This focused course explores two essential disciplines from the DAMA-DMBOK® framework—Reference Data Management and Master Data Management—which are jointly addressed within a single functional area in the DAMA body of knowledge.

Reference data is “data that helps to make sense of other data,” such as code lists and hierarchies that provide context and classification (e.g. country codes, industry taxonomies). Master data, on the other hand, relates to core business entities such as customers, products, suppliers, and employees—and the governance of a trusted “golden copy” of that data across systems.

This course prepares participants for the DAMA International 32524 Reference and Master Data Management certification exam, providing the knowledge and tools to build effective, scalable, and governed RDM and MDM capabilities in modern organisations.

Where is this course available?

This course is available In-Person in Doha, Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi in UAE & Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman and Amman in Jordan as well as being available Online Worldwide.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Distinguish between reference data and master data, and explain their interdependencies

• Understand how RDM and MDM support data consistency, quality, and integration across systems

• Apply the DAMA-DMBOK® framework to govern, design, and maintain trusted master and reference datasets

• Implement lifecycle management for reference and master data, including change control and versioning

• Evaluate common RDM and MDM architecture patterns, tools, and implementation strategies

• Align MDM and RDM practices with business goals, regulatory requirements, and data governance programmes

• Be fully prepared to sit the DAMA International 32524 certification exam

Who Is This Training Course For?

This course is designed for professionals responsible for ensuring consistency and trust in enterprise-critical data.

Roles:

• Data Governance Managers

• Master Data Analysts and Architects

• Data Stewards and Domain Owners

• Enterprise and Information Architects

• Compliance and Data Quality Specialists

• CDMP® candidates pursuing RDM/MDM certification

Industries:

• Finance and Banking

• Healthcare and Life Sciences

• Retail and E-commerce

• Government and Public Sector

• Manufacturing and Supply Chain

• Energy and Utilities

Why Should You Take This DAMA RDM & MDM Course?

• Learn how to establish a single source of truth for critical business data

• Prepare for the DAMA International 32524 Specialist Exam with a practical and exam-aligned approach

• Understand how RDM and MDM support digital transformation, analytics, compliance, and automation

• Explore common MDM patterns (e.g. registry, consolidation, coexistence, centralised) and when to use them

• Learn to manage hierarchies, taxonomies, and standardised values across systems

• Build confidence in managing enterprise master and reference data in alignment with DAMA-DMBOK®

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. 

However, participants will benefit most if they:

• Have a foundational understanding of data management concepts (e.g. through prior DAMA training or experience)

• Are familiar with basic data modelling and data governance principles

• Work with data structures, standards, or reporting functions involving key business entities

This course is ideal for professionals preparing for the 32524 DAMA Specialist certification or supporting RDM/MDM implementation projects in real-world environments.

Please note that MENA Executive Training is an independent training provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DAMA International. This course is intended solely to help participants prepare for the DAMA International certification examination.