Databricks Certifications—Which One Is Best to Pursue in 2024

The exponential growth in data volume and the rapid advancements in AI/ML technologies have led to a surging demand for skilled data professionals. Databricks—as a key player in the big data, analytics, and AI/ML space—offers a wide range of certifications designed to validate the expertise of data professionals across a spectrum of roles and specializations, including data engineering, data analytics, and machine learning. But with so many Databricks certification options available, it can be tough to figure out which one is the best fit for you.

In this article, we'll provide an in-depth overview of the various Databricks certifications available, exploring their types, prerequisites, exam structures, and the benefits of earning these valuable credentials.

What Are the Types of Databricks Certifications?

Databricks offers a bunch of different certifications to help data professionals showcase their skills and knowledge in various domains of the Databricks Platform. Whether you're into data analysis, machine learning, data engineering, or cloud platform architecture, there's a certification that'll fit your expertise. Let's take a look at the different types of certifications Databricks has to offer:

1) Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate: This Databricks certification exam evaluates an individual's ability to utilize the Databricks SQL service for executing basic data analysis tasks. The exam covers topics such as Databricks SQL, data management, SQL, data visualization, dashboarding, and analytics applications to address common data analytics challenges.

2) Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate: This Databricks certification exam evaluates an individual's proficiency in using the Databricks platform to perform basic data engineering tasks. It covers the Databricks Lakehouse Platform and its associated tools, building ETL pipelines with Apache Spark SQL and Python, processing data incrementally in batch and streaming modes, and orchestrating production data pipelines.

3) Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional: This Databricks certification is more advanced than the associate level and assesses deeper data engineering skills. It covers topics such as Databricks tooling (Apache Spark, Delta Lake, MLflow, Databricks CLI and REST API), data processing, data modeling, security & governance, monitoring & logging, and testing & deployment. It requires at least 1+ years of hands-on experience in performing data engineering tasks.

4) Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate: This Databricks certification exam assesses an individual's ability to use Databricks to perform basic machine learning tasks. It includes understanding and using Databricks Machine Learning, AutoML, Feature Store, MLflow, Spark ML, and scaling machine learning models.

5) Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional: This advanced Databricks certification evaluates proficiency in using Databricks for complex machine learning tasks, requiring at least 1+ years of hands-on experience. It includes tracking, versioning, and managing machine learning experiments, as well as managing the machine learning model lifecycle.

6) Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark: This Databricks certification exam evaluates an individual's understanding of the Spark DataFrame API and the ability to apply the Spark DataFrame API to complete basic data manipulation tasks within a Spark session.

7) Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect: This Databricks certification is for individuals who have expertise in migrating data from Hadoop to Databricks. It covers topics such as Hadoop architecture, Hadoop components, Hadoop ecosystem, and Hadoop migration strategies.

Other accreditation and specialty badges:

8) Databricks Accredited Lakehouse Platform Fundamentals: This Databricks accreditation exam validates an individual's understanding of the key concepts related to the Databricks Lakehouse Platform.

9) Databricks Platform Administrator: This Databricks accreditation exam validates an individual's ability to administer and manage the Databricks platform, including user and role management, cluster administration, and governance using Unity Catalog.

10) Cloud Platform Architect Certifications: These accreditations assess an individual's ability to design, implement, and manage cloud platforms.

• Azure Platform Architect: This Databricks accreditation evaluates an individual's expertise in deploying and managing Databricks on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.
• AWS Platform Architect: This Databricks accreditation exam evaluates an individual's knowledge of best practices for configuring Databricks on AWS platform.
• GCP Platform Architect: This Databricks accreditation exam evaluates an individual's knowledge of best practices for configuring Databricks on GCP.

How Much Does It Cost to Take Databricks Certification Exams?

Databricks certification exams are priced at a consistent rate across the board, regardless of the specific certification. The cost for each exam is $200 excluding tax per attempt. There are no free retakes available for Databricks certification exams, so each attempt must be paid for separately.

Here's a table that summarizes the cost of each Databricks certification exam:

Detailed Overview of Each Databricks Certification

Now that we've covered the various types of Databricks certifications and their associated costs, let's dive deeper into the details of each certification, including their details, target audience, prerequisites, exam structure, cost—and so much more!

1) For Beginners:

a) Databricks Accredited Lakehouse Platform Fundamentals

╰➤ Certification Details:

Databricks Accredited Lakehouse Platform Fundamentals accreditation exam is designed to test your understanding of the fundamental concepts related to the Databricks Lakehouse Platform. It evaluates your knowledge of the platform's overall structure and your familiarity with its individual components.

