Data Science Council of America

What Data Science Council of America does

The Data Science Council of America (DASCA) is an Austin-headquartered, privately held credentialing and accreditation body founded in 2014 that defines vendor-neutral competency standards for data science, data analytics, and data engineering professionals. It issues six certification credentials (ABDE™, SBDE™, ABDA™, SBDA™, SDS™, PDS™) organized across three professional roles and three proficiency levels, governed by its proprietary Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF™) and DASCA Body of Knowledge, and administered online through the ExamStrong proctoring platform and prepared for via the DataScienceSkool™ digital learning resources. DASCA also accredits university data science and AI programs under its World Data Science & AI Initiative, with named partners including Texas State University, Rome Business School, Abu Dhabi School of Management, O.P. Jindal Global University, MIT-ADT, and SRM Institute of Science and Technology.

The company monetizes through one-time individual certification fees ranging from USD 750 for associate-level credentials to USD 1,550 for the principal-level PDS™ credential, plus USD 100 exam retake and extension fees, supplemented by institutional accreditation programs, corporate partnership programs for workforce certification, and Authorized Education Provider channels. GTM motion is multi-channel: direct online registration via the myDASCA portal for individuals, channel-partner-led institutional accreditation for universities and business schools, and corporate partnership engagements for enterprise workforce benchmarking. Operational delivery is executed through third-party partners including Academik America (customer relationships, logistics, invoicing) and ExamStrong (online proctoring), allowing DASCA to operate globally across 180+ countries without owning physical test centers.

Name

Data Science Council of America

Legal name

Data Science Council of America

Website

https://dasca.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Short description

DASCA is an Austin-based independent credentialing body founded in 2014 that issues vendor-neutral data science, analytics, and engineering certifications and accredits university programs across 180+ countries, monetizing through individual certification fees, institutional accreditation, and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification and Credentialing Services

NAICS

Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Computer Training (611420), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Certification & Licensing Exam Management Platforms (EDAFADAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online Exam Delivery & Test Administration Platforms (EDAFADAA), Digital Assessment Platforms & Computer-Based Testing Authorities (EDADAFAK), Information Technology & Cybersecurity Certification Prep (CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, ISC2/ISACA) (EDANAIAF)

Keywords

• Data science certifications
• Institutional accreditation
• Vendor-neutral credentials
• Data analytics certification
• Professional credentialing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Professional Certification Fees: One-time certification program fees that include one exam attempt, access to DataScienceSkool™ learning resources, a digital badge, physical certificate, commemorative lapel pin, and DASCA Code of Ethics booklet with shipping and handling. Fees range from USD 750 for associate-level to USD 1,550 for the principal-level certification.
2. Institutional Accreditation: Accreditation services for universities and academic institutions offering data science programs. Institutions undergo rigorous evaluation against DASCA's global standards for curriculum design, academic rigor, and industry relevance. Accreditation enables institutions to join the World Data Science & AI Initiative.
3. Exam Retake and Extension Fees: USD 100 administrative fee for exam rescheduling (within 72 hours), cancellation and reapplication, missed exam reapplication, additional exam attempts, and exam window extensions. These fees apply to standard candidate registrations.
4. Corporate Partnership Programs: Organizations can partner with DASCA to get teams certified and ensure they meet global standards in data science. Corporate partnerships drive sustainable skills development and long-term growth for organizations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

DASCA is an independent credentialing and accreditation body that issues vendor-neutral professional certifications for Data Engineering (ABDE™, SBDE™), Data Analytics (ABDA™, SBDA™), and Data Science (SDS™, PDS™) professionals, and accredits university-level data science and AI programs under the World Data Science & AI Initiative. Certifications are priced one-time at USD 750–1,550 and include exam attempt, DataScienceSkool™ digital learning resources, a digital badge, a physical certificate, commemorative lapel pin, DASCA Code of Ethics booklet, and shipping, with all exams delivered online via live-proctored testing through the ExamStrong platform.

