Databricks Data Engineer
Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate is a proctored, entry-level certification that assesses a person's ability to use the Databricks Data + AI Platform to execute foundational data engineering tasks. It is aimed at practitioners with hands-on experience building ETL pipelines - data engineers, analytics engineers, and developers moving onto the lakehouse - and serves as a structured way to demonstrate baseline platform skills. The exam consists of 45 scored questions with a 90-minute limit, is multiple choice with no test aides allowed, and is delivered online or at a test center in English, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Korean. Coverage is split across seven areas: Databricks Intelligence Platform (6%), Data Ingestion and Loading (21%), Data Transformation and Modeling (22%), Working with Lakeflow Jobs (16%), Implementing CI/CD (10%), Troubleshooting, Monitoring, and Optimization (10%), and Governance and Security (15%). Data manipulation code is presented in SQL where possible and otherwise in Python. There are no prerequisites, though Databricks strongly recommends related training and hands-on experience with the tasks described in the exam guide. To prepare, review the exam guide, complete the recommended training, use the AI Prep Guide, and run the system check before an online proctored appointment. The credential is valid for two years, after which recertification requires passing the current version of the exam.
What you'll study
About Databricks Data Engineer preparation
How many questions are on the exam and how long do I have?
There are 45 scored questions and a 90-minute time limit. The exam may also include unscored items used to gather statistical information for future use; these are not identified, do not affect your score, and extra time is added to account for them.
What is the exam format and where can I take it?
It is a proctored certification made up of multiple-choice questions, with no test aides allowed. You can take it online or at a test center, and it is offered in English, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Korean.
Do I need prerequisites or prior Databricks experience?
There are no formal prerequisites. However, Databricks strongly recommends related training and states that candidates should have hands-on experience performing the data engineering tasks outlined in the exam guide, so practical pipeline work matters more than memorizing definitions.
What score do I need to pass?
The certification page does not publish a passing score, so it cannot be stated reliably. Treat every domain as required knowledge and aim well above a bare minimum rather than targeting a specific threshold.
What programming languages appear in the questions?
Data manipulation code is provided in SQL when possible; in all other cases the code is written in Python. Be comfortable reading and reasoning about both, including PySpark transformations, rather than specializing in only one.
How long is the certification valid, and how do I recertify?
The validity period is two years. Recertification is required every two years to maintain certified status, and to recertify you must take the current version of the exam. Review the 'Getting Ready for the Exam' guidance again before your recertification attempt.
What should I study first?
Start with the two heaviest domains: Data Transformation and Modeling at 22% and Data Ingestion and Loading at 21%. Then cover Lakeflow Jobs at 16% and Governance and Security at 15% before finishing with the smaller CI/CD and troubleshooting domains at 10% each.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
The certification page does not describe a retake policy, waiting period, or fee, so those details cannot be confirmed here. Check the official Certification FAQ and the exam delivery platform where you registered for the current rules.
What are the most common ways candidates lose points?
Skipping the lower-weight domains is a frequent mistake: governance, CI/CD, and troubleshooting together account for roughly a third of the exam, yet candidates often study only transformation and ingestion. Also weak SQL fluency, since code is presented in SQL whenever possible.