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There are no strict prerequisites, but it is recommended that candidates take the following self-paced Databricks Academy courses to prepare for the exam:

• What is the Databricks Lakehouse Platform?
• What is Delta Lake?
• What is Databricks SQL?
• What is Databricks AI and Machine Learning?

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Databricks Accredited Lakehouse Platform Fundamentals accreditation exam has 25 multiple-choice questions, and there is no time limit. The exam is not proctored.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 80%.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Databricks Accredited Lakehouse Platform Fundamentals accreditation is valid for 1 year.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Databricks Accredited Lakehouse Platform Fundamentals accreditation exam is free for Databricks customers and partners.

2) For Data Analyst:

a) Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate

╰➤ Certification Details:

Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification is crucial for those who want to prove their skills in using Databricks SQL service for data analysis tasks. This exam tests your knowledge of Databricks SQL, ability to handle data with Databricks tools, skill in using SQL for data tasks, creating professional data visuals and dashboards, and building analytics apps for common data analytics challenges.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

Databricks Data Analyst Certification exam covers the following five main domains, with the percentage of the exam allocated to each domain:

1. Databricks SQL: 22% of the exam
2. Data Management: 20% of the exam
3. SQL: 29% of the exam
4. Data Visualization and Dashboards: 18% of the exam
5. Analytics Applications: 11% of the exam

╰➤ Prerequisites:

Well, there aren't any super strict prerequisite requirements, but if you're planning to take the exam, keep in mind that it's highly recommended to have at least 6 months of hands-on experience performing data analysis tasks.  Also, it is preferred that you are familiar with SQL and ANSI SQL standards, and you should have a decent understanding of basic cloud concepts too. To fully prepare for this Databricks certification, consider joining one of the courses offered by Databricks:

• Data Analysis with Databricks SQL(instructor-led) | Data Analysis with Databricks SQL
• Data Analysis with Databricks SQL (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

Keep in mind, though, that the instructor-led course is not free and can cost around $1000.

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification exam is proctored and delivered online. It comprises a total of 45 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the exam successfully and obtain the Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% or higher.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Databricks Data Analyst Certification is valid for 2 years, and recertification is required every two years to maintain the certified status. To recertify, the candidate must take the current version of the exam.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Cost for the Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification exam is $200 USD (excluding tax).

3) For Data Engineer:

a) Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate

╰➤ Certification Details:

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate certification is an essential credential for anyone pursuing a career in data engineering, particularly those interested in leveraging the Databricks Lakehouse Platform. This Databricks certification exam is particularly designed to test your knowledge of the Databricks platform, how well you can handle ETL tasks using both Apache Spark SQL and Python, and how efficiently you manage pipelines and Databricks SQL queries and dashboards in a production environment while keeping permissions and security in check.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate certification exam covers the following five main domains, with the percentage of the exam allocated to each domain:

1. Databricks Lakehouse Platform: 24% of the exam
2. ELT With Spark SQL and Python: 29% of the exam
3. Incremental Data Processing: 22% of the exam
4. Production Pipelines: 16% of the exam
5. Data Governance: 9% of the exam

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There aren't any super strict prerequisite requirements, but if you're planning to take the exam, keep in mind that it's highly recommended to have at least 6 months of hands-on experience performing data engineering tasks in Databricks.  To increase your chances of passing this Databricks certification, consider joining one of the courses offered by Databricks:

• Data Engineering With Databricks (instructor-led) | Data Engineering With Databricks
• Data Engineering With Databricks (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

Keep in mind, though, that the instructor-led course is not free and can cost around $1500.

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate certification exam is proctored and delivered online. It comprises a total of 45 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the exam successfully and obtain the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate certification, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% or higher.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate Certification is valid for 2 years, and recertification is required every two years to maintain the certified status. To recertify, the candidate must take the current version of the exam.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Cost for the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate certification exam is $200 USD (excluding tax).

b) Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional

╰➤ Certification Details:

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification is crucial for anyone working with Databricks and aiming to demonstrate their advanced data engineering skills. This certification exam tests your knowledge of the overall Databricks platform, as well as Databricks tools like Apache Spark, Delta Lake, MLflow, Databricks CLI, and REST API. Also, it evaluates your ability to build optimized and cleaned ETL pipelines, making sure that you have the necessary experience to perform complex data engineering tasks using Databricks and its associated tools.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification exam covers the following six main domains, with the percentage of the exam allocated to each domain:

