Our new Certified Clinical Data Scientist (CCDS) program recognizes
experienced professionals who apply advanced analytical, scientific,
and strategic capabilities to clinical data. Built for the evolving future
of clinical research, CCDS validates the expertise needed to lead
in increasingly data-driven environments.
CCDS CERTIFICATION
Lead the future
of Clinical Data Science as
a Certified Clinical Data Scientist
Lead the future of Clinical Data Science as a Certified Clinical Data Scientist
Our new Certified Clinical Data Scientist (CCDS) program recognizes experienced professionals who apply advanced analytical, scientific, and strategic capabilities to clinical data. Built for the evolving future of clinical research, CCDS validates the expertise needed to lead in increasingly data-driven environments.
Your CCDS Roadmap
#1 CHECK ELIIGIBILITY
Is CCDS right for you?
The CCDS certification is designed for experienced Clinical Data Management professionals who operate beyond data collection and review, applying advanced analytical, scientific, and strategic thinking to solve complex clinical data challenges.
CCDS candidates demonstrate expertise across areas such as data science methodologies, predictive analytics, regulatory knowledge, emerging technologies, and modern clinical research practices.
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) and 6+ years of full-time CDM experience
- Associate’s degree and 9+ years of full-time CDM experience
- 10+ years of full-time CDM experience
Earlier in your CDM journey? Consider the Certified Clinical Data Associate (CCDA) or Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) programmes.
Experience Required
6+ years
Credential Level
Advanced
Exam Questions
60
Global Availability
Yes
#2 CCDS BENEFITS
Why choose to pursue the CCDS Certification?
Lead the Evolution of Clinical Data
Apply advanced data science capabilities to help shape the future of clinical research.
Validate Advanced Expertise
Demonstrate mastery of the competencies that define today's Clinical Data Scientist.
Gain Global Recognition
Stand out with an industry-recognized credential backed by SCDM.
Strengthen Your Career Impact
Show employers and peers that you are prepared for increasingly complex data challenges.
Why did our first Certified Clinical Data Scientists pursue CCDS?
I was motivated to participate in the CCDS beta programme because I wanted to expand my expertise beyond traditional Clinical Data Management and better understand the evolving role of data science within clinical development. Working extensively with external data acquisition and data standards, I saw CCDS as an opportunity to deepen my knowledge of emerging technologies, risk-based approaches, and data-driven decision making.
Chandrakantha R, CCDS
Data Acquisition Expert – External Data
Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine
Being certified brings a bit of extra panache, however, how you applied what you learned is what matters and that we are the creators of our future within our profession. Evolving in a role from junior or senior, doing the CCDS exam will forever change your perspective and broaden your horizon.
Anna Trollip, CCDS
Principal Clinical System Lead
ICON
CCDS is important because it provides a clear competency framework for a profession that is rapidly evolving beyond traditional data management. It recognizes the growing importance of data science, analytics, technology, and data governance in clinical research while promoting consistent standards, continuous learning, and professional credibility across the industry.
Chiranjeeb Das, CCDS
Head of Clinical Data Management Processes
Veeda Life Sciences
As clinical trials become more complex, decentralized and AI-driven, we need a global, standardized benchmark that validates future-ready skills beyond traditional CDM. I believe CCDS is important because it ensures we remain industry-ready, relevant and recognized to lead the data-driven transformation of clinical research.
Santosh Karthikeyan Viswanathan, CCDS
Data & AI Leader
Independent Director, Ex-AstraZeneca
#3 STUDY AND PREPARE
What does a Clinical Data Scientist do?
Clinical Data Scientists sit at the intersection of clinical research, technology, analytics, and business strategy.
They leverage advanced methodologies and cross-functional expertise to transform growing volumes of clinical data into insights that improve study quality, operational performance, and decision-making.
The CCDS certification is built around the competencies that define this role within the CDM Competency Framework.
Get ready for your
CCDS Exam
Now you know the core CDS responsibilities, it’s time to strengthen those skills. SCDM provides a range of learning resources designed to help you prepare and assess your readiness with confidence.
