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A professional-level summary covering key definitions, frameworks, and exam-relevant points.
DMBOK Definition
The DAMA DMBOK v2 defines Data Architecture as "specifications used to describe existing state, define data requirements, guide data integration, and control data assets as put forth in a data strategy." It is one of the 11 DMBOK knowledge areas and carries approximately 6% of the CDMP exam weight.
The Three Architecture Views
| View | Description | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | High-level data domains and relationships; technology-independent | Business stakeholders, executives |
| Logical | Detailed data structures and relationships; technology-independent | Data architects, business analysts |
| Physical | Specific implementation in a technology (tables, columns, indexes) | Database administrators, engineers |
Enterprise Architecture Alignment
Data architecture is one component of enterprise architecture (EA). The major EA frameworks — TOGAF, Zachman, FEAF — all include a data architecture layer. The CDMP exam tests whether candidates understand how data architecture aligns with business architecture, application architecture, and technology architecture within the broader EA context.
Key CDMP Exam Topics
The most frequently tested data architecture concepts in the CDMP exam are: the three architecture views (conceptual, logical, physical), the difference between data architecture and data modelling, the role of data architecture in supporting data governance, and the relationship between data architecture and enterprise architecture frameworks.