The Certified Stata Analyst Program is a professional development, learning and assessment program designed to improve the use and application of Stata in applied data analysis for academics, professional researchers and data analysts. The CSA Program includes the CSA professional designation and the CSA–Lead designation, and other Methods-related designations.
The Program is described at www.sdas.com.au/certified/.
For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions:
“Program” means the Certified Stata Analyst Program, including all of its Core Modules, Extension Modules and Exemption Modules developed by SDAStudio, with their certificates, designations, learning materials, assessments, online platform access, live and recorded sessions, support services and all related resources and materials made available to Registrants as part of their enrolment to one or more modules. Program also covers any Methods Modules developed by SDAStudio.
“CSA” means Certified Stata Analyst - Lead, which is a certified professional designation earned by Registrants upon their successful completion of the five Core Modules of the Program.
“CSA-Lead” means Certified Stata Analyst, which is a certified professional designation earned by Registrants upon the successful completion of the five Core Modules and the five Extension Modules of the Program.
“SDAStudio” means Statistics and Data Analytics Studio Pty Ltd A.B.N. 38 683 051 461, which is the developer and owner of the Program.
“SDAS” means Survey Design and Analysis Services Pty Ltd A.B.N. 37 051 831 826, which is the authorised distributor of Stata in Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and provides registration, invoicing, payment processing, platform hosting, operational support, systems support and technical support for the Program.
“Registrant” means the individual who registers and is granted access to one or more modules of the Program. A Registrant must purchase and pay prior to being granted access. An organisation or other entity may purchase and pay on behalf of the Registrant, but only the Registrant is provided with access.
The Program is delivered through an on-demand online learning platform hosted and operated by SDAS on behalf of SDAStudio.
Registration is required for every module of the Program.
SDAStudio owns and develops the Program and is responsible for the Program’s educational content, assessment standards, certification requirements and final assessment outcomes.
SDAS provides registration, invoicing, payment processing, platform hosting, operational support, systems support, technical support and Program administration on behalf of SDAStudio.
SDAS is responsible for issuing Certificates of Achievement and Program designations following confirmation by SDAStudio that the relevant requirements have been met. SDAS also maintains the official register of certificates and designations and provides certificate and designation verification services.
The Registrant, and any organisation purchasing access on the Registrant’s behalf, enters into these Terms and Conditions with SDAStudio and SDAS to the extent that each entity performs obligations or provides services relating to the Program.
Invoices and payment records will identify the entity responsible for issuing the relevant invoice and receiving payment.
The Program is supplied from Australia. Fees, invoices and payment requirements will be stated at the time of purchase.
Where required by Australian tax law, Program fees may include Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST). This may include sales to Australian residents, Australian entities, or other purchasers where GST is applicable.
Unless otherwise stated at the time of purchase, fees for Registrants or purchasing entities located outside Australia are quoted exclusive of Australian GST and any foreign taxes, duties, levies or charges.
Registrants, or the purchasing organisation where applicable, are responsible for any taxes, duties, withholding amounts, bank charges, card issuer fees, currency conversion fees, payment processing fees or other charges imposed by their jurisdiction, financial institution, card issuer, payment provider or intermediary bank.
SDAS may issue invoices, receipts or other payment records electronically. Registrants and purchasing organisations are responsible for ensuring that billing details, purchase order information, tax details and contact information provided to SDAS are accurate and complete.
Where an organisation purchases or pays for access to the Program on behalf of one or more employees, contractors, students, members or other individual participants, the organisation must provide SDAS with the names and required registration details of the individuals who are to receive access.
Each named individual must register as a Registrant and personally confirm that they have read, understood and agree to these Terms and Conditions before access to the Program is granted.
The purchasing organisation is responsible for ensuring that the information it provides is accurate and that each Registrant is given an opportunity to review these Terms and Conditions before participating in the Program.
Program access is provided only to the named Registrant and must not be transferred, shared or reassigned to another person without the prior written approval of SDAStudio and SDAS.
Where a purchasing organisation requests a change to a named Registrant, deferral, substitution, transfer or cancellation, SDAStudio and SDAS may approve or decline the request having regard to whether access has commenced, the stage of the Program, assessment integrity, administrative requirements, applicable fees and applicable law.
The purchasing organisation is bound by provisions relevant to payment, administration, confidentiality, intellectual property and privacy. Each named Registrant is personally bound by all provisions relevant to access, participation, assessment, conduct and certification.
The Program may be made available to Registrants located outside Australia, subject to availability, payment processing, access to required technology, applicable laws and any restrictions imposed by SDAStudio and SDAS.
Unless otherwise stated, Program fees are quoted and payable in Australian dollars. Registrants and purchasing organisations are responsible for any currency conversion costs, bank fees, card issuer fees, taxes, duties or charges imposed by their jurisdiction, financial institution, payment provider or intermediary bank.
Registrants located outside Australia are responsible for ensuring that they can lawfully access and participate in the Program from their location, including accessing Stata, the online learning platform, Zoom or other meeting platforms, Vimeo or other video services, AI tools, and any other third-party services required for participation.
