Databricks · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide, edited by Johnson Ajibi, a network and security engineer with 12+ years' experience. Covers the exam format,all 9 blueprint domains, a week-by-week study plan, and proven tips for passing first time.
2–4 months
Prep time
Intermediate
Difficulty
60–90
Exam questions
700/1000
Pass mark
Exam code
Databricks-DA-Assoc
Full name
Databricks Certified Data Analyst Associate
Vendor
Databricks
Duration
90 minutes
Questions
~179 items
Passing score
700/1000 (scaled)
Domains covered
9 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
Foundational IT knowledge recommended
Typical prep time
2–4 months
Domain percentage weights are not currently available for this exam. The checklist below is still useful for planning your study.
Phase 1
Data Modeling with Databricks SQL
Tip: Start with the official Data Modeling with Databricks SQL objectives, then practise questions on it.
Phase 2
Executing Queries with Databricks SQL
Tip: Cover the Executing Queries with Databricks SQL objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 3
Creating Dashboards and Visualizations
Tip: Cover the Creating Dashboards and Visualizations objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 4
Importing Data
Tip: Cover the Importing Data objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 5
Analyzing Queries
Tip: Cover the Analyzing Queries objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 6
Managing Data
Tip: Cover the Managing Data objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 7
Securing Data
Tip: Cover the Securing Data objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 8
Developing AI/BI Genie Spaces
Tip: Cover the Developing AI/BI Genie Spaces objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 9
Understanding the Databricks Platform
Tip: Finish with Understanding the Databricks Platform, then re-test your weakest earlier domain before a mock exam.
Study the official exam blueprint — weight percentages tell you exactly where to invest prep time.
Practise scenario-based questions regularly — every modern cert exam is scenario-heavy.
Use spaced repetition to retain what you've learned (Courseiva does this automatically).
Book your exam date once you're scoring 80%+ consistently on practice tests.
Review explanations for every wrong answer, not just the question — the 'why' is what makes it stick.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and domain analytics.