THE JOB TASK ANALYSIS EXPLAINED

DEFINITION AND DEVELOPMENT

The Job Task Analysis (JTA) study defines the current knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)
that must be demonstrated by analytics professionals to effectively and successfully provide
these services. KSAs are validated according to their frequency of use and importance. The
JTA also serves as a “blueprint” for the content (performance domains) of the INFORMS
CAP® examination.

INFORMS upholds stringent guidelines for the construction and implementation of the
examination development and administration process. A panel of subject matter experts
(SMEs) was selected to develop the JTA for the CAP credential.

VALIDATION
The findings of this working group were then validated by a random sample of practicing
analytics professionals. Feedback from this survey resulted in slight modifications of
the performance domains, tasks, and knowledge that comprise the test blueprint that
determines the content of the CAP examination.

The table below includes the final domains and their representation on the certification
exam that were derived from the JTA and a review of validation survey recommendations.

EXAM BLUEPRINT

Domain Examination Weight1

I. Business Problem (Question) Framing 12%–18%

II. Analytics Problem Framing 14%–20%

III. Data 18%–26%

IV. Methodology (Approach) Selection 12%–18%

V. Model Building 13%–19%

VI. Deployment 7%–11%

VII. Model Life Cycle Management 4%–8%

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) Program

1 443-757-3538 I [email protected] I certifiedanalytics.org
 DOMAIN I: BUSINESS PROBLEM FRAMING
The Business Problem Framing domain includes activities related
to understanding the business problem and evaluating the scope
of the problem.

TASKS: BUSINESS PROBLEM (QUESTION) FRAMING (12% –18%)1

Task 1: Obtain or Receive Problem Statement and Usability Requirements

• K-1: Characteristics of a business problem statement (i.e., a clear and concise statement
of the problem describing the situation and stating the desired end state or goal)

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

Task 2: Identify Stakeholders

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

Task 3: Determine if the Problem is Amenable to an Analytics Solution

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

Task 4: Refine the Problem Statement and Delineate Constraints

• K-1: Characteristics of a business problem statement (i.e., a clear and concise statement
of the problem describing the situation and stating the desired end state or goal)

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)
2
 Task 4: Refine the Problem Statement and Delineate Constraints (Continued)

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

Task 5: Define an Initial Set of Business Benefits

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project
sponsor that are related to the problem)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solutionto
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which
the client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)

Task 6: Obtain Stakeholder Agreement on the Problem Statement

• K-1: Characteristics of a business problem statement (i.e., a clear and concise

statement of the problem describing the situation and stating the desired end
state or goal)

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems

and solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

3
 DOMAIN II: ANALYTICS PROBLEM FRAMING
The Analytics Problem Framing domain includes activities related
to understanding and framing the business problem as an analytics
problem in order to develop the optimal solution.

TASKS: ANALYTICS PROBLEM FRAMING (14% – 20%)1

Task 1: Reformulate the Problem Statement as an Analytics Problem

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

Task 2: Develop a Proposed Set of Drivers and Relationships to Outputs

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)

• K-10: Structure of decisions (e.g., influence diagrams, decision trees, system structures)

Task 3: State the Set of Assumptions Related to the Problem

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective & minimizing the
likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude of the decision maker)

Task 4: Define Key Metrics of Success

• K-1: Characteristics of a business problem statement (i.e., a clear and concise statement

4
of the problem describing the situation and stating the desired end state or goal)
 Task 4: Define Key Metrics of Success (Continued)

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which
the client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)

Task 5: Obtain Stakeholder Agreement

• K-1: Characteristics of a business problem statement (i.e., a clear and concise statement
of the problem describing the situation and stating the desired end state or goal)

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems

and solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

• K-10: Structure of decisions (e.g., influence diagrams, decision trees, system structures)

5
 DOMAIN III: DATA
The Data domain includes activities related to identifying what data
are needed, what data are available, manipulating data so as to render
it usable to find the answer to an analytics problem, and includes the
documentation and reporting needed.