SDAStudio and SDAS do not represent that the Program, certificates, designations, online platforms, software access, AI tools or third-party services will be available, lawful, recognised, permitted, suitable or uninterrupted in every jurisdiction.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights, remedies, guarantees or protections that an international Registrant has under applicable laws in their jurisdiction that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.
SDAStudio and SDAS may decline, suspend, cancel or restrict a registration or access to the Program where providing the Program, Program materials, support, assessment, certification or access to required services may breach applicable laws, sanctions, export controls, platform restrictions, third-party service terms or the requirements of a relevant service provider.
The Program involves training in the use of Stata. Stata is supplied by StataCorp LLC and may be subject to United States laws, export controls, sanctions requirements, licence restrictions and StataCorp’s own terms and policies. Registrants are responsible for ensuring that they are lawfully permitted to access, license and use Stata in their location and circumstances.
Where a Registrant is unable to lawfully access, license or use Stata, or where StataCorp LLC or another relevant service provider restricts access to Stata, SDAStudio and SDAS may decline access and related services to the Program.
Access to Third-Party Services may be restricted by applicable law, the Registrant’s location, the service provider’s policies or other circumstances outside the reasonable control of SDAStudio and SDAS.
Where a Registrant cannot lawfully access, license or use Stata, or cannot access another service that is reasonably necessary to participate in the Program, SDAStudio and SDAS may be unable to provide some or all Program services, including learning materials, support, assessment or certification.
Registrants must not use the Program, Program materials, support services, online platforms or AI tools in breach of applicable laws, sanctions, export controls, Stata licence terms, third-party service terms or any restrictions imposed by SDAStudio, SDAS, StataCorp LLC or another relevant provider.
Where access is declined, suspended, cancelled or restricted under this section, SDAStudio and SDAS will consider any refund, credit, transfer or other remedy having regard to the circumstances, any amounts already paid, any Program access already provided, applicable law and any rights the Registrant may have that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified .
The Program involves training in the use of Stata and related workflows. Registrants are responsible for ensuring that they have access to an appropriately licensed and lawfully usable release of Stata throughout their participation in the Program, subject to clause 2.5, Sanctions, Export Controls and Service Restrictions.
Neither SDAStudio nor SDAS is responsible for providing a Stata software licence as part of Program registration, unless expressly stated at the time of purchase. SDAS may separately assist eligible Registrants or purchasing organisations with the purchase or evaluation of Stata, subject to applicable licence terms, availability and any restrictions imposed by StataCorp LLC.
Registrants should ordinarily use the current release of Stata or the immediately preceding release. Some Program content may use syntax, commands, functions, features or workflows that are unavailable, operate differently or produce different results in older releases.
Registrants are responsible for installing available updates and maintaining a version of Stata that is reasonably compatible with the relevant module. Where a Registrant uses software managed by an employer, institution or other third party, the Registrant is responsible for arranging any access, installation, update or permission required to participate.
SDAStudio and SDAS do not guarantee that all Program exercises, files, commands or features will operate identically in every Stata release, edition, operating system or computing environment.
Nothing in this cancellation and refund policy excludes, restricts or modifies any rights, remedies, guarantees or protections that a Registrant may have under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable law that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.
Access to a module commences when the Registrant first logs in and accesses that module through the online learning platform, whether or not all available materials or resources are subsequently used or completed. Once access commences, any contractual change-of-mind refund right for that module may cease.
Where a Registrant voluntarily withdraws from a module before access to that module has commenced, including because of a change of mind or a change in personal circumstances, the Registrant will be eligible for a refund of the fees paid for that module.
Any non-refundable transaction fee, payment processing fee or administrative fee may be deducted from the refund only where that fee was clearly disclosed before purchase and may lawfully be retained.
Where the Registrant voluntarily withdraws from a module after that module has commenced, including because of a change of mind or change in personal circumstances, the Registrant will not be eligible for a contractual change-of-mind refund for that module.
SDAStudio and SDAS may nevertheless approve a refund, credit, transfer, deferral or other arrangement in their discretion, having regard to the Registrant’s circumstances, the extent of Program access or services already provided, and any administrative or assessment implications.
Where a Registrant purchases a discounted bundle of modules and seeks to withdraw from one or more modules, any refund will be available only in respect of modules for which access has not commenced.
Unless otherwise stated at the time of purchase, the refund will be calculated by:
No refund will be payable for a module for which access has commenced, except where required by law or otherwise approved by SDAStudio and SDAS.
Where the total standalone price of the commenced modules equals or exceeds the amount paid for the bundle, no change-of-mind refund will be payable.
Where Registrants purchase multiple modules or a bundle of modules, access to each subsequent module may be made available only after successful completion of any required preceding module, unless otherwise approved by SDAStudio and SDAS.
SDAStudio and SDAS may cancel, reschedule, postpone or change the delivery format of a module, live session or other Program activity where reasonably necessary.
Where a live session or other scheduled activity is affected, SDAStudio and SDAS will take reasonable steps to notify affected Registrants and provide an appropriate alternative. Depending on the circumstances, this may include a rescheduled session, access to a recording, an alternative delivery method, transfer to another suitable session or module, an extension, credit or refund.
Where SDAStudio and SDAS are unable to provide a paid module, or a change materially reduces the service purchased and no reasonable alternative can be provided, the affected Registrant will be offered an appropriate remedy, which may include a transfer, credit or refund, having regard to the services already provided and applicable law.
