The Snowflake SnowPro Core Exam is a certification exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge of Snowflake, a cloud-based data warehousing and analytics platform. The exam is designed to certify that the candidate has the skills and knowledge required to work with Snowflake in a professional setting.
The exam covers topics such as Snowflake architecture, database design, loading and querying data, security and user management, performance optimization, and troubleshooting. The SnowPro Core Exam is the foundational certification in the SnowPro certification program, which includes additional advanced certifications for more experienced Snowflake professionals.
Snowflake SnowPro Core Exam Glossary
Here are some key terms that may be helpful to know for the Snowflake SnowPro Core Exam:
- Snowflake: A cloud-based data warehousing and analytics platform that allows users to store and analyze large amounts of data.
- Virtual Warehouse: A collection of compute resources in Snowflake that are used to execute SQL queries and other operations on data.
- SnowSQL: A command-line tool for interacting with Snowflake databases and warehouses.
- Snowflake Data Sharing: A feature that allows Snowflake users to share data with other Snowflake accounts in a secure and controlled manner.
- Learn Snowflake Secure Data Sharing: A feature that allows Snowflake users to share data with external organizations in a secure and controlled manner.
- Snowflake SnowPipe: A feature that allows Snowflake users to automatically load streaming data into their Snowflake databases.
- Snowflake Automatic Clustering: A feature that automatically organizes data in Snowflake to optimize query performance.
- Learn Snowflake Security: Snowflake provides multiple layers of security to protect data, including network security, data encryption, access control, and audit logging.
- Snowflake User Management: Snowflake provides tools for managing users, roles, and permissions to control access to data and resources.
- Understand Snowflake Support: Snowflake provides 24/7 support to help users with any issues or questions they may have.
Snowflake SnowPro Core Study Guide
Here are some official resources that can be useful for preparing for the Snowflake SnowPro Core Exam:
- Snowflake SnowPro Core Exam Guide: This guide provides an overview of the exam, its objectives, and the skills and knowledge required to pass. It also includes links to other Snowflake resources for further study.https://docs.snowflake.com/en/snowpro-core-certification-exam-guide.html
- Snowflake Documentation: Snowflake provides extensive documentation on its platform, including tutorials, how-to guides, and reference materials. This is a great resource for learning about Snowflake features and best practices.https://docs.snowflake.com/en/
- Snowflake Community: The Snowflake Community is a forum where users can ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with other Snowflake users. This can be a valuable resource for getting answers to specific questions and learning from others’ experiences. https://community.snowflake.com/s/
- Snowflake Webinars: Snowflake regularly hosts webinars on various topics related to its platform. These can be a useful resource for learning about specific features or use cases. https://www.snowflake.com/webinars/
- Snowflake Training: Snowflake offers a variety of training options, including on-demand courses, live virtual training, and instructor-led training. These can be a great way to build skills and knowledge in a structured way.https://www.snowflake.com/training/
Snowflake SnowPro Core Exam Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks that can help you prepare for the Snowflake SnowPro Core Exam:
- Understand the exam objectives: Start by reviewing the exam guide and understanding the objectives and skills required to pass the exam. This will help you focus your study efforts on the areas that are most important.
- Hands-on experience: Snowflake is a cloud-based data warehousing platform, and the exam tests your ability to work with the platform. So, it’s essential to have hands-on experience with Snowflake to pass the exam. You can sign up for a free trial account and practice creating databases, tables, and views, loading data, and querying data.
- Review the Snowflake documentation: Snowflake provides extensive documentation on its platform, including tutorials, how-to guides, and reference materials. Reviewing the documentation can help you deepen your understanding of Snowflake features and best practices.
- Take advantage of training resources: Snowflake offers a variety of training options, including on-demand courses, live virtual training, and instructor-led training. Taking advantage of these resources can help you build the knowledge and skills required to pass the exam.
- Practice exam questions: Snowflake provides sample questions that can help you get a sense of the types of questions you can expect on the exam. Practice answering these questions to get a feel for the exam format and to identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts.
- Time management: The SnowPro Core exam is timed, and you’ll need to manage your time effectively to answer all the questions within the allotted time.