TASKS: DATA (18% –26%)1

Task 1: Identify and Prioritize Data Needs and Sources

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project
sponsor that are related to the problem)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-10: Structure of decisions (e.g., influence diagrams, decision trees, system structures)

• K-11: Negotiation techniques (i.e., strategies and methods that allow the analytics
professional to reach a shared understanding with the client)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-13: Data architecture (i.e., a description of how data is processed, stored, and used
in organizational systems including conceptual, logical, and physical aspects)

Task 2: Acquire Data

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems and
solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

6 • K-10: Structure of decisions (e.g., influence diagrams, decision trees, system structures)
 Task 2: Acquire Data (Continued)

• K-11: Negotiation techniques (i.e., strategies and methods that allow the analytics
professional to reach a shared understanding with the client)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-13: Data architecture (i.e., a description of how data is processed, stored, and used
in organizational systems including conceptual, logical, and physical aspects)

• K-14: Data extraction technologies (e.g., scripting, spreadsheets/databases, connection

tools, standards-based connectivity options, unstructured data extraction tools)

Task 3: Harmonize, Rescale, Clean, and Share Data

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solutionto
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-13: Data architecture (i.e., a description of how data is processed, stored, and used in
organizational systems including conceptual, logical, and physical aspects)

• K-14: Data extraction technologies (e.g., scripting, spreadsheets/databases, connection

tools, standards-based connectivity options, unstructured data extraction tools)

• K-15: Visualization techniques (i.e., any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message including data visualization, information
visualization, statistical graphics, presentation graphics, etc.)

Task 4: Identify Relationships in the Data

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solutionto
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-15: Visualization techniques (i.e., any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message including data visualization, information
visualization, statistical graphics, presentation graphics, etc.)

• K-16: Statistics (descriptive, correlation, regression, etc.)

Task 5: Document and Report Findings (e.g., Insights, Results, Business Performance)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)

7
 Task 5: Document and Report Findings (Continued)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems and
solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-15: Visualization techniques (i.e., any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message including data visualization, information
visualization, statistical graphics, presentation graphics, etc.)

Task 6: Refine the Business and Analytics Problem Statements

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-10: Structure of decisions (e.g., influence diagrams, decision trees, system structures)

8
 DOMAIN IV: METHODOLOGY
(APPROACH) SELECTION
The Methodology (Approach) Selection domain includes activities
related to selecting the software and tools that will enable analytics
problem solutions.

TASKS: METHODOLOGY (APPROACH) SELECTION (12% – 18%)1

Task 1: Identify Available Problem Solving Approaches (Methods)

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-13: Data architecture (i.e., a description of how data is processed, stored, and used
in organizational systems including conceptual, logical, and physical aspects)

Task 2: Select Software Tools

• K-17: Software tools

Task 3: Test Approaches (Methods)2

Task 4: Select Approaches (Methods)2

9
 DOMAIN V: MODEL BUILDING
The Model Building domain includes activities related to identifying,
using, calibrating, and integrating models as well as the documentation
of the model and communication of findings.

TASKS: MODEL BUILDING (13% –19%)1

Task 1: Identify Model Structures2

Task 2: Run and Evaluate the Models

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-16: Statistics (descriptive, correlation, regression, etc.)

Task 3: Calibrate Models and Data2

Task 4: Integrate the Models2

Task 5: Document and Communicate Findings (Assumptions, Limitations, & Constraints)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems

and solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-15: Visualization techniques (i.e., any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message including data visualization, information
visualization, statistical graphics, presentation graphics, etc.)

10
 DOMAIN VI: DEPLOYMENT
The Deployment domain includes activities related to the delivery of
the model and requirements to support the deployment.

TASKS: DEPLOYMENT (7% –11%)1

Task 1: Perform Business Validation of the Model

• K-1: Characteristics of a business problem statement (i.e., a clear and concise statement
of the problem describing the situation and stating the desired end state or goal)

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective & minimizing the
likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude of the decision maker)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems and
solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

Task 2: Deliver Report with Findings

Task 3: Create Model, Usability, and System Requirements for Production

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)
11
 Task 3: Create Model, Usability, and System Requirements for Production (Continued)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems

and solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

• K-11: Negotiation techniques (i.e., strategies and methods that allow the analytics
professional to reach a shared understanding with the client)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-13: Data architecture (i.e., a description of how data is processed, stored, and used
in organizational systems including conceptual, logical, and physical aspects)

• K-15: Visualization techniques (i.e., any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message including data visualization, information
visualization, statistical graphics, presentation graphics, etc.)

