Over the passage of time, technology has undergone a transformative journey, rapidly evolving and advancing. The true essence lies in these transformations. In a parallel fashion, Microsoft has also introduced modifications within its certification framework. An instance of this transformation is evident in the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate certification. To attain the status of an Azure Data Engineer Associate, the path entails the successful completion of both the DP-200 and DP-201 exams. Consequently, both DP-200 and DP-201 exams have gained significant attention. In this discussion, we will delve into the DP-200 Exam: Implementing an Azure Data Solution, and we will subsequently explore DP-201: Designing an Azure Data Solution in an upcoming article.
Microsoft DP-200 exam is getting retired on June 30, 2021. A new replacement exam Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure Beta (DP-203) is available.
Who is a Data Engineer?
To elucidate, a Data Engineer is an individual who extracts patterns and insights from datasets. As a data engineer, your role encompasses the development, construction, management, and ongoing monitoring of databases. Furthermore, you hold the responsibility of enhancing the reliability, quality, and efficiency of the data. All these endeavors must be conducted in alignment with the requisites of the business.
Benefits of passing DP-200 Exam – To become Data Engineer Associate
Aspiring individuals often opt for certification programs as a means to advance within their chosen domains. Undoubtedly, these programs bring about enhanced earning potentials and improved career prospects. The likes of Microsoft’s DP-200 certification courses contribute inherently to the elevation of your job profile. Given Microsoft’s widespread utilization, not just by individuals but also by substantial industries, the demand for Microsoft certifications invariably surges. Further advantages encompass workplace flexibility and proficiency in efficiently managing Azure cloud data warehousing, among other merits. Crucially, the IT sector shows a preference for candidates equipped with contemporary and up-to-date certifications.
DP-200 Exam – A General Overview
The DP-200 Exam, titled “Implementing an Azure Data Solution,” targets individuals aspiring to attain the status of a Microsoft Azure Data Engineer. The path to achieving the ‘Data Engineer Associate’ certification entails clearing both the DP-200 and DP-201 exams. As per the official Microsoft website, the DP-200 exam mandates candidates to demonstrate adeptness in the following tasks:
- Collaborating with business stakeholders to comprehend and address data prerequisites, thus executing data solutions employing Azure data services.
- Executing data-centric responsibilities encompassing the provisioning of data storage services and the ingestion of both streaming and batch data.
- Demonstrating proficiency in utilizing a range of Azure services, including Azure Cosmos DB, Azure SQL Database, Azure Synapse Analytics (previously known as Azure SQL DW), Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Data Factory, Azure Streaming Analytics, Azure Databricks, and Azure Blob storage.
- Equipping oneself with skills related to data transformation, executing security requisites, enforcing data retention policies, identifying bottlenecks in performance, and accessing external data sources.
Consequently, successful mastery of these tasks within the DP-200 exam serves as a pivotal step toward becoming a certified Data Engineer Associate.
All About DP-200 Exam
Before delving into exam preparation, it’s prudent to meticulously familiarize yourself with all pertinent exam details. Anticipating and circumventing potential inconveniences in the future warrants a proactive approach to comprehending exam-related information. To facilitate this, we’ve furnished comprehensive information that you might require prior to enrolling for the DP-200 exam.
The DP-200 exam encompasses a total duration of 210 minutes. However, candidates are allocated a specific window of 180 minutes exclusively for responding to the exam questions. The residual 30-minute period is dedicated to essential tasks such as acquainting oneself with instructions, acknowledging the non-disclosure agreement, and providing valuable feedback.
Furthermore, it’s noteworthy that the DP-200 Exam is accessible in a selection of four languages: English, Japanese, simplified Chinese, and Korean. These aspects collectively contribute to shaping your understanding and readiness for the DP-200 exam.
DP-200 Exam Details
Now, let’s present an overview of the particulars pertaining to the DP-200 Exam: Implementing an Azure Data Solution. Prior to embarking on any examination, it is prudent to meticulously acquaint oneself with the essential exam details. Such comprehensive familiarity helps preempt any potential inconveniences, making it imperative to grasp exam particulars well in advance. To this end, we have meticulously provided all essential information to equip you before you embark on the process of registering for the DP-200 exam.