A change of trainer, session time, delivery platform, meeting technology or delivery method will not automatically entitle a Registrant to a refund where the essential learning content, assessment opportunity and reasonable access to the module continue to be provided.
A Registrant may request to transfer from one module to another before access to the original module has commenced.
Transfers are subject to availability, eligibility, sequencing requirements, assessment integrity, administrative requirements and approval by SDAStudio and SDAS.
Where the replacement module has a higher price, the Registrant or purchasing organisation must pay the difference before access to the replacement module is granted.
Where the replacement module has a lower price, SDAS will refund or credit the difference, subject to any lawfully retained and previously disclosed transaction, payment processing or administrative fees.
Once access to the original module has commenced, a transfer is not available as a contractual right. SDAStudio and SDAS may nevertheless approve a transfer, credit, deferral or other arrangement in exceptional circumstances.
Any approved transfer does not extend the applicable Program or module access period unless SDAStudio and SDAS confirm otherwise in writing.
Registrants are expected to participate in the Program respectfully, professionally, honestly and in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
This expectation applies to use of the online learning platform, live sessions, online forums, communications with SDAStudio and SDAS, interactions with educators, administrators and other Registrants, and in all submitted assessment activities.
Registrants must comply with reasonable instructions given by SDAStudio, SDAS, trainers, markers, session hosts or platform administrators in connection with Program delivery, security, participation, assessment integrity and the appropriate use of Program systems and materials.
Registrants are responsible for ensuring that their contact details remain current and for regularly checking the online learning platform and their nominated email address for notices, deadlines, assessment feedback, access information and other Program communications.
The minimum technical and software requirements for participation are described in clauses 2.6 and 9.4.
The Program is delivered through an online learning platform developed using Moodle and operated by SDAS on behalf of SDAStudio.
Access is provided using the Registrant’s authorised login credentials. Registrants must keep their login credentials secure and must not share them with any other person.
The online learning platform may include Moodle activities, H5P activities, embedded video content, downloadable files, assessment tools, discussion areas, links to third-party services and other learning resources.
Registrants may choose to access the platform through a compatible Moodle application where available. Use of any Moodle application is subject to the application provider’s terms, compatibility requirements and updates. SDAStudio and SDAS do not guarantee that every Program feature or activity will be available or operate identically through every application, browser, device or operating system.
Registrants must promptly notify SDAS if they become aware of unauthorised access to their account, loss or compromise of login credentials, or any other suspected security issue affecting Program access.
The online learning platform may use Vimeo or other third-party video, media or content-delivery services to provide prerecorded lessons, demonstrations, session recordings and other Program content.
Recorded and embedded content is made available only through authorised Program access and may be subject to the applicable module access period, platform availability, internet connectivity, geographic restrictions, device compatibility and third-party service requirements.
Registrants must not download, record, screen-capture, copy, extract, distribute, publish, upload, share or otherwise make available any recorded or embedded Program content unless expressly permitted by SDAStudio and SDAS.
SDAStudio and SDAS may replace, update, remove or change the format or hosting provider of recorded or embedded content where reasonably necessary, provided that the essential learning content of the relevant module continues to be made reasonably available.
SDAStudio and SDAS do not guarantee that recorded or embedded content will operate identically on every browser, device, operating system or network.
Live sessions may be conducted using Zoom or another online meeting platform nominated by SDAStudio and SDAS.
Registrants are responsible for using the meeting link, access code and login details provided to them and must not share those details with any other person.
Live sessions may be recorded. Recordings may capture the presenter, participant names, voices, video images where cameras are used, screen content shared by presenters or participants, chat messages sent to the meeting group, and other content generated during the session.
By attending a live session, Registrants acknowledge and consent to the recording of the session for Program delivery, learning support, quality assurance, record keeping and access by enrolled Registrants, subject to applicable privacy obligations.
Registrants who do not wish to be visually recorded should keep their camera off where permitted and may contact SDAStudio or SDAS to discuss an alternative way to participate. Where identity or participation verification is reasonably required, an alternative form of verification may be requested.
Registrants must not disclose confidential, sensitive, personal, client, workplace or third-party information during a live session unless they are authorised to do so and understand that the session may be recorded or heard by other participants.
Registrants must not record, copy, download, distribute, publish, upload, share or otherwise make available any live session, recording, meeting link, access details, chat transcript, presentation material or other session content without the prior written consent of SDAStudio and SDAS.
SDAStudio and SDAS may remove a Registrant from a live session where the Registrant engages in disruptive, abusive, discriminatory, threatening, offensive or otherwise inappropriate conduct, shares unauthorised access details, compromises another person’s privacy, or fails to comply with reasonable directions from the session host.
Where the conduct is serious or repeated, SDAStudio and SDAS may suspend or terminate the Registrant’s access to future live sessions or the Program. Before terminating Program access, SDAStudio and SDAS will take reasonable steps to consider the circumstances and, where appropriate, give the Registrant an opportunity to respond.
A Registrant whose access is suspended or terminated because of serious misconduct may not be entitled to a refund, except where required by law.
