The EBDFA makes a differentiation between certifications and certificates for the official examinations:
The EBDFA certifications are progressive role-based certifications for individuals who aspire to have Big Data as a career. Especially in the intermediate (Analyst and Engineer) and specialist (Scientist and Architect) certification levels, extensive efforts will be required to pass due to the modules’ more in-depth nature. The modules follow a track, meaning that the module will have official prerequisites to assure candidates have the required credentials. The EBDFA certifications are role-based industry-leading credentials, and therefore are challenging.
The EBDFA certificates are individual independent modules that cover a specific topic in-depth. They are meant for individuals who want to learn more about data, without the requirement to have it as a career. Most participants who participate in the certificate programs want to learn more about a specific topic. For the certificates, there are no prerequisites. Every module is completed in two days, and the exams have a standardized format (1-hour, 40 questions exam with 65% pass mark).