Task 4: Deliver Production Model/System1

Task 5: Support Deployment

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-11: Negotiation techniques (i.e., strategies and methods that allow the analytics
professional to reach a shared understanding with the client)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-13: Data architecture (i.e., a description of how data is processed, stored, an used
in organizational systems including conceptual, logical, and physical aspects)

12
 DOMAIN VII: MODEL LIFE
CYCLE MANAGEMENT
The Model Life Cycle Management domain includes activities related
to continual oversight and calibration and training activities to ensure
the model continues to function as planned and continues to return
valid answers. Note that real-time calibration of a model will not be
required at this level.

TASKS: MODEL LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT (4% – 8%)1

Task 1: Document Initial Structure

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems

and solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-15: Visualization techniques (i.e., any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message including data visualization, information
visualization, statistical graphics, presentation graphics, etc.)

Task 2: Track Model Quality

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-16: Statistics (descriptive, correlation, regression, etc.)

Task 3: Recalibrate and Maintain the Model2

13
 Task 4: Support Training Activities

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude
of the decision maker)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems and
solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance, copyright, sharing)

• K-15: Visualization techniques (i.e., any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message including data visualization, information
visualization, statistical graphics, presentation graphics, etc.)

Task 5: Evaluate the Business Benefit of the Model Over Time

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for
the success of the project)

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which the
client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk attitude of
the decision maker)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems and
solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

• K-15: Visualization techniques (i.e., any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message including data visualization, information
visualization, statistical graphics, presentation graphics, etc.)

14
 KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS STATEMENTS
Successful performance of the tasks listed above requires specific
knowledge, which is what will be tested. The knowledge and skills
statements are as follows:

• K-1: Characteristics of a business problem statement (i.e., a clear and concise statement
of the problem describing the situation and stating the desired end state or goal)

• K-2: Interviewing (questioning) techniques (i.e., the process by which a practitioner

elicits information and understanding from business experts including strategies for the
success of the project)

• K-3: Client business processes (i.e., the processes used by the client or project sponsor
that are related to the problem)

• K-4: Client and client-related organizational structures

• K-5: Modeling options (i.e., the analytic approaches available for seeking a solution to
the problem or answer to the question including optimization, simulation, forecasting,
statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, etc.)

• K-6: Resources necessary for analytics solutions (e.g., human, data, computing, software)

• K-7: Performance measurement (i.e., the technical and business metrics by which
the client and the analyst measure the success of the project)

• K-8: Risk/return (i.e., trade-offs between prioritizing the primary objective and
minimizing the likelihood of significant penalty taking into account the risk
attitude of the decision maker)

• K-9: Presentation techniques (i.e., strategies for communicating analytics problems

and solutions to a broad audience of business clients)

• K-10: Structure of decisions (e.g., influence diagrams, decision trees, system structures)

• K-11: Negotiation techniques (i.e., strategies and methods that allow the analytics
professional to reach a shared understanding with the client)

• K-12: Data rules (e.g., privacy, intellectual property, security, governance,copyright, sharing)

• K-13: Data architecture (i.e., a description of how data is processed, stored, and
used in organizational systems including conceptual, logical, and physical aspects)

• K-14: Data extraction technologies (e.g., scripting, spreadsheets/databases, connection

tools, standards-based connectivity options, unstructured data extraction tools)

• K-15: Visualization techniques (i.e., any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message including data visualization, information
visualization, statistical graphics, presentation graphics, etc.)

• K-16: Statistics (descriptive, correlation, regression, etc.)

• K-17: Software tools

1
The domain weights shown are based on expert assessments of the importance of tasks and the frequency of their
performance. Those weights influence the exam blueprint or the percentage of the exam devoted to each domain.

15
2
Tasks performed by analytics professionals beyond certification level; these tasks are not tested in the CAP exam
but professionals will be expected to have this knowledge as they progress in their careers.