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Advanced Data Science Professional (AdvDSP) Certification

The Advanced Data Science Professional (AdvDSP) certificate recognises experienced data scientists who can demonstrate a high level of technical and professional expertise, substantial real-world experience, and significant responsibility for their work and its wider impact. It is intended for professionals who undertake complex work, have significant decision-making authority or responsibility for a major organisational function, and can advise at a strategic level while considering the wider implications of their decisions.  

Developed in partnership with the Alliance for Data Science Professionals of which the Royal Statistical Society is a founding member. This qualification reflects the Alliance’s standards for skills, knowledge and professional behaviours.

Why Become an Advanced Data Science Professional? 

  • Recognises your leadership and expertise: demonstrates your ability to take responsibility for complex data science work and make significant decisions within your area of expertise. 
  • Demonstrates your commitment to responsible leadership: recognises your ability to consider the ethical, organisational and wider impacts of data-driven decisions. 
  • Strengthens your professional profile: provides independent recognition of your experience, decision-making authority and ability to advise at a strategic level. 
  • Demonstrates your wider organisational impact: signals your ability to lead or influence significant areas of data science practice and contribute to a culture of quality, accountability and professional standards. 

Eligibility & How to Apply

To apply for the Advanced Data Science Professional certificate, you must:

  • have at least five years’ work experience in a statistics or data science related role; and
  • hold a level 6 or 7 degree (or an equivalent qualification).

To apply for the certificate you must be a fellow of the Royal Statistical Society. You can apply to join the Society online now.

Join now

Once a Fellow, you can begin your professional application online by completing the online application form. This includes a series of competency based questions designed to help you demonstrate how you meet the Alliance’s standards.

Guidance is available to support you through the process: Advanced Data Science Professional Certification Guidance and Process (PDF).

Fees

The AdvDSP certificate is held in addition to your RSS membership (Fellow, Data Analyst, GradStat or CStat).
The annual fee is:
  • £50 standard rate
  • £25/£20 for concessionary grades.
This is added to your membership fee at your next renewal. Full details are available on the Society’s Fees page.