CPA Exam Lab
Section 1: 35–45%I4

Data Management and the Data Life Cycle

Exam Insight

Reliable reporting and analytics depend on well-governed data, so the AICPA tests the data life cycle, database structures, and data-quality dimensions. Understanding keys, normalization, and the difference between a data warehouse and a data lake is essential for ISC.

CPA Exam Lab is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the AICPA® or NASBA. Practice questions are original content created for study purposes. “CPA” is a registered trademark of the AICPA.

What AICPA Wants You to Know

  • 1Describe the stages of the data life cycle and the role of data governance.
  • 2Explain relational database concepts including primary keys, foreign keys, and normalization.
  • 3Distinguish a data warehouse, data lake, and data mart and the role of ETL.
  • 4Identify the dimensions of data quality.
  • 5Differentiate structured and unstructured data and the purpose of master data management.