-evaluation

9.Ownership of the Charter

9.1 The individual person who appeared cannot claim its name as the owner of
for the exam and awarded with the this charter on behalf of the individual
charter will be the sole owner of the person. If done, it will be considered as a
Chartered Data Scientist designation. violation of terms and conditions,
guidelines and ethics.
9.2 Any organization or institution

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CDSTM Candidate Guide 2020

10.Validity
10.1 The awarded charter will have the life-time validity.

11.Attempts
11.1 An individual can take any number the year and there is not any limit on
of attempts to pass this exam throughout attempts.

12.Revocation of the Charter

12.1 In case of any violation of the terms exam, the awarded charter will be
and conditions, especially points 4.3 and revoked from the person who owns it.
9.2, the ADaSci has the right to revoke
the awarded charter from the person 12.3 If, at any time in the future, the
who owns it. owner of this charter found not adhering
to guidelines and ethics as defined by
12.2 If, at any time in the future, it ADaSci, the awarded charter will be
comes to the notice of ADaSci any revoked from the person who owns it.
misconduct by the candidate during the

13.Other Notes
13.1 The ADaSci does not provide the or providing any type of job assistance.
following guarantee to the owner of this
charter: 13.1.2 To get admission to any institu-
tion for study.
13.1.1 To get a job in any organization

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