1. Databricks Tooling: 20% of the exam
2. Data Processing: 30% of the exam
3. Data Modeling: 20% of the exam
4. Security and Governance: 10% of the exam
5. Monitoring and Logging: 10% of the exam
6. Testing and Deployment: 10% of the exam

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There aren't any super strict prerequisite requirements, but if you're planning to take the exam, keep in mind that it's highly recommended to have at least 1+ years of hands-on experience performing data engineering tasks in Databricks. To increase your chances of passing this Databricks certification, consider joining one of the courses offered by Databricks:

• Advanced Data Engineering With Databricks (instructor-led)
• Advanced Data Engineering With Databricks (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

Keep in mind, though, that the instructor-led course is not free and can cost around $1500.

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification exam is proctored and delivered online. It comprises a total of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 120 minutes.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the exam successfully and obtain the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% or higher.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification is valid for 2 years, and recertification is required every two years to maintain the certified status. To recertify, the candidate must take the current version of the exam.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Cost for the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification exam is $200 USD (excluding tax).

4) For ML Engineer:

a) Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate

╰➤ Certification Details:

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification is a critical credential for individuals pursuing a career in machine learning, particularly those keen on utilizing the Databricks Lakehouse Platform for machine learning tasks. This certification exam assesses your understanding of the overall Databricks platform, as well as your knowledge of Databricks machine learning capabilities, including AutoML, Feature Store, and MLflow. It also tests your decision-making skills for machine learning workflows and how well you can put those workflows into action with Spark ML. So, if you're up for a challenge and want to show off your Databricks machine learning chops, this certification is worth going for!

╰➤ Exam Domains:

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification exam covers the following five main domains, with the percentage of the exam allocated to each domain:

1. Databricks Machine Learning: 29% of the exam
2. ML Workflows: 29% of the exam
3. Spark ML: 33% of the exam
4. Scaling ML Models: 9% of the exam

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There aren't any super strict prerequisite requirements, but if you're planning to take the exam, keep in mind that it's highly recommended to have at least 6+ months of hands-on experience performing machine learning tasks in Databricks. To increase your chances of passing this Databricks certification, consider joining one of the courses offered by Databricks:

• Scalable Machine Learning With Apache Spark (instructor-led) | Scalable Machine Learning With Apache Spark
• Scalable Machine Learning With Apache Spark (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

Keep in mind, though, that the instructor-led course is not free and can cost around $1500.

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification exam is proctored and delivered online. It comprises a total of 45 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the exam successfully and obtain the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% or higher.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification is valid for 2 years, and recertification is required every two years to maintain the certified status. To recertify, the candidate must take the current version of the exam.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Cost for the Databricks Certified Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification exam is $200 USD (excluding tax).

b) Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional

╰➤ Certification Details:

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional certification exam is for advanced users who are well-versed in leveraging Databricks Machine Learning capabilities to execute advanced machine learning tasks in production environments. This certification examines your proficiency in tracking, versioning, and managing machine learning experiments, along with handling the machine learning model lifecycle. On top of that, the exam is designed to test your ability to devise and implement effective deployment strategies for machine learning models and evaluate your skills in building robust monitoring solutions to identify and mitigate data drift.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional certification exam covers the following four main domains, with the percentage of the exam allocated to each domain:

1. Experimentation: 30% of the exam
2. Model Lifecycle Management: 30% of the exam
3. Model Deployment: 25% of the exam
4. Solution and Data Monitoring: 15% of the exam

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There aren't any strict prerequisite requirements, but it is highly recommended that you have at least 1+ years of hands-on experience performing the machine learning tasks. To increase your chances of passing this Databricks certification, consider joining one of the courses offered by Databricks:

• Machine Learning in Production (instructor-led) | Machine Learning in Production
• Machine Learning in Production (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

Keep in mind, though, that the instructor-led course is not free and can cost around $1500.

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional certification exam is proctored and delivered online. It comprises a total of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 120 minutes.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the exam successfully and obtain the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional certification, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% or higher.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional certification is valid for 2 years, and recertification is required every two years to maintain the certified status. To recertify, the candidate must take the current version of the exam.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Cost for the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional certification exam is $200 USD (excluding tax).

