Databricks Data Analyst Associate format
Here is what Databricks publishes about the Data Analyst Associate exam.
| Certification | Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate |
| Scored questions | 45 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Question format | Multiple choice |
| Registration fee | $200 |
| Validity | 2 years, then recertification on the current version |
| Prerequisites | None (training strongly recommended) |
| Recommended experience | 6+ months of hands-on data analysis tasks |
| Delivery | Online proctored or test centre |
| Languages | English only |
| Test aids | None permitted |
| Passing score | Not published by Databricks |
English only
Worth noting because it differs from Databricks’ other certifications, which are offered in English, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazil) and Korean. This one is English only, so if that is not your first language, factor that into your preparation.
Section weighting
| Section | Weight | Approx. scored questions |
|---|---|---|
| Executing queries using Databricks SQL and SQL Warehouses | 20% | ~9 |
| Creating Dashboards and Visualizations | 16% | ~7 |
| Analyzing Queries | 15% | ~7 |
| Developing, Sharing, and Maintaining AI/BI Genie spaces | 12% | ~5 |
| Understanding of Databricks Data + AI Platform | 11% | ~5 |
| Managing Data | 8% | ~4 |
| Securing Data | 8% | ~4 |
| Importing Data | 5% | ~2 |
| Data Modeling with Databricks SQL | 5% | ~2 |
Counts derived from Databricks’ percentages against 45 scored questions.
Nine sections, none above 20%. Like the other Databricks associate exams, this rewards coverage over depth — but the shape here is clearly analyst-oriented:
- The analyst loop is 51%. Querying (20%), visualising (16%) and analysing (15%). Half the exam.
- Genie spaces is 12% and unique to this certification.
- Engineering-adjacent sections are small. Importing data and data modelling are 5% each — about two questions. This is not a pipeline exam.
Two minutes per question
45 questions in 90 minutes, multiple choice only. Comfortable pacing with no all-or-nothing formats.
The passing score is not published
Databricks does not publish one. Aim for consistent 80%+ on realistic practice material rather than trusting an unsourced number.
Two-year validity
Recertification every two years, taking the current version of the exam rather than a legacy form.
What the exam is really about
Using Databricks SQL competently: writing queries that work and perform, understanding SQL warehouses and what they cost, building dashboards people actually use, and sharing insight through Genie spaces.
It assumes the data is there. Getting it there is the Data Engineer Associate exam.
How to read the weighting
Two practical consequences.
Do not over-prepare the small sections. Importing data and data modelling are two questions each. Learn what they cover in an hour and move on.
Do not skip Genie spaces. At 12% it is worth around five questions, and it is the section most analysts have never touched. An unfamiliar 12% is more expensive than a familiar 20%.
Booking
Book through Databricks. Nothing gates registration.