The DP-200 exam spans a total duration of 210 minutes. However, candidates are allocated a specific window of 180 minutes exclusively for tackling the exam questions. The remaining 30 minutes are set aside for essential tasks, including reviewing instructions, endorsing the non-disclosure agreement, and furnishing constructive feedback.
Prerequisites for DP-200 exam
Given the distinctive prerequisites of each exam, it’s essential to possess a comprehensive understanding of the requisites prior to embarking on the DP-200 Exam. Aspiring Data Engineers should ideally come equipped with educational backgrounds encompassing computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field in the realm of IT. In cases where a technical foundation is lacking, the attainment of AZ-900 certification is advised. This step imparts a foundational understanding of Azure fundamentals, albeit it isn’t necessarily mandatory.
Furthermore, candidates are expected to exhibit proficiency in various programming languages, including but not limited to Python, Java, or SQL database design. A more comprehensive strategy involves accruing at least a year’s worth of experience as data professionals, business intelligence professionals, or data architects. Prerequisites constitute a pivotal component of any examination process. After all, there’s nothing more discouraging than embarking on DP-200 exam preparation, only to later discern that the fit isn’t quite right.
Exam Format
Once you’ve established a grasp of the prerequisites, the subsequent stride involves acquainting yourself with the DP-200 exam’s structure and the various question types encountered. Within this section, you’ll find comprehensive details regarding the quantity of questions and their formats. This proactive approach prevents any unexpected surprises during the actual exam.
The DP-200 exam encompasses an approximate range of 40 to 60 questions. While the precise number of questions may fluctuate, it consistently resides within the aforementioned 40 to 60 threshold. Diverse question formats constitute this exam, encompassing multiple choice queries, queries that demand multiple selections, as well as code rearrangement tasks. Furthermore, expect to encounter case study questions, comprising around 4 to 5 such scenarios. The Microsoft Azure DP-200 exam also includes inquiries structured around specific scenarios. Additionally, scenario-based questions may encompass tasks such as arranging steps in a specific order to accomplish a solution.
Registration fee
For individuals residing in the United States, the cost of participation in the Microsoft Azure DP-200 exam stands at $165. This fee structure, however, does exhibit variability across different nations. It’s important to note that the indicated fee doesn’t encompass any potential taxes. To ascertain the precise fee applicable to your situation, it’s advisable to verify this with your designated exam provider. Furthermore, if you are a student, you are eligible for a fee reduction specifically for the DP-200 exam. This concession is contingent upon your submission of valid educational credentials as part of the process.
Now, that you’re equipped with all the exam details. Let’s move on to understand the course outline for DP-200 exam.
Course Outline for DP-200 exam
Microsoft provides you with outline skills. This list includes all the modules that needs to be covered in the DP-200 exam. These modules are designed according to the candidate’s convenience. A little heads up that the content of the DP-200 exam were updated on December 4, 2019.
Module 1: Implement data storage solutions (40-45%)
The first module covers the major part with the weightage of 40-45% in the exam questions. This deals with the implementation of non relational data stores, relational data stores and managing data security.
Module 2: Manage and develop data processing (25-30%)
The second module covers 25-30% of the questions. This too is an important module to qualify DP-200 exam. This module includes developing batch processing solutions as well as streaming solutions.
Module 3: Monitor and optimize data solutions (30-35%)
Last but not the least, this module covers 30-35% of the DP-200 exam. In this module, you will get to monitor data storage and data processing. Moreover candidates have to understand the optimization of Azure data solutions.
These modules cover all the skills that will help you qualify DP-200 exam. In short, just prepare according to the above mentioned modules and you’re good to go. The moment you’re ready to appear for DP-200 exam, just schedule it. But before you schedule, let’s go through the process of scoring for DP-200 exam.
