Data Skills
Certification Program

As the Bank's approach to data and analytics develops, so does the need to formally recognize staff expertise in data fields. However, unlike traditional World Bank disciplines - engineering, economics, law, etc. - mastery in data science can be difficult to confirm, since the quality and composition of degree programs vary substantially, and, more critically, many data skills can be learned on-line throughout one's career, requiring self-reporting for skill mastery.

For efficiency and transparency in recognizing staff data science skillsets, as well as to incentivize staff to acquire new data science skills, the Data Lab, in coordination with the Data Science and Statistics (“Data”) Talent Board , supports a voluntary opt-in skills certification program, whereby staff are invited to take an on-line exam to earn a leveled data science skills certification.

Benefits to Certified Staff and STCs

Certifications are posted on staff profile pages and searchable through the World Bank People Directory. Certified staff are invited to be included in the Data Corps registry, through which they will receive opportunities to apply their skills to different projects through cross-support, as well as notifications about training opportunities for leveling up.

How it Works

Step 1. Review Criteria and Select Certification Test

Review certification requirements and accompanying training materials:

Step 2. Take Certification Test

There is a separate certification test for each skill (e.g., data science, geospatial analytics) and level (e.g., level I, level II). The level tests are sequential, so Level I must be completed before you can take Level II.

The tests are mostly task-based. For example, depending on skills being tested for, colleagues must be prepared to demonstrate their skills through such exercises as generating descriptive statistics from a dataset, completing a code notebook, preparing a map, identifying the flaws in a survey design, or presenting a dataset as a dashboard.

You can access the platform for all current tests on offer:

Go to Certification Platform

Step 3. Opt into the Data Corps Registry

After receiving your test results, you will be granted an opportunity to join the Data Corps registry. Through the registry, you will receive notifications about cross-support opportunities to apply your skills across new sectors and challenges, as well as group upskilling training opportunities offered through the Data Talent Board.

You can view the current Registry here:

Data Corps Registry

Step 4. Keep Going!

Once you receive your skill certification and register for the Data Corps, a whole new path of career advancement will open up to you, with new opportunities to build your skills and experience, as well as to learn more deeply about the scope of Bank operations. Good luck!