Unless otherwise stated at the time of registration, a Registrant will have access to a module and its associated learning materials until the earlier of:
For the purposes of this clause, the final assessment outcome includes the outcome of any review or appeal accepted under clause 5.7.
Access will ordinarily be revoked automatically when the applicable access period expires.
SDAStudio and SDAS may approve an extension of the access period where reasonable, including in response to documented personal, professional, technical, health, caring or accessibility circumstances, or where required by law.
A request for an extension should be submitted as soon as reasonably practicable and should include sufficient information to allow the request to be considered. SDAStudio and SDAS may request supporting information where reasonably necessary.
An extension is not automatic. SDAStudio and SDAS may approve the request, approve a shorter or conditional extension, offer an alternative arrangement, or decline the request, having regard to the circumstances, the length of the delay, available support, assessment integrity, administrative requirements and applicable law.
Where a Registrant anticipates difficulty completing a module during the applicable access period, the Registrant should contact SDAS promptly to discuss a possible extension, deferral, transfer, support arrangement or other appropriate option.
Expiry of the module access period does not affect any statutory right, consumer guarantee, remedy or protection that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.
Registrants who require reasonable adjustments, accessibility support or modified participation arrangements should notify SDAStudio or SDAS as early as reasonably practicable. Such requests may relate to the online learning environment, live sessions, assessment arrangements, communication methods, access to materials or other aspects of Program participation.
SDAStudio and SDAS will consider requests on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the Registrant’s circumstances, the nature of the requested adjustment, the requirements and integrity of the Program, available technology and resources, and applicable law. Where reasonably necessary, SDAStudio or SDAS may request further information to understand the adjustment sought and determine an appropriate arrangement.
Requests made after access commencement will still be considered. However, some adjustments may require additional time to implement and may not be available immediately.
Where practicable, SDAStudio or SDAS may offer a demonstration or trial of the online learning environment before registration or access commencement to help a prospective Registrant assess its suitability.
Nothing in this clause requires SDAStudio or SDAS to make an adjustment that would fundamentally alter the nature or academic integrity of the Program, impose unjustifiable hardship, or be unlawful, but nothing in this clause limits any obligation that applies under law.
Assessments support learning and determine whether a Registrant has met the requirements for successful completion of a module. They may include reinforcement learning tasks, practical exercises, capstone projects, alternative assessments, live demonstrations or examinations.
Registrants must complete all required learning and assessment activities in accordance with the applicable instructions, deadlines, academic integrity requirements and assessment standards.
Reinforcement learning tasks are formative activities designed to reinforce knowledge and skills. Registrants may be required to complete them before progressing to later activities or assessments.
These tasks may allow multiple attempts and provide automated or trainer-supported feedback. Unless otherwise stated, their results do not contribute to the percentage mark for the module, but completion is required to pass.
Where SDAStudio or SDAS reasonably suspects that a Registrant is randomly testing answers, using unauthorised assistance, circumventing the intended learning process or otherwise misusing the reinforcement learning tasks, they may pause access, seek clarification or require the Registrant to complete an alternative formative assessment plan.
The capstone project is the principal summative assessment for the relevant module and is used to determine whether the Registrant has demonstrated the required knowledge, practical skills and application of the Program content. The nature, scope, format, submission requirements and assessment criteria for the capstone project will be set out in the relevant module instructions.
The project must demonstrate the Registrant’s own understanding and application of the relevant Program content. SDAStudio or SDAS may require the Registrant to explain, demonstrate or clarify their work where reasonably necessary to verify authorship, understanding or assessment integrity.
Registrants must submit work that reflects their own understanding, analysis and application of the Program materials and must comply with all applicable assessment instructions and academic integrity requirements.
The capstone project may be marked using a predetermined rubric, assessment guide or other documented criteria approved by SDAStudio.
To receive a passing grade for a module and receive a Certificate of Achievement, Registrants must:
A Registrant will not pass the module unless all mandatory requirements are completed, even if the capstone project mark is 65% or higher.
Percentage marks may be used internally for marking, moderation, feedback, review and assessment administration. Unless otherwise stated, the final result recorded for the module and shown on the Certificate of Achievement will be Pass or Fail.
Assessments are marked initially by a suitably qualified and trained Certified Stata Analyst appointed by SDAStudio and SDAS using the applicable marking criteria.
SDAStudio or SDAS may arrange further review, moderation or quality assurance where reasonably necessary to support consistency, fairness, assessment integrity or alignment with Program standards.
A person who has provided substantial assistance to a Registrant in completing the relevant assessment should not determine the final assessment outcome, where reasonably practicable.
Final assessment outcomes are determined by SDAStudio.
Capstone projects must be submitted by the applicable deadline.
A Registrant who is unable to meet a deadline due to unforeseen adverse circumstances, illness, caring responsibilities, work commitments, technical issues, or other reasonable grounds, should contact SDAS as soon as practicable at csa@sdas.com.au to request an extension. Extensions are not automatic and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. SDAStudio and SDAS may request supporting information where reasonably necessary to assess the request.
Unless an extension has been approved, late submissions may attract a penalty of up to 2.5 percentage points per calendar day after the due date. If the submission of capstone project is delayed by 14 calendar days (i.e. 35 percentage points lost), then the Registrant is deemed to have failed the module.
