Guidelines for Voluntary Professional Data Science Certification

American Statistical Association

Published

January 23, 2026

These guidelines, approved by the ASA Board of Directors on September 30, 2024 and updated January 23, 2026 and March 5, 2026, provide the framework for voluntary professional data science certification through the American Statistical Association.

0.1 About This Document

The ASA offers two levels of voluntary data science certification:

Credential Full Name Experience Required
DSP Data Science Professional 2 years
AdvDSP Advanced Data Science Professional 5 years

Both credentials are portfolio-based (not examination-based), awarded through peer review of education, experience, and demonstrated competence aligned with the standards of the Alliance for Data Science Professionals.

NoteAlliance for Data Science Professionals

DSP and AdvDSP status is awarded based on criteria established by the Alliance of Data Science Professionals, a UK-based organization of which ASA is a member. If any contradiction exists between the requirements listed in this document and those of the Alliance, the Alliance’s requirements prevail.

0.2 Quick Navigation

The guidelines cover:


Additional details for applicants are found on the ASA data science certification website.