DEA-C02 Data Governance Practice Question
A data engineer is tasked with implementing a data governance strategy that includes classifying sensitive data and applying tags. The engineer plans to use Snowflake's Data Classification and tag-based masking. Which two statements are true regarding the interaction between Data Classification and tags? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that system tags cannot have masking policies or that Data Classification requires manual tags, when in fact system tags are central and support masking.
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
✓
Tag-based masking policies can be applied to system tags created by Data Classification.
Data Classification automatically assigns system tags to columns based on its analysis, and these system tags can have masking policies attached to them. This integration allows for automatic masking of sensitive data identified by classification. Manual tag creation is not required, and system tags are indeed used and can support masking.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Tag-based masking policies cannot be applied to system tags; only user-defined tags support masking.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect. Snowflake supports attaching masking policies to both system tags and user-defined tags. System tags, such as those from Data Classification, can have masking policies associated with them. This allows for automated protection of classified data without manual intervention.
- ✗
Data Classification can only tag columns with user-defined tags, not system tags.
Why it's wrong here
Data Classification primarily uses system tags to store classification results. While it can also apply user-defined tags if configured, its core functionality relies on system tags like SNOWFLAKE.CORE.SEMANTIC_CATEGORY. Therefore, it does tag columns with system tags, not only user-defined tags.
- ✗
Data Classification requires that all tags be manually created before classification can run.
Why it's wrong here
Data Classification does not require manual tag creation. It uses built-in system tags and can also apply user-defined tags if configured. The classification process itself identifies and tags columns automatically. Manual tag creation is optional and not a prerequisite.
- ✓
Tag-based masking policies can be applied to system tags created by Data Classification.
Why this is correct
Snowflake allows masking policies to be attached to system tags, including those created by Data Classification. This enables automatic masking of columns that are classified as sensitive, such as those tagged with SEMANTIC_CATEGORY = 'PII'. The masking policy is then enforced whenever the tag is present on a column.
- ✓
Data Classification automatically assigns system tags to columns based on the classification results.
Why this is correct
Snowflake's Data Classification uses a system-defined tag called SNOWFLAKE.CORE.SEMANTIC_CATEGORY and others to annotate columns with classification results. These system tags are automatically applied when classification runs, allowing users to query and manage classified data. This automation is a core feature of Data Classification.
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 Snowflake exam blueprint
This DEA-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Snowflake 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 DEA-C02 exam.