The maximum submission extension that may ordinarily be granted for the capstone project is four weeks. A longer extension may be approved in exceptional circumstances or where required by law.
After that period, SDAStudio and SDAS may decline to mark the assessment unless a further assessment-support arrangement has been approved.
Where an initial marker determines that a capstone project has not met the passing standard, the assessment will be independently reviewed by a second suitably qualified and trained marker appointed by SDAStudio or SDAS.
The second marker will assess the capstone project using the applicable assessment criteria and, where reasonably practicable, without being influenced by the initial marker’s conclusion.
Where both markers determine that the capstone project has not met the passing standard, the Registrant will receive a failed result for the capstone project, subject to any review or appeal available under clause 5.7.
Where the two markers reach different outcomes, the assessment will be referred to a designated moderator or suitably qualified person or panel appointed by SDAStudio or SDAS. The moderator or appointed person or panel may confirm either outcome, determine a revised mark or result, request further marking, seek clarification from the Registrant, or take another reasonable step to determine the final outcome.
A Registrant who receives a failed result may be permitted to resubmit the capstone project or complete an alternative summative assessment. Resubmission is not automatic and is subject to approval by SDAStudio or SDAS.
Unless otherwise stated at the time the resubmission is offered, a resubmission fee of A$150 applies. The fee covers the administration and marking of one approved resubmission or alternative summative assessment. Any additional platform access, consultation, training support or extension beyond the existing access period must be expressly included in the resubmission offer or separately approved.
A resubmission or alternative assessment must demonstrate that the Registrant has met the same substantive learning and assessment standards that apply to the original capstone project.
A Registrant who believes that an assessment outcome has been affected by an error, inconsistency, procedural unfairness or exceptional circumstances may request a review of the assessment outcome.
A request for review must:
A later request may be accepted in exceptional circumstances or where otherwise required by law.
A review will be conducted by a suitably qualified person or panel appointed by SDAStudio or SDAS who was not the original marker.
The Registrant will be notified in writing of the review outcome and the principal reasons for the decision.
The Registrant may appeal the review outcome within 14 calendar days on the ground of material error, procedural unfairness, failure to consider relevant information or another substantial concern. An appeal is not an automatic further remark solely because the Registrant disagrees with the result.
The appeal will be considered, where reasonably practicable, by a suitably qualified person or panel who was not involved in the original marking or review. The appeal outcome is final within the internal process of SDAStudio and SDAS, without limiting any external right or remedy available under applicable law.
Registrants are expected to complete assessment activities honestly and to submit work that reflects their own understanding, analysis and application of the Program materials. Registrants must not submit work that has been copied from another person, improperly shared, purchased, generated by another person, or produced in a way that breaches the assessment instructions.
The use of AI tools, collaboration, external assistance or code-generation tools must comply with the assessment instructions and must not be used as a substitute for the Registrant’s own understanding or submitted work.
Where SDAStudio, SDAS, a marker or a trainer reasonably suspects that a Registrant has breached assessment instructions, acted dishonestly, improperly collaborated, submitted work that is not substantially their own, or otherwise compromised assessment integrity, the matter may be referred to a person or panel appointed by SDAStudio and SDAS for review.
The appointed person or panel may investigate the matter and may require the Registrant to explain their work, provide supporting material, resubmit the assessment, complete an alternative assessment, take a live video examination, or provide other evidence of their understanding.
Before making a final decision that a serious academic integrity breach has occurred, SDAStudio and SDAS will take reasonable steps to give the Registrant an opportunity to respond.
Where SDAStudio and SDAS reasonably determine that a serious academic integrity breach has occurred, SDAStudio and SDAS may impose an appropriate outcome, including a warning, a requirement to resubmit work, a mark reduction, a fail result for the module, disqualification from the module, and suspension or termination of access to the Program.
A Registrant who is disqualified or whose access is terminated for serious academic misconduct may not be entitled to a refund, except where required by law.
Registrants who have used Stata for more than two years, maintain a current active Stata licence, and who believe they have sufficient knowledge of Stata to pass the assessments for Core Modules 1, 2 or 3 without completing the module lessons may be eligible to apply for an exemption assessment for the relevant module.
Exemption modules are available only for Core Modules 1, 2 and 3, unless otherwise stated by SDAStudio and SDAS.
The assessment, review, appeal and academic integrity provisions described in these Terms and Conditions also apply to exemption modules.
Registrants to exemption modules do not have access to the online learning platform or any of the learning materials.
They are only given access to an assessment plan that evaluates their qualification level for the Certified Stata Analyst designation.
Registration for an exemption module is not automatic. SDAStudio and SDAS may decline an application to register to an exemption module on the grounds of ineligibility.
To apply for an exemption, the Registrant must register and pay for the exemption version of the relevant module. Following receipt of payment, the Registrant will be asked to provide evidence of their previous Stata experience and current Stata licence.
If the Registrant is deemed to be eligible to take an exemption module, then at an agreed time the Registrant will be provided with an exemption assessment plan.
The assessments of the exemption module consist of several short assessment tasks and a capstone project, similar in nature and difficulty to those assessments that are required to be completed by the equivalent core modules. The same marking standards apply.
