As described in the Grant Agreement of CESSDA-SaW, task 5.3 set out “to explore the value of, and appetite for, an internationally recognised and moderated professional qualification in digital data services for the social sciences” (GA, ANNEX, pp35). Task members therefore aimed at identifying most relevant elements of professions in data curation. The specific objective of the task was to contribute to a deeper understanding of all aspects to be recognised in the training of current and future employees of CESSDA organisations.