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A professional-level summary covering key definitions, frameworks, and exam-relevant points.
Policy Hierarchy
Data governance policies exist within a hierarchy of governance documents. At the top is the Data Governance Charter — the foundational document that establishes the governance programme, its scope, and its authority. Below that are domain-specific policies (data quality, security, privacy, retention). Below policies are standards (specific, measurable requirements). Below standards are procedures (step-by-step processes) and guidelines (recommended but not mandatory practices).
Policy Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Why the policy exists and what problem it addresses |
| Scope | What data, systems, and people the policy applies to |
| Policy statements | The specific rules and requirements |
| Roles and responsibilities | Who is responsible for implementing and enforcing the policy |
| Compliance and enforcement | Consequences of non-compliance |
| Review cycle | How often the policy is reviewed and updated |
| Approval authority | Who approved the policy (typically the Data Governance Council) |
CDMP Exam Relevance
Data governance policies appear in questions about governance programme design and the policy hierarchy. The most frequently tested distinction is between policies (high-level rules) and standards (specific, measurable requirements). The CDMP exam also tests whether candidates understand that policies must be approved, documented, and enforced to be effective.