
Certificate Program
CDISC ADaM Data Development
Program Objective
This certificate course is designed to equip learners with a practical understanding of CDISC ADaM (Analysis Data Model) standards used for statistical analysis in clinical trials. Participants will learn how to derive ADaM datasets from SDTM data, apply traceability, create analysis-ready structures, and generate regulatory-compliant outputs. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, learners will gain the skills required to support biostatistics and regulatory submissions using validated ADaM datasets.
Mode: Online (Instructor-led)
Duration: 36 Hours (6 Weeks, 6 hours per week)
Certificate: Issued by IDDCR Global Institute

Designed For
-
Clinical SAS Programmers and Biostatisticians
-
Clinical Data Scientists and CDISC Specialists
-
Clinical Research Professionals transitioning into analysis programming
-
Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, and Statistics graduates
-
Professionals involved in regulatory submission data workflows

Pre-requisite
-
Basic understanding of clinical trials and clinical data management
-
Working knowledge of SDTM datasets (recommended)
-
Familiarity with statistics and statistical programming (SAS/R) is helpful
-
Computer literacy and basic data handling skills

Learning Delivery
-
Live interactive sessions or pre-recorded LMS modules
-
Weekly assignments and hands-on activities
-
Downloadable datasets, derivation guides, and templates
-
Access to Q&A forum and instructor support
-
Project evaluation with individual feedback

Tools & Technologies Used
-
CDISC ADaM Implementation Guide (IG v1.2 or latest)
-
Pinnacle 21 Community for validation
-
Define.xml creation tools (e.g., Define-XML Editor, OpenCDISC)
-
SDTM and raw datasets (mock trial data)
-
SAS (preferred) or R for dataset derivation and processing
-
ADRG templates and sample documentation

Assessment & Certification
-
Module-wise quizzes and derivation exercises
-
Final capstone project evaluation
-
Minimum 70% score required for successful completion
-
Certificate of Completion issued by IDDCR Global Institute

Learning Outcome
By the end of the course, learners will:
-
Understand ADaM standards and their role in regulatory submissions
-
Derive analysis-ready ADSL and BDS datasets from SDTM
-
Ensure traceability and compliance using ADaM metadata
-
Generate Define.XML and ADRG for submission readiness
-
Validate ADaM datasets using industry-standard tools
Turn Clinical Data into Trusted Evidence with ADaM
-
Regulatory Submission Standard
ADaM is required by global regulators (FDA, EMA, PMDA) for submitting statistical analysis datasets. Without ADaM-compliant datasets, a clinical trial cannot proceed to review or approval.
-
Foundation for Statistical Analysis
ADaM datasets are analysis-ready, traceable, and structured for efficient generation of TLFs (Tables, Listings, Figures). They reduce errors, ensure consistency, and speed up statistical programming.
-
Critical Skill for Biostatistics & Programming Roles
Proficiency in ADaM is a must-have for clinical SAS programmers, biostatisticians, and regulatory data specialists. It shows you're qualified to support advanced statistical reporting.
-
Career Differentiator in CDISC Workflow
Understanding ADaM makes you a complete CDISC professional, complementing your knowledge of SDTM, Define.XML, and submission readiness. It enhances your value in CROs, pharma, and global trials.
Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction to ADaM and Regulatory Context
-
Overview of CDISC ADaM and its role in clinical trials
-
Regulatory guidance and FDA/EMA expectations
-
Differences between SDTM and ADaM
Module 2: ADaM Principles and Standards
-
Fundamental principles: traceability, analysis-readiness, metadata
-
Types of ADaM datasets: ADSL, BDS, OCCDS
-
Role of metadata and define.xml in ADaM
Module 3: Building ADSL (Subject-Level Analysis Dataset)
-
Variables included in ADSL
-
Deriving population flags, treatment variables, dates
-
Mapping from SDTM to ADSL
Module 4: BDS (Basic Data Structure) Datasets
-
Introduction to BDS structure
-
Creating ADaE, ADLB, ADVS datasets
-
Deriving analysis variables, flags, and parameters
Module 5: OCCDS and Other ADaM Structures
-
OCCDS (Occurrence Data Structure) overview
-
Examples: ADAE, ADCM, ADMH
-
Time-to-event and repeated measures handling
Module 6: Derivations and Traceability
-
Best practices for derivation logic
-
Maintaining traceability from SDTM to ADaM
-
Documenting derivations and source mapping
Module 7: Define.XML and Reviewer Documentation
-
Introduction to Define-XML for ADaM
-
Analysis Data Reviewer’s Guide (ADRG)
-
Preparing a submission-ready data package
Module 8: Validation and Compliance Checks
-
Pinnacle 21 validation for ADaM datasets
-
Common errors and how to resolve them
-
Quality control and audit readiness
Module 9: Capstone Project
-
Create ADSL and BDS datasets from sample SDTM data
-
Generate define.xml and ADRG
-
Validate datasets and prepare submission package
Fact
Critical Skill for SAS Programmers & Biostatisticians
Professionals trained in ADaM are in high demand by CROs and pharmaceutical companies for clinical programming and biostatistics roles.
Master ADaM Standards
Become ADaM-Ready for Submission Trials