With the recent launch of the Data Vault 2.1 certification (CDVP2.1), many data professionals who previously completed the CDVP2.0 course are asking the same question: 

Do I need to upgrade to 2.1? 

The answer depends on when you completed your training, the types of projects you are working on now, and how deeply you want to engage with the latest Data Vault methodologies. 

In this guide, we break down the key differences between the two certifications and help you decide whether an upgrade makes sense for you. 

What Is CDVP2.1? 

The Certified Data Vault 2.1 Practitioner (CDVP2.1) course is the latest official training from the Data Vault Alliance, led by Data Vault inventor Dan Linstedt. 

It’s a fully revised and expanded version of the previous certification, built to meet the needs of modern enterprise data teams. The training includes more content, deeper practical focus, and new material that reflects current best practices around data automation, cloud architecture, governance, and analytics. 

CDVP2.1 vs CDVP2.0: What’s Changed?  

The new certification goes well beyond a simple refresh. It’s a significantly enhanced course—both in structure and substance. 

Here are the main differences: 

Do You Need to Upgrade? Key Considerations 

Here is how to decide if upgrading to CDVP2.1 is the right move for you. 

✅ You probably don’t need to upgrade right now if: 

• You completed CDVP2.0 within the last 12 months 
• You’re already confident with modern DV implementations and current tooling 
  

🔁 You should consider upgrading if: 

• You completed your training more than 1–2 years ago 
• Your CDVP2.0 course didn’t cover newer content (e.g. business rule classifications, security, or medallion architectures) 
• You want more practical experience and guidance 
• You’re working in cloud, hybrid, or highly regulated data environments 
• You’re aiming for career progression or leading data platform projects 

As Nols Ebersohn, Certified Data Vault Trainer at Ignition, puts it: 

“If it’s been four or five years since you did the training, CDVP2.1 is absolutely worth the revisit. The new content is deeper, more hands-on, and much more aligned with today’s enterprise needs.” 

What You’ll Gain by Upgrading 

Here are some of the benefits past students will gain by completing the CDVP2.1 course: 

• Practice exams and quizzes that reinforce learning and provide ongoing feedback 
• Stronger hands-on focus with guided exercises and a real-world workshop 
• New methodologies including: 
  • Three types of business rules (newly formalised) 
  • Consumption patterns and best practices 
  • Governance, security, and compliance modules 
• Updated tooling and architecture content including Data Mesh, Data Fabric, and medallion approaches 
• A more rigorous certification that demonstrates you can apply DV2.1 in enterprise settings
   

How to Upgrade to Data Vault 2.1 

Upgrading means completing the full CDVP2.1 training course. Here’s how it works: 

Part 1: Self-paced learning 

2+ hours of content delivered online by Dan Linstedt, including quizzes and practice exams. 

Part 2: Live online training 

Three days of instructor-led learning focused on agile delivery, data modelling, and advanced implementation topics. 

Part 3: Hands-on workshop 

A full-day workshop where you’ll build a working Data Vault 2.1 solution using automation tools and cloud infrastructure. 

View upcoming course dates and book now

Final Thoughts 

Upgrading to Data Vault 2.1 is not mandatory for everyone — but for many past students, it’s a valuable investment in your future. 

If you trained recently and feel confident in your current skills, you may not need to jump in straight away. But if it’s been a few years or your work is evolving, the CDVP2.1 course delivers more structure, more substance, and more practical application than ever before. 

It is the most current and complete way to build your skills, validate your knowledge, and stay ahead in a fast-moving data world. 

Learn more and register for an upcoming course