How to pass databricks certification data engineer associate exam with a high score is a big deal for anyone in the field of data engineering. In this article, I’ll share the approach I used to not only pass the exam but to score an impressive 95%. This journey involves structured learning, practical application, and strategic preparation.
Apache Spark is a widely used tool for handling data, and Databricks is a platform that makes Spark even better, adding extra features. Getting certified in this can really help your career as a Data Engineer. In this blog, I’ve put together a guide to help you pass the databricks certification data engineer associate exam with flying colors.
Exam Breakdown:
- Format: Proctored online exam.
- Number of Questions: 45.
- Time Limit: 90 minutes.
- Cost: $200 USD.
- Question Types: Multiple choice.
- Languages: English, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese.
Passing score for the Databricks exam is 70.00% or better, which translates to correctly answering a minimum of 42 of 60 questions or 32 of 45 questions. All Databricks Certification exams cost $200.
Exam Content Weightage:
1. Exploring the Databricks Lakehouse Platform (24 %)
- Discover the magic of Magic Commands, Git versioning with Databricks Repos, different types of clusters, and various markdown commands to format your notebooks.
- Dive deeper into Delta Table creation using CTAS, explore advanced Delta Lake features like TIME TRAVEL and VACUUM, learn to create custom databases, and understand temporary/global views.
2. ELT with Spark SQL and Python (29%)
- Learn how to read raw files directly into Databricks by querying files using SQL, utilize INSERT/INSERT OVERWRITE statements to append data to existing tables, and explore UPSERT statements for efficient data management.
3. Incremental Data Processing (22%)
- Gain insights into reading streams of data from external sources, incrementally processing data with the AUTO LOADER feature, understand Medallion/Multi Hop architecture, Delta Live tables, and processing Change Data Capture (CDC) using DLT.
4. Production Pipelines (16%)
- Explore Databricks cluster configurations, choose the right cluster for production jobs, set up email alerts for job failures, and master job scheduling and refreshing techniques.
5. Data Governance (9%)
- Delve into the concepts of Unity Catalog, understand the three-level namespace, and learn how to grant object privileges in Databricks for effective data governance.
Prerequisites:
- While no formal prerequisites exist, hands-on experience (ideally 6+ months) performing the tasks outlined in the exam guide is highly recommended.
Validity and Recertification:
- The certification is valid for 2 years.
- To maintain my certified status, recertification is required every two years by taking the current exam version.
How to Prepare for the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate V2 Exam
To excel in the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate V2 Exam, follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide for effective preparation:
1. Build a Strong Base
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate V2 Exam Guide: Begin by thoroughly reviewing the comprehensive guide that outlines the exam content. (Detailed version of pdf)
- Fundamentals of the Databricks Lakehouse Platform (V2): Establish a strong foundation by delving into the core concepts, features, and capabilities of the Databricks Lakehouse Platform.
2. Use the Databricks Learning Platform
- Data Engineering with Databricks V2 Course: Enhance your data engineering expertise by engaging with this comprehensive course.
- Video Tutorials: Explore the Databricks Learning Platform and watch the video tutorials covering various aspects of Databricks and data engineering.
- Hands-On Demos: After each tutorial, engage in the provided hands-on demos to apply the concepts and gain practical experience.
3. Top Recommended Paid Resources (Derar Alhussein)
🔗 Visit Derar Alhussein’s Website
About Derar Alhussein:
- Senior data engineer with a master’s degree in data mining, based and working in France.
- Over 10 years of experience in software and data projects, including extensive work on Databricks projects.
- Author of the O’Reilly book “Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Study Guide: In-Depth Guidance and Practice”.
- Holder of 8 certifications from Databricks (details on the website).
3.1 Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate – Preparation
🔗 Udemy Course – Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate
This course is highly recommended by almost 90% of people who have taken the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate exam. It provides in-depth guidance and comprehensive preparation for the certification.
3.2 Practice Exams: Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate
🔗 Udemy Course – Practice Exams for Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate
Most people who have successfully passed the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate exam have found this practice exam course extremely helpful. It allows you to assess your readiness and identify areas that need more focus.
3.3 Recommended Study Resource (Book)
I highly recommend the book “Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Study Guide” by Derar Alhussein. This comprehensive guide is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to excel in the certification exam and advance their career in data engineering. With its in-depth coverage of topics like data ingestion, transformation, analysis, and Databricks architecture, this book equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Link -> https://codetechguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Book-Databricks-Certified-Data-Engineer-Associate-Study-Guide.pdf
4. YouTube: Databricks Sample Exam Insights & Practice
- Question and Answer Sessions: Look for videos where experts answer common questions about the Databricks certification and its various components.
5. Databricks Certification Data Engineer Associate Dumps
- Exam Format Familiarization: Take the Databricks sample exam to get accustomed to the format and time constraints of the actual exam.
Before taking the actual exam, focus on the following key areas:
- Revise fundamentals of a lake house platform.
- Study INSERT INTO, COPY, and other related concepts.
- Learn how to tune delta tables with small files (TUNING).
- Understand the purpose of VACUUM in data management.
- Create a table that manages both data and metadata – a delta lake table.
- Differentiate between VIEW, TEMP VIEW, and global temp view.
- Explore spark streaming trigger once functionality.
- Identify the default constraint for DELTA LIVE TABLE.
Identifying Weak Areas: After completing practice exams, analyze your performance to pinpoint areas where you need more focus and improvement. This targeted approach will help strengthen your knowledge and readiness for the actual exam.
Conclusion:
The Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate certification demonstrates my proficiency in using the Databricks Lakehouse Platform for data engineering tasks. By following this comprehensive guide, I’ll be well-prepared to tackle the exam and showcase my expertise in data engineering with Databricks. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the format of the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Exam?
The exam is a 120-minute, 60-question, multiple-choice assessment. It covers a range of topics related to data engineering with the Databricks Lakehouse Platform.
2. What is the passing score for the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Exam?
The passing score for the exam is 70%. Candidates need to answer at least 42 out of the 60 questions correctly to pass the certification.
3. How can I best prepare for the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Exam?
Effective preparation includes reviewing the exam guide, mastering the fundamentals of the Databricks Lakehouse Platform, completing the Data Engineering with Databricks V2 course, practicing with sample exams, and leveraging additional resources like video tutorials and online communities.
4. Is there a recommended timeline for preparing for the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Exam?
The recommended preparation time can vary depending on your prior experience, but most candidates find that 2-3 months of dedicated study and practice is sufficient to feel confident and well-prepared for the exam.
5. Can I retake the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Exam if I don’t pass the first time?
Yes, you can retake the exam if you don’t pass on the first attempt. However, there is a waiting period of 14 days between exam attempts, and you will need to pay the exam fee again for each retake.
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