5) Other Certification and Specialty Badges:

a) Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark

╰➤ Certification Details:

Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark certification exam evaluates your knowledge of the Spark architecture and ability to apply the Spark DataFrame API for essential data manipulation tasks. The certification is designed to test your proficiency in data manipulation tasks such as selecting, renaming, and manipulating columns; filtering, dropping, sorting, and aggregating rows; managing missing data; combining, reading, writing, and partitioning DataFrames with schemas; and working with UDFs and Spark SQL functions.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark certification exam covers the following domains:

1. Apache Spark Architecture Concepts: 17% of the exam
2. Apache Spark Architecture Applications: 11% of the exam
3. Apache Spark DataFrame API Applications: 72% of the exam

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There are no strict prerequisites, but it is highly recommended that candidates have a working knowledge of either Python or Scala, as the exam is available in both languages. To prepare for the exam, candidates should take one of the following Databricks Academy courses:

• Apache Spark Programming with Databricks (instructor-led) | Apache Spark Programming with Databricks
• Apache Spark Programming with Databricks (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

Keep in mind, though, that the instructor-led course is not free and can cost around $1500.

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark certification exam has 60 multiple-choice questions and a time limit of 120 minutes.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 65%.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark certification is valid for 2 years.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Cost for the Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark certification exam is $200 USD (excluding tax).

b) Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect

╰➤ Certification Details:

Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect certification exam is specifically tailored for data architects and engineers engaged in migrating Hadoop workloads to Databricks. This certification evaluates your understanding of the Hadoop ecosystem and verifies your proficiency in designing data and code migration from legacy Hadoop to the Databricks platform.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect certification exam covers the following domains:

1. Platform Concepts: 31% of the exam
2. Data Migration: 29% of the exam
3. Code Migration: 33% of the exam
4. Cutover: 7% of the exam

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There are no strict prerequisites, but it is recommended that candidates have experience architecting and implementing migrations from legacy Hadoop systems to Databricks, and have taken the following Databricks Academy courses:

• Databricks Platform Administration (self-paced)
• Data Engineering with Databricks (instructor-led or self-paced)
• Data Engineering with Databricks (instructor-led or self-paced)
• Hadoop Migration Architecture (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

Keep in mind, though, that the instructor-led course is not free and can cost around $1500.

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect certification exam has 45 multiple-choice questions and a time limit of 90 minutes.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the exam, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 65%.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect certification is valid for 2 years.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Cost for the Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect certification exam is $200 USD (excluding tax).

c) Databricks Platform Administrator

╰➤ Certification Details:

Databricks Platform Administrator certification exam is designed to test your knowledge about managing and administering the Databricks Lakehouse Platform using Unity Catalog. This includes topics like user and group management, compute resource management, and platform governance and security.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

Databricks Platform Administrator accreditation exam covers the following topics:

• User and group management in the Databricks Platform
• Compute resource management, including clusters, warehouses, and orchestration resources
• Governance and security of the Databricks Lakehouse Platform, including permissions, data governance, and credential management

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There aren't any strict prerequisite requirements, but it is highly recommended that you have at least hands-on experience working with Unity Catalog. To increase your chances of passing this Databricks certification, consider joining one of the courses offered by Databricks:

• Platform Administration With Databricks (self-paced)

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Cost Databricks Platform Administrator accreditation exam has 25 multiple-choice questions, and there is no time limit

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Databricks Platform Administrator certification is valid for 2 years.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Databricks Accredited Lakehouse Platform Fundamentals accreditation exam is free for Databricks customers and partners.

d) Cloud Platform Architect Certifications

i) Azure Platform Architect

╰➤ Certification Details:

Azure Platform Architect accreditation exam is designed to test your knowledge of best practices for configuring Databricks on Azure. This certification exam evaluates your knowledge of Azure platform administration essentials, network setup, platform accessibility, and security measures, external storage configuration, and cloud service integrations.

Passing this accreditation earns you a badge, demonstrating your skill in applying top practices for setting up Azure Databricks. It confirms your expertise to potential employers and clients.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

Azure Platform Architect covers the following key domains:

1. Platform administration fundamentals
2. Network configuration
3. Platform access and security
4. External storage configuration
5. Cloud service integrations

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There aren't any strict prerequisite requirements, but it is highly recommended that you have at least decent hands-on experience and understanding of Azure and its architecture. To increase your chances of passing this Databricks certification, consider joining the following self-paced course offered by Databricks:

• Databricks Platform Architect Pathway (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

╰➤ Exam Structure:

Azure Platform Architect accreditation exam has 20 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, and there is no time limit. The exam is not proctored.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the assessment, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 80%.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

Azure Platform Architect badge is valid for 1 year.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

