What the Course Entails and Exam Details

To earn the DAS Certificate, participants must complete ten individual courses, passing the exam for each, before qualifying for the final comprehensive examination. The curriculum is organized into four distinct tiers, each with its own set of required learning competencies:

• Foundational: Covers core concepts, standards, and legal/ethical issues. Topics include appraisal, metadata, and the OAIS reference model.

• Tactical and Strategic: Focuses on practical implementation and management. Topics include accessioning, copyright, and building advocacy.

• Tools and Services: Teaches specific technologies and techniques. Topics include web archiving, email preservation, and digital forensics.

• Transformational: Deals with change management, advanced strategy, and future planning. Topics include digital repository assessment and tool integration.

The comprehensive exam tests knowledge across all these areas to ensure a unified understanding.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The final step to achieving the DAS Certificate is the DAS Online Comprehensive Examination. This exam evaluates a student's mastery of the entire DAS curriculum and its core competencies. It is a rigorous assessment, but with proper preparation, including the use of a practice exam, students can succeed. Here are the key details:

• Format: A 100-question multiple-choice examination.

• Mode: Administered exclusively in an online format through the SAA's educational portal.

• Content: Questions are developed based on course content and distributed across the four tiers: 45% Foundational, 25% Tactical and Strategic, 11% Transformational, and 19% Tools and Services.

• Time Limit: Once the exam is started, it must be completed within 120 minutes (two hours) in a single sitting.

• Passing Score: Students must achieve a minimum score of 74%.

• Attempts: There are NO retakes built into the comprehensive exam. SAA does not make exceptions. If a student fails, they must wait until the next exam cycle (typically January, May, and September) to re-register and pay for another attempt.

• Timing Requirement: Students must take the comprehensive exam within five months of completing their final course and all ten courses must be completed within a 24-month period to ensure testing on current materials.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Given the comprehensive nature of the exam and the strict "no retake" policy, a methodical study plan is essential. Here is a recommended strategy:

Actionable Study Strategies:

1. Review Course Materials: Re-read all materials, notes, and exams from your ten completed courses.

2. Study the Suggested Reading List: Consult the SAA's "Comprehensive Exam Suggested Readings List," which points to essential resources for each topic area. This list is updated annually.

3. Utilize the Zotero Library: Use the official DAS Certificate Reading List Zotero library for a central point of all resources.

4. Take the DAS Practice Exam: Highly recommended, the official DAS Practice Exam is an invaluable tool. It mirrors the structure and question style of the real test, allowing you to assess your knowledge, understand how complex ideas are framed, and practice managing your time.

Exam Center and Access:

The DAS Comprehensive Exam is not held at a physical center. It is entirely online. Registered and eligible students access the exam through their SAA course portal at their convenience within the scheduled testing window.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Earning the Digital Archives Specialist Certificate demonstrates a significant and verified level of proficiency in managing electronic records. This credential unlocks numerous career paths across corporations, government agencies, universities, and cultural heritage institutions. Common job titles include:

• Digital Archivist

• Digital Collections Specialist

• Digital Records Manager

• Electronic Records Archivist

• Digital Curator

• Web Archivist

• Digital Forensics Specialist in Archives

• Director of Digital Initiatives