CCDS Certification Handbook
Everything you need to know about the exam: eligibility, competencies, and requirements.
CCDS Study Guide
Review the core domains and competencies.
CDS 101 On-Demand Webinar
Understand the role, responsibilities, and future impact of Clinical Data Science.
GCDMP©
Stay ahead with the latest clinical data management best practices.
JSCDM
Explore thought leadership and research articles that support exam preparation and professional growth.
Build capability with elev8.
CCDS certification validates advanced expertise. elev8 helps you build it.
Powered by the CDM Competency Framework, elev8 creates personalized learning pathways that help professionals assess current capabilities, identify development opportunities, and strengthen the competencies required for future roles.
Whether your goal is CCDS certification or long-term career growth, elev8 provides a structured pathway for continuous capability-building in a rapidly changing profession.
#4 PRICING
A fair pricing structure to take the Exam
As SCDM is a global community, we understand there are differences in economies depending on where you are in the world. And so, we’ve created a pricing structure based on three country income levels. If you’d like to apply at member rates, you are welcome to join our global SCDM Community.
High Income
Countries
Member
$275
Non-Member
$350
Retake Exam
Member
$250
Non-Member
$325
Upper Middle
Income Countries
Member
$250
Non-Member
$300
Retake Exam
Member
$225
Non-Member
$275
Low Income &
Lower Countries
Member
$175
Non-Member
$200
Retake Exam
Member
$125
Non-Member
$150
#5 APPLY AND SCHEDULE
Apply for CCDS in a few simple steps
Once you feel you are prepared and ready to take the exam, you will need to create an account and schedule the exam. Just follow these few simple steps:
Create an account
Submit your application
Receive approval
#6 YOUR CCDS CREDENTIAL
What happens after you pass your exam?
After you have successfully validated your advanced expertise of the field and belong to the community of Certified Clinical Data Scientists, you can:
- Receive your CCDS credential
- Download your digital certificate
- Showcase your achievement
- Continue leading as part of SCDM
Frequently Asked Questions
The Certified Clinical Data Scientist (CCDS) examination is a professional certification offered by the Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM). It is designed for experienced Clinical Data Management professionals who want to demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills and expertise in Clinical Data Science and distinguish themselves as leaders in the field. Successful candidates earn the Certified Clinical Data Scientist (CCDS) credential, which validates their competency across key clinical data management and data science domains.
SCDM’s Clinical Data Scientist certification program is for those who wish to set themselves apart as a leading professional in this specialized field and meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) and minimum six (6) years full-time CDM experience
- Associate’s degree and minimum nine (9) years full-time CDM experience
- Ten (10) or more years’ full-time CDM experience
You will be notified within 14 days of receipt via email.
You will have 90 days from the acceptance of your application to take the exam.
Refer to the CCDS Study Guide for current information about the exam including tested competencies.
The most effective way to prepare for the CCDS Exam is to reference the CCDS Study Guide. This guide is specifically designed to support test takers by outlining key resources that align with the core CCDS domains and the associated tasks. It serves as a roadmap to help you focus your study efforts on the most relevant content areas.
The CCDS Study Guide is a supplemental study aid – it’s not a replacement for professional experience or other recommended preparation methods, but it’s a valuable tool to help you get exam-ready with confidence.
60 multiple choice items, covering all tested competencies.
Yes, this is condition of the SCDM Certifications.
Yes, the confidentiality agreement is part of the Certification Exam application.
You become a Certified Clinical Data Scientist (CCDS).
Information regarding the validity period and any potential renewal requirements for the Certified Clinical Data Scientist (CCDS) certification is currently under review.
The applicant may retake the exam one time for a reduced fee within one calendar year of the date of the formal notification letter date of the exam results.
Ready to become a
Certified Clinical Data Scientist?
Validate your expertise and join a growing community
of Clinical Data Scientists shaping the future of clinical research.
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