Databricks Certified Data Analyst Complete Study Guide 2025
Master the Associate Level Exam with Our Comprehensive Study Plan
Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate Certification Syllabus
Exam Overview
- Certification Level: Associate
- Format: Multiple-choice and multiple-select questions
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Number of Questions: 45 scored questions
- Passing Score: 70%
- Recommended Experience: 6+ months hands-on with Databricks SQL
- Delivery: Online proctored via Pearson VUE
Exam Domains and Weightings
The Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate exam covers nine main domains with the following approximate weightings:
- Understanding of Databricks Data Intelligence Platform (11%) - Architecture, components, SQL integration
- Managing Data (8%) - Tables, views, catalogs, metadata management
- Importing Data (5%) - UI, APIs, S3 ingestion, Delta Sharing
- Executing Queries using Databricks SQL & SQL Warehouses (20%) - SELECT, joins, aggregations, optimization
- Analyzing Queries (15%) - Query plans, profiling, caching, performance
- Creating Dashboards & Visualizations (16%) - Charts, dashboards, parameters, sharing
- Developing, Sharing & Maintaining AI/BI Genie Spaces (12%) - Setup, sharing, maintenance, roles
- Data Modeling with Databricks SQL (5%) - Star/snowflake schemas, denormalization, design
- Securing Data (8%) - Access control, permissions, row-level filtering, sharing
Key Topics Covered
Platform Architecture & Core Concepts:
- Databricks Lakehouse architecture separating compute, storage, and governance
- Delta Lake ACID transactions and reliability features
- Unity Catalog for unified governance and data discovery
- SQL Warehouses for serverless SQL analytics
- Multi-cloud capabilities (AWS, Azure, GCP)
SQL & Data Operations:
- SELECT queries with WHERE, GROUP BY, HAVING, ORDER BY
- JOIN operations (INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, FULL, CROSS)
- Window functions (ROW_NUMBER, RANK, DENSE_RANK, LAG, LEAD)
- Aggregate functions (COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX)
- INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, MERGE operations
- Views (temporary, global temporary, persistent)
Data Management:
- Managed vs. external tables and their lifecycle
- Creating, altering, dropping tables and views
- Table metadata and properties
- Schema management within Unity Catalog
Data Ingestion & Loading:
- COPY INTO command for bulk loading
- Auto Loader for continuous ingestion
- Delta Sharing for secure cross-org data sharing
- File format specifications (CSV, JSON, Parquet)
Query Optimization & Performance:
- Query Profile and performance metrics analysis
- Result caching and disk caching mechanisms
- Data skew detection and mitigation
- Partition pruning and optimization techniques
Dashboards & Visualizations:
- Chart type selection and configuration
- Dashboard creation and layout
- Parameters for interactivity
- Dashboard sharing and access control
- Visualization best practices
Genie Spaces (AI/BI Assistant):
- Setting up Genie Spaces with semantic layers
- Natural language query interpretation
- Maintaining and improving semantic layers
- Sharing and managing Genie Spaces
Security & Access Control:
- Row-level security implementation
- Column-level access restrictions
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Audit logging and compliance
- Delta Sharing security features
Primary Study Resources
Udemy Practice Courses
Search for latest Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate practice courses on Udemy with comprehensive Q&A and detailed explanations
Search Udemy CoursesTip: Filter by newest courses (October 2025) and check ratings/reviews for courses with comprehensive practice questions and explanations
Free Practice Test
Databricks Certified Data Analyst - Practice Test 1
Free practice questions covering all exam domains
Take Free Practice TestOfficial Resources:
Databricks Official Documentation