Azure Platform Architect exam is free for Databricks customers and partners.

ii) AWS Platform Architect

╰➤ Certification Details:

AWS Platform Architect accreditation exam is designed to test your knowledge of best practices for configuring Databricks on AWS. This certification exam evaluates your knowledge of AWS platform administration essentials, account API usage, external storage, cloud service integrations, customer-managed VPCs, and customer-managed keys.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

AWS Platform Architect covers the following key domains:

1. Platform administration fundamentals
2. Account API usage
3. External storage
4. Cloud service integrations
5. Customer-managed VPCs
6. Customer-managed keys

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There aren't any strict prerequisite requirements, but it is highly recommended that you have at least decent hands-on experience and understanding of AWS and its architecture. To increase your chances of passing this Databricks certification, consider joining the following self-paced course offered by Databricks:

• Databricks on AWS Platform Architect Pathway (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

╰➤ Exam Structure:

AWS Platform Architect accreditation assessment has 20 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, and there is no time limit. The exam is not proctored.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the assessment, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 80%.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

AWS Platform Architect badge is valid for 1 year.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

AWS Platform Architect accreditation assessment is free for Databricks customers and partners.

iii) GCP Platform Architect

╰➤ Certification Details:

GCP Platform Architect accreditation assesses your knowledge of best practices for configuring Databricks on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This certification exam evaluates your knowledge of GCP platform administration fundamentals, account API usage, external storage, cloud service integrations, customer-managed VPCs, and customer-managed keys.

╰➤ Exam Domains:

GCP Platform Architect covers the following key domains:

1. Platform administration fundamentals
2. Account API usage
3. External storage
4. Cloud service integrations
5. Customer-managed VPCs
6. Customer-managed keys

╰➤ Prerequisites:

There aren't any strict prerequisite requirements, but it is highly recommended that you have at least decent hands-on experience and understanding of AWS and its architecture. To increase your chances of passing this Databricks certification, consider joining the following self-paced course offered by Databricks:

• Databricks on GCP Platform Architect Pathway (self-paced, available in Databricks Academy)

╰➤ Exam Structure:

GCP Platform Architect accreditation assessment has 20 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, and there is no time limit. The exam is not proctored.

╰➤ Minimum Passing Score:

To pass the assessment, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 80%.

╰➤ Certification Validity:

GCP Platform Architect badge is valid for 1 year.

╰➤ Certification Cost:

GCP Platform Architect accreditation assessment is free for Databricks customers and partners.

Who Should Get Databricks Certified?

Databricks certifications are designed to cater to a wide range of data professionals, from data analysts and data engineers to machine learning engineers and cloud architects. Regardless of your role or experience level, earning a Databricks certification can be an extremely valuable investment in your career.

How useful is Databricks Certification?

You might be wondering if getting a Databricks Certification is really worth your time. Well, the short answer is yes! Here's why:

• Show Off Your Skills: Databricks Certifications confirm your knowledge and abilities with the platform. The exams are designed to test your understanding, ensuring certified pros have the right skills.
• Boost Your Career: As the demand for big data analytics experts is on the rise, a Databricks certification gives you an edge in the job market. It could lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries, too!
• Build Your Reputation: These Databricks certifications increase your professional reputation among colleagues and employers, showing you're serious about your career.
• Join a Network: Getting certified means joining a community of experts where you can share ideas and learn from each other.

Who is this certification really for? Databricks Certifications cater to various roles: data engineers, analysts, scientists, machine learning engineers, business professionals, IT experts, and developers familiar with languages like Python, Java, and Scala.

Is Databricks Certification worth it?

The need for Databricks-certified professionals is rising steadily due to the increased use of the Databricks Lakehouse Platform in different industries. As organizations invest more in data-driven projects and adopt the Lakehouse architecture, the demand for skilled Databricks experts is growing stronger.

According to the report (from expertmarketresearch.com), the global data analytics market size was estimated at USD 54.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to reach USD 310.38 billion by 2030, with a significant portion of this growth fueled by the adoption of cloud-based data powerhouse like Databricks. This translates to a rising demand for certified Databricks professionals who can leverage the platform's capabilities to unlock valuable insights and drive business outcomes.

Certified Databricks professionals are sought after for roles such as data analysts, data engineers, machine learning engineers, and cloud data architects. These roles command competitive salaries and offer opportunities for career growth and progression. According to Glassdoor, the estimated average salary for a Data Engineer at Databricks is $176K–$242K per year.

