Just a quick note before you read this article. If you want to become a Microsoft Azure Data Engineer, you need to pass both the DP-200 and DP-201 exams. So, first, read our article about the DP-200 exam, and then come back here for all the important details about the DP-201 exam.
Microsoft DP-201 exam is getting retired on June 30, 2021. A new replacement exam Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure Beta (DP-203) is available.
Let’s review and grasp the role of an Azure Data Engineer Associate. These professionals plan, create, oversee, watch over, and safeguard data using various Azure data services to meet business requirements. They also handle making new features, coding, and supporting current features for analyzing data and business intelligence.
The question is why has data engineers become so important these days?
Data Scientist v/s Data Engineer
Information has transformed how businesses work. To put it simply, data has taken on the role of a vital resource for industries in the 20th century. Today, all those who work with data use it to find solutions for business challenges, bring in fresh technologies, and create new products. This shift has led to the rise of job titles like DATA SCIENTISTS and DATA ENGINEERS, which are highly sought after. However, the most crucial thing is to comprehend the distinction between these two roles.
DATA SCIENTIST
A data scientist is a 21st-century alchemist who can turn any raw data into detailed insights. They use statistics, machine learning and analytical approaches to solve critical business issues.
DATA ENGINEER
Data engineering forms the foundation of data science. These are the professionals who set up the structure for data, which later gets looked into by Data Scientists. They’re like software creators who make sure data from different places comes together and is taken care of. Basically, without Data Engineers, there wouldn’t be any Data Scientists.
Now that you’ve understood the difference between Data Scientist and Data Engineer, let move forward and go through all the relevant information about DP-201 exam.
DP-201: Exam Overview
DP-201: Crafting an Azure Data Solution is the next step after passing the DP-200 exam for those aiming to become an Azure Data Engineer Associate. Unlike the previous DP-200 exam, where candidates had to put a data solution into action, the DP-201 exam requires candidates to create plans for data solutions together with business collaborators. Below, we’ve listed all the necessary skills that candidates should possess.
- Candidates need to be skilled at using Azure data services to create effective data solutions that fulfill data needs.
- Furthermore, candidates must be capable of shaping data solutions that make use of Azure services like Azure Cosmos DB, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Data Warehouse, Azure Data Lake Storage, Azure Data Factory, Azure Streaming Analytics, Azure Databricks, and Azure Blob storage.
- The DP-200 exam evaluates a candidate’s ability to handle various responsibilities, including forming Azure data storage solutions, data processing solutions, as well as data security and compliance.
- Similarly, candidates should integrate the creation of Azure data storage solutions when carrying out tasks related to data.
Let’s now move on to gathering more information on DP-201 exam so that you don’t miss on anything!
Microsoft Azure DP-201 Exam – Learning Path
The DP-201 exam contains approximately 40-60 questions and lasts for 210 minutes. Within this time, candidates have 180 minutes to actually answer the questions. The remaining 30 minutes are meant for reading instructions, agreeing to the non-disclosure terms, and giving feedback. For a clearer understanding, you can also take a look at the table provided below.
Prerequisites for DP-201 exam
After you’ve collected all the information about the exam, the next step is to consider the prerequisites. It’s highly advised that every candidate looks into these exam requirements thoroughly. In simple words, not knowing the prerequisites might lead to your preparation efforts going to waste. Therefore, always make sure you have the necessary foundation before taking any exam.
Note that DP-200 exam is linked with DP-201 for an associate-level certification. If someone doesn’t have a technical background then we suggest first to qualify the Microsoft Azure AZ-900 exam and then move to this certification. In addition to this, the candidate must make sure that they have the expertise in commencing SQL syntax. Moreover, they should also be fluent in programming fundamentals.
Worried about the DP-201 exam format?
Moving forward, it’s essential for the candidate to have a good grasp of the exam’s structure. This part of the exam information will acquaint you with the kinds of questions you’ll encounter. The DP-201 exam features approximately 40-60 questions, which can vary each time. You’ll encounter question types like single-choice and multiple-choice questions, along with case studies that are consistently present. Some questions might involve drag-and-drop tasks, selecting from drop-down lists, and constructing lists.
Examination DP-201 Fee structure
The final part of the exam information encompasses details about the exam fees, which can differ depending on the country. For those residing in the United States, the fee for taking the Microsoft Azure DP-201 exam is 165 dollars. Keep in mind that taxes aren’t included in this fee, so it’s wise to double-check with your exam provider for the exact cost. If you happen to be a student, you can get a reduced fee for the DP-201 exam, but only if you provide valid educational credentials.