The assessments must be completed and returned to SDAStudio and SDAS within 14 days of being issued to the Registrant, unless SDAStudio or SDAS approves an extension in writing.
To receive a Certificate of Achievement by Exemption for the relevant exemption module, the Registrant must achieve a total grade of at least 65% across all assessments, unless the assessment instructions specify a different requirement.
A Certificate of Achievement by Exemption contributes to the Registrant’s eligibility for the Certified Stata Analyst designation in the same way as the successful completion of the equivalent core modules.
Registrants who do not achieve the required passing grade for an exemption module will not receive a Certificate of Achievement by Exemption.
No resubmission attempt is available for exemption modules.
Registrants who fail to pass an exemption module may be offered a discount to register and complete the equivalent core module by participating in the online learning platform. Unless otherwise stated, the discount is set to 50% of the fee paid for the exemption module.
Fees paid for declined exemption applications and for which no access has been provided to any learning materials or assessments are refunded in full as soon as it is practicable.
The Program is designed with documented learning and assessment standards for professional certification.
To receive a Certificate of Achievement for a Core Module, Extension Module or other eligible Program module, a Registrant must complete the required learning activities and achieve the required passing grade for that module, as determined by SDAStudio.
Certificates of Achievement are issued as evidence that the Registrant has completed the relevant module and met the assessment standards for that module.
SDAS may refuse to issue, or revoke, a Certificate of Achievement where SDAStudio and SDAS reasonably determine that the certificate was issued in error, was obtained through academic misconduct, or was otherwise obtained in breach of these Terms and Conditions, following an independent review process.
A Registrant who successfully completes the required Core Modules may earn the right to describe themselves as a Certified Stata Analyst or CSA, subject to these Terms and Conditions and any Program requirements published by SDAStudio and SDAS.
A Registrant who successfully completes the required Core Modules and Extension Modules may earn the right to describe themselves as a Certified Stata Analyst – Lead or CSA-Lead, subject to these Terms and Conditions and any Program requirements published by SDAStudio and SDAS.
SDAStudio and SDAS may publish reasonable requirements or guidelines about how the Certified Stata Analyst and Certified Stata Analyst – Lead designations and badges may be described or displayed, including on resumes, websites, professional profiles, reports, tender documents, email signatures and social media profiles.
The CSA designation, CSA–Lead designation and any related Certificates of Achievement are issued by SDAS as evidence that the Registrant has met the Program’s learning and assessment standards. They do not constitute a licence to practise, professional registration, government accreditation, university qualification, vocational training qualification, or authority to provide professional advice.
Registrants remain responsible for their own professional judgement, statistical work, research outputs, analytical decisions, client advice and use of Stata.
Neither SDAStudio nor SDAS is a Registered Training Organisation in Australia.
The Program, the CSA designation, the CSA–Lead designation and any related Certificates issued by SDAStudio and SDAS are not Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications, nationally recognised training qualifications, vocational training qualifications, statements of attainment, or qualifications issued by a Registered Training Organisation.
Where an employer, client, institution or other third party seeks verification of a certificate or designation, they may contact SDAS at csa@sdas.com.au, on +61 2 6247 0177 or by another verification method published by SDAS.
Subject to applicable privacy obligations, SDAS may confirm whether a certificate or designation is valid, the name of the Registrant, the module or designation completed, the certificate number, and whether the Registrant achieved a passing grade.
SDAS will not disclose detailed marks, assessment submissions, feedback, personal information or other training records unless authorised by the Registrant or required by law.
All intellectual property rights in the Program and Program materials are owned by SDAStudio, SDAS or their licensors, unless otherwise stated.
Program materials include, but are not limited to the online learning platform, videos, recordings, transcripts, slides, handouts, glossaries, assessment tasks, model answers, worked examples, code, datasets and other supporting files, chatbot-supported materials, website content, certificates, logos, branding and other materials made available as part of the Program.
Some materials used or referenced in the Program may be owned by third parties. This includes Stata ado-files, help files, other installation files, documentation, commands, system datasets, example code and other materials that are owned by StataCorp LLC or other rights holders and are subject to the applicable Stata licence terms, copyright notices and third-party permissions.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions transfers ownership of any third-party intellectual property to SDAStudio, SDAS or the Registrant.
Subject to these Terms and Conditions, Registrants are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable and revocable licence to access and use the Program materials solely for their own personal learning, assessment preparation and participation in the Program.
This licence does not transfer ownership of any Program materials to the Registrant.
Registrants must not, without the prior written consent of SDAStudio and SDAS:
Program code, syntax files and datasets are provided for learning and assessment purposes only, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Where code, do-files, ado-files, help files, documentation, commands, datasets or other resources are supplied by, bundled with, derived from, or made available through Stata, those materials may be owned by StataCorp LLC or other third-party rights holders and are subject to the applicable Stata licence terms, copyright notices and permissions.
Datasets and files used in the Program may be owned by SDAStudio, SDAS, StataCorp LLC, third-party licensors, government agencies, or other rights holders. Some datasets may be provided under Creative Commons licences or other open licences, or may be available in the public domain. Registrants must comply with any licence terms, attribution requirements, restrictions or conditions that apply to those datasets.