Plus, getting certified in Databricks can open up some pretty cool and in-demand career paths. Organizations are really eager to get the most out of Databricks, so they need experts who know how to use it to its full potential.

How to Register for Databricks Certification Exam?

Signing up for a Databricks certification exam is pretty simple, and you can do it by following these easy steps:

Step 1—Pick the Right Databricks Certification Exam

Choosing the right Databricks certification exam can be a tough decision, but it's important to pick the one that perfectly fits your career goals and skill set. As we've discussed above, Databricks offers several certification exams, each with its own focus and requirements. Whether you're interested in data engineering, data analysis, or machine learning, there's a certification that can help you stand out and advance your career. So take some time to explore your options and find the exam that's right for you!

Step 2—Review Exam Prerequisites and Requirements

Each Databricks certification exam has specific prerequisites and requirements. Make sure you meet the necessary qualifications, such as having a certain level of experience with Apache Spark, Databricks platform, or data engineering.

Step 3—Create a Databricks Certification Account

Go to the Databricks Certification website and click on the "Register for an Exam" button. Fill in the required information, such as your name, email address, and create a password.

Step 4—Register for Your Desired Exam

After creating your Databricks account, browse the catalog of available certifications and pick the one that aligns with your career goals. Click "Continue" to proceed to the next step.

Step 5—Schedule Your Exam

Select your preferred time zone and choose an available date that works best for you. Make sure to review the terms and conditions, and hit "Accept" to finalize your exam appointment.

Step 6—Complete the Payment Process

Databricks certifications come with a fee, usually around $200 USD, excluding tax. You can pay for your exam using a credit card or another accepted payment method.

Step 7—Prepare for the Exam

Databricks offers a wealth of resources to help you prepare, such as practice tests, study guides, and online courses. Familiarize yourself with the exam topics and objectives, and practice using Databricks and Apache Spark to increase your chances of success.

Step 8—Take the Exam

On exam day, log in to the exam portal. Follow the instructions and complete the exam within the allotted time. Remember to stay calm, and good luck!

Step 9—Review Your Exam Results

Once you have completed the exam, you will receive your results within a few business days. If you pass the exam, you will be awarded the Databricks certification.

Technical Requirements for Databricks Certification Exams

Databricks certification exams are delivered online and proctored, which means you'll need to meet certain technical requirements to take the exam. Here are the key requirements:

• Stable Internet Connection: You'll need a reliable and stable internet connection with a minimum download speed of 1.0 Mbps and an upload speed of 1.0 Mbps. Make sure that the ping is under 200ms and the jitter is under 50ms.
• Supported Devices: The exams can be taken on a desktop or laptop computer but not on tablets or mobile phones. Make sure your device has at least 50MB of available space and includes a webcam and microphone.
• Operating System: The supported operating systems are Windows 10 or later, macOS High Sierra or later, and various Linux distributions.
• Web Browser: The exams are compatible with the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
• Exam Delivery Platform: The exams are delivered through the webassessor platform, which you'll need to access during the exam.
• Exam Monitoring: During the exam, you'll be monitored by a proctor through your webcam and microphone, so make sure these devices are functioning properly.
• Exam Environment: You'll need a quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free environment to take the exam. You won't be allowed to use any external resources or devices during the exam.

How to Prepare for Databricks Certification?

Preparing for a Databricks certification exam requires a systematic approach to ensure you're well-equipped to pass the exam. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare effectively:

1) Choose the Certification:

Have a look at all the Databricks certifications out there and go for the one that matches your job, experience, and career goals. Keep in mind things like what the exam covers, what you need to know before taking it, and who it's meant for. This way, you'll find the certification that fits you best and helps you get ahead in your career.

2) Enroll in a Preparation Course

Databricks offers a variety of training options to help you get ready for their certification exams. You can choose between instructor-led courses and self-paced courses, both of which provide in-depth coverage of the exam topics and hands-on experience with the Databricks platform. Here are some of the most popular courses:

Instructor-led:

• Data Analysis with Databricks SQL
• Data Engineering With Databricks
• Advanced-Data Engineering With Databricks
• Scalable Machine Learning With Apache Spark
• Machine Learning in Production
• Apache Spark Programming with Databricks
• Data Engineering with Databricks

Just a heads-up: these courses aren't free and might cost you over $1,000. But they're definitely worth the investment if you're serious about getting Databricks certified.