Now that you’re well equipped with all the exam details. Let’s move further towards the course outline.
DP-201 Exam Course outline
The course outline for the DP-201 exam includes modules provided by Microsoft. All the modules are designed in accordance with the candidate.
HEAD’S UP: the content of this exam was updated on November 27, 2019.
Module 1: Design Azure data storage solutions (40-45%)
The initial and most important section constitutes a significant portion of the exam, accounting for 40-45% of the weightage. In this module, you’ll learn about suggesting an Azure Data solution according to needs, creating cloud data storage that isn’t relational, and designing cloud data storage that is relational.
Module 2: Design data processing solutions (25-30%)
The second section focuses on creating solutions for handling data processing, making up 25-30% of the exam content. This module covers crafting solutions for both batch processing and real-time processing.
Module 3: Design for data security and compliance (25-30%)
This is the last module which covers 25-30% of the exam questions. This covers Designing security for source data access, data policies, and standards.
As you go through the modules and grasp their content, remember that every single module holds significance for passing the DP-201 exam. Therefore, to succeed on your first try, ensure you’re thoroughly prepared with all the mentioned modules. Once you’ve covered the modules, you can proceed to set a date for the DP-201 exam. However, before scheduling it, let’s delve into how the scoring works.
Scoring Process for DP-201 exam
Qualifying for DP-201 isn’t overly difficult, but it’s crucial for candidates to be well-prepared in order to succeed on their initial attempt. To pass, you need to achieve a score of 700 or higher. Receiving this score will lead to your certification. Scoring below 700 won’t count as a passing grade.
After completing the DP-201 exam, you can quickly see your provisional results. However, if you’re interested in a more detailed breakdown of your exam performance, you’ll need to wait a few days. Your scorecard will present a comprehensive overview of how you performed in the DP-201 exam. Now that you’re aware of the passing score for the DP-201 exam, let’s proceed to the next step of scheduling your exam.
Learn how to schedule the DP-201 exam
Microsoft offers you to schedule your exam at your own convenience. Not so much of a hassle there. So allow yourself to think carefully according to your work plan and then schedule.
You need to follow the given steps in the process of scheduling the exam –
- Go to the Microsoft portal and register for your exam.
- Once your preparations are complete, proceed to schedule your exam by clicking on the “schedule exam” link. Next, provide all your information on the following page.
- On the page, you’ll find the option to pick how you want to take the exam through Pearson VUE (Microsoft’s exam partner).
- Your registration will be finalized once you receive confirmation of your exam fee payment.
Can we reschedule for the DP-201 exam?
Some of the cases of cancellation include –
- If you ever decide to cancel or change your exam date, make sure to do so at least 6 business days before your scheduled exam. This way, you won’t face any charges for canceling.
- However, if you need to cancel or reschedule within 5 business days, there will be a small fee.
- Furthermore, if you don’t manage to reschedule or cancel at least 24 hours before your exam time, you’ll lose the entire exam fee. So, it’s important to be cautious about this!
Is retaking available for the DP-201 exam
In case you didn’t pass the exam on your first try and are wondering if you can schedule it for a second attempt, the answer is yes! You’re allowed to retake the test. Here’s what you need to do according to Microsoft’s guidelines:
- If you didn’t achieve a passing score on your first attempt, you have to wait for at least 24 hours before rescheduling the DP-201 exam.
- If you still don’t pass on your second attempt, you need to wait for at least 14 days before rescheduling the DP-201 exam for a third try.
Similarly, a 14-day waiting period is required for the fourth and fifth consecutive exam retakes. An individual is limited to attempting the same exam no more than five times in a year (12 months). This 12-month period starts after the last or fifth unsuccessful DP-201 exam retake. Only after this period can the individual retake the exam, 12 months from that particular date.
For attempting the exam more than five times in a year or to have the waiting time between attempts waived, the candidate must seek prior permission from Microsoft. Such requests should be sent to [email protected] and should include specific information:
- MCID 2. Name 3. Email 4. Exam Number
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-201 Exam – Tips and Tricks by Expert to pass Exam
Preparation Guide for DP-201 Exam: Steps to by Step Approach
Keep in mind, great things don’t happen overnight. Achieving your goal requires effort and some valuable advice. That’s why we’ve created a detailed guide to lead you step by step toward becoming a certified Azure Data Engineer. By following these steps, you can make your way towards your desired accomplishment!