Registrants may adapt code and workflow examples for their own learning and research, provided they do not directly distribute, publish, resell or use substantial parts of the Program materials in a way that infringes the rights of SDAStudio, SDAS, StataCorp LLC or any other rights holder.
Unauthorised copying, disclosure, distribution or commercial use of Program materials may cause loss and damage to SDAStudio, SDAS or their licensors.
Where SDAStudio and SDAS reasonably suspect a breach of intellectual property terms, they may investigate the matter and may suspend the Registrant’s access to the Program while the matter is reviewed.
Where SDAStudio and SDAS reasonably determine that a serious breach has occurred, they may take appropriate action, including issuing a warning, requiring removal or deletion of materials, suspending or terminating Program access, refusing or revoking a certificate or designation, or taking legal action, including seeking injunctive relief, damages, account of profits, recovery of costs or any other remedy available by law.
A Registrant whose access is suspended or terminated because of a serious breach of this section may not be entitled to a refund, except where required by law.
SDAStudio is responsible for reasonable due care in developing and delivering the materials taught and provided by the Program.
SDAStudio and SDAS take reasonable care in developing and delivering an accurate and relevant Program. However, Program materials are provided for learning and development purposes and may contain errors, omissions, outdated information or alternative approaches that are not covered in the current version of the Program materials.
SDAStudio and SDAS will use reasonable endeavours to correct and update Program materials regularly. Registrants are also encouraged to report suspected issues to csa@sdas.com.au.
Stata is a broad statistical software package that is regularly updated and upgraded. The Program is designed to teach core Stata concepts, syntax, commands, functions, workflows, programming, graphics and reporting approaches relevant to the Program modules.
The Program does not cover every Stata feature, command, package, research method, workflow or use case. There may be alternative methods to achieve analytical outcomes in Stata that are not covered in the Program.
Registrants are responsible for their own use of Stata, application of Program materials, analytical and inferential decisions, research outputs, professional advice, client work, and any decisions made based on materials accessed by the Program.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither SDAStudio nor SDAS is liable for any loss, damage, cost, claim or consequence arising from a Registrant’s application of Program materials, use of Stata, statistical analysis, research conclusions, business decisions, professional advice or other actions taken following participation in the Program.
Registrants are responsible for ensuring that they have suitable internet access, compatible devices, a current web browser, email access, any required authentication details, access to required third-party platforms, and an appropriately licensed and lawfully usable version of Stata for the duration of the Program.
SDAStudio and SDAS will take reasonable steps to maintain access to Program content and systems. However, access may be affected by technical issues, local firewalls, employer restrictions, country restrictions, maintenance, internet outages, third-party platform issues, Stata licensing issues, cybersecurity incidents, browser or device incompatibility, or other circumstances outside the reasonable control of SDAStudio and SDAS.
The Program may rely on third-party platforms and services. “Third-Party Services” means Stata, Moodle, H5P, Vimeo, Zoom, payment processors, email systems and AI service providers used in connection with the Program.
SDAStudio and SDAS are not responsible for the acts, omissions, outages, failures, terms, policies, changes or service limitations of third-party platforms or providers, except to the extent required by law.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any consumer guarantee, right, remedy or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable law.
Where liability cannot be excluded but can lawfully be limited, the liability of SDAStudio and SDAS is limited, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to one or more of the following: resupplying the relevant services, supplying equivalent services, paying the cost of resupplying the services, or providing another remedy required by law.
The Program may include access to an AI chatbot or other AI-supported tools to assist Registrants with learning, navigation of Program materials, Stata-related questions and general support.
The AI chatbot is provided as a learning support tool only. It is not a substitute for Program materials, assessment instructions, trainer feedback, Stata documentation, professional judgement or independent verification.
AI systems can generate incorrect, incomplete, misleading or outdated responses. Registrants are responsible for checking AI chatbot outputs against the Program materials, official Stata documentation, trainer guidance and their own judgement before relying on them.
To use the AI chatbot, Registrants may be asked to provide information such as their Registrant identifier, registered module code, Stata version and edition, or other information required to verify access to the Program and Stata and provide relevant support.
Registrants must not enter sensitive personal information, including their name, or any confidential third-party information, client data, unpublished research data, workplace-confidential information, assessment answers intended to be submitted as their own work, or information they are not authorised to disclose into the AI chatbot.
The use of the AI chatbot must comply with these Terms and Conditions, the Program’s assessment integrity requirements, any instructions provided by SDAStudio and SDAS, and any applicable third-party AI service terms.
SDAStudio and SDAS may review chatbot usage, prompts, outputs or related metadata for purposes including support, quality assurance, academic integrity, system improvement, security, troubleshooting and compliance with these Terms and Conditions, subject to applicable privacy obligations.
SDAStudio and SDAS may suspend, modify, restrict or withdraw access to the AI chatbot at any time where reasonably necessary, including for maintenance, security, misuse, technical limitations, changes to third-party services or Program requirements.
By registering for or participating in the Program, Registrants acknowledge that SDAStudio and SDAS may collect, use, disclose and store personal information as described in these Terms and Conditions and the applicable SDAS privacy policy (www.sdas.com.au/privacy). The SDAS privacy policy explains how personal information is handled, how to request access or correction of their personal information, and how to make a privacy enquiry or complaint.