You can also refer to the official website for more details for Microsoft DP-200 Exam
Scoring Process
Approaching this exam requires substantial effort, so it’s essential not to underestimate its challenge. Your dedication to comprehensive preparation is pivotal for achieving success on your first attempt. To secure certification, you must aim for a score of 700 or higher. This threshold guarantees your certification, while a score below 700 does not meet the qualifying criteria.
Subsequently, immediate feedback is accessible shortly after submitting your exam. However, for an in-depth analysis of your performance, you’ll need to exercise patience for a few days. The forthcoming scorecard will provide a comprehensive breakdown of your overall performance. With clarity on the qualifying score for the DP-200 exam, the subsequent step involves proceeding with exam scheduling.
How to schedule DP-200 Exam?
Microsoft provides you with the flexibility to tailor your exam schedule to your convenience, ensuring a hassle-free process. Take the time to contemplate your commitments and work plan before making a thoughtful scheduling decision.
The exam scheduling process entails the following steps:
- Begin by accessing the Microsoft portal and completing your exam registration.
- After your preparations are complete, proceed to schedule your exam by clicking on the “schedule exam” link.
- Fill out all the necessary details on the subsequent page.
- On this page, you can select the exam delivery option offered through Pearson VUE, Microsoft’s esteemed exam partner.
- Your registration process will be finalized upon confirmation of your exam fee payment.
By adhering to this structured process, you can seamlessly arrange your exam in alignment with your circumstances and priorities.
Can we reschedule DP-200 Exam?
Some of the cases of cancellation include –
- Should you intend to alter or adjust your exam schedule, it’s imperative to note the following protocols. If changes are contemplated, they should be executed a minimum of 6 business days before the initially scheduled exam time. Such advanced notice ensures that no charges are incurred for the alteration.
- In the event that changes to the exam schedule are made within a window of 5 business days, a modest fee will be applied accordingly. However, it’s crucial to exercise vigilance regarding any alterations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled time. In such cases, failure to reschedule or cancel in a timely manner will result in the forfeiture of the entire exam fee. These stipulations emphasize the significance of prudent planning and adherence to timelines.
Is retaking available for the DP-200 exam?
In the event that your initial attempt doesn’t yield a successful outcome and you’re contemplating a potential second attempt, you’re in luck – you’re afforded the opportunity for a retest. The process for rescheduling is clearly outlined, following Microsoft’s directives:
- If, on your first attempt, you do not attain a passing score in the AZ-500 exam, a waiting period of at least 24 hours is required before you can reschedule.
- In the event of a similar outcome on the second attempt, a minimum waiting period of 14 days is mandated prior to rescheduling the AZ-500 exam for the third endeavor.
Subsequent retakes, whether it’s the fourth or fifth, also necessitate a 14-day interval between each attempt. It’s pertinent to acknowledge that a candidate is restricted to no more than five exam retakes within a year’s span (12 months). This timeframe commences from the date of the last or fifth unsuccessful AZ-500 exam retake. Only after this time frame concludes is a candidate eligible to reattempt the exam, and that too, 12 months from that specific date.
Should you wish to exceed the five attempts per year limit or seek exemption from the time gaps between attempts, it is imperative to formally request and obtain prior authorization from Microsoft. This comprehensive framework ensures a fair and regulated approach to retaking the AZ-500 exam.
But we would recommend, going for retest again only if you’re fully convinced about your preparation this time. So make sure you’re not pressuring yourself, that won’t help.
Get ready to practice and prepare for DP-200 Exam and Tips and Tricks by Expert to pass Exam
Preparatory Guide: Step by Step
Let’s prepare you like you’ve never prepared before!
The adage “work smarter, not harder” rings true, and in line with this philosophy, we’ve curated a study guide that will pave your path to certification success. This comprehensive guide has been meticulously crafted to assist you in achieving outstanding results in your DP-200 exam. Within this guide, you’ll discover a meticulously structured, step-by-step compilation of learning resources tailored specifically for the DP-200 exam.