Self-paced (available in Databricks Academy):

• Data Analysis with Databricks SQL
• Data Engineering With Databricks
• Advanced-Data Engineering With Databricks
• Scalable Machine Learning With Apache Spark
• Machine Learning in Production
• Apache Spark Programming with Databricks
• Databricks Platform Administration
• Data Engineering with Databricks
• Hadoop Migration Architecture
• Platform Administration With Databricks
• Databricks Platform Architect Pathway
• Databricks on AWS Platform Architect Pathway
• Databricks on GCP Platform Architect Pathway

These courses cover everything you need to know to pass the Databrics certification exams and become a certified Databricks professional.

Don't worry if the paid courses are too expensive, there are lots of free resources available to help you get started with Databricks certification. Here are some of the best free resources:

a) Databricks Academy

Databricks offers free customer training through their academy, including courses, recorded webinars, and quarterly product roadmap webinars.  Create an account (or login) here:

• If you are a customer: https://customer-academy.databricks.com/
• If you are a partner: https://partner-academy.databricks.com/

b) Online tutorials and blogs

There are many online tutorials and blogs available that cover Databricks certification topics, providing valuable information and insights for free. Our blog is a great place to start since we've got a bunch of articles that explain the Databricks basics and give you tips for passing the exams. Other free resources available for learning more about Databricks topics include:

• Chaos Genius Blogs
• Medium Blogs
• Databricks Official Blogs
• Towards Data Science
• LinkedIn

c) YouTube videos

You can find many videos on YouTube that provide helpful tips and guidance for preparing for Databricks certification exams. Here are some of the best YouTube channels and playlists that cover topics related to Databricks extensively:

• Databricks Official Channel
• Databricks Playlist
• Cloud Fitness
• Bryan Cafferky
• SeattleDataGuy
• Dustin Vannoy

d) Community forums:

Databricks has an active community forum where you can ask questions, share resources, and connect with other professionals preparing for certification exams.

e) Databricks Certification Guides

Databricks provides comprehensive guides for each certification to help you prepare extensively. These guides cover the structure of the specific certification you are targeting, along with sample questions and an overview of what to expect in the exam. Here are the guides available:

• Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate guide
• Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate guide
• Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional guide
• Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate guide
• Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional guide

3) Develop Hands-on Experience:

Getting hands-on experience with Databricks is super important for passing the certification exams. Try joining Databricks community events, hackathons, or doing your own projects to really understand and practice what you've learned. Don't forget to check out sample questions and practice exams from Databricks to get familiar with the test format.

Take a close look at the exam outline to figure out which topics you need to study more. Plan your study time based on how important each topic is for the exam. Make a study plan that covers everything and gives you enough time to learn each part.

4) Schedule and Take the Exam:

Once you feel confident in your preparation, schedule the certification exam. Follow the technical requirements and guidance provided by Databricks to ensure a smooth exam experience.

5) Earn Your Certification:

If you successfully pass the exam, you'll receive your Databricks certification, which you can proudly display on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

6) Maintain the Certification (Recertification):

To maintain your Databricks certified status, you'll need to recertify every 2 years by passing the current version of the exam. Always, stay up-to-date with the latest changes and updates to the Databricks platform and its associated technologies to ensure you're prepared for the recertification process.

We've explored almost everything there is to know about Databricks certifications, and now it's time to make your move. Choose the certification that's right for you, focus on it, and start your journey today! Don't wait any longer; you have all the information you need to succeed. Go out there and get certified—you won't regret it!

Conclusion

And that's a wrap! We've taken a deep dive into the world of Databricks certifications, exploring how they can supercharge your data career and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're a data analyst, engineer, machine learning whiz, or cloud architect, there's no denying that these certifications pack a punch when it comes to validating your Databricks Lakehouse Platform mastery. So, if you're looking to give your data career a boost, consider investing in a Databricks certification and let your skills do the talking!

In this article, we have covered:

• What Are the Types of Databricks Certifications?
• How Much Does It Cost to Take Databricks Certification Exams?
• Detailed Overview of Each Databricks Certification
• Who Should Get Databricks Certified?
• How to Register for the Databricks Certification Exam?
• Is Databricks Certification worth it?
• How to Earn a Databricks Certification?

… and so much more!

FAQs

What are the different types of Databricks certifications offered?

Databricks offers certifications for Data Analyst Associate, Data Engineer Associate, Data Engineer Professional, Machine Learning Associate, Machine Learning Professional, Apache Spark Associate Developer, and Hadoop Migration Architect.

What are the exam domains covered in the Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification?

Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification exam covers Databricks SQL (22%), Data Management (20%), SQL (29%), Data Visualization and Dashboards (18%), and Analytics Applications (11%).

