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Developed by DEC’s global consortia of leading higher education institutions and industry players, the Digital Asset 101 Certificate – Part 1 on edX is designed for professionals to gain an introductory knowledge of Digital Asset technology, related to technological, business & economics, as well as legal, regulatory & compliance aspects.
The digital asset and crypto asset markets have become an emerging industry where well-funded start-ups are growing towards becoming global leaders, and traditional institutions are investing and expanding into related services. While regulation and the oversight of qualifications of professionals in this field is becoming increasingly important, the industry lacks professionals with well-founded knowledge and experience in both worlds. The Digital Asset 101 Certificate – Part 1 addresses this gap with a holistic, 12h certification program developed in collaboration with leading academic and industry players. See full 24h professional certification program on this page: Digital Asset 101 Professional Certificate.
The Digital Asset 101 Certificate has been designed for professionals with backgrounds in finance, banking, asset management and trading.
The Digital Asset 101 Certificate comprises of two parts, which are made up of three macro-modules, aligned with the esteemed Charterholder programs offered by DEC Institute (exam syllabus, study booklet, practice questions and tests). These 3 macro-modules consist of the following modules:
TECHNOLOGY:
In this section, we explore the following topics related to Blockchain History, Blockchain Principles, Consensus Mechanisms, Blockchain Architectures, Distributed File Systems, Token Standards & Minting, Smart Contracts, Cryptocurrencies, Tokens, Blockchain Protocols, Wallets & Custody, Scalability, Interoperability, Privacy, dApps, DAOs and Oracles.
BUSINESS & ECONOMICS:
In this section, we explore the following topics related to Blockchain and the Internet, Blockchain Ecosystem, Industry Investment, Investors' Perspectives, ICOs & IEOs for Capital Raising, Blockchain Economics, Blockchain and Token Investments, Tokenisation in Business, Digital Asset Business Models, dApps in Business, Blockchain Governance in Business and DAOs, Blockchain and Sustainability, Application Areas of Blockchain in Traditional Financial Services, Decentralised Finance (DeFi), Advanced DeFi, Application Areas in Non-Financial Service Sectors, Application Areas of NFTs, Stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
LEGAL / REGULATORY:
In this section, we explore the following topics related to Legal and Regulatory Treatment of Cryptoassets & Applications, Legal and Regulatory Treatment of Cryptoassets & Fundraising, Regulatory and Legal Standing of Blockchain Technology, Legal Status of Smart Contracts, Challenges of Regulating DLT, Blockchain, Competition Law and Antitrust, Blockchain and Regtech, Regulatory and Legal Perspectives of DAOs, and Blockchain and Intellectual Property.
After completing the Digital Asset 101 Certificate, candidates interested to proceed with DEC’s professional development path, are invited to register for the CDAA®️ Level 1 examination at PearsonVUE through the website of DEC Institute, where they can download and study additional preparatory material (mandatory reading: Study Booklet CDAA®️ Level 1), which will be required to successfully pass the examination and obtain the CDAA®️ I professional designation and membership status at DEC. For experienced digital asset professionals, there is also the opportunity to earn the Level 2 charterholder status, unlocking addition career benefits and opportunities.
"Most knowledge in the blockchain space is self-taught. Certification through the DEC Institute establishes an education standard, which serves as a useful calibration for test candidates, companies and blockchain educators alike." - Susanne Fromm, General Partner at Vanagon Ventures
"Finally those professionals who have been working in the industry and learning by themselves can certify and prove their expertise." - Marcel Niederberger, CEO Ficas AG
" DEC Institute´s charter titles enable us to proof our team’s expertise in front of clients in this new space." - Dr. Stefan Reidt
Why do I need a Digital Asset 101 Certificate?
You won’t find any professional certification program that teaches you digital assets on a multidisciplinary level in such a short timeframe. After about 24h of video learning and a couple of quick checks you will be able to demonstrate your basic knowledge and competence in digital assets towards your colleagues, your management, and clients. It’s the starting point for your professional development path in digital assets.
What’s the difference to the CDAA®️ I chartholder title?
The Digital Asset 101 Certificate is a Certificate of Completion, whereas the CDAA®️ is a professional designation, signalling increased professionalism. Proving your specialist knowledge and expertise in front of clients, employers, industry peers, recruiters and regulators can be difficult in the Digital Assets space, as topics are interdisciplinary, evolving quickly and require access to widespread and not easily accessible information. As a CDAA®️**** charterholder of DEC you can prove that you have what it takes to claim yourself as a professional, and you can access the right network and resources which allows you to remain up to date with latest developments and professional practices.
What is the target group of either CDAA®️ or CBA®️?
CDAA®️: for professionals with backgrounds in finance, banking, asset management and trading, from all functions and levels of responsibility.
CBA®️: for professionals with backgrounds in enterprise, healthcare, public services, utilities and supply chain, from all functions and levels of responsibility.
What do DEC programs cost?
101 Certificate on edX: $299
Level 1 (including 101 Certificate): $ 499
Level 2 (Level 1 prerequisite): $ 599
Level 1 & 2: €999
You can enrol in the Level 1 & 2 CDAA® and CBA® programs on DEC’s website.
Is there an exam at the end of the Digital Asset 101 Certificate & Blockchain 101 Certificate?
There is no rigorous exam, but there are Quick Checks after each module, and you must have 70% of all answers correct at the end of the program. For the CDAA® and CBA® charterholder there is a rigorous 1 hour exam that must be taken at a PearsonVUE test center or from home.
Do I get a certification after the Digital Asset 101 Certificate & Blockchain 101 Certificate?
Yes, you get a "Certificate of Completion" on the verified track, which is attesting that you have participated, completed the program and passed the Quick Checks. Please note that this does not qualify you as either CDAA® and CBA® charterholder or DEC member. For this, you need to pass the CDAA® and CBA® examinations at DEC Institute.
What organisation issue the CDAA®️ or CBA®️ chartholder title?
The CDAA® and CBA® are issued mutually by both the DEC Institute and the DEC Association, a self-regulatory society registered in Switzerland. Both charters, the CDAA® and CBA®, are registered trademarks.
What is a CDAA®️ or CBA®️ charter?
A CDAA® and CBA® charter are professional designations given to those who have completed the CDAA® and CBA® Program Level 1 or 2. The CDAA® and CBA® program are two-part exams that rigorously test the fundamentals of Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, Digital Assets and Web3 related to technology, business & economics, and legal, regulatory & compliance aspects.