Importance of official website
It is crucial to bear in mind that the Microsoft official website stands as the ultimate authority for all matters related to the DP-200 exam, given its inherent credibility. Commencing your journey by visiting the official certification page is a paramount initial step. The official webpage serves as an all-encompassing repository of information concerning the DP-200 exam. Here, you can find an array of crucial details, ranging from prerequisites and the scope of a Data Engineer’s responsibilities, to exam language options, registration fee particulars, exam skill delineation, and a comprehensive learning path. The official site ensures comprehensive access to all the essential information you require.
Reviewing Exam Objectives
If this serves as your inaugural preparation guide, you’ve landed at the optimal destination. It’s conceivable that this marks your initial stride toward an affluent career prospect. To sustain and augment this momentum, it’s pivotal to delve into a comprehensive review of all the exam objectives. This endeavor is poised to provide valuable insights, addressing inquiries related to pertinent topics, essential prerequisites, and any pre-existing knowledge prerequisites. Given the distinct characteristics inherent to each exam, entailing distinct requirements, we highly advocate for this foundational step.
Get Trained
Microsoft gives candidates two ways to prepare. First is the online training and other is instructor led training. Candidates can choose either one of them or both.
Online training: online training by Microsoft is free for all. They have provided with learning path that will enable candidate to acquire skills to qualify DP-200 exam. This learning path is further divided into various modules.
Instructor led training: this is basically paid online learning and training session by certified expert instructors. They come with few benefits such as- increased convenience, flexible scheduling and quick responses.
Here training emerges as a crucial step to qualify DP-200 exam.
Let’s go old school
Time to become bookworms! Books are always a good source to acquire knowledge. So here are a few books that would be good for you all.
- Monetizing Your Data: A Guide to Turning Data into Profit-Driving Strategies and Solutions by Andre Roman Wells and Kathy William Chiang
- Implementing Azure Solutions: Deploy and manage Azure containers and build Azure solutions with ease by Florian Klaffenbach, Markus Klein, Sebastian Hoppe, Oliver Michalski and Jan-Henrik Damaschke
Perfect Practice makes you Perfect
In the culmination of your DP-200 exam preparation journey, we arrive at the final stride. This ultimate step stands as an invaluable tool to ascertain precisely where your focus should be directed. Are you prepared for a self-evaluation? It’s essential to approach sample tests only after you’ve thoroughly covered the entire syllabus. The assortment of sample test mock-ups and practice tests are meticulously fashioned to simulate the genuine exam ambiance, enveloping you in an authentic testing environment.
Upon completing these sample tests, you will discern with clarity the domains where improvements are warranted. These practice papers can be sourced from diverse origins. It’s imperative to recognize that the more comprehensive your self-assessment efforts, the more remarkable your progress will be. This culminating step serves as a dynamic means to further refine your knowledge and readiness. SO START PRACTICING NOW!.
Keep calm and crush exam anxiety
To kick off, gather your composure and exercise control over your emotions, channeling your focus onto the impending exam. Trust that things will proceed smoothly; approach it with your utmost dedication. If any unease lingers, consider these exam day pointers:
- Begin by organizing all your essentials the night before, minimizing chaos on the morning of the exam.
- On the exam day, rise early and engage with concise, impactful reading material. This serves to mentally and physically prepare you for the challenges ahead.
- Prior to embarking on the exam, ensure you’ve nourished yourself with a wholesome meal.
- If anxiety persists, meditation might offer solace.
- Ultimately, cultivate a state of relaxation, avoiding overanalysis. You’ve got this; everything will unfold just fine.
Experts Corner
We comprehend the challenges in maintaining concentration, yet bear in mind that optimal career prospects are within your grasp, awaiting only a successful test performance. Mere computer proficiency no longer suffices for IT experts. The value of certifications has surged dramatically in recent years. Organizations wholeheartedly embrace the supplementary skills that certified professionals contribute. Although the benefits of certification are palpable today, skepticism regarding its worth was prevalent not long ago. Hence, seize the moment without hesitation and embark on your certification journey.
GO GET CERTIFIED NOW!
