Databricks Data Engineer Associate Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the Databricks Data Engineer Associate, eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$200
Provider
Databricks
Validity
2 years
Available
Global
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
6-12 months of relevant experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- There are no formal prerequisites. The Databricks exam guide states that none are required.
- Databricks recommends course attendance plus roughly six months of hands-on experience working in Databricks.
- You need to read SQL and PySpark. Databricks states that data manipulation code is presented in SQL when possible and in Python in all other cases. Scala is not required.
- For online delivery you need a machine that passes the Kryterion system check, including a webcam, a microphone, and a stable connection. External webcams must be USB.
- You need a government-issued photo ID for identity verification, whether you test online or at a test center.
- A Kryterion Webassessor account registered under your legal name is required to book the exam.
Number of Questions
45 scored multiple-choice questions. Databricks notes that exams may also contain unscored items used to gather statistics, that these are not identified on the form, and that additional time is factored into the limit to cover them.
Duration
90 minutes
Question Format
Multiple choice with a single correct answer, Scenario items that present a pipeline, cluster, or job configuration and ask which action resolves the stated problem, Code-reading items in SQL where possible and PySpark otherwise, with no Scala, Items that present Spark UI or Lakeflow Jobs run-history metrics and ask you to diagnose the bottleneck
Passing Requirement
Databricks does not publish a fixed passing score for this exam in the current exam guide. Scoring is applied across the whole exam rather than per section, so there is no requirement to clear a threshold in each of the seven sections.
How It Is Delivered
Proctored, delivered either online or at a test center. Registration and delivery run through Kryterion Webassessor. The exam guide states that no test aides are allowed.
Languages Offered
English, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean
Visit the official Databricks certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the Databricks Data Engineer Associate?
There are no formal prerequisites. The Databricks exam guide states that none are required.. Databricks recommends course attendance plus roughly six months of hands-on experience working in Databricks.. You need to read SQL and PySpark. Databricks states that data manipulation code is presented in SQL when possible and in Python in all other cases. Scala is not required.. For online delivery you need a machine that passes the Kryterion system check, including a webcam, a microphone, and a stable connection. External webcams must be USB.. You need a government-issued photo ID for identity verification, whether you test online or at a test center.. A Kryterion Webassessor account registered under your legal name is required to book the exam..
How much does the Databricks Data Engineer Associate cost?
The Databricks Data Engineer Associate exam costs $200. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the Databricks Data Engineer Associate?
Visit the official Databricks certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the Databricks Data Engineer Associate?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for Databricks Data Engineer Associate?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
View Databricks Data Engineer Associate Guide