Official site routing
Mark our words, Microsoft official website is the most authentic site for DP-201 exam for obvious reasons. Your first important step should be to visit the official certification webpage. This is where you’ll find all the details about the DP-200 exam. Everything from what you need beforehand to what a Data Engineer does, exam specifics, fees, course layout, and even online training information is available on the official site.
Reviewing Exam Objectives
If this is your first guide for getting ready, then you’re in the right place. Hopefully, this marks the start of your journey toward a well-paying job. To keep up this positive energy, it’s important to go through all the exam goals. This will be beneficial as it will provide answers to all your queries about what areas are crucial, what you need beforehand, or anything else about the exam. Since each exam has its own unique demands, the objectives differ. That’s why we strongly suggest this step.
Microsoft Training
Microsoft offers candidates two options for preparation. The first is online training, and the second is instructor-led training. You can select one or even both of these options.
Online Training: This training is available for free to everyone. They have designed a learning path that guides you in gaining the skills needed to pass the DP-201 exam. This path is divided into different modules.
Instructor-Led Training: This is a paid online learning and training session conducted by certified expert instructors. Opting for this brings a few advantages, such as added convenience, flexible scheduling, and swift responses.
Here training emerges as a crucial step to qualify DP-201 exam.
Become a bookworm
Though training will cover most of the important skills required. We cannot forget books and the knowledge that they provide us. Book too is an important source to acquire knowledge about DP-201 exam. These are a few books that we would suggest-
- SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data with SQL by Walter Shields.
- Engineers’ Practical Databook: A Technical Reference Guide for Students and Professionals by Jay Smith.
Join Forums or Study Group
Considering the many distractions we face, online forums and study groups can actually be quite helpful for candidates. However, it’s important to note that this step isn’t obligatory for your preparation. The choice of joining a study group or forum is up to you. At any stage of your preparation, you can decide to become part of a study group. These groups ensure you’re connected with others who are on a similar journey. You can ask questions about topics you find challenging and get assistance from others. Many people in study groups can also provide insights into any queries you might have about the DP-201 exam.
Perfect Practice makes you Perfect
Now, we’re reaching the final phase of preparing for the DP-200 exam. This last step is your chance to get a precise view of where you might need improvement. Are you ready to assess yourself? It’s crucial to engage with sample tests, but only after you’ve covered the entire syllabus. These practice tests are structured to mirror the real exam setting. By completing these sample tests, you can pinpoint areas that need extra attention and focus on them. Practice materials can be obtained from different sources. Keep in mind, the more you challenge yourself with these tests, the more your skills will improve.
Manage Time and Be Productive
Managing time can be a little tricky if you’re already occupied with the old job. Therefore we’ve listed a few tips and tricks for you to manage time effectively.
- Stop multitasking! Organize everything i.e. set up a routine and stick to it.
- Don’t rely on remembering everything, not everyone has a photographic memory, so write down a few things.
- Make weekly goals and always remember to keep track.
- Its okay to take breaks while studying because you cannot be productive every time.
- Always choose an environment that has the minimum disturbance, so that you can concentrate properly.
Keep Calm and Crush Exam Anxiety
First and foremost, gather your composure. Take control of your emotions and concentrate your thoughts on the upcoming exam. It’s going to be alright; simply give it your best shot. If you’re still feeling anxious, here are some tips for your exam day:
- Get everything ready the night before to avoid any morning chaos.
- Rise early on the day and read something brief and precise. This can help activate your mind and body before the exam.
- Prior to the exam, ensure you’ve had a nutritious meal.
- If you’re still stressed, consider practicing meditation.
- Just unwind and avoid excessive overthinking. You’ve got this under control.
Directly from the Experts
Opportunities don’t always knock on our doors, sometimes we have to knock over opportunities to reach our goal.
Having shared all the details above, achieving success in the DP-201 Exam shouldn’t be a challenge. Simply adhere to the preparation guide, and we’re confident you’ll pass the exam on your first try. Keep in mind that no journey is smooth sailing; a little effort is always part of the process. Similarly, no exam can be aced without dedicated studying.
Numerous individuals have confronted a similar challenge you’re facing now and have overcome it. Moreover, there are others who are presently tackling it. You’re certainly not alone in your efforts. Stay focused and remember that excellent opportunities are within reach, just one exam away.
GO GET CERTIFIED NOW!
