Earning the Databricks Data Engineer Associate certification was a valuable milestone for DataArt's Data Engineer, Milka Kutseva. It strengthened her understanding of how Databricks operates in real production environments and improved her confidence when working with data pipelines and Spark.
In this article, Milka breaks down what the exam covers, what changed in the July 2025 update, how she prepared, and the practical tips that proved most useful, along with links to them.
What Is the Databricks Data Engineer Associate Certification?
The Databricks Data Engineer Associate exam evaluates your ability to work with the Databricks platform in real-world scenarios. It focuses on practical skills such as:
- Building data pipelines
- Working with Delta tables
- Using Spark SQL and PySpark
- Orchestrating workflows
The certification is beginner‑friendly but hands‑on. Instead of testing abstract theory, it emphasizes applied knowledge and everyday operational tasks.
Basic exam details:
- 45 multiple-choice questions
- 90 minutes
- Online, proctored format
- Focus on real scenarios and practical knowledge
For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, always refer to the official Databricks website.
What Changed in the July 2025 Exam Update?
In July 2025, Databricks updated the exam content. The new version reflects current platform usage and removes several outdated concepts.
Key changes include:
- A stronger emphasis on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, beyond the traditional Lakehouse model
- More scenario-based questions focused on decision-making and problem-solving
- Expanded coverage of modern platform features, including: Delta Live Tables (DLT), Unity Catalog and data governance, Delta Sharing, Serverless compute, and Performance optimization and pipeline orchestration
Because of these changes, older learning materials and practice tests may no longer align with the new exam format. Using updated resources is essential.
How I Prepared for the Exam
Here is the approach that worked best for me.
1. Build a strong foundation with structured online courses
I began with Udemy courses that cover Databricks fundamentals and core data engineering concepts.
Courses I recommend:
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate - Ultimate Prep
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional -Preparation
What made this step effective:
- The content is structured and easy to follow
- You get a clear overview of the key topics
- Most courses include quizzes to check your understanding
This gave me a solid base before moving into intensive practice.
2. Practice with exam-style questions
After completing the theory, I focused heavily on practice sets.
Resources I used:
- Practice Exams: Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Practice Sets
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Practice Exams
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate- Practice Exams
I also searched YouTube and filtered results by upload date, since many new practice questions and explanations that match the latest exam format have been shared.
My approach was simple and consistent:
- Solve as many questions as possible
- Review every wrong answer
- Go back to the topic and make sure I understand it
This stage was critical because it showed what the exam really tests and which areas require deeper understanding. [needed to strengthen.]
How Much Time Did Preparation Take
Since I was working on a project at the same time, the preparation took more effort and time. In total, it took me about 4–6 weeks with around 1–2 hours of study per day. If someone can fully focus on the certification (for example, while on the bench), the preparation time can be much shorter.
Tips That Made the Difference
Here are a few things that helped me perform better on exam day:
- Always check the official exam page before you start studying
- Get hands-on experience with Databricks, even with small examples
- Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing answers
- Practice under time pressure to get used to the exam pace
- Learn from your mistakes; they teach you the most
Final Thoughts
The Databricks Data Engineer Associate certification is a solid entry point if you want to strengthen your data engineering skills and work more confidently with Databricks.
With the July 2025 update, the exam became more practical and closer to real work scenarios. If you follow a structured study plan, use current resources, and practice consistently, you'll be well prepared.
Stay focused, keep practicing, and approach the exam with confidence. With steady learning and practice, the exam is absolutely achievable. Good luck… and don't stress!
*The article was initially published on DataArt's Team blog.