- Stay calm and focused: Finally, it’s essential to stay calm and focused during the exam. Don’t get stuck on any one question, and try to remain focused on the overall goal of passing the exam.
Snowflake SnowPro Core Exam Preparation Guide
SnowPro recommends a combination of hands-on experience, instructor-led training, On-Demand training courses, and self-study resources to prepare for this exam. Let us have a look at what all methods you can refer to for passing this exam –
Step 1 – Know about the exam syllabus
Here is the detailed exam content outline –
Domain 1: Account and Security
1.1 Explain how to manage Snowflake accounts.
- Account usage
- Information schema
1.2 Outline security principles.
- Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
- Furthermore, Data EncryptionNetwork Security & Policies
- Access Control
- Moreover, Federated Authentication
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
1.3 Define the entities and roles that are used in Snowflake.
- Outline how privileges can be granted and revoked
- Also, Explain Role Hierarchy and Privilege Inheritance
1.4 Explain the Security capabilities associated with each Snowflake edition.
- Data masking
1.5 Outline Data Governance capabilities in Snowflake
- Data maskingAccount usage views
- External Tokenization
Domain 2: Virtual Warehouses
2.1 Outline compute principles.
- Credit usage & billing
- ConcurrencyCaching
2.2 Explain Virtual Warehouse best practices.
- Scale-up vs scale-out
- Types of virtual warehouses
- Management/monitoring
Domain 3: Data Movement
3.1 Outline different commands used to load data and when they should be used.
COPY
- INSERT
- PUT
- GET
- VALIDATE
3.2 Define bulk as compared to continuous data loading methods.
- COPY
- Snowpipe
3.3 Define best practices that should be considered when loading data.
- File size Folders
3.4 Outline how data can be unloaded from Snowflake to either local storage or cloud storage locations.
- Define formats supported for unloading data from Snowflake
- Define best practices that should be considered when unloading data
3.5 Explain how to work and load semi-structured data.
- Supported file formats
- VARIANT column
- Flattening the nested structure
Domain 4: Performance Management
4.1 Outline best practices for Snowflake performance management on storage.
- Clustering
- Materialized views
- Search Optimization
4.2 Outline best practices for Snowflake performance management on virtual warehouses.
- Query performance and analysis
- Furthermore, Query profiles
- Query history
- SQL optimization
- Caching
Domain 5: Snowflake Overview & Architecture
5.1 Outline key components of Snowflake’s Cloud data platform.
- Data TypesOptimizer
- Continuous data protection Cloning
- Types of CachingWeb Interface (UI)
- Data Cloud/Data Sharing/Data Marketplace/Data Exchange
5.2 Outline Snowflake data sharing capabilities.
- Account types
- Data Marketplace & Exchange Access Control options
- Shares
5.3 Explain how Snowflake is different compared to legacy warehouse solutions.
- Elastic Storage
- Elastic Compute Account Management
5.4 Outline the different editions that are available, and the functionality associated with each edition.
- Pricing
- Features
5.5 Identify Snowflake’s Partner Ecosystem
- Cloud
- Partners
- Connectors
5.6 Outline and define the purpose of Snowflake’s three distinct layers.
- Storage Layer
- Compute Layer
- Cloud Services Layer
5.7 Outline Snowflake’s catalog and objects.
- Database
- Schema
- Also, Tables Types View Types
- Data Types
- Also, External Functions
Domain 6: Storage and Protection
6.1 Outline Snowflake Storage concepts.
- Micro partitions
- Metadata Types
- Also, Clustering
- Data Storage
- Also, Stage Types
- File Formats
- Furthermore, Storage Monitoring
6.2 Outline Continuous Data Protection with Snowflake.
- Time Travel
- Also, Fail Safe
- Data Encryption
- Also, Cloning
Step 2 – Know about the exam Format
The SnowPro Core Certification exam will consist of 100 questions of the type Multiple Select, Multiple Choice, or True/False. Furthermore, The time allotted to complete the SnowPro Core exam is 120 minutes. Moreover, Concerning the exam language, it is available in two languages: English and Japanese. Furthermore, in order to pass the exam, candidates must score 80 percent or higher. In addition, the SnowPro Core exam costs $175 USD.