Personal information collected in connection with the program may include:
SDAStudio and SDAS may collect, hold, use and disclose personal information for purposes including:
Personal information will not be used or disclosed for an unrelated purpose unless authorised by the individual or permitted or required by law.
Registrants and purchasing organisations are not required to provide personal information unless required by law or as a condition of receiving a particular Program service.
Where a Registrant or purchasing organisation does not provide personal information reasonably required for the Program, SDAStudio or SDAS may be unable to process the registration or payment, provide access or support, assess submitted work, consider requests or complaints, or issue or verify a certificate or designation.
Only information reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose should be requested.
Personal information may be disclosed by SDAStudio and SDAS to service providers and third-party platforms used to deliver or support the Program, including learning management systems, video platforms, webinar tools, payment processors, email providers, IT support providers, AI service providers, professional advisers and other parties where reasonably necessary for Program delivery.
Personal information may also be disclosed where authorised by the individual, reasonably necessary for certificate verification or where required or permitted by law.
International Registrants acknowledge that their personal information may be transferred to, stored in, or accessed from and within Australia and other jurisdictions where SDAStudio, SDAS or their service providers operate.
Some third-party service providers may store or process personal information outside Australia. Where personal information is disclosed to an overseas recipient, SDAStudio and SDAS will take reasonable steps to comply with applicable privacy obligations.
Where practicable, the SDAS privacy policy or an applicable collection notice will identify the countries in which likely overseas recipients are located.
Registrants located outside Australia may have additional privacy rights under laws that apply in their jurisdiction. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any privacy rights that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.
Certificate verification may involve confirming limited information to an employer, client, institution or other third party, as described in the Certificates, Designations and Non-RTO Status section.
Neither SDAStudio nor SDAS will be responsible for any delay, failure, interruption or inability to perform an obligation under these Terms and Conditions where that delay, failure, interruption or inability is caused by circumstances beyond their reasonable control.
Such circumstances may include natural disasters, extreme weather, fire, flood, pandemic, epidemic, public health restrictions, war, terrorism, civil unrest, industrial action, power failure, internet or telecommunications outage, cyber incident, third-party platform failure, changes to law or government action, illness or unavailability of key personnel, or any other event beyond reasonable control.
Where an event beyond reasonable control affects Program delivery, SDAStudio and SDAS will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and may provide an alternative delivery method, revised schedule, extension, recording, credit, transfer or other reasonable arrangement, depending on the circumstances and any rights the Registrant may have under applicable law.
SDAStudio and SDAS may make reasonable changes and updates to the Program, Program materials, delivery methods, schedules, trainers, platforms, policies and these Terms and Conditions from time to time.
Changes may be made for reasons including improvements to Program content responding to feedback, updates to Stata, changes in technology, trainer availability, correction of errors, legal or regulatory requirements, security, operational needs, third-party platform changes or other reasonable business requirements.
Unless otherwise stated, updated Terms and Conditions will apply to registrations and modules commencing on or after the effective date of the updated Terms and Conditions.
A Registrant who has already commenced a paid module will ordinarily remain subject to the version of the Terms and Conditions accepted for that module.
However, SDAStudio and SDAS may apply a change to an existing module where the change:
Where a proposed change would materially disadvantage a Registrant in relation to an existing paid module, SDAStudio and SDAS will take reasonable steps to notify the Registrant before the change takes effect and provide an appropriate alternative, extension, credit, transfer, refund or other reasonable arrangement, having regard to the circumstances and applicable law.
The applicable version of the Terms and Conditions may be identified by its effective date or version number. SDAStudio and SDAS may retain records of the version accepted by each Registrant.
Registrants may also be subject to other SDAS terms, conditions, policies or notices that apply to other products, services, websites, payments, software-related services, support services or dealings with SDAS unrelated to the Program, as documented on the SDAS website at www.surveydesign.com.au/terms.
Those additional terms apply to the extent relevant to the Registrant’s dealings with SDAS. However, to the extent of any inconsistency between these Terms and Conditions and any other SDAS terms, these Terms and Conditions prevail in relation to the Program.
Registrants may contact SDAStudio and SDAS about the Program, registrations, payments, platform access, assessments, extensions, certificates, support requests, complaints or other enquiries using the following contact details:
Email address: csa@sdas.com.au
Telephone: +61 2 6247 0177
Website: www.sdas.com.au/certified/
SDAStudio address: Statistics and Data Analytics Studio Pty Ltd, 1140 Nepean Highway, Mornington, VIC 3931, Australia.
SDAS address: Survey Design and Analysis Services Pty Ltd, Unit 801, 241 Northbourne Avenue, Lyneham, ACT 2602, Australia
SDAStudio and SDAS may provide additional contact details or support channels through the online learning platform or Program communications.
Queries or complaints about Program delivery, access, support, conduct, privacy or other matters should be submitted to csa@sdas.com.au with sufficient details to allow the matter to be reviewed.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Australian Capital Territory and the courts of appeal from them.
Nothing in this section limits any rights a Registrant may have under applicable consumer protection laws or other laws that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.
The version of these Terms and Conditions is dated 31 July 2026.