Data Literacy: understanding and using data with confidence
Data Literacy is the ability to read, work with, analyze, and argue with data. Our EDF-certified program helps teams build this foundation in a structured, practical way — covering everything from understanding what data is to communicating insights effectively to your audience.
The data literacy gap in most organizations
Research consistently shows that organizations collect more data than their people know how to use. Closing this gap requires structured investment in data literacy across all roles.
of employees recognize data as an organizational asset
trust their decisions more when based on data
are confident in their own data literacy skills
Four modules, two days
The program follows the MIT definition of data literacy and is structured into four modules of 3.5 hours each, delivered over two days. Each module builds towards the EDF certification exam.
1 · Read data
What data is, how it is measured and scaled, how to read and interpret common chart types using the CHRTTS model, and how to check data for reliability and accuracy.
2 · Work with data
How data is created — automated vs. manual — and what happens during its journey from source to consumption. Data quality dimensions, cleaning, combining, and managing KPIs correctly.
3 · Analyze data
Recognizing thinking shortcuts that distort analysis — confirmation bias, survivorship bias, and correlation vs. causation. Types of analysis from descriptive to prescriptive, and core analytical skills.
4 · Argue with data
Using data to support a narrative for a specific audience — from exploration to explanation. Effective data visualization principles and storytelling with data, including the storytelling arc.
EDF Certified Data Literacy Professional — Practitioner's Guide
Participants receive a copy of the official EDF practitioner's guide — a published reference work that supports both the training and ongoing learning after the program.
Data Literacy Practitioner's Guide
The official practitioner's guide covers all four modules in full — from data types and quality dimensions through analytical thinking patterns to effective data storytelling. It serves both as the learning companion during the training and as a reference guide in daily work.
Author: Michel Dekker · Published by Van Haren Publishing · November 2023 · ISBN 978 94 018 1131 6
View on AmazonWhat participants will be able to do
Participants leave with a practical foundation across all four dimensions of data literacy — and an EDF certification that demonstrates it.
Read and interpret data correctly, including charts, tables, and common KPI formats
Work with data — understanding its origin, quality dimensions, and what happens during its journey from source to report
Analyze data while avoiding thinking traps like confirmation bias, survivorship bias, and false causation
Argue with data — communicate findings to an audience with clarity, context, and a compelling narrative
Engage more confidently in data-driven discussions, challenge data without dismissing it
Earn the EDF Certified Data Literacy Professional certification upon passing the exam
Who this training is designed for
Particularly valuable for those who work with data outputs without building the underlying systems.
Business users and managers
Teams that rely on dashboards and reports for daily decisions and need to interpret data outputs with confidence.
Operations and finance teams
Professionals who work with structured data regularly but lack a formal grounding in data interpretation and quality assessment.
Leaders and change owners
Managers and executives who need to evaluate data-driven recommendations and foster a data-aware culture in their teams.
Organizations building data culture
Companies seeking a shared foundation of data understanding across departments as part of a broader data maturity program.
Flexible delivery options
Designed to fit your organization's schedule, team size, and working context.
In-company training
Delivered on site or online for teams within your organization, tailored to your data environment and the reports your team works with daily.
Online in-person training
Interactive sessions delivered remotely, combining live instruction, practical exercises, and discussion in a structured learning environment.
Tailored programs
Customized training programs aligned with your specific reporting environment, data sources, or organizational priorities and maturity level.
Ready to strengthen data literacy in your organization?
We are happy to explore how this program can be tailored to your team's context, data environment, and learning objectives.