Most comprehensive and authoritative resource directly from Databricks
Access DocumentationDatabricks Training & Certification
Official certification information and training resources
Certification InfoFree YouTube Resources:
Delta Lake & Data Lakehouse
Understanding Delta Lake ACID transactions and reliability
Watch Delta LakeDatabricks SQL Warehouse Guide
SQL Warehouse configuration, optimization, and best practices
Warehouse GuideUnity Catalog & Governance
Access control, data governance, and Unity Catalog setup
Governance GuideDashboard Visualization Tutorial
Creating effective dashboards and visualizations in Databricks
Dashboard TutorialAdditional Free Resources:
7-Day Intensive Study Plan
Follow this accelerated timeline to prepare for your Databricks Data Analyst certification in one week:
Study Progress Tracker
Progress: 0% Complete
Day 1: Foundation & Platform Overview (6 hours)
Objectives:
- Understand Databricks Lakehouse architecture
- Learn Delta Lake fundamentals
- Review exam structure and domains
- Set up Databricks trial account
Resources:
- Databricks Documentation: Getting Started
- YouTube: Databricks Platform Overview
- Official Certification Portal
SQL Practice Examples:
-- Create database and schema
CREATE DATABASE data_analyst_db;
CREATE SCHEMA data_analyst_db.practice;
-- Create sample table
CREATE TABLE data_analyst_db.practice.sales_data (
id INT,
date DATE,
amount DECIMAL(10,2),
region VARCHAR(50)
);
-- Insert sample data
INSERT INTO data_analyst_db.practice.sales_data VALUES
(1, '2025-01-01', 1000.50, 'North'),
(2, '2025-01-02', 1500.75, 'South'),
(3, '2025-01-03', 2000.00, 'East');
-- Basic SELECT query
SELECT * FROM data_analyst_db.practice.sales_data;
SELECT COUNT(*) as total_records FROM data_analyst_db.practice.sales_data;
Day 2: SQL Query Fundamentals (8 hours)
Objectives:
- Master SELECT, WHERE, GROUP BY clauses
- Learn different JOIN types
- Practice aggregate functions
- Understand query optimization basics
Resources:
- YouTube: SQL Tutorial Series
- Databricks Documentation: SQL Functions
- Practice Test 1 (Free)
SQL Practice Examples:
-- JOIN operations
SELECT
s.id,
s.date,
s.amount,
s.region,
p.product_name
FROM data_analyst_db.practice.sales_data s
INNER JOIN data_analyst_db.practice.products p
ON s.id = p.id;
-- GROUP BY with aggregations
SELECT
region,
COUNT(*) as transaction_count,
SUM(amount) as total_sales,
AVG(amount) as avg_sale,
MIN(amount) as min_sale,
MAX(amount) as max_sale
FROM data_analyst_db.practice.sales_data
GROUP BY region
HAVING SUM(amount) > 1000
ORDER BY total_sales DESC;
-- Window functions
SELECT
region,
amount,
ROW_NUMBER() OVER (PARTITION BY region ORDER BY amount DESC) as rank_in_region
FROM data_analyst_db.practice.sales_data;
Day 3: Data Management & Warehouses (7 hours)
Objectives:
- Understand managed vs external tables
- Learn SQL Warehouse configurations
- Explore Unity Catalog basics
- Practice table operations
Resources:
- Databricks Documentation: Tables
- Official Tutorial: Data Management
- YouTube: Warehouse Performance
SQL Practice Examples:
-- Create managed table (Databricks manages both metadata and data)
CREATE TABLE data_analyst_db.practice.managed_table (
id INT,
name VARCHAR(100),
created_date TIMESTAMP
);
-- Create external table (data in external storage)
CREATE EXTERNAL TABLE data_analyst_db.practice.external_table
USING PARQUET
LOCATION 's3://my-bucket/data/';
-- Alter table add column
ALTER TABLE data_analyst_db.practice.sales_data
ADD COLUMN customer_id INT;
-- View table metadata
DESCRIBE DETAIL data_analyst_db.practice.sales_data;
-- Drop table
DROP TABLE data_analyst_db.practice.managed_table;
Day 4: Query Analysis & Performance (8 hours)
Objectives:
- Learn Query Profile interpretation
- Understand performance metrics
- Master query optimization techniques
- Practice caching mechanisms
Resources:
- Databricks Documentation: Performance
- YouTube: Query Profile Analysis
- Udemy Course: Practice Tests
Performance Concepts:
- Query execution plans and stages
- Data skew and its impact
- Result caching benefits
- Partition pruning strategies
Day 5: Data Visualization & Dashboards (8 hours)
Objectives:
- Learn visualization best practices
- Create and customize dashboards
- Master dashboard parameters
- Practice dashboard sharing
Resources:
- YouTube: Dashboard & Visualization Tips
- Databricks Documentation: Visualizations
- Free Trial: Hands-on practice
Dashboard Topics:
- Chart type selection (line, bar, pie, scatter, gauge)
- Parameter-based filtering
- Dashboard layout and design
- Sharing and access control
Day 6: Security, Genie & Data Modeling (8 hours)
Objectives:
- Understand Unity Catalog governance
- Learn Genie Space setup and usage
- Master row-level security
- Understand data modeling concepts
Resources:
- Databricks Documentation: Security & Governance
- YouTube: Unity Catalog Guide
- Udemy Course: Security modules
SQL Practice Examples:
-- Create roles for RBAC
CREATE ROLE analyst;
CREATE ROLE data_engineer;
-- Grant privileges
GRANT USAGE ON CATALOG data_analyst_db TO ROLE analyst;
GRANT SELECT ON ALL TABLES IN SCHEMA data_analyst_db.practice TO ROLE analyst;
-- Create users
CREATE USER analyst_user IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
GRANT ROLE analyst TO USER analyst_user;
-- Row-level security example
CREATE TABLE sales_with_region (
id INT,
amount DECIMAL(10,2),
region VARCHAR(50)
);
-- Star schema fact table
CREATE TABLE fact_sales (
sale_id INT,
date_id INT,
customer_id INT,
product_id INT,
amount DECIMAL(10,2),
quantity INT
);
-- Dimension table
CREATE TABLE dim_date (
date_id INT,
date DATE,
year INT,
month INT,
day INT
);
Day 7: Final Review & Mock Exams (10 hours)
Objectives:
- Complete all practice exams
- Review weak areas
- Final documentation review
- Schedule certification exam
Resources:
- Udemy: Full Practice Tests (Oct 2025)
- Free Practice Test 1 (let-info.blogspot.com)
- Databricks Documentation: Quick Reference
Final Checklist:
- ✓ Completed all 9 exam domains
- ✓ Scored 70%+ on practice tests
- ✓ Hands-on practice with trial account
- ✓ Reviewed weak areas
- ✓ Scheduled certification exam
Key Topics Quick Reference:
-- Key SQL patterns for exam
-- 1. Window Functions
SELECT *, ROW_NUMBER() OVER (PARTITION BY region ORDER BY amount DESC) as rank
FROM sales_data;
-- 2. Complex JOINs
SELECT * FROM table1
FULL OUTER JOIN table2 ON table1.id = table2.id;
-- 3. CTEs (Common Table Expressions)
WITH regional_sales AS (
SELECT region, SUM(amount) as total
FROM sales_data
GROUP BY region
)
SELECT * FROM regional_sales WHERE total > 1000;
-- 4. MERGE operation
MERGE INTO target_table t
USING source_table s
ON t.id = s.id
WHEN MATCHED THEN UPDATE SET *
WHEN NOT MATCHED THEN INSERT *;
-- 5. Delta Lake Time Travel
SELECT * FROM sales_data AT(TIMESTAMP => '2025-01-01 00:00:00');
-- 6. Aggregations with HAVING
SELECT region, COUNT(*) as count
FROM sales_data
GROUP BY region
HAVING COUNT(*) > 10;
Success Tips & Best Practices
Study Strategies:
- Hands-on Practice: Use your free Databricks trial daily to practice SQL and dashboards
- Active Learning: Create your own queries and scenarios based on exam domains
- Spaced Repetition: Review weak areas multiple times before exam
- Documentation Mastery: Bookmark key sections in official documentation
- Community Support: Join Databricks community forums for peer support
Exam Day Preparation:
- Review key concepts the night before (avoid cramming)
- Ensure stable internet connection for online proctoring
- Have backup identification ready
- Get 8+ hours of sleep and eat a healthy breakfast
- Test your testing environment 30 minutes early
During the Exam:
- Read all questions carefully (watch for multi-select)
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- Don't spend more than 2 minutes per question
- Flag difficult questions and return to them
- Review flagged questions if time permits
Ready to Certify?
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