Product overview

The Data Science Council of America (DASCA) offers a comprehensive suite of globally recognized vendor-neutral certifications for data science, data analytics, and data engineering professionals, structured across three progressive levels: Associate (ABDE™, ABDA™), Professional/Senior (SBDE™, SBDA™), and Senior/Advanced (SDS™, PDS™). The certification ecosystem is underpinned by the Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF™) and Body of Knowledge, delivered through digital exam-preparation via DataScienceSkool™ and administered via the ExamStrong proctoring platform. DASCA also provides institutional accreditation for universities through its World Data Science & AI Initiative (WDSAI) and offers ExpressTrack™ fast-track pathways for students of accredited institutions. The organization operates alongside complementary programs including Data Science in Schools (DaSS) for K-12 education expansion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ExpressTrack: Fast-track credentialing process for students and alumni of DASCA-accredited/recognized institutions.
• DataScienceSkool
• World Data Science & AI Initiative (WDSAI)
• Data Science in Schools (DaSS)
• Essential Knowledge Framework (EKF)
• QualiFLY

Products and services

• Associate Big Data Engineer (ABDE™) Certification Foundational vendor-neutral certification validating platform-agnostic skills in designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines covering ingestion, storage, orchestration, governance, and AI/ML infrastructure, intended for aspiring data engineering professionals.
• Senior Big Data Engineer (SBDE™) Certification Advanced vendor-neutral certification validating expertise in designing, building, and optimizing enterprise-scale data engineering solutions including advanced data ingestion, storage optimization, pipeline orchestration, and AI/ML workflow integration, targeted at experienced data engineering professionals.
• Associate Big Data Analyst (ABDA™) Certification Foundational vendor-neutral certification covering business analytics fundamentals, data visualization, SQL/Python manipulation, business analysis tools, and generative AI applications in analytics, designed for aspiring data analytics professionals.
• Senior Big Data Analyst (SBDA™) Certification Advanced vendor-neutral certification validating skills in business analytics, data storytelling, advanced visualization, automation, AI integration, and industry-specific analytics applications, targeted at experienced analytics professionals.
• Senior Data Scientist (SDS™) Certification Premier global vendor-neutral certification validating advanced expertise in data science, analytics, AI for business impact, advanced statistical methods, machine learning, generative AI, and MLOps, designed for experienced data science professionals.
• Principal Data Scientist (PDS™) Certification Highest-level DASCA vendor-neutral certification for distinguished senior professionals leading enterprise data science strategy, research, and innovation, validating ability to oversee complex analytics ecosystems and integrate generative AI into business operations.
• DASCA Institutional Accreditation Program Accreditation service for universities and academic institutions ensuring their data science and AI programs align with international quality, rigor, and relevance standards, awarded under the World Data Science & AI Initiative.