What are the prerequisites for taking the Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification exam?

There are no strict prerequisites, but it is highly recommended to have at least 6 months of hands-on experience performing data analysis tasks.

How long is the Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification valid for?

The Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate certification is valid for 2 years, and recertification is required every two years to maintain the certified status.

What are the exam domains covered in the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate certification?

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate certification exam covers the Databricks Lakehouse Platform (24%), ELT With Spark SQL and Python (29%), Incremental Data Processing (22%), Production Pipelines (16%), and Data Governance (9%).

What are the prerequisites for taking the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification exam?

There are no strict prerequisites, but it is highly recommended to have at least 1+ years of hands-on experience performing data engineering tasks in Databricks.

How is the Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification exam structured?

Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional certification exam is proctored and delivered online, comprising a total of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 120 minutes.

What are the exam domains covered in the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification?

Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification exam covers Databricks Machine Learning (29%), ML Workflows (29%), Spark ML (33%), and Scaling ML Models (9%).

What is the minimum passing score for the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification exam?

To pass the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Associate certification exam, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% or higher.

What are the exam domains covered in the Databricks Certified Machine Learning Professional certification?

The exam covers Experimentation (30%), Model Lifecycle Management (30%), Model Deployment (25%), and Solution and Data Monitoring (15%).

What are the prerequisites for taking the Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark certification exam?

There are no strict prerequisite requirements, but it is highly recommended that candidates have a working knowledge of either Python or Scala.

How long is the Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark certification valid for?

The Databricks Certified Associate Developer for Apache Spark certification is valid for 2 years.

What are the exam domains covered in the Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect certification?

Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect certification exam covers Platform Concepts (31%), Data Migration (29%), Code Migration (33%), and Cutover (7%).

What is the minimum passing score for the Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect certification exam?

To pass the Databricks Certified Hadoop Migration Architect certification exam, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 65%.

What are the key topics covered in the Databricks Platform Administrator accreditation exam?

Databricks Platform Administrator accreditation exam covers user and group management, compute resource management, and governance and security of the Databricks Lakehouse Platform.

What are the prerequisites for the Azure Platform Architect badge?

There are no strict prerequisite requirements, but it is highly recommended that candidates have at least decent hands-on experience and understanding of Azure and its architecture.

How is the AWS Platform Architect badge assessment structured?

AWS Platform Architect badge assessment has 20 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions, and there is no time limit. The exam is not proctored.

What are the key topics covered in the GCP Platform Architect badge?

GCP Platform Architect badge covers platform administration fundamentals, account API usage, external storage, cloud service integrations, customer-managed VPCs, and customer-managed keys.

What are the technical requirements for taking a Databricks certification exam?

The requirements include a stable internet connection, a supported device (desktop or laptop), a compatible operating system and web browser, and a quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free exam environment.

What are the different ways to prepare for a Databricks certification exam?

The key ways include enrolling in a preparation course, developing hands-on experience, practicing with sample questions and practice exams, and maintaining the certification through recertification.

Who should take Databricks certification exams?

Databricks certifications are intended for all individuals, including partners, customers, and the general public, who are learning to use Databricks.

What is the process for registering for Databricks certification exams?

To register for a Databricks certification exam, users need to create an account on the Databricks Academy website, search for the desired certification, and click the "Register" button to schedule the exam with the proctoring service.

What is the duration of each Databricks certification exam?

Most Databricks certification exams are 2 hours (120 minutes) long and consist of 60 multiple-choice questions, while some exams are 1 hour and 30 minutes (90 minutes) long with 45 multiple-choice questions.

What is the minimum passing score required to earn a Databricks certification?

The minimum passing score for Databricks certification exams is 70%, which translates to correctly answering at least 42 out of 60 questions or 32 out of 45 questions.

What are the technology requirements for Databricks certification exams?

Databricks certification exams are delivered online and proctored, so users need to meet the technical requirements specified by the proctoring service, Kryterion, including having a compatible computer, webcam, and web browser.

How do I reschedule my certification exam?

If the exam is more than 24 hours away, users can reschedule it by logging into their Webassessor account. If it's within 24 hours, they need to contact the support team.

Are Databricks certification exams available in languages other than English?

At this time, Databricks certification exams are only available in English.

When do Databricks certifications expire and require renewal?

Databricks certifications expire two years after they are awarded, and users need to renew them to maintain their certification status.

Is Databricks Certification free?

No, Databricks certification exams are not free. Each exam costs $200.