Step 3 – Know about the exam policies
Some of the important policies that you need to know are –
Registration policy
Kryterion Testing Centers or Webassessor’s online proctored environment proctor Snowflake’s SnowPro Certification exams. Candidates can create an account and then go to the exam catalog to register. Then, choose the date and time you want to take the exam.
Total Attempts
As long as you pay the fee, you can take the exam an unlimited number of times. We recommend that you attend one of the onsite Snowflake training courses after three (3) attempts. After three (3) failed attempts, you will also be eligible for a 10% discount on a course. To take advantage of this offer, please send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Inquiry for Onsite Training after Three Failed Attempts.”
Cancellation policy
- To begin, there is a no-show and cancellation policy in effect. Any candidate who fails to reschedule their exam as specified below will be considered a no-show and will forfeit their registration fee. According to Webassessor’s policy, cancellations must be made 72 hours before the exam.
- Second, the Rescheduling Policy: Candidates can reschedule an exam on the portal using Webassessor. The request must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance.
- Finally, if you were unable to take the exam at the time you selected, please contact Snowflake at [email protected] with the subject line “SnowPro Core Missed Exam – Emergency.” You may be given a voucher to reschedule your appointment on a case-by-case basis.
Step 4 – Create a Study Plan
The following step is to plan a study strategy for your preparations. When making the plan, keep the course topics and the time remaining for the real exam in mind. Remember to begin by focusing on your weaker areas. In addition, pay close attention to topics with a higher weightage in the exam. Following your plan will assist you in remaining consistent and avoiding distractions. The key to success is to begin early, so begin your preparations and stay motivated.
Step 5 – Refer to official Resources
Snowflake recommends combining hands-on experience, instructor-led training, On-Demand training courses, and self-study resources to prepare for this exam. Moreover, Some of the resources recommended for this exam are –
- Instructor-Led Course recommended for this exam: Snowflake Fundamentals
- Paid Self Study recommended for this exam: SnowPro Core Certification Preparation Course
- Free Self Study recommended for this exam:
Step 6 – Refer to other resources
These are some of the resources in addition to the official resources –
Hands-on Labs – The Hands-On Lab Guide is an excellent resource for getting acquainted with Snowflake. This will necessitate the creation of a trial account. Snowflake offers a 30-day Standard edition trial that can be used for this tutorial. Moreover, It takes about 1-2 hours to complete the Hands-On Lab Guide tutorial.
Online Tutorials – Snowflake SnowPro Core Online Tutorial broadens your knowledge and provides a thorough understanding of exam concepts. They also go over exam specifics and policies. As a result, learning with Online Tutorials will help you prepare better.
Snowflake Documentations – The Snowflake Documentation contains all of the information needed to pass the exam. If I could only give one piece of advice, it would be to read the documentation. Furthermore, Use the practice exams to identify areas for improvement and the documentation to study more thoroughly.
Practice Tests – Practice tests are essential when preparing for the SnowPro Core exam. That is, by assessing yourself with the SnowPro Core exam practice tests, you will learn about your strong and weak points. Furthermore, you will be able to improve your answering skills, which will save you a significant amount of time during the exam. So, after finishing a full topic, begin taking the SnowPro Core practice exam tests and then trying the mock tests. As a result, your revision will be stronger. Find the best practice exam tests to help you prepare for the SnowPro Core exam here.
Step 7 – Take the Exam
You are now ready to take the exam after practicing and consulting appropriate resources. Maintain your composure and patience while taking the exam. Moreover, It is impossible to overestimate the importance of time management in exam preparation. As a result, we recommend that you regularly prepare for the SnowPro core Exam. You should ideally study at the same time every day. When studying, make sure there are no distractions.
Expert’s Corner
Do not memorize everything from words to word from documentation, but rather try those things directly in Snowflake, trying to understand the principles, how things work under the hood, and the architecture. This approach will help you not only pass the exam but also become a better Snowflake architect/developer, which we believe is the most important part. Having the certification can be the icing on the cake.
