DEA-C02 Data Movement Practice Question
A data engineer needs to unload a large table to an external stage in Parquet format. The table contains a column with sensitive data that must be masked in the unloaded files. The engineer wants to use a secure view that applies a masking policy, and then unload from that view. Which statement accurately describes the behavior when unloading from a secure view?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that unloading from a secure view bypasses masking policies, when in fact the policies are enforced.
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
✓
Unloading from a secure view is allowed, and the masking policies defined in the view are applied to the unloaded data.
COPY INTO <location> supports unloading from secure views, and the secure view's definition, including masking and row access policies, is enforced during the unload. This means sensitive columns can be masked in the output files. The other options either deny support, claim masking is bypassed, or impose unnecessary role requirements. The correct behavior is that policies are applied, ensuring data security.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Unloading from a secure view is allowed, but the masking policies are not applied; the underlying data is unloaded unmasked.
Why it's wrong here
When unloading from a secure view, Snowflake applies the view's definition, including any masking policies or row access policies. The data is masked according to the policies in the view. This option incorrectly claims that masking is bypassed. In reality, the secure view enforces the policies at query time, and the unload respects them. This is a key security feature.
- ✓
Unloading from a secure view is allowed, and the masking policies defined in the view are applied to the unloaded data.
Why this is correct
Snowflake supports unloading from secure views, and the policies (masking, row access) defined in the view are enforced during the unload. This allows sensitive data to be masked in the output files. The unload operation executes the view's query, so the policies are applied. This is the correct and secure approach for the scenario.
- ✗
Unloading from a secure view is not supported; COPY INTO <location> requires a base table or a regular view.
Why it's wrong here
COPY INTO <location> does support unloading from secure views. Secure views are treated like regular views for unload operations, provided the role has the necessary privileges. The statement that it is not supported is incorrect. Many organizations use secure views to enforce row-level security and masking during unload. This option misrepresents Snowflake's capabilities.
- ✗
Unloading from a secure view requires the ACCOUNTADMIN role and the masking policies are ignored.
Why it's wrong here
Unloading from a secure view does not require ACCOUNTADMIN; any role with the necessary privileges on the view and stage can perform it. Masking policies are not ignored; they are applied. This option combines two incorrect statements. The role requirement is overstated, and the policy behavior is wrong. It would mislead the engineer into thinking elevated privileges are needed.
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.