Databricks-DA-Assoc Securing Data Practice Question
A data analyst needs to grant a team member the ability to view the metadata of a table `main.finance.transactions` in Unity Catalog, but not query the data. Which privilege should the analyst grant?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that `USAGE` on a schema grants metadata visibility on tables, when in fact `BROWSE` is the privilege that allows viewing metadata without data access.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
`BROWSE`
The `BROWSE` privilege in Unity Catalog is specifically designed to allow users to discover and view metadata of objects without accessing the data. Granting `BROWSE` on the table or its parent objects satisfies the requirement. Other privileges like `SELECT`, `USAGE`, or `MODIFY` either grant data access or are insufficient for metadata visibility.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
`BROWSE`
Why this is correct
`BROWSE` allows a user to view an object's metadata, such as its schema and properties, without granting access to the underlying data. This matches the requirement to view metadata only. It is a relatively new privilege in Unity Catalog designed for discovery without data access. Granting `BROWSE` on the table or its parent catalog/schema enables the team member to see the table in the UI and describe it.
- ✗
`MODIFY`
Why it's wrong here
`MODIFY` allows inserting, updating, and deleting data in a table, which is far beyond viewing metadata. Granting `MODIFY` would give write access to financial transactions, a severe security risk. The requirement is only to view metadata, so this privilege is inappropriate.
- ✗
`SELECT`
Why it's wrong here
`SELECT` grants the ability to query the table data, which exceeds the requirement of only viewing metadata. Granting `SELECT` would allow the team member to read sensitive financial data, violating least privilege. The analyst should grant a more restrictive privilege that only allows metadata visibility.
- ✗
`USAGE`
Why it's wrong here
`USAGE` on a schema or catalog allows a user to access objects within, but it does not by itself grant metadata visibility on a specific table. To see a table's metadata, the user typically needs `BROWSE` or `SELECT` (which includes metadata). `USAGE` alone is insufficient for viewing table details; it is a prerequisite for other privileges.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Databricks exam blueprint
This Databricks-DA-Assoc practice question is part of Courseiva's free Databricks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the Databricks-DA-Assoc exam.