Quantifiable outcome

• Certification exams available online worldwide, accessible in 180+ countries
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability9 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Texas State University (International Center for Data Science)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2022Texas State University established the International Center for Data Science (ICDS) under DASCA authorization. The ICDS serves as a Center of Excellence dedicated to training, learning, research, and development in data science aligned to global standards. DASCA accreditation granted April 6, 2022, for programs spanning computer science, engineering, economics, business management, and other disciplines. Students across 45 academic programs can earn DASCA credentials before graduation through the Zeus platform.
• Sam Houston State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2022Partner institution under Texas State University's ICDS DASCA accreditation, offering accredited programs in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Mathematics through the partnership with Texas State University System.
• Advanced Technology Centers of Accenture Federal ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry advisory partner supporting Texas State University's ICDS initiative. Provides industry perspective and expertise for workforce development programs in data science and analytics.
• Dell TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner providing advisory support for ICDS data science workforce development initiatives. Contributes expertise to ensure alignment between credentials and employer needs.
• Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional industry association partner providing advisory support and engagement for ICDS workforce development programs serving Central Texas employers.
• Greater Austin Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber of commerce partner supporting ICDS initiatives through industry engagement and economic development alignment for data science workforce in the Austin region.
• Houston Methodist HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare industry partner providing advisory support for ICDS data science initiatives, helping ensure workforce development meets healthcare data analytics needs.
• H-E-BminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail industry partner supporting ICDS workforce development through advisory engagement, helping align data science training with retail analytics requirements.
• Baylor Scott & WhiteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system partner providing advisory support for healthcare data science workforce development through ICDS initiatives.
• Tailored BrandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail industry partner contributing to ICDS advisory ecosystem for data science workforce development in the retail sector.
• Texas Healthcare & Bio-Science InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare and bio-science industry partner providing advisory support for ICDS data science workforce training aligned to healthcare analytics needs.
• Epiphany Angel VenturesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenture capital partner providing advisory support for ICDS data science initiatives, helping connect training with emerging technology opportunities.
• Greater San Marcos PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development partnership supporting ICDS initiatives for data science workforce development in the San Marcos region.
• San Marcos Area Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal chamber partnership supporting ICDS data science workforce development initiatives serving San Marcos business community.
• Kyle Area Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal chamber partnership contributing to ICDS advisory ecosystem for data science workforce development in the Kyle area.
• ExamStrongcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary examination delivery partner. All DASCA certification exams are administered online and proctored live via the ExamStrong platform. ExamStrong provides the technology infrastructure for secure, remote proctoring of certification examinations worldwide.
• Academik AmericacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGlobal service delivery partner managing customer relationships, customer support, logistics, partner network, and invoicing for DASCA. Academik America's distributed offices handle operational processes across the global ecosystem.
• DataScienceSkool™ (Third-party Platform)coreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party digital learning platform providing structured exam-preparation resources accessible to DASCA certification candidates during their exam window. Available through the myDASCA portal.
• World Data Science & AI Initiative (WDSAI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlagship DASCA initiative focused on expanding global data science education and establishing foundational standards. The initiative brings together universities, industry partners, and governments to advance data science education worldwide. Includes subsidy programs for academic institutions and faculty development programs.
• Data Science in Schools (DaSS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDASCA initiative focused on expanding data science education at the school level, establishing foundational standards early in the education pipeline.
• Formación y Universidades (De Agostini and Grupo Planeta)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization of Rome Business School, a DASCA-accredited institution. Part of the Formación y Universidades network of De Agostini and Grupo Planeta operating internationally.
• Zeus Certifications (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerE-learning platform created by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board offering short-term, postsecondary credential opportunities. Data Science Pathways program developed in association with Texas State University's ICDS enables candidates to earn DASCA's ABDA certification.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Google Cloud Certifications (Professional Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer):

Broad incumbents

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer / Data Scientist: Vendor-specific data and AI credentials from Microsoft with broad enterprise adoption. A competing option for the same individual candidates and corporate training budgets that DASCA targets, but tied to the Azure ecosystem.
• AWS Certifications: Hyperscaler-issued cloud and data analytics certifications with strong employer recognition. Competes with DASCA in the data engineering and analytics credentialing space and benefits from enormous co-marketing spend and employer pull-through.
• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate: IBM-issued data science and AI credentials with broad enterprise brand recognition. A competing credential for the same working-professional segment DASCA serves, with stronger Fortune 500 employer mindshare.

Direct peers

• CompTIA: Independent, vendor-neutral IT certification body offering tiered credentials (A+, Network+, Security+, Data+) with global exam delivery. Directly comparable to DASCA in the role of a third-party credentialing authority for technology professionals, though CompTIA's portfolio is broader across IT infrastructure rather than focused on data science.
• IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis): Independent professional association issuing globally recognized business analysis certifications (CBAP, ECBA, CCBA). Comparable in operating model — vendor-neutral, multi-tier credentialing body for a business/technology profession — and a useful analogue for how DASCA could scale its institutional and corporate partnerships.
• DAMA International (CDMP): Global data management professional association offering the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) credential. Closely comparable in role as an independent, vendor-neutral credentialing body for data professionals, though focused on data management/governance rather than data science per se.
• Cloudera (Cloudera Data Platform Certifications): Vendor-issued certifications for big data engineering and data science on the Cloudera platform. Comparable to DASCA's data engineering credentials (ABDE, SBDE) in scope, but tool-specific rather than vendor-neutral.
• SAS Institute (SAS Certification): Vendor-specific credentialing program for data analytics, statistical analysis, and data science. Closely comparable to DASCA on credentialing structure (multi-tier, role-based certifications) and overlapping content in advanced analytics, though SAS is tied to its own software platform.

Emerging players

• Databricks Certifications: Vendor-issued data engineering, data science, and machine learning credentials tied to the Databricks Lakehouse platform. Increasingly relevant in the same data engineering / ML practitioner space that DASCA's ABDE/SBDE/SDS target, with very strong employer pull in lakehouse deployments.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DASCA_Insights
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/data-science-council-of-america

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Data Science Council of America