The ten-chapter USDM training curriculum
CDISC's official "Understanding USDM" training is organized into ten chapters, each with stated learning outcomes and (for most chapters) a hands-on activity. This page maps that structure to deeper lessons published across USDM Play, so you can use either resource as your primary path.
Chapter-by-chapter guide
| Ch. | Title | Learn more on USDM Play |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction & Model Overview | What is USDM?, USDM Object Model |
| 2 | Arms, Epochs & Encounters | USDM Relationships |
| 3 | Timelines & Scheduled Instances | USDM Examples (Example 3: conditional visits) |
| 4 | Sub-timelines & Timings | USDM Examples (Example 2: PK sub-timeline) |
| 5 | SoA Activity Details | USDM Object Model (Biomedical Concept sub-model) |
| 6 | Biomedical Concepts | CDISC 360 Explained, USDM JSON Examples |
| 7 | Footnotes & Conditions | USDM Implementation Guide Explained |
| 8 | Syntax Templates | USDM Implementation Guide Explained |
| 9 | Study Definition Documents | USDM Implementation Guide Explained (M11 mapping) |
| 10 | Automation & Use Cases | USDM Use Cases, CDISC 360 Explained |
How the hands-on activities work
Most chapters in the official curriculum end with a short, practical activity rather than a quiz — for example: downloading the USDM UML PNG and locating each model area within it (Chapter 1); reviewing a sample Schedule of Activities and deciding how its footnotes should be stored in USDM (Chapter 7); or exploring the CDISC Biomedical Concepts website's BC Browser to find every BC tagged "Vital Signs" (Chapter 6). The pattern across all of them is consistent: read the concept, then immediately go find or build the real artifact it describes.
You can follow the same pattern here: after each chapter above, open the matching USDM Play lesson, then try to reproduce a small piece of it yourself using the downloadable JSON samples on USDM JSON Examples and USDM Examples.
Prefer a single linear path instead of chapters?
See USDM Tutorial for a four-step path (Concepts → Model → Build → Validate) through the same material, organized by skill progression rather than curriculum chapter.
What each chapter's learning outcomes actually test
Reading the stated learning outcomes for each official chapter is a good way to self-check readiness before moving on. Chapter 1 expects you to describe the DDF initiative and differentiate a model from an API. Chapter 2 expects you to relate arms and epochs to each other via study cells and elements. Chapter 3 expects you to construct a small timeline with scheduled activity and decision instances. Chapter 4 expects you to define timings based on a real schedule of activities. Chapter 6 expects you to explain how CDISC BCs are utilized in USDM specifically, not just what a BC is in general. If you can honestly perform each of these tasks without reference material, you've met that chapter's bar.
Where CDISC training and this hub diverge
CDISC's official training is scenario- and activity-driven, with slide-based teaching and structured exercises delivered through CDISC's Learning Management System. USDM Play's approach is reference- and example-driven: long-form written explanations, inline diagrams, and downloadable JSON you can inspect and modify directly. Neither replaces the other — many learners find it most effective to take the official course for the guided activities and structured pacing, then use pages like USDM JSON Examples and USDM Examples here as an ongoing reference while actually building something.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official CDISC training course?
No — USDM Play is an independent educational resource. This page maps the structure of CDISC's official on-demand USDM training curriculum to deeper lessons published on this site; for the official course itself, see CDISC's Learning Management System.
How many chapters does official USDM training have?
Ten: Introduction & Model Overview; Arms, Epochs & Encounters; Timelines & Scheduled Instances; Sub-timelines & Timings; SoA Activity Details; Biomedical Concepts; Footnotes & Conditions; Syntax Templates; Study Definition Documents; and Automation & Use Cases.
Does the training include hands-on exercises?
Yes — CDISC's curriculum includes a numbered activity at the end of most chapters (for example, locating UML model areas, exploring the CDISC Biomedical Concepts library, or reconstructing a small Schedule of Activities from footnotes).
What should I do after finishing the training?
Move to hands-on practice: work through USDM Examples and USDM JSON Examples, download the sample files, and try validating your own small study design against the rules on USDM Validation.