Certification of Users via Denmark’s Data Portal

Certification of Users via Denmark's Data Portal

Starting on October 3, 2023, a certification requirement will be enforced for all users working with data in one of Statistics Denmark's microdata schemes.

Certification is implemented to ensure that all users are familiar with the data security rules under Statistics Denmark's microdata schemes and to make users feel more secure in their data usage and submission. To maintain a continued focus on data security rules, all users must undergo recertification annually.

Certification in Practice

Certification is practically achieved by taking a test on data security rules via Denmark's Data Window. You have three attempts. To attain user certification, you must first log in to Denmark's Data Window using your three- or four-digit ID and password.

1. On your landing page, select the rightmost window labeled "Learning and Certification."

2. Next, choose the tab labeled "Certifications" and expand it by clicking on the small blue downward-pointing arrow if it is not automatically expanded.

3. Answer the certification questions by clicking on the blue button labeled "Start Certification."

4. Click "OK" on the information box that pops up on the screen if you wish to use an attempt.

5. Answer the questions by clicking on the response you believe is correct.

6. Once you have answered all ten questions, the "Submit Response" button at the bottom right will turn blue.

7. If you answer all ten questions correctly, you have passed the certification, and your access to microdata is now certified. Under the results, you will see "Passed" next to your "Status," and there will be a green information box with the text: "Congratulations, you have passed." 

8. If you do not answer all ten questions correctly, you can see under "Result" how many remaining attempts you have and how many questions you answered incorrectly. There will also be a red information box with the text: "Sorry, you did not pass."

   a) If you have more attempts left and wish to retry certification, click on the blue button "Certification Front Page" and start the certification again. Note that you have three attempts, and the questions change each time. Consider reviewing the data security rules before attempting again.
   b) If you have no more attempts left, your access to your projects will be locked for 24 hours. The small clock icon indicates when the 24 hours have passed. Afterward, you can try to answer the certification questions again. 

Certification Questions

The test contains questions about data security rules described in Rules for data safety under the micro data scheme (PDF). Since Statistics Denmark's data security rules may differ from practices at other institutions, it is important to read and understand the rules under the microdata schemes. These rules also form the basis for answering the ten certification questions correctly.

You can find additional information about data security rules on the website: Transferring of analysis results (dst.dk)

The questions cover topics such as access to research machines, pseudonymization, home return rules, and general work with microdata. Below is an example of a question you may encounter in the certification test:

Question 1

You have collected a survey that you are working on locally. You have notified the data protection authority, so the permissions are in order. You have also sent the survey to Statistics Denmark to have the opportunity to link the survey with register data on the researcher server. Which statement is correct? 

Options

1. I am allowed to transfer microdata to my own computer from the survey I have uploaded yourself. 
2. Only microdata provided by Statistics Denmark for my project cannot be transferred to my own computer.
3. It is never allowed to transfer mikrodata to my own computer regardless of the data source. 

The questions will appear in English if you have changed your language in Denmark's Data Window to English.