Version 1.0
DATA Visualisation Syllabus
Introduction
The syllabus outlines the knowledge the candidates need to master in order to pass the EDF Data Visualisation certification exam. It provides suggestions for preparation and highlights the benefits of taking this exam
Effective data visualization – the crucial last part of the data pipeline
Numbers are central to our understanding of performance. They enable us to make informed
decisions. The way we determine success or failure is almost always based on numbers. We derive
great value from the stories that numbers tell, yet we rarely consider the significance of how we
present them.
Data visualization is an umbrella term to cover all types of visual representations that support the
explanation, examination, and communication of data.
To use visualizations effectively, we must do more than simply display data graphically. We must
understand how visual perception works and then present data visually.
At the last step of the data pipeline, we make decisions based on data. After creating, cleaning,
storing, managing, and analysing it, we present the data in order to facilitate taking action and making
decisions based on it. To assist in this process, we transform the numbers into data visualizations with
the help of graphs or tables in dashboards and reports. Anyone can easily create charts and tables,
but are they effective?
Making good visualizations requires attention, knowledge, and expertise. If we pay too little attention
to this last step of the production process, our data will not be successful. The likely result is that our
message will come across as bad or wrong, which would be a great pity. That would be a shame
because we have paid a lot of care and attention to all the previous steps in the process, and in the
last step we would have ruined this!
To avoid this, a data visualization needs to be effective in the first place.
The Effective Data Foundation (EDF)
The Effective Data Foundation (EDF) is a private collaboration that aims to promote effective use of data.
Intended audience
The Effective Data Foundation – Data Visualization Certification is intended for anyone who creates visualizations for an audience, for example in reports, dashboards, or presentations. Therefore, it is ideal for people for whom the concept of data visualization is relatively new and who wish to become competent in visualizing data. It is also for people already working in this field who wish to strengthen their knowledge and improve their skills.
The EDF – Data Visualization Certificate
This EDF Certification recognises awareness and understanding of the components of data visualization and how to foster its adoption and application for the benefit of everybody who needs to make decisions based on data transformed in a visualization.
The EDF Certification is achieved through an exam which demonstrates that a participant:
- Knows how visual perception works, why it is important and what benefits it brings;
- Is aware of how to choose the correct data visualization in each situation; • Is aware of how to properly format a data visualization;
- Understands the critical role of color and the ways in which to use this;
- Is aware of how to avoid the common pitfalls in data visualization;
- Can design an effective grid and layout;
- Understands the importance of asking the right questions at the start of each design.
The syllabus outlines the knowledge that the candidate will be tested on during the exam. It also provides suggestions for preparation (background reading) and highlights the benefits of taking this exam.
Certifying Organisation
Van Haren certN
The EDF – Data Visualization Exam
You first need to have successfully completed the Effective Data Foundation Visualization Exam in order to obtain the EDF Data Visualization Certificate. The exam procedure is explained in this section.
Practical information
You must pass a multiple-choice exam in which your knowledge of effective data visualization will be tested to obtain an EDF Certificate. All exam candidates will access the online exam environment and need to answer 60 multiple-choice questions within 60 minutes. To pass, you must answer 65% of the questions correctly (or at least 39 of the 60 questions). Each question has precisely four possible answers, where one or multiple answers are correct. You will receive the result immediately after the exam. (Digital) Access to your certificate will be given once you have passed.
Number of questions: 60
Time (minutes) for the exam: 60 minutes
% Minimal passing grade: 65%
Open or closed book: Closed
Language: English
Exam format: Online
Type of questions Multiple choice
Are there also negative questions included in the exam (for example: “which of the following is NOT a good data visualization?”)
Yes. Candidates are advised to read the questions carefully
Levels
The EDF Data Visualization Certification tests candidates at levels 1 and 2 according to the Bloom Revised Taxonomy.
Bloom Level 1: Recall & Retention
We test candidates on their ability to memorize factual information, to retain information by collecting, remembering, and recognizing specific knowledge. Knowledge includes facts, terms, answers, or terminology.
Bloom Level 2: Understanding
We test candidates on their ability to construct meaning from oral, written, or graphical pieces of information. This is done by interpreting, summarizing, distracting, comparing, classifying, predicting, or explaining the message.
Your investment
The EDF Exam requires preparation, which means this is an investment in time for personal study and attention covering the subject of effective data visualization. You are completely free to do this in several ways and can consider self-study, reading the reference materials listed in the syllabus, or following a training programme which is designed in line with this syllabus.
Refer to the list of topics in this syllabus. Here you can see which subjects you will be tested on during the exam. The time it takes to prepare for the exam depends on your prior knowledge, experience, and training. Commercially offered training programmes that prepare for the Data Visualization Exam will typically last two to three days. You should allow sufficient time for self-study to address the subjects listed in this syllabus.
Preparation and recommended literature
During your exam preparation, you should familiarize yourself with the concepts of Data Visualization, for example by following a course and reading specified literature. There are ongoing publications about effective data visualization. So, it should be straightforward to find books, articles, blogs, vlogs, or videos about the different aspects.
We include a recommended reading list in this syllabus.
We also advise you to contact people who work with effective data visualization and observe what they do and the techniques they use – and also talk to them.
We have included the following in the syllabus to help you get started:
- Specifications of the examination material – divided into modules
- The weighting of each individual module towards the overall exam
- A list of key terms and concepts detailing what must be covered.
- Literature suggestions are available for newcomers in field. Note many of the data visualization concepts have been established for some time and are widely accepted with online and offline reference materials available.
- A practice exam is available online after purchasing an exam. The practice exam contains questions at the same level as the questions in the actual exam. The number of questions may differ from the actual exam. The actual exam includes 60 questions, and you will have 60 minutes to answer them.
Preparation training
We endorse the added value of thoroughly preparing for the Data Visualization Exam and strongly recommend preparatory classroom training, webinars, and online eLearning journeys.
This can help you to understand the essence of effective data visualization and can give you practical examples. That said, it is not mandatory to follow specialized training.
The Effective Data Foundation does not accredit trainers, training institutions or training programmes. The composition and duration, organization, pricing, and execution of the training is the responsibility of the trainer.